All Of It: “The Great Gatsby” Turns 100, Old Sport (Classics Week) – Episode Summary

Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: A.O. Scott, Critic at Large, New York Times Book Review

Introduction

In this special Classics Week episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart celebrates the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel, The Great Gatsby. With the intention of delving deep into the novel's enduring relevance and multifaceted themes, Alison welcomes A.O. Scott, a renowned literary critic, to provide insightful analysis and engage with listener perspectives.

Guest Introduction and Background

[00:07] Alison Stewart:
Alison opens the episode by introducing the key topics and guests. She mentions Spike Lee discussing his film Highest to Lowest with Denzel Washington, Nnamdi Asamwah talking about his thriller The Knife, and the extension of the play I'll Let You Go. However, the primary focus quickly shifts to The Great Gatsby.

[01:51] A.O. Scott:
A.O. Scott shares his history with The Great Gatsby, recounting how he first encountered the novel in high school as a required reading assignment. He highlights the novel’s recurring presence in his life, noting, “it lives, you know, in the school curriculum” ([01:51]).

Themes of The Great Gatsby

Appreciation Through Time

[02:58] A.O. Scott:
Scott discusses the novel's "staying power," attributing it to the ability to discover new facets upon each reading. Initially captivated by Gatsby's romantic pursuit, he later appreciates Fitzgerald’s incisive portrayal of American society, money, status, and race.

Craftsmanship and Writing Style

[04:24] A.O. Scott:
He commends Fitzgerald's lyrical prose, stating, “the writing is just beautiful” ([04:24]). Scott emphasizes the author’s young age during writing—mid-20s—and his remarkable ability to infuse lyricism, humor, and insight into a concise narrative.

Listener Calls and Perspectives

Educational Impact and Personal Connections

Kit from Bayville [09:02]:
Kit, a high school teacher, shares her positive experiences teaching The Great Gatsby for over three decades. She praises Fitzgerald’s “amazing, beautiful prose” and notes that her students appreciate the theme of unrequited love, seeing Gatsby as a romantic hero ([09:02] - [10:37]).

Erin from Pound Ridge [10:44]:
Erin recounts a personal story where her husband read the novel aloud during their courtship, creating a "magical" moment that laid the foundation for their 14-year relationship ([10:44] - [11:15]).

Jeffrey from Westchester [25:03]:
Jeffrey relates The Great Gatsby to his experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal during societal transformation. He draws parallels between Gatsby’s era and Nepal’s social changes, highlighting the novel’s universal themes of wealth influx and shifting social hierarchies ([25:03] - [26:37]).

Bernadette from Mount Laurel [26:45]:
Bernadette praises the novel for its intricate plotting and seamless integration of relationships and social commentary, lauding it as a "flawless book" with remarkable prose ([26:45] - [27:35]).

Modern Relevance and Adaptations

Cultural Reflection and Contemporary Parallels

[11:40] A.O. Scott:
Scott explores how Fitzgerald’s depiction of wealth and hedonism in The Great Gatsby mirrors contemporary culture. He observes that if Fitzgerald were writing today, Gatsby's opulent parties might feature elements like yacht gatherings in Miami and luxury cars akin to matte black Lamborghinis. Scott connects this to modern hip-hop culture and its embrace of Gatsby as an avatar, citing Jay-Z's involvement in Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film adaptation ([11:40]).

Racial and Identity Discussions

[14:50] A.O. Scott:
Addressing critiques about the lack of redeeming characters, Scott delves into the novel’s racial subtexts. He references the concept of "the passing novel" and suggests interpretations that posit Gatsby as a Black man passing into the white upper class. Scott underscores the complexity of identity and racial themes embedded in the narrative, asserting their continued relevance ([14:50] - [24:48]).

Listener Critique on Diversity

Caller from Catskill [21:09]:
A listener challenges the traditional focus on The Great Gatsby, advocating for greater representation of BIPOC and queer voices in literature. They reference modern retellings, such as The Chosen and the Beautiful, which reimagine Gatsby’s narrative from diverse perspectives ([20:48] - [21:30]).

A.O. Scott's Response:

Scott acknowledges these contemporary reinterpretations and emphasizes that, despite its focus on white, heterosexual prosperity, The Great Gatsby contains layers that address broader societal issues. He advocates for its inclusion in educational settings while recognizing the value of diverse literary voices ([21:30] - [24:48]).

Concluding Thoughts

[27:49] A.O. Scott:
Scott reflects on the novel's potential longevity, asserting that its exploration of identity, social belonging, and love ensures its continued relevance. He expresses confidence that The Great Gatsby will remain a touchstone for future generations, fostering ongoing conversations about its themes ([27:49]).

[29:30] Alison Stewart:
Alison wraps up the discussion by thanking A.O. Scott for his invaluable insights, highlighting the episode's exploration of why The Great Gatsby endures as a central piece of American literature.

Notable Quotes

• A.O. Scott on Repeated Readings:
  “it lives, you know, in the school curriculum” ([01:51])

• On Fitzgerald’s Writing:
  “the writing is just beautiful” ([04:24])

• On Contemporary Relevance:
  “This is a book that feels very, very present, very current” ([11:40])

• On the Novel’s Legacy:
  “as long as people are falling in love and wondering what they should or can or would do for love, this story will still have something to say” ([27:49])

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It successfully weaves together literary analysis, personal anecdotes, and contemporary critiques to honor The Great Gatsby on its centennial. Through A.O. Scott's expert commentary and diverse listener contributions, the discussion underscores the novel's multifaceted impact on American culture and its enduring significance in literary discourse.