The Great Gatsby
How can someone hate a person, and at the same time think that they are great? Nick Carraway, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, demonstrates this abnormal reaction once acquainted with Jay Gatsby. Nick has the uncommon ability of seeing through the immorality that taints Gatsby's greatness. He picks out the hopeful idealist in Gatsby, whom remembers the past, and yearns for the future. In Gatsby's quest for self-fulfillment, he chases a girl, who is essentially the manifestation of his unattainable dream. Nick Carraway thinks that Gatsby is "great" for his not so evident romantic perseverance- his unrelenting desire to chase his dream. By the same token, Jay Gatsby's will to stop at nothing in getting what he wants, evokes his immoral side, which Nick has "an unaffected scorn (6)"for. In the midst of a society where "greatness" is generally marked by prestige and wealth, Nick seems to separate his opinions from those of the rest, and sees something hidden in Jay Gatsby. He discovers a quality for which he defines as "great". Such a quality is Gatsby's unyielding romanticism, and his undaunted urge to pursue a dream. Nick adores the "extraordinary gift for hope (6)" and "romantic readiness (6)
The public outlook of greatness in the 1920's is not too different from now. Here in the 21st century, people still commonly equate wealth to greatness. Perhaps it is because our society revolves so strongly around assets, money, and power. Possibly it is because people simply haven't taken the time to look at the person, but more at what they're worth. Doesn't anyone consider happiness, truth, and morality when defining greatness? Well, by whatever sarcastic and satirical tone The Great Gatsby was titled, maybe a more accurate portrayal would be "The Great Nick Carraway". Nick is a great person because he is in no way self-indulgent. Unlike Gatsby, he is the epitome of a caring person, lead by the moral standards that society over time idealistically set. Nick boldly, but precisely describes himself as "one of the few honest people that I have ever known. (60)" This is so much greater to me because it is such a comforting notion. After all, being true to one's self is what ultimately brings about happiness and self-fulfillment, at least for me. This is not to say that I consistently partake in such notable activities, however I do constantly strive to be a better person. A "great" person is defined by two important details: someone who cares about other people equally to themselves; and someone who is truthful to other people along with themselves. It's one thing to lie to other people and create a false image, but once you start lying to
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Approximate Word count = 985
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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