The Flawed Gatsby
Precisely what defines greatness? This thought-provoking question has been debated throughout history as people attempt to label historical figures and athletes alike. While some measure the statistics in prolific athletes, everyday people may be judged by their achievements, benevolence, and character. In the classic novel, The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby is utterly enamored with his long-lost love, Daisy Buchanon. To win over his dream girl, Gatsby amasses an enormous wealth and moves into an extravagant mansion just across the bay from Daisy and her unfaithful husband, Tom. Throughout the novel, Gatsby’s every action is inspired by his desire to court Daisy, and Jay believes that he will successfully woo her. However, this dream is soon put to a blunt and abrupt halt when Gatsby is killed by George Wilson, who is falsely led to believe that Gatsby killed his wife. The novel is narrated by Nick Carraway, who identifies as Gatsby’s
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Instead Gatsby works with gangsters and crooks in his bond ploy and role as a bootlegger. If Jay were truly great, he would be able to make a living off legal practices. Rumors of Gatsby’s illegal practices have spread, and these words have significantly damaged Jay’s reputation as his party guest discuss what they have heard: “’I'm scared of him. I'd hate to have him get anything on me’" (Fitzgerald __). Rumors abound regarding Gatsby, and many seem to revolve around his involvement in organized crime. Additionally, Jay is unable to defend himself when Tom launches a verbal assault on his character: “I picked him for a bootlegger the first time I saw him, and I wasn't far wrong” (Fitzgerald __). Gatsby and Meyer Wolfshiem had connived a way to sell illegal liquor over the counter, and Mr. Buchanon discovered this illicit business. Gatsby’s failure to make money legally nullifies his seemingly extensive