The Great Gatsby Quotes

In the novel the Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald creates a main character that catches the attention of his readers that goes by Jay Gatsby although originally named James Gatz. He is the main character of the novel who is the namesake of the novel. Gatsby is a wealthy Bootlegger from North Dakota that moved to Long Island who pursues one thing and that is Daisy Buchanan, the love he lost five years earlier to another millionaire. He is very self conscious and cares very much about his outward appearance to the public. His quest for the American dream leads him from poverty to wealth, and to the love of his life as well as his death. Therefore, James Gatsby is the most pivotal character in the book because he is a character

Once he finished his time in the military, James Gatsby devoted his life to making the money and putting on the right show so as to win back the affections of the woman he loved. For example the quote, “I decided to call to him. Miss Baker had mentioned him at dinner, and that would do for an introduction. But I didn 't call to him, for he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone—he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward—and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock. When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished, and I was alone again in the unquiet darkness.” Gatsby loved Daisy so much that he even went to the extent to build his house across the sound from his love. He threw massive parties hoping Daisy would show at one of them. However, Gatsby had other motifs for his parties. The parties for him are also about putting on a good public display. Jay Gatsby is very concerned with his outward appearance, especially when Daisy Buchanan is the one whose attention he has caught. Another example of this is the quote,"Miss Baker 's a great sportswoman, you know, and she 'd never do anything that wasn 't all right.” He says this obvious lie because Jordan baker is a good

The narrator, Nick is impressed by Gatsby in the beginning. He did not expect his mythical neighbor "The Gatsby" to be just around 30, tanned and very introverted. He thought if he met Gatsby, he 'd be middle aged, very outgoing and pompous. Gatsby hardly even participated in festivities at his own parties and stayed away from the crowds. He was nothing like Nick 's expectations. Because of that surprise, Nick develops a quick admiration of Gatsby. An example of this in the novel is, “He smiled understandingly--much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life.” Nick said this about Gatsby and it is obvious of his liking of him. However after a few chapters it is obvious to the readers that Nick’s perception of Gatsby has changed. Nick disapproves of his drastic actions to win back Daisy. An example of this is the quote, “He wanted nothing more than that she should go to Tom and say: ‘ I never loved you.’” This is obviously a drastic measure to take for Daisy and is unreasonable. However throughout the whole novel Nick stays with Gatsby and even facilitates him have Daisy cheat on Tom, and he remains Gatsby’s only true friend throughout