Gold-hatted Gatsby *********************** Only a handful of novels can parallel that of F. Scott Fitzgerald"s The Great Gatsby. Released in 1925, the novel cleverly demonstrates the manners and morals commonly practiced throughout the time period. The plot revolves around several main themes and effectively expresses Fitzgerald"s unique perspective. With an objective standpoint, Nick Carraway narrates the story as Jay Gatsby, a foolish racketeer, tries to win over his lifelong love, Daisy Buchanan. Although pecuniary matters can often be too large of an influence on human relationships, the novel unveils several powerful battles entangling love, morals, and money. As Nick Carraway follows the tale of Jay Gatsby pursuing a dream, Gatsby can be observed as a foolish man while working so hard, and yet accomplishing nothing. One of the numerous reasons why Jay Gatsby can be seen as foolhardy when simply pursuing a dream is not because he is, but rather because of the method in which he does. Stretching back to the roots of his life, Gatsby was not a wealthy person in upbringing. Following a rigorous daily schedule and constant attempts at bettering his moral values are two of his hopeful methods to win over Daisy Buchanan. Improvements such as, "No more smokeing or chewing, Bath every other day, Be better to parents," (182) were yet a few of his guidelines to strive for constant self improvement. Although realizing that Daisy can not be so easily won over, Gatsby continues to toil in attempt to win his sole love. Not only did he concentrate on actual values in life for the future, Gatsby resolves to himself that he must change his past. Because of his dissatisfaction with his original name, James Gats, he alters his name to the more attractive Jay Gatsby. Changing his name is more than simply doing so, by doing this he is actually creating a new identity for himself and his past. Transforming his name and developing new life values are only parts of the lifecycle in which Jay Gatsby participates in order to follow his dreams.