Despite being a commentary on a different age and people, Gatsby’s story is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Because it explores universal themes — human follies, the hopelessness of societal constructs and man’s struggle with time and fate.

After two years lost to alcohol and depression, in 1937 Fitzgerald attempted to revive his career as a screenwriter and freelance storywriter in Hollywood, and he achieved modest financial, if not critical, success for his efforts before his death in 1940.

Why is Gatsby so famous? One of the reasons that Gatsby has become so famous around New York is that he throws elaborate parties every weekend at his mansion, lavish spectacles to which people long to be invited.

The title character of The Great Gatsby is a young man, around thirty years old, who rose from an impoverished childhood in rural North Dakota to become fabulously wealthy. However, he achieved this lofty goal by participating in organized crime, including distributing illegal alcohol and trading in stolen securities.

“Somebody told me they thought he killed a man.” (Fitzgerald, 44) Nobody knows Gatsby, so everyone has his own theory about him. Gatsby’s personality makes him very mysterious as he isolates himself from the guests at his parties. Therefore, Gatsby is known to be mysterious.

He feels threatened by romantics, such as Gatsby, who had started as a poor no name and worked his way to be a wealthy man. People like Gatsby are a threat to the wealthy and Tom’s perception of a superior wealthy class.

Gatsby lies about himself and his past as part of his goal of self-formation and self-creation. In order for Gatsby to fully become Gatsby – not Gatz – he has to let go of the past.

Wilson eventually goes to Gatsby’s house, where he finds Gatsby lying on an air mattress in the pool, floating in the water and looking up at the sky. Wilson shoots Gatsby, killing him instantly, then shoots himself. Nick hurries back to West Egg and finds Gatsby floating dead in his pool.