Final answer:
The Great Gatsby is not about love per se, but explores themes of unattainable love, money, and identity, offering commentary on the American Dream in the 1920s. Fitzgerald's personal essay 'The Crack-Up' reflects similar themes, where he shares his experiences and disillusionment with the superficial allure of that era. His work represents not just the individuals in the stories, but also the collective societal experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author of "The Serious Superficiality of The Great Gatsby" suggests that the novel is not really about love because Fitzgerald's work, particularly in The Great Gatsby, revolves around themes of unattainable love, money, and individual identity. Rather than offering a romantic love story, the novel delves into the pursuit of dreams and the disillusionment that often follows when those dreams confront the harsh realities of life, specifically in the context of the American Dream during the 1920s. Ultimately, Gatsby's love for Daisy is deeply connected to his dream of success and societal approval, which is part of a larger commentary on the era's values and the ephemeral nature of the American Dream itself.
Fitzgerald's personal experiences in the 1920s, as reflected in his essay 'The Crack-Up', echo these themes of the temporary and the illusory. Fitzgerald describes his life during the decade as one filled with the superficial allure of fame and independence while grappling with unsatisfaction in his profession and an escapist penchant for the fantasy of heroism and romance, which serves as a coping mechanism against life's larger problems. These insights provide a window into Fitzgerald's interpretation of the era as one of grand illusion and unfulfilling pursuits, which are also depicted in his literary works.