Is The Great Gatsby Really Great

The Not That Great Gatsby

The definition of greatness has changed throughout the centuries. Constantine the Great, Cnut the Great, and Cyrus the Great were all monarchs who led extensive empires and gained the title of “Great.” But what makes a person great? Is it the people’s money or values that distinguish them? Someone who is great stands out and is respected and admired. Great people are rarely forgotten because they have a positive effect on others. In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick calls Gatsby “Great.” However, Gatsby’s actions throughout the story prove that he should not be called the “Great Gatsby.” Although many people would argue that Gatsby deserves this title because he becomes rich, Gatsby loses his

More notably, Daisy’s attitude towards Gatsby directly affects him, causing Gatsby to lose control of his own life. In chapter 4, Jordan tells Nick about Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship. She explains to Nick that Gatsby bought his house “so that Daisy would be just across the bay” (78). She also infers that Gatsby throws profligate parties at his house expecting Daisy to attend. Gatsby makes significant decisions based on Daisy. He buys his house to live close to her, and throws extravagant parties to see her. People should not center their lives on a person because people change. Different experiences change what a person values and wants. Gatsby fails to understand that Daisy’s experiences have changed her, and he lives his life trying to impress her and repeat the

Even though “his parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people”, he becomes rich and almost achieves the American Dream (98). Therefore, he is seen as an inspiring person. It is understandable why the opposition argues that he is a great person. Though they have a reasonable point, Gatsby changed his life through illegal activities. He obtained his wealth by bootlegging, which was illegal during Prohibition. A great person would have become rich in an honest way, demonstrating financial skills. Great people have principles and do not damage others to reach their goals. Gatsby’s illegal business affected families by allowing them to spend their money on alcohol instead of groceries and essential needs, one of the main points of Prohibition. Therefore, Gatsby is neither an ethical nor a great