Examples Of Idealism In The Great Gatsby

Jay Gatsby is a proclaimed self- made man, war hero, and the host of some of the most extravagant parties. He is constantly surrounded by beautiful women, but only cares about winning over the heart of Daisy Buchanan. In order to woo her Gatsby becomes obsessed with the idea of chasing wealth and making a name for himself in society. This goal driven attitude fully embodies Gatsby’s upbringing and entire new persona. Throughout the book Gatsby conveys a very passionate and determined idealistic character that goes through life solely looking for the approval of Daisy.
Gatsby’s lifestyle is immediately put on display when Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor, attends one of his lavish parties. The party is nothing short of exquisite, and emphasizes

The amount of detail describing the glistening food and decorations shows that a lot of thought is put into these extravagant parties. Even an orchestra makes an appearance during the party. It becomes apparent that Gatsby has thrown this party for the sole purpose of making Daisy happy. He’s hoping that by showing off his new bound success she will come crawling back to him because he feels money is the only reason why she ever left. His dedication to impressing her and winning her over consumes his whole life. Gatsby throws these astounding parties all the time in hopes she will be there. In fact, Carraway is constantly seeing people arrive and leave Gatsby’s house even during the wee hours of the morning. It is no secret that Gatsby is proud of flaunting his wealth, and is hoping that he can buy Daisy’s heart back. At first, he even pursues a friendship with Carraway because he and Daisy are cousins. Nick even says, “I was one of the few guests who had actually been invited. People were not invited-they went there. They got into automobiles which bore them out to Long Island, and somehow they ended up at Gatsby’s door”(41). The passion Gatsby feels for

She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Gatsby grew up poor, and worked on a farm with his family in North Dakota. Daisy came from an upper class wealthy family, so when they first met there was already a big difference in social ranking. They were together until Gatsby left to fight in the war, she then left him for a much wealthier man. Once Gatsby returned he knew that he himself wasn't good enough to make her leave her marriage. Therefore, everyday he worked for the one thing Daisy’s new husband, Tom Buchanan had, that he didn't have, which was money and a title in society. The parties drew attention to him, but it didn't give him the one on one time that he so desperately wanted. Instead he decided to give Daisy a personal tour of his house. In the text it says, “‘That huge place there?’ She cried pointing. ‘Do you like it?’ ‘I love it, but I don’t see how you live there all alone.’ ‘I keep it always full of interesting people, night and day’”(90). All Gatsby wants in life is to impress and ultimately be with Daisy. His sole drive in life and idealistic attitude has developed because of the painful rejection over materialism. Showing off his house is a “subtle” way in showing Daisy of what she might be missing out on if she stays with Tom. At this point he is not willing to take no for an answer because he believes that she is still in love with him, and is determined to prove to her that she could be