The Great Gatsby Turning Point example essay topic

692 words
A turning point can be defined as "an event or experience that affects us in such a way that it brings about a crucial shift in our values, perspective, or behavior". Each of these turning points alter ones life. In the novel, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald examines how certain situations, which can be referred to as turning points, shape a person to become a unique individual. The main character Gatsby has lived his life based on turning points, when he meets Dan Cody, when he meets Daisy and when he moves to East Egg.

Each of these events in his life proves that something small can create a large impact. Opportunity challenges every human to live life to the fullest. These opportunities create a better future for themselves. In the beginning, Gatsby was a poor boy.

He met a man named Dan Cody who inspired him to become more than he was. Once Dan passed away, Gatsby was supposed to inherit his fortune but right before this happened he had a mistress who got the money. "He was left with his singularly appropriate education" (pg. 81). As the reader, you imply that this is a turning point for Gatsby because this is when he wants to get out of where he was in society during that time. Where a character lives in a novel is important because this is often where the novel is based. These surrounding can often influence the way in which a character acts and whom he is associated with.

Society creates an image in which what is accepted and what is considered correct. The life that was accepted for Gatsby was in East Egg. This was across from his love during the war, Daisy. This turning point in his life was life altering. While living in this area, he does everything to impress his love, Daisy. As a result she takes advantage of him and results in a traumatic experience.

In East Egg this is where the new money. There are times in ones life in which another individual can influence us to change and become a different person. The novel demonstrates this idea, through the character of Daisy. She is Gatsby's love during the war, where they met. Daisy does not know who Gatsby is and where he is in society. He falls in love with her and they lose track of each other after the war.

When Daisy says, "rich boys don't marry poor boys", this statement influences a turning point in Gatsby's life. He wants to become rich and more than he was during the time that they met. He moves across the lake from her and throws immaculate parties, in hope that she will attend. Finally when he meets Nick Carraway, a neighbor, he sets a meeting for them. Gatsby is now bootlegging to get his large amounts of money. Although Daisy is married, she once again becomes interested in Gatsby.

The author shows how an individual can influence you to become different than you are. In this case Gatsby is doing illegal things to try and gain the love of former lover. You can see during the novel how this is a turning point for Gatsby because he has to change to be accepted and change again to fit to her lifestyle. Through life each person experiences different thing in which cause them to look closer at themselves and the outcome of the situation.

These turning points cause them to become better people and prove to themselves that there is more to pursue. The novel, The Great Gatsby shows how turning points can alter ones' life. Gatsby demonstrates these when he meets Daisy, when he moves to East Egg and when he met Dan Cody. Each turning point helps distinguish the character.

These turning points help the reader relate to the character and think about what turning points they have experienced..