The Great Gatsby- Character essay A novel which develops an interesting character is “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The novel tells the story of a young and thriving individual, Jay Gatsby, who makes fortune to win his lost love interest of 5 years. Gatsby is killed after an incident involving a car accident at the end of the novel. By using effective characterisation and symbolism, Fitzgerald has created an interesting novel with an engaging character. Gatsby is introduced as a man of mysterious backgrounds. He is surrounded by an aura of ambiguity. Seemingly, nobody knows Gatsby’s true origin. Many rumours about Gatsby are spread at gaudy parties he throws. “Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once.” “It’s more that he was a German spy during the war.” “He was in the American Army during the war.” These rumours all contribute to the convolution of Gatsby’s character, as well as the mystery that follows …show more content…
Tom sparks conflict when the group go into town, causing Gatsby’s past to be revealed and an argument with Tom over Daisy. “I suppose the latest thing to do is to let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife.” “I found out what your ‘drug stores’ were.” As Gatsby tries to persuade Daisy to tell Tom she never loved him, Tom reveals some information about Gatsby’s past. He has done some “investigation” and exposes Gatsby for being a tradesman of illegal substances. Tom continues to villainize Gatsby who is defending himself but Daisy is gone, and with her, so is Gatsby’s dream. Gatsby is left, weakly fighting for his dream, hopeless and resigned. He is a contrast to the confident man he was minutes ago. He has been defeated, and all his efforts have been futile. The reader has a better understanding of the lengths Gatsby went to so he could get Daisy back, but also understands the consequences if his false persona- he has lost