Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby An Understanding of the Character - Essay Example

As a matter of fact, for all people reading this novel, it would be almost impossible to form the right opinion about Jay Gatsby without relating him to Daisy. When Jay Gatsby is viewed by separating him from all other chief characters of the novel, one would conclude that he is an out-and-out materialistic man with hardly any morals. But this contention is far from the truth. There are several positive facets of the central character, which can be best understood only when they are viewed in relation to Daisy Buchanan.

Before Gatsby leaves for participating in the Second World, Daisy gives him a commitment that she would await his return. But later, she broke her word and married Tom Buchanan, a wealthy man. This particular action of Daisy was in no way less than a devastating experience for Gatsby, who then decided to amass a lot of wealth solely for the purpose of making sure that Daisy returns to him. In these materialistic pursuits, Gatsby indeed deviated from the accepted ethical norms. Had she (Daisy) chosen to sincerely wait for the return of Gatsby from the War, he would have been an entirely different man. In light of all that, it can be maintained that, if Gatsby was obsessed with making millions by hook or crook, Daisy is responsible for this attitude of his. (1)

There is a happening related to Gatsby and Daisy described in the novel, and which effectively throws light on the positive side of the former. Notwithstanding the fact that he had been ditched by Daisy, yet, Gatsby was prepared to make a sacrifice for saving her. It was her reckless driving that led to a road mishap, in which, Myrtle Wilson lost his life. But Gatsby came forward and states that it was he who committed the crime, and she (Daisy) then does not display even a bit of regret. Gatsby was ready to endanger himself for protecting the lady whom he genuinely loved, and this indeed is a noteworthy positive facet of the main character (Gatsby). (1)

Next, the focus needs to shift to the character of Tom Buchanan, who is the husband of Daisy and an affluent man. Even this character does play a major role in enabling the readers in having the right understanding of Jay Gatsby, and there is indeed a highly valid reason for stating so. Tom Buchanan is a ruthless person who enjoys victimizing the less fortunate people. In fact, Fitzgerald focused on the negatives of Tom in such a way that, the readers cannot prevent themselves from getting more and more aware of the positives of Gatsby. Despite the criminal background of Gatsby, it needs to be admitted that he was essentially a good human being. And this fact is excellently comprehended when it is compared with the evil nature of Tom Buchanan. In spite of the fact that Gatsby saved his wife from legal issues, Tom was still heartless enough not to attend his (Gatsby) funeral. (1)

Probably, the only positive character of “The Great Gatsby”, who helps the readers in properly understanding Gatsby, is that of Nick Carraway, who is a close friend of the central character (Jay Gatsby). The interactions that Gatsby has with Nick show that the former is a person who gives high value to friendship – a notable virtue indeed! Gatsby considered him as a person with whom he can share even the innermost thoughts and ideas. When both the fact that Gatsby took Nick into confidence and also the background of the former is taken into account, readers become conscious of a perturbing fact: Gatsby had been deprived of a helping hand and a crying shoulder in his younger days, and he was comforted by the presence of Nick. This is a highly pivotal angle of the character of Jay Gatsby. Also, Nick is a person who prefers to avoid risks and be contented with whatever he has, and the same is in stark contrast to the ambition of Gatsby to secure limitless wealth and power. (1)

Conclusion

Sometimes, an aspect can be best understood only when it is viewed in relation to something else that is more or less similar to itself. Likewise, this paper, for the purpose of gaining a thorough insight into the character of Jay Gatsby, elaborated about Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, and Nick Carraway. Here, it needs to be specifically mentioned that the scope of this paper is confined solely to having the right understanding of Jay Gatsby. Hence, details related to the fact that “The Great Gatsby” is a vivid reflection of the social and political scenario of the US of the 1920s have not been encompassed.