The "Great" Gatsby's Acts

          F.Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby establishes several layers of meaning regarding Gatsby. Jay Gatsby is the mastermind magician of the story, who both tricks and pleases people whenever he wants.
For example, he is seen as deceptive and influential. It is discovered that he decieves multiple people in the pursuit of fortune due to his illegal  business endeavors. He also makes Nick believe that they share a special connection by inviting him to parties and divulging into his fictitious past. Thanks to Gatsby's cunning maneuvers, Nick is stripped of his likeable personality. He goes from being an "unbiased" and honest narrator to a weak, servile, and-gay?-individual who gets entwined in the drama of others. Instead of being a symbol of decency in his corrupted society, Nick's character is reduced to that of a confused young man who is just as immoral as the rest of his deranged neighbors. This is shown when Nick goes along with Gatsby's plans when he knows they are not right.  Gatsby even manipulates Daisy, the woman of his dreams. His idealized version of her far exceeds her actual persona, so she is forced to become the unattainable "perfect woman" or "golden girl" Gatsby has made her out to be. This shows that Gatsby's manipulation could be what results in his downfall.

          On the other hand, Gatsby is also seen as a charming gentleman who spends much of his own luxury for the sake of others. Later, we realize the parties and kind attitude towards Nick were staged, but the fact remains that he is still one of the few characters free of carelessness and bigotry. Therefore, the reason he is "great" is because of his determination and faith that he can change his identity. The illusion of "Gatsby" created by Jimmy Gatz is what makes him truly great and awe-inspiring.