The Great Gatsby Self-Made Analysis

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The Great Gatsby sets the book up about the American dream, that people try to accomplish and prosper. How one achieves the American dream can be helped throughout the journey, or becoming successful through their own efforts, in other words “self-made.” Jay Gatsby, the protagonist, at first glance can be inferred to have accomplished the American dream, as the synopsis describes him as “fabulously wealthy,” and him having “lavish parties.” However, may Gastby be referred to as “self-made?” Through thorough examination of the novel, Gatsby may be considered “self-made,” through his efforts of his journey, how seriously Gatsby took it, and how he is nothing more than a dreamer. Before he was “The Great Gatsby,” he used to be a small man from …show more content…
This all leads to getting the love of Daisy back, resurrecting a past love that he now dreams of. After leaving for the war and eventually coming back, Gatsby and Daisy did not work out mainly because of money. "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay," (64). Gatsby buys this house that overlooks Daisy's house just across the bay hoping one day that she will come to these big, lavish parties he hosts. He only throws them in hopes that she will stop by one night, in hopes of proving that he has money. He also uses Nick, who is a cousins of Daisies, in hopes that she will come and have a cup of tea with them."He wants to know," continued Jordan, "if you'll invite Daisy to your house some afternoon and then let him come over," (63). He decides to utilize, Nick who he believes could be the key to regain his happiness, if she decides to show up. He is willing to do anything to get the heart back from Daisy, however slowly he keeps getting sucked in and blocking all of the outside world he lives in, as this ends up being the cause of his death. Reflecting upon these events, “self-made” fits the definition of Jay Gatsby, as he came from nothing to turn his life around, risking anything and everything that included serious crimes in order to relive a dream that died long ago, with him and Daisy. One can argue of how got there was not done right, but he did himself with the world against him. This novel shows a great demonstration of how the American dream can be achieved, even from starting a new persona. Even though his efforts may of came up short, he most certainly exemplifies what “self-made” looks
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