Austin Campbell Mrs. Tollet 4th Block 20 Feb. 2023 What Makes Gatsby Great in The Great Gatsby Upon first sight, many readers notice that Fitzgerald called his masterpiece The Great Gatsby. One may question why this person named Gatsby is so extraordinary. Upon opening the book and examining the text, it becomes apparent that Gatsby is, in fact, quite great. Gatsby is favored in the reader’s eye and in the context of the book because he is charming, mysterious, idealistic, and symbolic all at the same time. He is the embodiment of the American Dream. In addition, Gatsby is relatable because he has many human flaws with which the reader can identify. The reader can sympathize with his sincere devotion to Daisy and can mourn over this unrequited love. Part of what makes Gatsby so renowned is the fact that he is an intriguing character. Gatsby often attempts to “ give personality . . . to the personage he has created” (Lehan 58). This personage demonstrates a charming personality that captivates the imagination of the reader. Even in his first appearance, Gatbsy is able to give off a good impression and show Nick a rare …show more content…
By being a dreamer, “Gatsby conforms to an ideal of himself that transforms reality into possibility” (Hermanson 2). Gatsby represents this quality through his unshakable belief that he can better himself no matter what obstacles present themselves. One of his greatest attributes is that he tries to overcome all roadblocks that hinder him from achieving his ambitions. The reader respects and admires Gatsby because of how he tries to accomplish an impossible goal. It is apparent throughout the book that “Gatsby’s only true dream is Daisy’s love” (Kersh 3). Because of his love and his beliefs, the reader is able to empathize with Gatsby. Gatsby is the embodiment of love and dreams yet to be fulfilled. This causes him to be accepted for his great and likable