Critical analysis of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Essay by mpagriHigh School, 11th gradeA, April 2004

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From Rags to Riches with No Avail

For years, America has been known as the land of the riches, immigrants from all over the world flood to America to claim their own piece of the road paved with gold. F. Scott Fitzgerald knew about this American dream all to well and portrayed his opinion of it in his novel The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby was certain that wealth was the solution to Daisy's heart, and it was because of this misconception that led to Gatsby's ultimate ruin. Gatsby, before leaving for the war, knew the only thing keeping him from the love of his life was his social and economical position. After returning, his single goal was to climb up the social ladder by any means possible, and only after reaching the highest echelon would he call for Daisy. Gatsby fell victim to the claws of corruption, and in the end he lost everything, even his own life.

In the beginning, though, Gatsby was ruined by love; the love he desired seemed just outside his reach, while in reality he had no chance.

Gatsby quickly fell in love with Daisy, but was unable to marry her because of his lower social position. The pre-war image of Gatsby is depicted very clearly; he was free spirited, but knew exactly what he wanted when it came around. Daisy at the time was in very high demand (pg 79), but Gatsby was lucky enough to court her one night and that was all he needed. Baker describes that first night saying, "They were so engrossed in each other they didn't see me till I was five feet away." This shows just how passionate the two were and how instant the attraction had been. That night took place in the fall and by the...