The Great Gatsby Response

1979. Choose a complex and important character in a novel or a play of recognized literary merit who might on the basis of the character's actions alone be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and why the full presentation of the character in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might. Avoid plot summary.

The Great Gatsby takes place in 1922 following Nick Carraway, a bond salesman. Nick lives in a house in West Egg, an area for the, “newly rich,” citizens. Next door is his a man he knows little about named Gatsby. Across the bay from where Nick and Gatsby live is a location called East Egg where the, “old rich,” live. Nick’s cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband live at East
With almost obsessive behavior, Gatsby moved away to follow Daisy and her husband. Nick, who was not involved in this situation until he moved to West Egg, was placed in it by Gatsby. Gatsby is characterized as shallow because he only cares for materialistic objects and wealth. For example, on page 92 of The Great Gatsby Gatsby is showing Daisy his magnificent amount of shirts. She says, “it makes me sad because I’ve never seen such-such beautiful shirts before.” Gatsby was using his materialistic wealth to impress Daisy. Some may see this as a perfect example of who Gatsby is as a person. How he cares about what people think of both him and his possessions. Yet, even though this may paint Gatsby as a superficial person, the only person that is important to Gatsby is
He was in love with her ever since they met. Therefore, his actions can be justified. Jay throws his parties for Daisy hoping that she will show up, he lives lavishly so that Daisy can relate to his lifestyle. He wanted to get rich as quick as he could so that he could be with her once again. When he had everything, he was still tied up with his old business, hence the recurring calls from, “Chicago,” or other various cities. He is an intelligent man who not only went to Oxford, but left it to run back to Daisy. Gatsby devised a complex plan to attempt to get Daisy back into his life. The man attempted to turn back time! While Gatsby's actions alone were considered evil and immoral, he was a man blinded by love. He did anything and everything for the love of his life and did not consider what the consequences may be. Readers may find sympathy with Jay Gatsby for a number of reasons. Perhaps, they can relate to his situation, or they see Gatsby as a tragic hero. Maybe they believe he was a legend for throwing magnificent parties and dabbling in dangerous escapades. When Gatsby’s character has been fully revealed, readers may choose to be sympathetic despite his evil actions. Either way: It is only the great that