Although Nick Carraway has his reservations about Gatsby, it is clear he thinks of him fondly; after all, Fitzgerald titles the book “The Great Gatsby.” He leads a questionable existence and comes to a tragic end, yet Nick (and by extension, the readers) feels empathetic toward him. Does Gatsby deserve to be called "Great"? Does he deserve our sympathy? In what ways is he great? In what ways is he not? Provide at least one example to back up your thinking.

Gatsby was certainly not great.

Allow me to explain. To put this all into context, F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of, "The Great Gatsby," was a member of the "lost generation" — a title given to World War I veterans. Fitzgerald, along with others considered to be a part of the "lost generation," was a modernist, meaning that his focus was not on love but rather living life to the fullest.  

So how does this connect to the novel, "The Great Gatsby?" Jay Gatsby himself was a romantic — the polar opposite of a modernist. Gatsby's only life goal was to be reunited with his only love, Daisy (who, by the way, got married to another man).  

Gatsby's love for daisy is touching and perhaps refreshing in the world of modernists, however, Fitzgerald makes it evident that Gatsby was foolish. Let us consider these facts:    

1. Gatsby became a bootlegger: He committed federal crime (buying and selling alcohol, despite the prohibition laws that were in place) in order to become rich. His purpose in wanting to become fabulously wealthy? So that he could be in a financial state that would grant him permission to marry Daisy, of course.  

2. When Gatsby became wealthy, he purchased a mansion across a lake from Daisy and her husband. How would you feel if your ex-boyfriend bought a neighboring house so he could stalk you?  

3. Gatsby spent thousands of dollars on parties that he did not even attend in attempt to lure Daisy over to his house. Again, stalker?  

It is foolish to commit the actions that Gatsby executed for a love that is not reciprocated. Daisy definitely told Gatsby that she loved him, but she was reluctant to act on the love that she claimed to have. Gatsby was so blinded by his own affection that he was unable to see how much he was throwing away in giving his life to Daisy. Fitzgerald, being the modernist that he was, well-depicted the insanity in the destructive love that Gatsby had for Daisy. Gatsby worshiped Daisy in a way that caused him to lose himself, and there is nothing Great about that.

Jay Gatsby is a sympathetic character because his intentions were pure and his pursuit of the American Dream was solely motivated by his love for Daisy Buchanan. Jay Gatsby was born James Gatz and grew up in a working-class family. After briefly courting the wealthy Daisy Fay and working for Dan Cody, James transformed himself and entered the illegal bootlegging industry to attain wealth. While Gatsby's pursuit of wealth was corrupt, his intentions were admirable and pure. He understood that he would never have a chance of being with the woman he loved since she came from an upper-class family and he was extremely poor. Instead of lamenting his situation, Gatsby successfully attained the American Dream to improve his chances of marrying her. As a citizen of the West Egg, Gatsby is portrayed as rather naïve and innocent in comparison to the debased, arrogant citizens of the East Egg. Unfortunately, Gatsby surrounds himself with shady, selfish individuals, who do not genuinely care about him, including Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby also demonstrates his love and concern for Daisy by taking the blame for Myrtle's death and making sure Tom will not harm her. Nick also has a positive perception of Jay Gatsby and views him as a charismatic, enthusiastic dreamer with pure intentions and a hopeful spirit. After praising Gatsby, Nick comments,

Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and shortwinded elations of men.

Explanation:

I hope this helps you in some or any way.

*meditation

*music

*reading

*playing games

*going out to eat