Jay Gatsby is Truly Great Essay Example

devotion for her is what destroys him, even before his death (sutton). He is willing to risk everything and die for her, and for that he is truly great.

Gatsby and Nick both served in the war and he tells Nick "Then the war came ... it was a great relief, and I tried very hard to die..."(66). Gatsby knows he is not good enough for Daisy and death would have been an easy way out. However, Gatsby survives the war, and with honors as well. Even during times of war, Gatsby demonstrates his greatness in being an excellent soldier. Upon his return to America, he now concentrates on winning Daisy back.

Throughout the novel Gatsby is a gracious host and yet he rarely is seen at his extravagant parties. It is not until later that we learn that he only holds the parties becasue he hopes Daisy will show, and to impress her. He always handles himself like a true gentleman. Gatsby likes to show off his wealth to his friends. But does that make him any less of a person? He gives tours of his home to Daisy and Nick and yet he handles his greatness with dignity. He is also proud of his flashy car, although he never knew it would be the cause of his downfall.

Eventually, Daisy comes back into Gatsby's life after an arranged meeting at Nick's house. She loves Gatsby but she does not have the patience to wait for him. Gatsby does not give up on Daisy and he is very determined to be with her. After the accident in which Daisy kills Mrs. Wilson, "He couldn't possibly leave Daisy until

he knew what she was going to do. He was clutching at some last hope..." (148). Daisy could not possibly face the fact that she might go to jail and she knows Gatsby will take her blame. Taking her blame would be the last great thing Gatsby would do for Daisy. "He felt married to her, that was all" (149). It takes a great man to take the blame for the murder of a woman , just for the one he loves.

Despite the fact that everyone leaves Gatsby, Nick sees the greatness in him. He even says to Gatsby, "They're a rotton crowd. You're worth the whole damn bunch put together" (154). Gatsby truly is a great man. He comes from an ordinary backround and builds himself into a wealthy homeowner in West Egg. He never lets anything stand in the way of his dream. He loves Daisy unconditionally and makes a life for himself. It takes a great person to take what they have, and get to where they dream to be. He is loyal until the end, never straying from his dream once.