The Great Gatsby is aptly referred to as "the great American novel" (The Great Gatsby, XI), illustrating the defining qualities of the American character. Gatsby, the most enigmatic character in the novel, is the ultimate believer in the American dream of self-improvement and success: "Jimmy...always had some resolves like this...about improving his mind" (182). Yet after falling in love with Daisy Buchanan, he confuses the worthy aspirations of the American Dream with his relentless quest for her. Gatsby's unwavering belief in his ability to recreate his vanished past with Daisy is the motivation for his actions throughout the novel. This infinite hope and Gatsby's naive blindness to the reality of his situation and to Daisy's numerous flaws are the decisive cause for his tragic death.

Jay Gatsby is an idealist. When Nick first meets him, he describes Gatsby's smile as "one of those rare smiles with the...