Gatsby's role in the novel
Jay Gatsby is the main character of the novel. As the story progresses we learn about Gatsby's wealth, how he came to be, and his dream and goal to reconnect with Daisy. Gatsby is a prime example of the individual American Dream and the struggle to achieve it.
Quote
"First he nodded politely, and then his face broke into that radiant and understanding smile, as if we'd been in ecstatic cahoots on that fact all the time." (154)
Characteristics of Gatsby
Good Qualities:
Hopeful: Gatsby never seems to lose the hope that he has for him and Daisy to be together. Although there are many signs that their relationship can't work, he remains hopeful and does not give up. "he was clutching at some last hope, and I couldn't bear to shake him free." (148) Caring & Considerate: Gatsby is caring and considerate as he hides out at the Buchanan mansion just to watch over Daisy and to make sure that Tom did not hurt her or cause any commotion. "Nothing happened... I waited and about four o'clock..." (147) Romantic: Gatsby is a romantic and we see this when he keeps falling deeply in love with Daisy. He explains how he feels almost committed to Daisy. "Well, there I was, 'way off my ambitions, getting deeper in love every minute, and all of a sudden I didn't care." (150) |
Bad Qualities:
Lives in the Past: Gatsby forgets that Daisy is married to Tom and finds its impossible for Daisy to love Tom, when in fact it is possible that Daisy grew to love Tom. Gatsby is stuck in the past and can only think about how in love him and Daisy were 5 years ago, and does not consider what could have happened to their feelings during the 5 years that they spent apart. " Of course she might have loved him just for a minute, when they were first married - and loved me more even then, do you see?" (152) Struggles with Reality: Gatsby is overly optimistic and will do anything for Daisy. He struggles with reality and what is truly achievable in his American Dream" I suppose Daisy will call too." (154) "I have an idea that Gatsby himself didn't believe it would come, and perhaps he no longer cared." |