Mrs. Lakstigala
Junior English I
4/29/13
The “Great” Gatsby
Throughout history, there have only been a handful of people who have been labeled as “great”: The Great Bambino, Alexander The Great, The Great Houdini, and the self proclaimed Richard The Great, from Southwest Montana. However, it is impossible to compile a list of the “greats” and not mention The Great Gatsby. Who was this “Great” Gatsby and what made him so great? Just like all of the “greats” listed above, Gatsby was not only the talk of the town; he was the cream of the crop, he rose to the top, and he also had a way with the cops. This legend had a way about him that had everyone talking, including the hottest babes in New York. Being the head of one of the top bootlegging businesses in the area, Gatsby showed class and politeness as he invited the entire town into his house in the West Egg multiple times per week to show everyone a great time while serving plenty of alcohol. Seemingly, all he wanted was for everyone to be happy and to not have or cause any problems. Considering that he bought a brand new dress for a lady that ruined hers at his party, it was quite obvious. Evidently, when Gatsby had continuously supplied everyone with endless booze for countless nights, people started to talk. Not one person understood that this man, James Gatz, was an icon and pure description of what the American Dream was all about. Losing his dream girl at first due to his lack of money and participation in the war, Gatsby makes the ultimate comeback to start his mysterious business and earn an unbelievable amount of money to achieve his dream of marrying Daisy. Symbolically, Daisy is that goal that every American dreams of; the dream of making a living and settling down with a family. Without a doubt, the actions and ways of life that make Gatsby “great” is the way he achieved the American dream in pursuing his goals, and the unbelievably radical parties he threw for the people of Long Island. Indeed, James Gatz deserves this title just as much as any other of the “greats” in history, even as a fictional character.
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