The Great Gatsby Turns 100: Celebrations Highlight Its Timeless Legacy

Centennial events across the U.S. honor F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel, while its themes remain deeply relevant to modern societal debates.

Originally published on April 10, 1925, The Great Gatsby initially struggled with mixed reviews and poor sales before gaining recognition post-World War II.
The novel's resurgence began when it was distributed to U.S. servicemen during WWII, leading to its inclusion in educational curricula and a place in the American literary canon.
Centennial celebrations include live readings, exhibits, and tributes in St. Paul, Princeton, and New York City, with the Empire State Building illuminated in green to honor the novel’s iconic imagery.
Multiple adaptations—from Broadway and film to television and musicals—have kept Gatsby relevant, with a recent 2024 musical adding a fresh perspective.
The novel's enduring themes of the American Dream, social inequality, and ambition continue to resonate, drawing parallels to contemporary issues like wealth disparity and social media culture.