GATSBY: HERO OR ZERO?

The term "great" is obviously relative; some use the word frivolously while others preserve it for rare usage. The accuracy of the title belonging to the timeless literary classic, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, can be easily disputed. Did Fitzgerald name the book in earnest, or with a cruel (if humorous) oxymoron, or simply with the thought that "Gatsby" and "Great" sounded well together? The former of the three choices seems the most probable. Several factors contribute to Gatsby’s greatness, the foremost of which is his resilience to his situation. His philanthropic, charitable, and diligent qualities follow a close second to his stability. Third, Gatsby handled predicaments as only a human can, which is to the best of his ability.

Although marked a cliché through overuse, the phrase "product of environment" can still hold very true concerning virtually living creature. Handling the situation one is dealt, however, is a very different aspect of the same idea. In the case of Jay Gatsby, a ghastly mess of events substantial enough to mar anyone’s mentality inexplicably occurred, but were handled relatively well. Growing up in Minnesota as James Gatz, Jay was called off of the farm by his own aspirations, seeking the glorified Eastern life. Gatsby met Daisy shortly before the draft which called him off to the second World War. Instantaneous love ensued, but Gatsby still discovered fierce competition from other young men. Although considerable favorable circumstances allowed him to advance steadily in the ranks during his wartime days, Gatsby found his ties to Daisy slipping. They wrote to each other often, and Gatsby was anxious to return to America after the war ended. Due to a clerical error, however, Jay ended up in a five month-stint at Oxford University in England. When he finally returned, he discovered that Daisy was on a honeymoon; she had married in his absence. Heartbroken, penniless, and desperate, Jay ended up in shady dealings surrounding bootlegging operations during the infamous Prohibition. Cursed with personal disappointments and shortcomings, Jay had more reason to feel dejected or even suicidal than any man alive. Instead of succumbing to these insecure feelings, Gatsby instead held parties, made friends, and concentrated on business while still allowing for time to gaze at Daisy’s house across the bay and dream of a better future.

Wealth became routine for Jay Gatsby after the war, and he purchased a large house and other exuberant luxuries. He still kept up a charitable personality, however, and held parties among other forms of entertainment to share his wealth with others. Sharing is a key word in friendship, and Gatsby realized and utilized this on a daily basis. For example, after meeting Nick Carraway for the first time, Gatsby had already invited him to hydroplane with him the very next day. Some perceive this as flaunting wealth or gloating over personal possessions, but these gestures were simply characteristic of a lonely, wealthy young man seeking companionship, comradeship, and friendship.

As for situational responses, nobody (including great Gatsby) is perfect. When the opportunity to again pursue Daisy arises, Gatsby wisely jumps on it. During their initial meeting after years, however, he acts very human in his awkwardness and shyness, as virtually any man madly in love will. When he finally confronts Daisy’s husband, Tom, he begins by making several offensive stabs, hoping to win the argument. Tom’s brick wall mentality, unwittingly backed by Daisy’s statements, work against Gatsby. Rather than allow Tom to walk away victoriously, Gatsby keeps a noble air about him, one of dignity, not defeat.

Basically, Gatsby was great, possessing just as many faults as any other human being. Had it not been for the unfortunate turn of events, his greatness could not even be disputed in the first place. A strong personality, a charitable handling of wealth (as well as other personality qualities), and respectable responses to situations kept up his stamina through unlimited hard times and tough trials, proving his greatness repeatedly.