F. Scott Fitzgerald s The Great Gatsby - 957 Words

Jay Gatsby is scrutinized over and over for his role in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. His actions and character traits result in his character being deeply investigated by many literary scholars and critics worldwide. To the reader, Gatsby is a somewhat mysterious man for most of the novel. Other characters discuss Gatsby and speculate about how he became wealthy until Fitzgerald reveals towards the end of the novel that Gatsby is a crook and makes all of his money as a part of Meyer Wolfsheim’s illegal operations. This fact, however, does not explain all of Gatsby’s mysterious traits. Gatsby’s traits result from his idealistic hope. Gatsby is such a hopeful man and has such idealistic views for his future that it leads him†¦show more content†¦Fitzgerald reveals to the reader Gatsby’s notes on his daily routine from his younger days. Gatsby originally modeled his life after Benjamin Franklin and aimed to attain his goals through good habits, hard work, and good morals. Essentially, Gatsby was trying to follow the American Dream to attain wealth. This idealistic hope and courage is a predominant trait that shows in Gatsby throughout the novel. In the novel, Gatsby shows hope for a new, better life with Daisy Buchanan. A specific event that personifies Gatsby’s hope occurs when Nick Carraway watches Gatsby on his balcony looking over at East Egg, where the Daisy and Tom reside. Fitzgerald even includes a symbol of Gatsby’s hope in the green light that shows from the Buchanan’s dock. This green light represents the hope Gatsby has for this new life with Daisy. Gatsby’s idealistic view also shows through his actions. Gatsby attempts to do everything he can to attain his goal of having Daisy to himself. Unfortunately for Gatsby, his innate hope eventually will lead to his downfall. Gatsby’s idealistic views impact his character in many ways. One main side effect of Gatsby’s desire is his dishonesty. As a result of all the goals he has set for himself in his life, Gatsby becomes dishonest and cunning. Originally, Gatsby seems to have been a righteous but ambitious young man, as shown through his daily routine. Once he realizes that he is not able to accomplish his goals by having good habits, hard work, and good