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F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'

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The Great Gatsby: Jay Gatsby’s Greatness In modern day society, greatness is measured by one’s wealth rather than the content of one’s character. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby is great. With this in mind, Jay Gatsby’s rise to greatness is accomplished by fulfilling the American Dream, his opposition towards societal norms in the 1920s, and his honest ambition of love for Daisy Buchanan. Jay Gatsby’s rise from a poor farmer boy in North Dakota to living a lavish lifestyle in West Egg, Long Island is one’s goal while pursuing the American Dream. With this in mind, Jay Gatsby’s sudden climb from poverty to wealth expresses his true greatness. Prior to the Jay Gatsby that citizens of West Egg know and admire, he is once …show more content…

Moreover, Tom Buchanan is a misogynistic character who abuses women and takes advantage of his wealth. In contrast to Jay Gatsby, who does not use his wealth as leverage amongst others, and treats all women he encounters with respect. Rather than Tom Buchanan where wealth makes him snobby and arrogant. Jay Gatsby genuinely cares for his guests. His generosity is outlined when Lucille, a party guest, recalls what Jay Gatsby does for her at a previous party, “When I was last here I tore my gown on a chair, and he asked me my name and address- inside of a week I got a package from Criorier’s with a new evening gown in it” (45). This reveals Jay Gatsby’s appreciation for people he encounters and his action of placing his party guests in the highest degree. On the contrary to daily tendencies in the 1920s, where women are not receiving the recognition they deserve, Jay Gatsby offers the upmost respect. Similarly, treating women as objects is prevalent in the 1920s. Men use their wives when they need to, move on to different women, but later retreat. With this in mind, Tom Buchanan does so with Daisy Buchanan, cheating on her with Myrtle Wilson and attempting to retreat back to her. Tom Buchanan states his regrets during his conflict with his wife, “Once in a while I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but I always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time” (125). This reveals Tom Buchanan’s true …show more content…

This reveals the decency and humility behind Jay Gatsby’s character. Furthermore, this reveals that although Jay Gatsby is a wealthy man on the surface, he is a poor boy at heart. Rather than impressing her by boasting his wealth, he simply would be satisfied with meeting her at his neighbour’s house for tea. Jay Gatsby’s greatness is not due to is wealth. Instead, it is a result of his true and humble love for Daisy Buchanan. Despite the fact he receives everything he desires in life, he is still missing his Holy Grail; Daisy Buchanan. The bottom line of Jay Gatsby’s greatness is he will work and constantly to acquire what he yearns for. Despite all of this, if any circumstances arise attempting to halt him from his journey, Jay Gatsby stays true to his self. This truly reveals why Jay Gatsby is a great

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