Examples Of Ambition In The Great Gatsby

Gatsby was a man of great accomplishments who rose from poverty to immeasurable riches. Gatsby is loved by those who haven’t even met him because of the extravagant parties he hosts at his mansion in West Egg. Although he is loved by many, Jay Gatsby keeps to himself. Even those who attend his parties don’t know where he comes from or how he became rich. Gatsby is a man of great characteristics driven by his great ambition and love for Daisy. Perhaps Gatsby’s greatest characteristic is his unending ambition. In chapter six, the narrator states that Jay Gatsby’s real name is James Gatz and he began as a poor farm boy in the Midwest. His ambition drove him to something more, even to the point of leaving his family and changing his name. Gatsby eventually becomes rich with the help of his friend and mentor Dan Cody. The greatest expression of his ambition is in his pursuit to reunite with Daisy, the love of his life, even despite her marriage to Tom Buchanan.

The fact that Gatsby is rich is exemplified through his mansion on prestigious West Egg and the regular parties he hosts for most of the city. He does all this free of charge hoping that Daisy will attend one of his parties. The fact Gatsby is rich is even more commendable considering his humble beginnings. Gatsby also expresses his wealth in chapter four when he throws all his expensive clothing at Daisy in an attempt to win her heart. Most importantly, Gatsby, although rich, stayed true to himself and his humble