“The Great Gatsby” is the most American of our great novels. Jay Gatsby’s story illuminates our culture like no other. When Mr. Gatz turns up for his son’s funeral, he shows to Nick Carroway, the narrator, Jay’s boyhood list for self-improvement. It included early rising, exercise, elocution practice, and reading “one improving book or magazine per week.” “ ‘Jimmy was bound to get ahead,’ Mr. Gatz says. ‘He always [...]
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