The Great Gatsby: ALiterary Work?

Is the Great Gatsby a literally work? It goes without saying that this timeless story is a literary work, as it encapsulates the elements that create a literary work : characters, a theme, general tone, defined setting, creative plot and conflict, all that make it an imaginative and creative piece of literature. The characters and plot in the story are not narrated by an omniscient character, but a present character in the story, Nick, Gatsby's neighbour, who is conveniently connected to both the protagonist-Gatsby and the antagonist-Daisy, as well as the other important features to the plot, giving us a well rounded view of the story. The Great Gatsby offers commentary on various themes, the main ones being power, justice, greed, the pursuit of the highly sought after 'American Dream' and not forgetting betrayal. 

From my readings and viewing of the movie, I feel as though the root of the pursuit of power and the American Dream that leads to greed seen in Gatsby's corrupt attaining of wealth, stem from his blinding love for Daisy, who later betrays him despite all of his efforts to win her back. Gatsby falls deeply in love with Daisy, a love that he cannot let go of. He becomes a fool for love and lets it blind him to the reality that Daisy has a strong bond and loyalty towards her husband Tom, a bond that cannot be confused with love, as it is plain she is still very much in love with Gatsby, yet her alliance is with her husband Tom. One would say that this story is anti-romance, as it does not have all the elements that create a true romantic story; the love story between Daisy and Gatsby does not have a good start or a good ending. The lack of a fairytale romance story is what attracts this story to me as it shows the harsh realities of love, how investing your all into someone cannot guarantee a long lasting commitment from them. Gatsby invests his all into trying to impress Daisy, by throwing these lavish parties and building up his image with his expensive vehicles and lavish displays of wealth and she is not moved enough to choose him. 

It is also worth noting how Fitzgerald cleverly integrates technological forces into the story, using the automobile and telephone to add a dramatic twist to the plot. The automobile is used as the transporter as well as the destructive force as it is the murder weapon that leads to Gatsby's death, and the telephone is used as the communication tool as well as informer, the story is continuously interrupted by the telephone Gatsby has to answer, which also exposes his criminal dealings. 

Overall, Fitzgerald has managed to put together a very compelling story, a timeless, creative and realistic literary work.