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Theme Of Greatness In The Great Gatsby

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Greatness: of ability, quality, or eminence considerably above the normal or average. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick Carraway, a Midwestern man who moves to New York to begin a career in the bond business. Soon after he moves into West Egg, Nick becomes reacquainted with his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her abrasive husband Tom Buchanan. Nick begins to hear rumors concerning his neighbor Jay Gatsby, an enigmatic and flamboyant millionaire. After attending some of Gatsby’s infamous parties, Nick fosters a close relationship with Gatsby and learns about Gatsby’s life. Gatsby, originally named James Gatz, is dissatisfied with his humble life and decides to reinvent himself into Jay Gatsby. He then accumulates a …show more content…

Gatsby is determined to become successful after he first meets Daisy. Meyer Wolfsheim teaches Jay the most lucrative practices in New York, illegal bootlegging and bond manipulation, “‘He (Gatsby) and his Wolfsheim bought up a lot of side-street drug stores here and in Chicago and sold grain alcohol over the counter:’” (Fitzgerald 141). While one may argue Gatsby’s fortune was founded upon immoral actions, another could argue prohibition’s crooked enforcement and banks at this time were either just as or more immoral. Putting morality aside, Gatsby is simply providing a product people want. When there is a demand, there is sure to be a supplier. One cannot criticize Gatsby for following rudimentary economic principles. Additionally, Jay puts great care into maintaining his business. He is often seen answering phone calls while at social events, “Almost at the moment when Mr. Gatsby identified himself a butler hurried toward him with information from Chicago was calling him… he excused himself with a small bow” (Fitzgerald 53). While Gatsby could certainly delegate his phone calls to others, he decides to do it himself. His priority on his business over his social life is the mark of a quality businessman. There is no logic behind questioning Gatsby’s business prowess.

While Gatsby is certainly a great host and businessman, perhaps one of Gatsby’s strongest aspects of greatness is his unwavering devotion to his love, Daisy Buchanan. Ever since he has

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