The Great Gatsby Forum

I just have a problem in Great Gatsby, i came across a question and i am trying to figure it out. the question is" Does Gatsby deserves to be calld "Great"? in what ways is he great? in what ways is he not? in the end, which  wins at-gratness or common(ness) Use textual evidence.i will be happy if my question is answered.

Gatsby has a "great" amount of wealth which, unfortunately, would qualify him in the minds of many Americans as being "great."

I believe the reason that Gatsby is decribed as 'Great' is because of his clear tenacity to have Daisy. He longs for her, so much so, that its clear he's in pain over his desperation to 'own' her. To want someone for so long and still be sane is a strength; therefore it is clear that Gatsby is indeed 'Great'! Not only that but also what he's willing to do to obtain her; for instance he became a bootlegger for his wealth and money and even brought a home in the exact location for a view over the water to her home; he even goes to the extent of having wild parties for people he doesnt even know in the hope that she will come to one. His whole life has evolved around Daisy, that is all he has ever wanted or needed and this book shows this dramatically.

Nick considers Gatsby great because he possesses that "extraordinary gift for hope" that Nick values so much.  But even Nick admits that Gatsby "represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn."

I do not consider Gatsby great at all.  He places hope in a shallow woman and goes to criminal lengths to win her love.  He engages in an affair with a married woman.  He lies about his past and blinds himself to the facts that Daisy does not love him enough to leave Tom and that she will not own up to her role in Myrtle's death.

ARRGH!!!! COCO. S, WHY EVEN TRY?!?!

Daniel, I merely stated my opinion.  Others are welcome to differ with me.  That's the joy of literature: each reader takes something different out of a book.

I happen to think the tiltle of the book is ironic.  People think Gatsby is so great because he is rich and throws lavish parties.  As we get to know him, we find a man who is hopelessly in love and goes to fatal lengths to prove it to a woman who doesn't love him back.