F. Scott Fitzgerald expressed concerns in 1940 about the poor sales of his novel 'The Great Gatsby,' which had been published in 1925 and was considered forgotten at the time.

However, after Fitzgerald's death, World War II sparked a revival of interest in 'Gatsby,' particularly with the distribution of over 155,000 Armed Services Editions to soldiers in 1945.

The 1950s marked a significant revival of Fitzgerald's work, leading to the publication of a Student's Edition of 'Gatsby' in 1957, followed by an expanded School Edition in 1961 that included study guides.

The novel's presence in popular culture was further solidified when it was referenced in J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye,' published in 1951, which featured a character who loved 'Gatsby.'

By the late 1960s, 'Gatsby' had become a staple in English classrooms, widely taught in high schools and supported by resources like CliffsNotes that simplified its themes for students.

By the end of the 1980s, 'Gatsby' was required reading in over half of U.S. public schools, reinforcing its status as a critical text for discussing themes like materialism and the American Dream.

The rise of New Criticism in the mid-20th century shifted literary analysis in schools, emphasizing structure and symbolism, making 'Gatsby' an ideal text for this methodology due to its rich symbolism and concise length.

The Advanced Placement program has included 'Gatsby' in its curriculum since 1982, with a significant increase in students taking exams related to the novel, reflecting its ongoing relevance.

Despite Fitzgerald's initial worries, 'Gatsby' eventually gained popularity, aided by its inclusion in high school curricula across America, reaching millions of students each year.

Contemporary educational initiatives like the Common Core State Standards have shifted focus towards informational texts, raising concerns about the future inclusion of 'Gatsby' in high school curricula.

Despite these challenges, 'The Great Gatsby' remains a vital text for exploring social themes and literary techniques, with creative classroom activities that engage students in its study and interpretation.

Fitzgerald's vision of writing for future generations has been realized, as 'Gatsby' continues to resonate with students, but its future in education remains uncertain.