Fitzgerald muddles his depiction of plot, providing elements of both the transformation and classification principles, something Moretti concedes as acceptable so long as the author presents it in an “unbalanced fashion” (7). Moretti characterizes the classification principle through a character’s egotism and willingness to adapt to societal norms. Fitzgerald launches elements of the classification principle through Amory’s character from the onset of the novel as he surrenders himself to conformity and elitism. His attempts at fitting in are a formative process, eventually resulting in his elite position at Princeton on the football team, at the Daily Princetonian, and in the Triangle Club. This transformation epitomizes Moretti’s description
