Given that this novel was left unfinished at Fitzgerald's death, being concluded by the notable author and critic (and friend of the writer) Edmund Wilson, based on Fitzgerald's notes, discussion might center on the "shape" of the plot. Fitzgerald had the reputation of being a careful and thorough editor and reviser of his work; thus, current readers cannot be certain that the book ends as the author would finally have wished. The plot of the work surely was intended to close with Stahr's death; but, it is not certain that the demise was to be achieved in the way provided by the published text. Therefore, readers could well develop theories as to the most plausible and realistic closing of the story.

Since Wilson's effort represents about half of the finished text, a great deal of the characterization develops in that portion. Does this editor do justice...