Riches In The Great Gatsby

In today’s society, greatness is a term defined by significant success and achievement. Multiple individuals around the world exhibit these aspects of greatness in a variety of different manners. However, how someone came to seize prosperity demonstrates their determination and perseverance as a distinguished person. Anyone can achieve greatness with the right mindset and a sense of bravery. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the character Jay Gatsby can be regarded as great due to his virtuous upbringing and continuously growing stature.

Living in a society where everyone desires to thrive in the upper class, Jay Gatsby amasses wealth and is a dominant figure throughout his community. Gatsby showcases his riches in a variety

Gatsby has a strong affection for Daisy, Nick Carraway’s cousin. Ever since he was young, Gatsby loved Daisy and could never let go of the fact that they separated and went on to live their own lives. As a result, he gained wealth and status to win her back, and eventually states how “I’m going to fix everything just the way it was before. She'll see" (Fitzgerald 110). Gatsby displays ambition for his goals; he has a set mindset that he and Daisy are going to get back together. By being committed to his dreams and not letting anything or anyone get in the way of what he really desires, Gatsby showcases power and courage. In addition, his willingness to save someone from trouble and take the blame is displayed. Daisy was driving Gatsby in his car when she suddenly hits Myrtle, an individual Daisy’s husband has an affair with. When questioned by Nick if Daisy was the one driving, Gatsby proclaims “Yes, but of course I’ll say I was” (Fitzgerald 141). Despite Daisy just brutally murdering an innocent person, Gatsby sticks by her side and refuses to let her fall into any trouble. Gatsby’s sacrifice and ability to throw himself under the bus for the sake of someone else demonstrates his selflessness and dignity. Furthermore, Gatsby’s greatness can come from his loyalty and moral towards certain characters. For example, Gatsby treats Carraway as a brother. For all Carraway has done to help with reuniting with Daisy, Gatsby offers to help Nick become richer with “a little business on the side” (Fitzgerald 82). Gatsby builds a trustful relationship with Nick and is willing to do anything that helps Nick. He wants Nick to prosper in society and strictly refuses to let Nick navigate his way through life alone. Jay Gatsby’s compassionate morality and heartfelt actions toward other people showcase his never-ending