What Led To Gatsby's Downfall

Gatsby has guided his entire life towards Daisy and their married life. Everything he does is in her shadow in hopes of attracting her into his idea of a perfect life. Gatsby simply wishes to be with Daisy no matter the circumstances. While Gatsby may be determined in his pursuit of love, it is what eventually leads to his downfall. Gatsby’s entire life is based off his values, being reputation and determination. It was not worth at all for Gatsby to do everything in his power to get Daisy because, he focused heavily on determination and love which directed his demise. Gatsby pursues the value of reputation or wishing himself to be the image of someone people look up to. He became filthy rich after involving himself in the liquor bootleg business.

Gatsby met Daisy five years prior to the tea party at Nick’s house. Considering Gatsby fought in the war, most people in the same scenario would have completely forgotten about someone they had a crush on five years ago. If Gatsby and Daisy were already married or engaged it would be more understandable as to why he still pursued her after all those years. Gatsby threw everything he had at the world to try and get the attention of his former lover. From prominent parties to his massive estate across the bay. He spent an extravagant amount of money to throw these parties all in hopes of catching Daisy’s attention. To be able to pay for all of these expensive desires, Gatsby joined the bootlegging business which was considered illegal in the setting The Great Gatsby was written. Another thing Gatsby lost because of his determination was his reputation and his life. When Gatsby was riding alongside Daisy in his cream-colored car after the big “confession”, Daisy accidentally road killed Myrtle while trying to get away from New York. The Gatsby’s fatal error was when he took the blame for the killing rather than letting the truth be known that it was Daisy’s fault. When Wilson was out for vengeance, all clues lead to Gatsby and away from the real killer. Gatsby’s death when covered in the news was all a misdemeanor. Instead of revealing the tragedy of his death, they exposed him for his bootlegging and supposed murder of Myrtle. This is the reason why no one shows up to Gatsby’s funeral. This series of unfortunate events is all due to Gatsby’s value of