The Great Gatsby Changes

“Don’t let life change your goals because achieving your goals can change your life. You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” (Anonymous). Society should not be allowed to change one’s life. Individuals have the ability to change their own life by setting their own goals and dreams, while accomplishing them at their own pace. A person’s age should not affect their willingness to change. In American Literature, society tries to control the characters choices and decisions, and from a reader’s perspective it seems as if the authors expect the readers to sympathize with society. In American Literature, many characters are portrayed as either outcasts or misfits; however, society causes this when it forces unprepared …show more content…
Daisy’s love for Gatsby is strong until Gatsby leaves for the war. Daisy cannot linger until Gatsby comes home from the war. Daisy seeks a wealthy man who can give her all that she wishes to have. This is why she runs off and marries Tom Buchanan. Although Daisy seems to have moved on from Gatsby, it is quite obvious that Gatsby is not over Daisy. Gatsby changes for Daisy hoping he can rekindle a previous relationship with her. Literary critic, Tanfer Emin Tunc, says, “Gatsby refashions himself by changing his name from the ethnic-sounding James Gatz to Jay Gatsby, claiming his oxford- educated, speaking in a staged British accent and addressing everyone as old sport.” Gatsby alters his identity to fit in with the rest of society because he wants to leave his past behind. Also, he wants to move forward as a prosperous, well-known man; the primary reason why he changes his name. He has to work hard to be wealthy because his money is not inherited. Gatsby feels that if he can change into an educated man, that Daisy will like him more. Tunc also says, “In the end Gatsby becomes Daisy’s victim of the elusive American Dream… In his blind pursuit of wealth, status, and success for his own gain, Gatsby follows a dream that ultimately becomes a nightmare” (Tunc). Gatsby tries too hard to win over Daisy, which causes Daisy to choose Tom over him. Gatsby changes his name, his identity, and throws lavish parties all for a girl who uses him for his money. He hopes for too much and in the end he ends up with nothing. Gatsby follows a dream that becomes crushed by society’s high values. This unexpected change of character is tough for Gatsby to accomplish, but he feels pressured by the demanding society. The society is too caught up in money, wealth, and the concept of the American Dream. The effects of the time period persuade Gatsby to change. Gatsby