DREAM A LITTLE DREAM

The epic story of Jay Gatsby, the magnetic main protagonist in F Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, is immortalised in Montblanc's latest Great Characters collection of artisanal writing instruments.

- Alvin Wong

It doesn't matter where you first encountered billionaire Jay Gatsby-whether through F Scott Fitzgerald's lyrical prose in his 1925 novel The Great Gatsby or portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in Baz Luhrmann's visually lavish 2013 movie of the same name-the effect would be one of intrigue, followed by realisation.

These words, appearing early in the first chapter of the novel, introduce us to Gatsby with an aura of mystery and allure. As the story unfolds, we are drawn into a narrative that contemplates wealth, class and the pursuit of the American Dream-set against the opulent backdrop of the 1920s and embodied by its wealthy protagonist.

The Great Gatsby has since become a literary cornerstone, celebrated for its timeless exploration of human ambition and the hollowness of excess, and its main character has evolved into a powerful cultural icon. Gatsby's glamorous lifestyle-filled with lavish parties at his grand mansion-draws an uncanny parallel to modern celebrity culture. His character has been immortalised in fashion, film adaptations and countless 1920s-themed parties, embodying the allure and pitfalls of curated lifestyles.

Breaking character

Acknowledging the enduring cultural icon that Gatsby has become, Montblanc has chosen to break with tradition by paying homage via a commemorative series of Great Characters limited-edition writing instruments-marking the first time this collection celebrates a fictional character.