What does our awareness of Gatsby’s motivations and decisions affect our assessment?

Question

Need to write a half page on this and include text from the book for evidence

Answer 1

Gatsby's motivations are critical in how we (as the audience) judge him and his behavior throughout the novel (especially when thinking about the climax and falling action). Gatsby wants to achieve wealth in order to obtain this seemingly perfect future with Daisy. If he can get enough -- if he can be enough -- she'll leave Tom and go to Gatsby. However, Gatsby can't erase the past. Daisy didn't wait -- Daisy married Tom. Gatsby's choices towards the end of the novel are reckless (blowing up at Tom, allowing Daisy to drive when she was so upset, taking the fall for Daisy). It's crucial to remember his state at that time and what's motivating him. He's desperate at this point. What he's been striving for -- a future with Daisy -- is slipping through his fingers. They aren't the actions of a rational man anymore and that is a key point to remember when evaluating Gatsby. The Great Gatsby is all about the American Dream and whether or not that dream is truly obtainable. For Gatsby, it isn't .