what made gatsby great

In F. Scott Fitzgeralds novel "The Great Gatsby," the title character, Jay Gatsby, is considered "great" in a paradoxical context. He is considered great because of his dreams, wealth, status in society, festivities, and personality. However, it is contradictory because all this greatness cannot provide him with the only thing he needs – love. Gatsbys greatness is also highlighted by his dedication and kindness. He started his life as a child in need and had to work hard to provide himself and his family with food and clothes. He achieved a specific status and became rich, which shows that he is indeed "great". Gatsby had to work hard and take advantage of the different opportunities life gave him to achieve his biggest dream – love. His attempts were unsuccessful, and his lover decided to stay with her husband. Still, Gatsby loved her wholeheartedly and sacrificed himself for her happiness. Fitzgeralds editor Max Perkins wrote in 1925 that the novel is "a story that ranges from pure lyrical beauty to sheer brutal realism". The novel is rich with symbolism and beautifully lyrical description.