The Great Gatsby: What Makes Him So Great? [spoilers]

[P Reefer]

The Great Gatsby: What makes Him So Great? [spoilers]

The Great Gatsby is a memorable read. The characters, Gatsby and Nick are well crafted from the onset to build suspense and anticipation of the plot. The sultry conversational tone tosses the close reader into traveling the path from West Egg to East Egg. What is particularly attractive about Daisy the seductress in the plot is her earnest and bubbly personality. The intrigue of the novels builds as Nick thoughts are shared as he questions the icy and dim picture of the world painted by Daisy and is drawn into the glamour of Gatsby's lavish parties. The narrative subtly yet poignantly question the American Dream and lays bare the soullessness of a wholly materialistic outlook. Ultimately, it dams the rat-race and the get 'rich' philosophy of modern society.

by Paulette Reefer

[sararealm]

I think it depends on our point of views...as for me he seemed like a rich man who had everything he desired and at the same time he also felt miserable without the love of his life. he was living an empty life but all people thought he was this great man who had no care in the world and he could have whatever he wished for...because we usually judge people by their looks and I think this book wanted us to see that whether we name someone as great or poor it depends on how deep we could see in to their pain and suffering and also happiness and joy at the same time.

[Mely918]

Personally, I did not like this book very much. The writing felt very dry to me. I did like the plot and characters, but found it difficult to read because of the writing. I would say it's a good read for anyone who is a fan of the roaring 20's.

[Libs_Books]

The writing is very dry. I struggled with that, when I first read it; my students struggle with it. But the point is that the narrator, Nick, is himself a character: dry, detached, disillusioned. One of my students said the other day: "I hated it at first, but it's actually brilliant." Yes, but still not everybody's cup of tea.

[Serena_Charlotte]

I think that the "great" in the title is similar to the name Gatsby. It's fabricated by Gatsby himself in an attempt to elevate himself socially and economically.

[lakensteele20]

I absolutely loved reading The Great Gatsby. It was one of my favorites in school. The storyline was just awesome! Definitely something I'd refer to others.

[AMagnificentAmberson]

Well, there's the illusion of greatness that he created for himself juxtaposed by Nick's statement at the end that Gatsby was better than the rest of them.

#1, I believe the latter point means that Gatsby was a dreamer when he was surrounded by the opposite. I wish I had found this topic closer to when I last read the book so I could describe it better.

#2, I wonder if Fitzgerald was contrasting the "greatness" of success and all that fake stuff that Gatsby was using to impress Daisy with the real greatness of the man, his steadfast belief of dreams, of something better and more beautiful than the uber-realistic, protective, and destructive world that everyone else was so devoted to. They persisted, boy how they persisted, at all costs, while he dreamed at all costs, and perished. Perhaps this is what Fitzgerald thought of the 20s.

[MsLisa]

This has to be one of my favorite books and movies. I think what made Gatsby seem so great at first was all the grandiose and mystery surrounding him but as the story progresses and his character starts to be unraveled for the reader or audience he seems broken and hollow like his life lacks a purpose which is not toxic or obsessive.

[KatSims92]

I think at first Gatsby seems a bit shallow and materialistic, but in my opinion when I found out he did it all for Daisy, that's what makes him great. His friendliness and ever-present love for her is what made him great in my opinion.

[Mimiblue9]

I believe that the “great” implied in the title is Nick’s view on Gatsby. He sees a man who is consumed by his wealth and status, but is still just a man nonetheless. He is a man that is considered great because of his undeniable love for a woman over a considerable amount of time being absent from one another. To me, that is what Nick is defining as “great.” Unfortunately, Gatsby’s attempts to win Daisy over is through his fortune, which Daisy no longer desires due to her husband’s considerable wealth, as well.

[Abigail R]

I don't remember having high opinions of Jay Gatsby himself. When I read it as a high schooler, I was far more intrigued by the extravagant parties and roaring 20s. I've been wanting to read it again now that I am older and can look past parties.

[Sharill Rasowo]

He was really not that great and used his money to mask his insecurities which were numerous. Ultimately he was a tragic figure that can be often found mirrored through our society.

[Facennagoss]

I love The Great Gatsby but I don’t think Gatsby himself is great at all. His character is a satire on high society. There is a belief of greatness but the underlying issues surrounding this belief are what cause the ultimate downfall.

[Nad6568]

I believe all the reviews about whether or not the Great Gatsby is truly great is beautiful. I think his love for Daisy is great and that he held on to it till death is truly remarkable. Everyone should read the tragic story of the Great Gatsby

[Amyrich]

I'd read the Great Gatsby in 11th grade for the first time. I fell instantly in love. And of course, as I do with all my fav books, I read them every so often. 15 years later, after about 4-5 rereads of the Great Gatsby, I just find him to be a really really sad dude who just never learned to let go of things. Completely impractical. Like a child, taking his tantrum-like obsession to extreme lengths instead of growing up and just letting go and moving on with life. But keeping in mind my initial awe of Gatsby (as a teenager), I guess his love was indeed, great. Don't find guys like that, except in fiction!