When I heard that the prom theme was The Great Gatsby, I was absolutely ecstatic. I immediately bought the book and read it in a few days, becoming completely immersed in the portrait of the roaring twenties that F. Scott Fitzgerald paints, that the idea of a Gatsby prom seemed natural, a perfect description of a fun, vibrant, and colorful night to send off our senior year.

So I was a little surprised when people expressed their distaste for the prom theme, especially since Gatsby is read in almost all high school English classes and is considered a staple for American literature. A few days later, I was having a conversation with my mom about the book, and she brought up the oversaturation of symbolism present in the book and how that deterred her from ever being able to enjoy the story. 

We all know the symbolism of the story, even if we have never read it. The eyes and the green light loom through the entire book, haunting students from the first words to the final line. This causes many of our students to associate Gatsby in a negative light, always searching for symbolism far out of reach (and somewhat pandering and reaching). But The Great Gatsby is an amazing prom theme. Here is why.

At the core of the book is the culture of the roaring twenties. Not an uptight and strict culture that many associate with the book, but partying. Lavish huge parties filled with vibrant colors, dancing, letting loose and embracing fun. I’ve heard people say that if the prom committee wanted that vibe they should have just made the theme roaring twenties. However, to get the full vision of the prom, I believe having it be Gatsby themed is essential. In a regular twenties themed party we might just have flappers or upbeat jazz music. But at a Gatsby party, these elements are elevated. Party culture is considered a way of life, the only thing in a world of strife. Within the context of the book this may be seen as a bad thing, but in the midst of one of the busiest years of our lives, I think that being able to block out the world for one night is therapeutic.

While the idea of having a Gatsby prom may plague us with memories of of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg’s eyes and Gatsby’s incessant pining with his green light, his story (and our prom) is about more than that. Above all else, it’s a send off with a lively theme sure to make our prom unforgettable.