What genre does "The Great Gatsby" belong to?

"The Great Gatsby" belongs to the genre of Modernist literature. This classification is particularly aligned with the novel’s themes, style, and its response to the cultural shifts occurring in the early 20th century. Modernist literature is characterized by a break from traditional forms and structures, as well as a focus on new perspectives and subjective experiences. F. Scott Fitzgerald uses innovative narrative techniques, such as unreliable narration and stream of consciousness, to explore complex themes like identity, disillusionment, and the American Dream.

In addition, "The Great Gatsby" reflects the cultural atmosphere of the Jazz Age, depicting the lives of the wealthy elite during the 1920s while also critiquing the moral decay and materialism of that era, another hallmark of Modernism. The exploration of characters’ inner lives and their psychological depth further aligns it with Modernist traditions, distinguishing it from genres such as science fiction, romantic fiction, or historical fiction, which do not encapsulate the same focus on modernity and existential inquiry.