F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'

Valentina Vlachos Ms. Casey English 3H Period 5 28 March 2024 Illusions of Fulfilled Desires Beneath the man who seems to have it all, Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's tragedy The Great Gatsby is someone who longs for more. His extravagant parties and lavish lifestyle paint a picture of success, but hidden within the depths of his persona lies a complex man. He walks through life with a sense of superiority, believing himself above the crowd. However, this self-assured man of wealth is also one hindered by a touching blindness: his inability to see the failure of trying to recapture the past. Jay Gatsby is the most complex character in the novel because, despite how hard he tries to portray himself as an extraordinary man who has it all,

Gatsby’s wealth is central to his character and his reputation. His pursuit of wealth and social status built him into the so-called “Great Gatsby” he is pictured and said to be. Nick Carraway, a man who is neighbors with Gatsby, exclaims, “He smiled understandingly – much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life” (Fitzgerald 39). The fact that Nick describes Gatsby’s smile as something that is encountered “four or five times in life” also highlights the idea that Gatsby is not just any wealthy person, but someone truly unforgettable. The smile symbolizes Gatsby’s ability to make others feel at ease and inspire confidence. This is a key factor in his success as a self-made man. Gatsby possesses a special quality that sets him apart from the rest. Gatsby and Daisy fell in love years ago, but they had to part ways due to circumstances beyond their control. Gatsby has always loved Daisy and worked hard to become this wealthy man to ultimately win her

It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way. No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart. (Fitzgerald 72) Gatsby has idealized this image of Daisy in his head, creating this perfect vision of her. Gatsby overlooks all her flaws, showing his intense passion for her as he has invested so much of himself in this image of Daisy that it has become a part of him. Gatsby’s love for her is not just a passing desire, but a deep and symbolic passion that has taken hold of him completely. Gatsby is one for perfection, ensuring everything is presentable and perfect down to the last bit. He is a very determined, hardworking man. It was the time, Daisy was about to make an appearance and Gatsby had to get everything down to be flawless. Nick analyzed, “An hour later the front door opened nervously, and Gatsby, in a white flannel suit, silver shirt, and gold-colored tie, hurried in” (Fitzgerald