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Examples Of Hamartia In The Great Gatsby

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Examples Of Hamartia In The Great Gatsby
Jay Gatsby is just like all other men. In the novel, he was described by Nick as a "penniless young man". Even though he already have wealth and overwhelming power, he still started as a young man with a big dream, which makes him possess a more human perspective. According to Pidgeon (2007), the character of Jay Gatsby represents “The American Dream.” Gatsby’s tragic flaw or hamartia is based on his inability to see the difference between what is real and what is ideal. He believes that it is possible to repeat the past and that his wealth could control his fate. It was when he and Nick, Gatsby’s friend and neighbor, was talking about the past after the party when Gatsby said, “Can't repeat the past? Why of course, you can!” (Fitzgerald, 1925.)
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