Jay Gatsby’s adolescent struggle through poverty shaped him into a wise adult. Throughout his endeavor, met his mentor who would help him complete his transformation. Gatsby falls in love, but is later separated from, with a beautiful woman who embodies everything he dreams of. His passion for Daisy turns him into a criminal and although he is temporarily able to rekindle the lost love between him and a married woman, his own mind drags him deeper and deeper into sin. Because his morale is clouded by his hunger for riches, he fails to win back Daisy’s heart. Many critics believe that Jay Gatsby 's humble past motivates him to pursue the American Dream, symbolized by Daisy; although he pursues his dream with passion …show more content…
Upon their encounter, Cody took Gatsby under his wing to send him down the right path vital for success. "He was employed in a vague personal capacity - while he remained with Cody he was in turn steward, mate, skipper, secretary, and even jailor. . . The arrangement lasted for five years" (Fitzgerald 100). Gatsby is pushed to his limits as Cody gives him every task possible. He serves in numerous occupations from steward to jailor. Throughout Gatsby’s five year employment, Cody’s flaws and detrimental habits positively influenced Gatsby and further filled in the persona of ‘Jay Gatsby’. "It was indirectly due to Cody that Gatsby drank so little" (100). His mentor was a raving alcoholic; as a result, Gatsby developed the morality that Cody lacked, making him all the better man. The abandonment following Cody’s death left Gatsby to fend for himself. "He was left with his singularly appropriate education; the vague contour of Jay Gatsby had filled out to the substantiate of a man" (101). Throughout their relationship, the persona of Jay Gatsby slowly filled in. By the time Cody died, the transformation of Jay Gatsby was complete and he was ready to begin his new adult life. Ma Joad from The Grapes of Wrath “seemed to know, to accept, to welcome her position, the citadel of the family, the strong place that could not be taken” (The Grapes of Wrath Steinbeck 74). Ma is the backbone of the Joad family and …show more content…
After admiring Daisy from afar, Gatsby decides to make his first move forward with his plan. Through Jordan, he says to Nick: “’He wants to know,’ continued Jordan, ‘if you’ll invite Daisy to your house some afternoon and then let him come over’” (Fitzgerald 78). Gatsby, determined to re-enter Daisy’s life, hopes to surprise her and re-spark their lost love. Their eyes lock for first time in nearly five years but ,initially, the meeting doesn’t go as planned. ". . . his distraught eyes started down at Daisy, who was sitting, frightened but graceful, on the edge of a stiff chair. 'We 've met before, '" (86). The initial impression is very awkward. Gatsby, flustered with uncontrollable emotions, lays eyes on Daisy. She, although flabbergasted and unsure if she still loves him, remains composed. Memories flood into their heads. Still in shock, Gatsby exclaims as if Daisy may not remembered him. Although they were initially both shocked and unsure of how to react, everything begins to fall into place. ". . . every vestige of embarrassment was gone. Daisy 's face was smeared with tears. . . there was a change in Gatsby that was simply confounding. He literally glowed" (89). After they warm up to each other, Daisy and Gatsby realize that they are still in love. The spark is rekindled. Daisy begins to cry in happiness and Gatsby seems to be glowing with