Word Out 2012

Congratulations to Rajiv, winner of our End That Book RIGHT! Contest! No coward to controversy, Rajiv decided to take on one of the most famous books in English Literature (c'mon, you ALL had to read it for school, right)?

Anyway, for not only having to guts to take on Fitzgerald, but producing a knockout alternate ending in the process, we congratulate Rajiv for his winning revision to The Great Gatsby.

Continue Read Rajiv's alternate ending after the jump (*Spoiler Alert!* The original ending to The Great Gatsby is also revealed).

The Good, The Bad and The Great Gatsby

I did not understand why The Great Gatsby was such a popular book until I started reading it. From the get go, I was impressed with the language F. Scott Fitzgerald used to describe his characters and the way he incorporated his narrator, Nick Carraway, as an observer of events in the story. After Gatsby was introduced, the book became quite a page turner! I was enthralled by Gatsby’s love for Daisy and the way they hid their relationship from Tom, Daisy’s husband. I was also intrigued by the affair Tom was having with Myrtle, a woman who was far less wealthy than him, but whom he appreciated all the same. Towards the ending, I had a feeling that something bad was going to happen. This “something” arrived when Daisy killed Myrtle in a car accident. Daisy, however, was not accused of her crime. Gatsby was. He protected Daisy from being convicted and, in so doing, sacrificed himself on her behalf. He was murdered by Myrtle’s husband who was mistakenly led to believe that he was responsible for her death.

I was disappointed with this ending because, in spite of Gatsby’s sacrifice, Daisy carried on with her life as if nothing had happened. She continued living a wealthy life, as if Gatsby’s love had never existed. I would change this ending so that Daisy was punished for her ignorance. I would have her take on the role of Myrtle, being struck by a car so that she was injured, but not dead. I would then conclude the story with Daisy being in a hospital, surrounded by flowers and the media, and have her confess to her crime. Provided that she didn’t suffer any brain damage during the accident, I’m sure everyone would believe her story of Gatsby’s innocence. This would allow the reader and other characters in the story to acknowledge Gatsby for what he truly is – great.

Thanks Rajiv for your excellent entry, and everyone else who participated in the contest! Remember, there are lots more Word Out contests this summer, so check them out, send us your thoughts, and maybe you'll win a prize too!