Is Fitzgerald's Gatsby the "last true romantic" or a vulgar social climber?

Question

Is he a hero, a villain or a victim?

Answer 1

I think he was an obsessive. He was not a social climber, as what he achieved was not in order to clamber up the social scale and know the right people. He was interested only in one person --Daisy, who was so careless with his heart and so unworthy of his great devotion -- and everything was aimed at getting her to turn up at his parties. His friendship with the narrator of the book is formed purely because he is Daisy's cousin and he hopes that he might provide a living link with the object of his passion. A genuine social climber drops names, wants to be invited back by everyone, is ambitious when it comes to winning titles and other distinctions. There was none of that in Gatsby.

There is a recognised mental condition, typically affecting women, where the sufferer fantasises about marrying an unattainable person. I don't think that it was recognised in F. Scott Fitzgerald's day, but there is a possibility that Gatsby suffered from it.

Answer 2

Well, i have always thought of Gatsby as a self destructive person, it may be his drive to improve his living conditions or his romantic tendencies, but they are so delusional almost, unreasonable and up the wall, so i think Fitzgerald wanted to potray the excesses of his comtemporaries. Gatsby burned bright for a short while, but paid a price for his hedonistic lifestyle.he is at once the hero and anti-hero,victim and villain, the ambuiguity of his character is interesting food for thought. I love that book, the ending in particular.

Answer 3

Gatsby is the last true romantic- he worshipped the false idol of Daisy Buchanan who in my opinions was the social climber for refusing to leave Tom and his old money, and certainly he was the victim of an impossible dream- the faithful love of a fickle woman.

Answer 4

Not vulgar. He's a self-made man who taught himself 'taste' and perfected his graceful and elegant demeanour. The descriptionsof the revellers at the party point to vulgarity. I don't think he is a villain, as such. There is hints that he made his money boot-legging, so does that make him a villain? probably..The Last romantic, yes I think so. What he does for Daisy is selfless and that is romantic. Victim, yes. He dies for it doesn't he? I think it's a stunning book.

Answer 5

I think that he is a victim of "society". He wants to be a romantic, but is constrained by his social circle, and is constantly looking over his shoulder for approval.

Answer 6

he is all three. Look at all of the characters, they are both "romantic" and social climbers". They are all victims of their wealth.

Answer 7

certainly not vulgar; the vulgar people in that book are the ones who were born rich.

Answer 8

He's tiresome, I know that much.
And just a little bit effete.

Answer 9

isnt he a teacher?