The Great Gatsby by Megan

The Great Gatsby by Megan - April 2014 Scholarship Essay

When you think of characters that are influential, a rich, powerful, and seemingly selfish man doesn't necessarily come to mind for most. However, I found Jay Gatsby to be the most inspiring and selfless character. For those who have not read The Great Gatsby, you are surely missing out. Jay Gatsby is described by citizens in the book as a mysterious young man who throws many parties and exploits his riches. Nobody really see's him and knows his story. At first, Gatsby seems to be somewhat greedy and arrogant from how much he shows off his success to others. The narrator of the story, Nick Carraway, is the only guest that has ever been cordially invited to a party at Gatsby's.

Nick soon finds out that Gatsby is deeply in love with Daisy Buchanan, who is married to another man. Nick discovers that all the parties and events at Jay's home were put on in hope that Daisy would show up. Being Daisy's cousin, Gatsby asks Nick to invite Daisy over. Throughout the story, the reader finds out that Gatsby is the most passionate, selfless person for the women he loves. Gatsby gives up his dream of becoming a "God" that he supposedly was destined to be, to live his life with Daisy. His genuine love for Daisy even causes him to take the blame for an accident caused by Daisy that resulted in the death of a woman. The husband of the victim ends fatally shooting Gatsby in the end, dying for the woman he loves without even knowing it. During the funeral put on by Nick, the only person who comes to see Gatsby is Nick.

Jay Gatsby fully encompassed the idea of selflessness. He sacrificed his reputation, dreams, and even his own life for the love of a girl who ended up leaving Gatsby for her husband in the end. Gatsby had passion and love, determination and perseverance, and a large level of strength to handle seeing Daisy with another man who she decides to stay with. Nick was the only person truly there for Gatsby, whom he looked up to very much. I strive to be as selfless and determined as Gatsby was, with the idea of service over self. Gatsby taught me that you should never give up on the ones you love, even if they don't return it in the end, because along the way you will meet people who are your true friends no matter how small the number. After finishing the novel, you can't help but respect only Gatsby. Nick Carraway even admits that he was disgusted with everyone once he was disillusioned with the Eastern Lifestyle; everyone except The Great Gatsby.