The Great Gatsby is a story that depicts the American dream while, at the same time, criticizes its values. Nick Carraway, the narrator, is introduced as a functioning character of the book. He has moved form the Midwest to New York to learn the bond business. He learns that Gatsby, his next-door neighbor, held a past relationship with his cousin Daisy that eventually broke due to his shortfall of money. Daisy and Tom invite Nick for dinner where he learns of Tom's affair with Myrtle. A short time after, Nick meets Gatsby at one of his parties where they become friends. In a while, Nick finds out that Gatsby is in need of a favor: Gatsby wishes to see Daisy to revive their relationship from the past. Since Gatsby's main thrill in life was to ultimately impress Daisy with his startling wealth, he was both terrified and eager to meet her at Nick's place. They fall in love; oddly, Daisy is swayed by the amount of shirts he owns. Tom develops a suspicion, and Gatsby realizes his relationship with Daisy is not the same. The affair between Daisy and Gatsby comes out into the open during lunch at the Buchanan's. Tom's jealousy is let loose when he initiates a fight with Gatsby, and he forces Daisy to make a decision. Although she wishes to continue to enjoy both Tom and Gatsby, she chooses Tom, and Gatsby's dream is over. At this time, Wilson discovers his wife has been unfaithful, and Myrtle escapes. A car, of which Daisy was the driver, kills her; Gatsby feels he must accept the blame for her. The crazed husband of Myrtle kills Gatsby, assuming he was the driver, and then kills himself. Seemingly, the only person who prepares a funeral for Gatsby is Nick. The others leave without any notice. Disgusted by what he has seen, Nick realizes than a belief based on materialism shames the American dream more than fulfills it. He moves back to the Middle West. The conflict between the traditional rich and the newly rich shows the horrific effects o...
