Analysis Of Jay Gatsby

The renowned literary work known as The Great Gatsby, is famous of its depiction of the 1920s, and the intriguing individuals who lived in it. Similar to most novels, it presents its characters, and gradually expounds on their personalities and traits, as the story progresses. In this particular manuscript, the complexity of the personages presented, becomes increasingly apparent, after some analysis. The three main players are revealed to be distinctly unlike what their outward facades suggest. Therefore, it is wise to examine the title character and relating figures. As the protagonist of the story, Jay Gatsby should be among the first considered. When the story begins, Gatsby is not even present until several chapters have passed. Perhaps this is a symbol of his unknown and unseen personality that is the cause of so much idle speculation. Until the reader is introduced to him, he is rumored to be foreboding and reclusive, having obtained his wealth through murder and scandal. In reality, Jay Gatsby is a foolish, childish, and passionate man who banked his entire life on one goal. His fortune was simply a means to own Daisy, and block out the past impoverished life he so despised as a young boy. As a result, he created an exaggerated image of himself, leaving the real Jimmy Gatz buried underneath.

As Daisy’s cousin, he plays an important part of the story, even aiding in Gatsby and Daisy’s affair. Being a quiet, well-meaning man, he is repeatedly repulsed by his friends’ way of life, yet conflictingly attracted to it as well. He finds himself judging these peoples’ selfish habits and dishonest ways, all the while becoming less honest himself, as a result of becoming bogged down in his comrades’ misery. When this realization finally hits home, Nick wisely chooses to return to his ordinary way of life and forego the society of wealthy, but morally empty,