Why Is The Great Gatsby Great

The quality of greatness plays a big part in The Great Gatsby hence the title, The Great Gatsby. Everyone perceives greatness differently, but what distinguishes perceived greatness from actual greatness? In The Great Gatsby, Nick determines that Gatsby is great, but there can be a difference between perceived greatness and actual greatness. In the story Nick sees Gatsby as great. In a sense, the word “great” can be attributed to large and grand things such as Gatsby’s, house, his lavish parties, his wealth, and even his personality. All of these can be viewed as trophies of success or in a particular person’s eyes, greatness. Throughout the novel Nick is enamored by Gatsby's outstanding personality and ability to hold onto hope. He describes Gatsby as having, “..an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again.”(2). Gatsby's actions such as buying a house right across from Daisy, throwing parties hoping she will show up, and holding onto her for five years all contribute to why Nicks thinks Gatsby is great. Another aspect of Gatsby's hope that Nick sees as great, is his journey to his

As much as Gatsby is seen as a romantic he could also be seen as though he is stuck in his own fantasy. Gatsby is so hung up on this old idea he has of Daisy from five years ago, that he can't see that she has moved on. “Can't repeat the past?” he cried incredulously. “Why of course you can!”. This quote shows that Gatsby is living in a fantasy of the past that he can't seem to let go of. He is driven by his own selfishness to have Daisy for himself just like he did five years ago. It's seems like Gatsby is more in love by the idea he's made up of Daisy from the past than who she is