The Great Gatsby Research Paper

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Gatsby was indeed great, because he was always improving to help himself achieve the "American Dream". He also achieved all of his wealth for Daisy due to his charming demeanor. Gatsby got all of his wealth from bootlegging. He bought his great big mansion and everything he owned for Daisy. Gatsby learned all of his sophisticated ways from Dan Cody and all of his wealthy friends. Gatsby's determination for his goals, suggests greatness in his character. Throughout the novel, he pursues his dreams relentlessly, he strives to become the biggest person in the area so he can win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald writes, "He smiled understandingly—much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it" (Fitzgerald, 51). This description of Gatsby's smile captures his appealing and confident nature, which fuels his pursuit of greatness. Despite his rough upbringing, he works hard to capture great wealth and throws ginormous house parties in his quest to achieve the American Dream. Gatsby's willingness to stay true to his goals shows his greatness when standing right in the face of adversity. …show more content…

His everlasting love and devotion to Daisy, despite her flaws and the impossibility of their relationship, reflects his romantic fantasy. Fitzgerald writes, "He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God" (Fitzgerald, 113). Even though things didn't work out and he ended up dead, his deep love for Daisy shows he had a big heart. This makes you wonder if maybe greatness isn't just about money or status, but about how much love you're capable of