Introduction
In the, novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the mysterious figure of Jay Gatsby represents the ideals and illusions of the American Dream. Gatsby, a wealthy man, plays an essential role in the story. He is known for his tireless endeavor and desire for success in adventure for the American dream. Gatsby is described as a man with ambition and devoted in whatever he did. Throughout the novel, Gatsby is characterized as a devoted, ambitious, and deceptive individual who shows unflinching affection for his lover and has a tangled network of falsehoods describing his identity.
Ambitious
Gatsby’s ambition, as portrayed in Fitzgerald’s novel, is deeply connected to his pursuit of the American Dream. Thus, the Dream encompasses the chance for advancement, accumulating wealth, and achieving success. The author describes the ambition of Gatsby by saying, “If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away.” (Fitzgerald 4). His ambition is stimulated by his desire to live a life that prestigious people enjoy in society. This drive is vividly depicted through his parties, which serve as a testament to his determination to be acknowledged and embraced by the upper class of society.
However, Gatsby’s ambition presents a paradox but on one hand, it drives him to create an illusion of grandeur and wealth. On the other hand, it leaves him emotionally isolated, and remorseful. Despite his lifestyle, he feels distant and lonely, unable to form connections with others. The pursuit of his ambitions is catalyzed by loneliness, which makes him build insignificant personal relationships (Fitzgerald 68). In essence, his ambition acts as a two-sided coin. It brings him material wealth while depriving him of the satisfaction and authentic bonds he desires.
Moreover, Gatsby’s aspirations symbolize the disillusionment experienced by society during the 1920s. The Jazz Age, characterized by prosperity and a vibrant culture, was also marred by a decline in values and a pervasive sense of emptiness among many individuals. Gatsby’s story epitomizes the shallowness of materialism and underscores the notion that relentlessly pursuing wealth without considering ethics or forging genuine human connections can result in spiritual bankruptcy (Arum 13). In this context, Gatsby’s ambition serves as a tale, shedding light on the dangers of an unchecked thirst for success and recognition. The latter is evident, especially in a society where appearances often overshadow actual substance, ultimately leading to tragic outcomes.
Devotee
Gatsby’s affection for Daisy symbolizes an exploration of the Dream and its idealization in “The Great Gatsby.” In this context, Daisy represents more than an individual. She embodies the wealth, status, and social acceptance that Gatsby passionately yearns for. His infatuation with her exemplifies society’s fixation on success and the belief that possessing it can solve all of life’s challenges (Fitzgerald 120).
However, Gatsby fails to realize that Daisy is a product of her surroundings, shaped by values and societal expectations. His unwavering devotion becomes a mirror reflecting the nature of the American Dream, suggesting that this Dream is often unattainable and transient. The latter often leads people to chase after something unsatisfying.
Furthermore, Gatsby’s love for Daisy is deeply connected to themes of self-perception. It sheds light on how people define themselves. It is not about Daisy but rather what she symbolizes regarding social status. Gatsby views Daisy as the key to transforming his identity from being James Gatz, a young man, into Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and influential individual. In his pursuit, he creates a persona and fabricates a history that aligns with the societal standing he believes Daisy desires (Arum 5). The latter highlights how the identity of individuals can be shaped by ambition and love. It reveals that individuals can change themselves entirely in the name of affection and fitting into society.
Furthermore, Gatsby’s love story with Daisy highlights the significance of time and its influence on relationships. His obsession with the past and his shared history with Daisy hinder him from embracing the present and making realistic plans for the future. Such inability to come to terms over time and embrace its changes further emphasizes the tragedy of his character (Arum 15).
Ultimately, Gatsby’s unwavering pursuit of a love rooted in the past prevents him from experiencing happiness and meaningful connections at the moment. The latter exemplifies how nostalgia and unattainable desires can shape one’s destiny. The love and affection Gatsby has for Daisy clearly show the extent he is devoted.
The author describes Gatsby’s devoted love for Daisy: “It was 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.” (Fitzgerald 4). To win her back, he throws extravagant parties that are aimed at creating a bond between the two. The aim of throwing parties was to create a future and rekindle the past love they had.
His dedication to ensuring he overcomes poverty and achieves success describes his character throughout the entire novel. To be among the most respected people in American society, he devoted himself to transforming his life by acquiring adequate resources (Fitzgerald 130). His character’s willingness to share details about his past demonstrates and inspires people and creates an image of devotion that transforms people and motivates them to be resilient in whatever activity they engage in.
Deception
Gatsby’s life of deception not only encompasses his identity but also extends to his business transactions and social connections. He displays his wealth through gatherings and luxurious possessions. The author describes how Gatsby acquired his wealth: “However glorious might be his future as Jay Gatsby, he was at present a penniless young man without a past, and at any moment the invisible cloak of his uniform might slip from his shoulders. So he made the most of his time. He took what he could get, ravenously and unscrupulously.” (Fitzgerald 113). Speculations about him being involved in bootlegging and other illicit activities circulate among the guests attending his parties (Arum 4). Such an enigmatic origin of income further highlights the extent of his deceitfulness.
Gatsby’s association with individuals like Meyer Wolfsheim adds another layer of complexity to his character. Wolfsheim, rumored to have ties to crime, showcases the company Gatsby keeps. The latter blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction in his life. Furthermore, Gatsby’s deception extends beyond himself and impacts those in his circle, notably Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby urges Daisy to disavow her past with Tom Buchana, urging her to declare that she never had any affection for him. Such manipulation of Daisy’s emotions and memories highlights Gatsby’s willingness to perpetuate falsehoods at the expense of someone he claims to care for (Arum 16). Such an act of coercion exposes Gatsby’s desperation and reveals the destructive consequences of his deceitful nature. The latter ultimately leads to the unfolding of tragic events.
Gatsby’s life of deceit underscores how the American Dream has become corrupted. In his quest for riches and social status, Gatsby resorts to methods that reflect a pattern of compromising morals to attain material success. His narrative serves as a microcosm of 1920s society. In this case, the obsession with wealth leads individuals to compromise their integrity and engage in deception (Arum 17). This theme critiques the emptiness of the American Dream, suggesting that pursuing happiness through deceit and sacrificing values results in a superficial facade of accomplishment, leading to a lack of true fulfillment and authenticity.
To achieve his goals and desires of his heart, Gatsby is described as an enigmatic individual who is well connected to the theme of deception. His deceptive character is clearly shown through his engagement in illegal activities to love Daisy (Fitzgerald 170). He was known as a wealthy person who loved parting. However, he was born into a low-income family that could not afford basic commodities. He has adopted the character of Jay Gatsby to taint the image of wealth and success (Fitzgerald 180). He engaged in unwanted activities that enabled him to acquire better social status. The wealth that Gatsby accumulated gave him power, honor, and respect in society.
Conclusion
Jay Gatsby, the protagonist in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” represents the nature of the American Dream, delving into themes like ambition, loyalty, and dishonesty. Gatsby’s unyielding drive for success pushes him to create a façade of wealth and grandeur, exposing the emptiness of materialism during the 1920s in America. His unwavering dedication to Daisy symbolizes society’s obsession with status and acceptance. Nevertheless, Gatsby’s romantic tale also highlights how dreams can be fleeting as he remains fixated on a past that prevents him from finding happiness in the present. Furthermore, Gatsby’s life of deception serves as an example revealing the compromises made when pursuing the American Dream.
Works Cited
Arum, Sekar Setyaning. “The Influence of Materialism Towards Character Development In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.” Humaniora Scientia, vol.1, no. 5, 2019, pp: 3-19. Web.
Fitzgerald, Francis Scott. The Great Gatsby. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925.
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