Explain why Gatsby is considered a romantic Essay

Although F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, is told from the point of view of Nick Carraway, who was one of its main characters and the first character introduced, it still mainly revolves around the story of Jay Gatsby and his romantic pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, the only woman he ever loved. While the novel initially focuses on the status of America and the morally perverted characteristics of the wealthy people in Long Island, it also emphasizes Gatsby’s quest to win back Daisy at all costs after the two separated when he participated in World War I. This is also why Gatsby can be considered a highly romantic character in the novel despite the fact that the story is not told from his perspective. In general, Gatsby’s romantic pursuit of Daisy is depicted throughout the novel except for its early chapters because he was first fully introduced near middle part of the story. Possibly the first point in the novel wherein his romantic character is illustrated was when Nick discovered from his friend, Jordan Baker, that Gatsby has been throwing massive and lavish parties every week in the hope that Daisy will visit. This was also the point where Nick, who was also the narrator and the person who documented the events of his companions, discovered Gatsby’s past and how he got separated from Daisy as a soldier. It is also revealed later on in the novel that Gatsby accumulated massive wealth for the sole purpose of impressing Daisy and convincing her that she would be well-provided with him. He also bought his house on the same area where Daisy lives in order to be close her and monitor her. In fact, when Gatsby was still a soldier and was not yet rich, he lied to Daisy about his social status in order to show her that he was good for her and to persuade her to wait for his return from the battlefield. However, Daisy married Tom Buchanan, her present husband, which basically ignited the chain of events that led to Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of Daisy. In other words, all of Gatsby’s actions mentioned above only show that he would do anything for his love. This was further accentuated when it was shown in the novel that Gatsby acquired his wealth through illegal activities and through participation in organized crime such as unlawful distribution of alcohol and stolen goods. Meaning to say, no matter what the means and the costs were, Gatsby would do anything for Daisy, which only proves that he is a romantic. Another important highlight of Gatsby’s romantic pursuit is his reunion with Daisy which was arranged by Nick. It was during this time that Gatsby’s passion and love towards her were more vividly revealed. Moreover, it again showed how Gatsby would do anything just to see Daisy and be reunited with her because even to the point of asking Nick, whom he has known for only a short time, to arrange such a meeting. When Gatsby and Daisy started a secret affair, he did not care about the risks such as Tom finding out because it was only Daisy he cared about. Thus, it can also be deduced that Gatsby was selfish because all of his actions were directed for the sole purpose of being with the one he loves. But being selfish is usually the case among romantic people because it is in their nature to do everything in their power for the object of their love. However, possibly the main highlight of Gatsby’s love for Daisy was when he sacrificed his life in order to save her from possible arrest and humiliation. This is shown when the car that Daisy and Gatsby were in accidentally hits and kills Myrtle Wilson, who has a secret love affair with Tom. In the ensuing events, Gatsby takes the blame for killing Myrtle even though it was Daisy who was driving the car. He also refuses to leave town when Nick asks him to do so. As a result, George, Myrtle’s husband, shoots and kills Gatsby in his rage before killing himself. In short, Gatsby’s sacrifice best exemplified his love for Daisy and punctuated the fact that he is a romantic character. He basically epitomizes a romantic who would do anything, even at the cost of his of his own life, just to please the one he loves. References Fitzgerald, F. S. (2007). The Great Gatsby. USA: Penguin Books.