Jay Gatsby's role
Jay Gatsby is the main character in The Great Gatsby. Through him we see the reality of the American dream. In previous chapters he is portrayed as a wealthy individual throwing extravagant parties, and bringing forth all of the positive aspects of his opulent lifestyle. As we read further into chapter 5, we see a dramatic change in Gatsby's character. He becomes the prime example of someone trying to achieve the American dream, born into poverty and working his way up the social ladder, however wealth is not the primary factor of his version of the American dream. Gatsby feels that being with Daisy is the objective of his American dream, and therefore when he is reunited with her he has the feeling that he has achieved his dream. In chapter 5 we only see the feelings conveyed in achieveing the the happiness and bliss that radiates from Gatsby, displaying the feelings one would feel when achieving the American dream. Gatsby also acts a character foil by showing Daisy's true nature of her character, especially the gleefulness Daisy gets from seeing Gatsby's luxurious lifestyle.
significant quote about gatsby
"But there was a change in Gatsby that was simply confounding. He literally glowed; without a word or a gesture of exultation a new well-being radiated from him and filled the little room" (Fitzgerald, 89). This quote was said by Nick talking about the dramatic change in Gatsby when him and Daisy spend time with each other over tea at Nick's. This quote serves as a turning point in the novel because Gatsby experiences a change in character from being on edge and unhappy, to being very joyous and lighthearted. This change in Gatsby was simply caused by finally achieving his dream of having Daisy in his life again. After every extravagant party he has thrown and every expensive purchase he has made, his efforts were clearly directed in a grand scheme to regain Daisy. He was no longer a mysterious and brooding man, instead he was replaced with an entirely different and happier person.