The Greatness of Jay Gatsby

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the greatness of the character, Jay Gatsby, in the novel, "The Great Gatsby," written by Scott Fitzgerald. The paper looks at Gatsby's relationships with other characters in the novel. It suggests that Gatsby is great, but not in terms of integrity and concern for others. Rather, the source of Gatsby's greatness is his drive or ambition.

From the Paper:

"When Tom's lover, Myrtle Wilson, is killed in a hit and run accident, everything that occurs is ironic. Gatsby is shot and killed by Mr. Wilson because the car is his. In addition, Tom believes that Gatsby was responsible for the death because Daisy continues to let Tom believe that Gatsby was at the wheel. Not one of the many guests who had attended Gatsby's parties bothered to attend his funeral. The only people in attendance are Gatsby's father, Nick, and Gatsby's servants. It is this lack of memory and respect for Gatsby that seems to deny his greatness. At the same time, Nick states that "Gatsby turned out all right at the end" (8). The reader can only be sympathetic to Gatsby if he or she holds capitalist and materialist values."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Penguin Books, 1970.

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