1. Connections between characters
1.1. Connection 1: "Outsiders in East Egg"
1.1.1. Jay Gatsby: Gatsby’s rejection of his humble origins and his reinvention as Jay Gatsby reflect his desire to transcend his past and become part of the elite. Despite his wealth, he remains an outsider in East Egg, never fully accepted by those with old money. His parties and opulent lifestyle are attempts to bridge this gap, yet he is always at the periphery, never truly belonging. This outsider status drives his relentless pursuit of wealth and status, all in an effort to win Daisy and gain acceptance.
1.1.2. Nick Carraway: Nick, while coming from a more privileged background than Gatsby, also feels like an outsider in East Egg due to his Midwestern values and moral compass. He observes the decadence around him with a critical eye, never fully embracing the lifestyle or the people within it. His sense of honesty and integrity sets him apart from the others, making him a perpetual observer rather than a participant.
1.2. Connection 2: "Searching for Identity"
1.2.1. Jay Gatsby: Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of his ideal self is driven by his desire to be worthy of Daisy and to gain acceptance among the elite. His transformation from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby is a testament to his ability to reinvent himself. This search for identity is not just about wealth but about creating a persona that can achieve his dreams and aspirations. Gatsby's self-made identity represents the American Dream, but his inability to reconcile his past with his present underscores the dream's inherent flaws.
1.2.2. Nick Carraway: Nick's journey of self-discovery is marked by his increasing involvement in the lives of those around him, especially Gatsby. Initially a neutral observer, he becomes more emotionally invested and morally aligned with Gatsby. Through his experiences, Nick gains a clearer understanding of his own values and the type of life he wants to lead, ultimately rejecting the East Egg lifestyle. His journey mirrors a moral awakening, where he learns the true cost of the hedonistic lifestyle he initially finds alluring.
1.3. Connection 3: "Loyality and DIsillusionment"
1.3.1. Jay Gatsby: Gatsby’s unwavering loyalty to his dream of rekindling his romance with Daisy blinds him to the realities of the present. His idealism and refusal to accept change lead to his tragic downfall. Gatsby's loyalty to his idealized past highlights his inability to move forward and his deep-seated belief in the possibility of achieving the impossible. This loyalty, while admirable in its purity, ultimately dooms him as it prevents him from seeing the world as it truly is.
1.3.2. Nick Carraway: Nick’s loyalty to Gatsby grows throughout the novel, despite his disillusionment with the superficial and morally corrupt society around him. He recognizes Gatsby's genuine qualities and dedication to his dream, seeing them as more admirable than the carelessness of people like Tom and Daisy. Nick's loyalty is rooted in his respect for Gatsby's sincerity and his rejection of the empty values of the elite. His final judgment of Gatsby reflects his moral clarity and the deep bond he has formed with Gatsby.
1.4. Connection 4: "Disillusionment with East Egg Society"
1.4.1. Jay Gatsby: Gatsby’s disillusionment becomes evident when he realizes that his dream of being with Daisy cannot be fulfilled as he envisioned. The reality of Daisy’s choices and the society she represents shatters his idealism. His dream is exposed as unattainable, leading to his emotional and physical isolation and, ultimately, his tragic demise. Gatsby's disillusionment reflects the broader disillusionment with the American Dream, showing how it can be corrupted by materialism and social stratification.
1.4.2. Nick Carraway: Nick becomes completely disillusioned with the East Egg society, recognizing its moral decay and the careless nature of people like Tom and Daisy. He sees them as irresponsible and morally bankrupt, highlighting his realization of the deep flaws in the society he once admired. This disillusionment drives him to distance himself from their values and return to the Midwest. Nick's journey from admiration to disillusionment serves as a critique of the hedonistic lifestyle and the ethical compromises it entails.
2. Parallels
2.1. Gatsby's Idealism and Nick's Realism
2.1.1. Gatsby: "He smiled understandingly—much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life" (Fitzgerald 48).
2.1.1.1. Gatsby’s smile reflects his optimistic idealism and his belief in the possibility of achieving his dreams. His entire persona is built on the hope that he can recreate the past and fulfill his vision of the future. This idealism is both his greatest strength and his tragic flaw, driving his relentless pursuit of an unattainable dream.
2.1.2. Nick: "I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known" (Fitzgerald 59).
2.1.2.1. Nick’s realism and honesty contrast with Gatsby’s idealism. He is grounded in his Midwestern values and maintains a critical perspective on the decadence around him. His honesty allows him to see through the facade of the East Egg elite, ultimately leading to his disillusionment. Nick’s realism provides a counterbalance to Gatsby’s idealism, highlighting the novel’s exploration of truth and illusion.
2.2. Emotional Growth and Self-Awareness
2.2.1. Gatsby: "He talked a lot about the past, and I gathered that he wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy" (Fitzgerald 110).
2.2.1.1. Gatsby’s obsession with the past and his desire to recover a part of himself through Daisy illustrate his lack of emotional growth and self-awareness. He is trapped in his idealized vision of the past, unable to accept the changes that have occurred over time. Gatsby’s fixation on recreating his relationship with Daisy as it once was prevents him from moving forward and adapting to new realities. This stunted emotional growth is evident in his constant need to relive and perfect a past that no longer exists. Gatsby’s lack of emotional growth is central to his character and the story’s tragic arc. His inability to accept that the past cannot be repeated ultimately leads to his downfall. Gatsby’s dream, while grand and romantic, is built on a foundation of illusion and denial. This lack of self-awareness makes him vulnerable and ultimately tragic, as he fails to recognize the impossibility of his dream and the consequences of his actions. His emotional stagnation serves as a poignant commentary on the dangers of living in the past and the futility of trying to recreate it.
2.2.2. Nick: "I found myself on Gatsby’s side, and alone" (Fitzgerald 164).
2.2.2.1. Nick's journey throughout the novel is one of increasing self-awareness and emotional growth. Initially, he arrives in the East with a sense of curiosity and a desire to be part of the excitement and glamour he associates with the wealthy elite. However, as he becomes more involved in the lives of Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, and others, he starts to see the moral and emotional emptiness that underpins their lifestyles. His experiences, particularly his relationship with Gatsby, force him to confront his own values and beliefs. Nick’s emotional growth and self-awareness are crucial to his role as the novel’s narrator and moral compass. By the end of the story, Nick has undergone a significant transformation. He moves from being a passive observer to an active participant who makes moral judgments about the people around him. His decision to return to the Midwest signifies his rejection of the superficial and corrupt values of the East Egg society. Nick’s journey underscores the novel’s exploration of integrity and authenticity, contrasting sharply with Gatsby’s emotional stagnation and the moral decay of the other characters.
3. Jay Gatsby
3.1. 1/3 of Novel
3.1.1. Nick is presented to readers as being optimistic, attentive, and tolerant individual whose main philosophy is “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone.. just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.”
3.1.2. Nick reserves judgement to others.
3.1.3. Nick views Gatsby as having a purpose in life. He sees him as hopeful, a romantic. Nick says that Gatsby represented "everything for which I have an unaffected scorn," yet he also says "There was something gorgeous about him," and that he "turned out all right."
3.2. 2/3 of Novel
3.2.1. Despite his growing disillusionment, Nick’s empathy and loyalty to Gatsby strengthen. He sees Gatsby’s sincerity and dedication to his dream as more genuine than the superficial concerns of others. This loyalty culminates in Nick’s emotional support for Gatsby, showcasing his deepening connection and moral alignment with Gatsby’s character. "They're a rotten crowd... You're worth the whole damn bunch put together." (Fitzgerald, 154)
3.2.2. As Nick becomes more involved in Gatsby’s life, his moral discomfort intensifies. He is increasingly critical of the superficiality and recklessness of the people around him. This internal conflict highlights Nick’s struggle to reconcile his curiosity with his ethical standards, reflecting his deepening understanding of the moral complexities of the world he inhabits.I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life." (Fitzgerald, 95)
3.2.3. Nick’s deeper involvement with Gatsby allows him to see through Gatsby’s carefully constructed image. He begins to understand the complexity and contradictions in Gatsby’s character. This growing familiarity shifts Nick from a detached observer to a participant in Gatsby’s world, increasing his emotional investment in Gatsby’s fate."I was looking at an elegant young rough-neck, a year or two over thirty, whose elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd. Some time before he introduced himself I'd got a strong impression that he was picking his words with care." (Fitzgerald, 108)
3.3. 3/3 of Novel
3.3.1. Nick’s complete disillusionment with the East Egg lifestyle and its inhabitants becomes evident in his harsh judgment of Tom and Daisy. He sees them as irresponsible and morally bankrupt, highlighting his realization of the deep flaws in the society he once admired. This disillusionment drives him to distance himself from the corrupt values of the East Coast. "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made." (Fitzgerald, 179)
3.3.2. "Gatsby turned out all right at the end; it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men" (Fitzgerald 2). Gatsby’s role as a tragic hero is solidified by his death and the subsequent revelation of the true nature of his dreams. Nick’s final assessment of Gatsby acknowledges his inherent goodness and the purity of his aspirations, despite the moral decay surrounding him. Gatsby’s tragic end serves as a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of idealism and the American Dream
4. Nick Carraway
4.1. 1/3 of Novel
4.1.1. Gatsby, while having the same general attitude as Nick, is more mentally vulnerable and prone to blind optimism. This is especially made clear when he neglects to notice Daisy Buchanan’s (a woman who he once loved) flaws. It should also be worth mentioning that despite the blind optimism Gatsby shows to Daisy, he has very little faith in a lot of subjects and even deems the American Dream unattainable, whereas Nick strives to achieve it.
4.1.2. Gatsby does not have a speaking role until about the third chapter. This is because he is portrayed as having a mysterious aura. "He smiled understandingly—much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life." (Fitzgerald, 48). This quote highlights Gatsby’s charm and the enigmatic quality that makes him so intriguing to others. His smile suggests a depth and confidence that draws people in. This is something significant because most wealthy people (take for example Tom) do not possess this quality of being kind and charming. This quote is significant because it provides not only Nick's first impression of Gatsby but also shapes our initial perception of him. As Nick is the first-person narrator, his impressions directly influence our understanding. This quote also establishes Gatsby's character for the rest of the novel.
4.1.3. Gatsby is very much subject to rumours and speculations. "Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once." (Fitzgerald,44 ). This quote encapsulates the essence of the "mystery" that surrounds Gatsby. He is an enigma and a subject of constant gossip. Gatsby captivates the imaginations of everyone around him, leading to the central question: Who is Gatsby? Is he dangerous, a criminal, a thief, a gangster? These uncertainties make him intriguing and exciting.
4.1.4. Gatsby is also portrayed as a hopeful dreamer. "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us." (Fitzgerald, 19). The green light symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future. Green is used to accentuate the American dream, envy, hope, nature, and revival particularly his longing for Daisy and the life he envisions with her.
4.2. 2/3 of Novel
4.2.1. Gatsby’s transformation from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby reveals his ambition and desire to reinvent himself. This change marks the beginning of his pursuit of the American Dream, demonstrating his determination to rise above his humble origins. This revelation provides a deeper understanding of Gatsby’s motivations and the lengths he is willing to go to achieve his goals. "James Gatz—that was really, or at least legally, his name. He had changed it at the age of seventeen and at the specific moment that witnessed the beginning of his career," (Fitzgerald, 98).
4.2.2. Gatsby’s belief that he can recreate the past with Daisy underscores his romantic idealism. This conviction blinds him to the reality that people and circumstances have changed, and his idealized vision of the past is unattainable. His refusal to accept this reality drives much of his behaviour, highlighting his inability to move on from his dreams. "Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!" (Fitzgerald, 110).
4.2.3. Gatsby’s frequent references to the past reveal his vulnerability and his longing to reclaim a part of himself that he associates with his love for Daisy. This desire to recover something lost illustrates his emotional fragility and the depth of his attachment to his dreams. His vulnerability makes him a more sympathetic character, exposing the human side beneath his grand persona. Nick. "He talked a lot about the past, and I gathered that he wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy." (Fitzgerald, 110)
4.3. 3/3 Of Novel
4.3.1. Gatsby’s tragic flaw lies in his relentless pursuit of an idealized vision of the past, symbolized by his quest for Daisy. This obsessive commitment to his dream blinds him to reality and ultimately leads to his downfall. His pursuit of this unattainable “grail” highlights the futility of chasing an impossible dream, underscoring the novel’s critique of the American Dream. "He had committed himself to the following of a grail." (Fitzgerald, 156)
4.3.2. Gatsby’s isolation becomes more pronounced as his dream collapses. His single-minded pursuit of Daisy alienates him from others, leaving him alone in the end. This sense of isolation underscores the tragic cost of his dreams and the emotional toll of his relentless pursuit of an ideal that ultimately proves unattainable. "He must have felt that he had lost the old warm world, paid a high price for living too long with a single dream." (Fitzgerald, 161)