Final answer:
Matthew J. Bussell's claim suggests that The Great Gatsby was not accidental, but deliberately crafted by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a genius in his ability to create a masterpiece.
Step-by-step explanation:
Matthew J. Bussell, the author of the preface to the serbner edition of The Great Gatsby, claims that "Masterpieces are not accidents. Geniuses know what they are doing or trying to do" (vill). In this quote, Bussell is suggesting that The Great Gatsby did not come into existence by chance, but rather it was carefully crafted by a genius - F. Scott Fitzgerald. Bussell is asserting that great works of literature are not accidental, but rather the result of the author's deliberate intentions and efforts.
This statement also highlights Fitzgerald's skill as a writer and implies that he was purposeful and intentional in creating The Great Gatsby. It suggests that Fitzgerald knew exactly what he was doing and what he wanted to achieve with the novel. It reinforces the idea that Fitzgerald was a genius in his ability to create a masterpiece like The Great Gatsby.