Empire State Review Team 
The Great Gatsby Celebrates Its Centennial
NEW YORK – This year marks the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, which was published in 1925. The narrative has not only stood the test of time but continues to manifest its influence throughout New York City and Long Island.
The Continued Relevance of Gatsby
The tale of Jay Gatsby, his extravagant lifestyle, and his pursuit of the American Dream encapsulates themes of identity, illusion, and aspiration. While it is commonly analyzed in classrooms, its vivid imagery and profound underlying messages resonate deeply with contemporary audiences, as evidenced by its adaptations on stage and screen, notably in films starring Robert Redford (1974) and Leonardo DiCaprio (2013).
Real-World Inspirations
Fitzgerald drew inspiration from the lavish surroundings of Long Island’s Gold Coast, with the fictional settings of West Egg and East Egg mirroring real-life locales. This vivid backdrop enhances the authenticity of Gatsby’s story, revealing a sharp critique of wealth and social stratification.
Reflections from Local Communities
Schools like Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington incorporate The Great Gatsby into their English curriculum, recognizing the town’s connection to the novel’s setting. The students express pride in their proximity to these inspirations, often connecting local landmarks to characters and events in the story. One student remarked, “Everyone is like, ‘Oh, Port Washington—the Great Gatsby.’” Nearby Sands Point is also rumored to have connections to the fictional Buchanan estate, adding another layer of local pride.
Cultural Conversations
The themes explored in The Great Gatsby remain poignant, especially among today’s youth. Corey Block, an English teacher at Paul D. Schreiber High School, points out that the novel’s lasting impact is a sign of its artistic merit: “It means this piece of art has lasted, and it’s still important in our culture.” Comparisons are frequently drawn between Gatsby’s constructed persona and the curated identities seen on social media platforms, prompting discussions around authenticity in a digital age.
Scholarly Insights
Professor Paula Ubururu of Hofstra University remarks on Fitzgerald’s visionary portrayal of hope and romanticism, suggesting that these qualities resonate even now: “He had this incredible capacity for hopefulness and romantic readiness that he had never seen anywhere else—and that’s what America represents.” This perspective reinforces Fitzgerald’s significance in American literature, illustrating how his narratives offer profound reflection on the human experience.
Why The Great Gatsby Matters
From high school classrooms to Broadway stages, The Great Gatsby serves as a literary cornerstone that continues to stimulate conversations about wealth, identity, and the quest for meaning. As it celebrates its centennial, the enduring image of Gatsby’s green light serves as a beacon of hope and aspiration, encouraging new generations to grapple with its complexities.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – An art handler showcases a first edition of The Great Gatsby signed to Zelda’s sister at a press preview at Sotheby’s in New York City.
