The reception of Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is determined by one’s social environment and influences.

In examining literary works, the reader too often takes what he/she wants from the text without ever considering criticisms from others in different socio-cultural environments. He/she may not ever question what readers belonging to a different time period, or social class thought of any particular literary piece. This essay will argue the reception of Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is determined by one’s social environment and influences.

The story on the surface appears to be interesting and quit straightforward. Nick Carrarway, the narrator and key character in the novel, walks us through the story. He introduces several other characters including: Nick and Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker, Myrtle Wilson, and the infamous Gatsby. Like any good narrator, Nick gives the reader a brief background of all the characters. He tells of Myrtle Wilson being Tom’s mistress, that Jordan Baker is a golfer, and even that Daisy is beautiful, “Her face was sad and lovely with brig...