The Great Gatsby Character Analysis

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The depiction of Gatsby’s character in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald has a big impact on the novel and through understanding his character the context and meaning of the novel become clear. Gatsby’s personality represents many of the extremes of American life and his rise and fall from fame and success show the unattainable aspect of the what was thought to be the achievable American dream. Gatsby’s true beginnings and origins begin as a mystery to narrator Nick Carraway and Nick first encounters his reputation before he actually meets Gatsby. This delayed introduction to Gatsby’s personality helps create the mystery and the impression that Gatsby is more than just a man. When Nick finally meets him at one of his parties he is surprised and doesn’t recognize him from the descriptions provided by the other people at the party “‘and this man Gatsby sent over his chauffeur with an invitation.’ For a moment he looked at me as if he failed to understand” (Fitzgerald 48). This mystery is important in supporting the representation of the American dream found in Gatsby’s character because it mirrors the spirit of the American dream in that origin doesn 't matter (Lučić 4). The mystery around the origins of Gatsby’s wealth continues until it is revealed that he came from poverty in the west. Gatsby’s thrift and hard work in creating the persona that he has in New York shows his determination and hard work in trying to rise above the social status he was born into