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Gatsby has literally created his own character, even changing his name from James Gatz to represent his reinvention of himself. As his relentless quest for Daisy demonstrates, Gatsby has an extraordinary ability to transform his hopes and dreams into reality; at the beginning of the novel, he appears to the reader just as he desires to appear ...
Questions about The Great Gatsby's titular character? We explain Jay Gatsby's background, the role he plays in the plot and what his life and death really mean.
Jay Gatsby has been described by critics as a false prophet of the American Dream, often represented by the Statue of Liberty and signifying new opportunities in life. The character of Jay Gatsby has become a cultural touchstone in American culture and is often invoked in popular discourse in the context of rags-to-riches grandeur.
Gatsby represents the American Dream itself, flashy and alluring, but ultimately made of empty promises. No matter how hard Gatsby works, he will never truly obtain inner fulfilment because...
- Nick Carraway. Nick Carraway is a recent Yale graduate who moves to Long Island after getting a job as a bond salesman. He is relatively innocent and mild-mannered, especially when compared to the hedonistic elite among whom he lives.
- Jay Gatsby. Ambitious and idealistic, Gatsby is the epitome of the “self-made man.” He is a reticent young millionaire who rose from humble origins in the American Midwest to a position of prominence among the Long Island elite.
- Daisy Buchanan. Beautiful, frivolous, and rich, Daisy is a young socialite with no troubles to speak of—at least, that's how it seems on the surface. Daisy is self-absorbed, somewhat shallow, and a little vain, but she's also charming and high-spirited.
- Tom Buchanan. Tom is the brutal, arrogant, and wealthy husband of Daisy. He is a deeply unlikeable character for reasons including his careless infidelity, possessive behavior, and barely-disguised white supremacist views.
The Elusive Pursuit of the American Dream. For many, the allure of the American Dream is irresistible. It represents the promise of unlimited potential and boundless opportunities. Jay Gatsby, as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel “The Great Gatsby,” embodies this pursuit with unwavering determination.
Jay Gatsby is the protagonist of the novel and represents the American Dream. He is a self-made man who rose from poverty to wealth and success. Gatsby embodies the idea that anyone can achieve their dreams through hard work and determination.
