Examples Of Heroism In The Great Gatsby

The tragedy of Great Gatsby

When there’s a hero, there’s a tragedy, but what’s a tragedy without a hero? Well, here’s Jay Gatsby, the main character of “The Great Gatsby”, the star and heart of this story yet the biggest tragedy known in the plot. Just from the title of the book many would believe that Gatsby would be a hero or did some sort of heroic action yet instead he is known as a great tragedy in the book. This story did not have a hero but instead they had a continuous cycle of tragedies that just kept adding on as Gatsby kept pursuing his dream. This cycle of tragedies all revolved around one person, Jay Gatsby. He came to Long Island in search of living his American dream but instead he gets away with illegal things, he will not

He tends to do a lot of illegal things and got away with it for some reason, and he did not actually fulfill many of the descriptions about him. "With fenders spread like wings we scattered light through half Astoria- only half, for as we twisted among the pillars of the elevated I heard the familiar ‘jug-jug-spat!’ of a motorcycle, and a frantic policeman rode alongside. ‘All right, old sport,’ called Gatsby. We slowed down. Taking a white card from his wallet, he waved it before the man’s eyes. ‘Right you are,’ agreed the policeman, tipping his cap.’Know you next time, Mr. Gatsby. Excuse me!” (Fitzgerald, pg. 68). Gatsby’s actions in this quote showed carelessness for the ones around him and he was able to get away with it. Just from this quote there’s already a lack of quality in his actions and character of being a

“I’m to make a big request of you to-day,’ he said, pocketing his sourvenirs with satisfaction, ‘so I thought you ought to know something about me. I didn’t want you to think I was just some nobody. You see, I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me.’ He hesitated. ‘You’ll hear about it this afternoon.’ ‘At lunch?’ ‘No, this afternoon. I happened to find out that tyou’re taking Miss Baker to tea.’ ‘Do you meaan you’re in love with Miss Baker?’ ‘No, old sport, I’m not. But Miss Baker has kindly consented to speak to you about this matter” (Fitzgerald, pg 67). Gatsby didn’t like talking for himself and his situation, he preferred to have someone there to do it for him. He knew that Nick was related to Daisy so obviously this was his chance to take advantage of Nick and use him to make his dream come true. A hero doesn’t do that, they speak for themselves and with their chest but Gatsby talks like he’s scared to get caught or become nervous about this