The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Description from Amazon: Extravagant rumors abound of a man named Jay Gatsby who has newly arrived to the coastline of a section of Long Island known colloquially as West Egg. Long into the night, the mysterious Gatsby threw lavish parties at his sprawling estate, but when alone, Gatsby could be found staring longingly at a solitary green light across the dark water. For all Gatsby has attained in his life, that green light represents all that he lost.
The greatest story to encapsulate the roaring twenties, The Great Gatsby follows the eventful lives of the denizens from East and West Egg in this timeless classic of American literature.
Reasons for Challenges and Bans:
- Sexual content and adultery: The affair between Gatsby and Daisy, as well as other sexual references, are often cited as reasons for banning.
- Violence: The book includes violence, such as the hit-and-run death of Myrtle Wilson and the murder of Gatsby, which contributes to objections.
- Profane and explicit language: Critics have objected to the language used throughout the novel, which was considered profanity by some at the time of its challenges.
- Social and political themes: The novel’s sharp critique of the American dream and materialism, and its portrayal of a wealthy but morally bankrupt society, has been seen as subversive and challenged by those with conservative values.