In the realm of human existence, the pursuit and recognition of greatness stand as fundamental principles that shape our shared ambitions, propelling individuals to rise above the commonplace and achieve extraordinary feats. This notion of greatness as a driving force finds a vivid embodiment in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, "The Great Gatsby," where the enigmatic figure of Jay Gatsby's own pursuit of greatness takes center stage. Although he fails to marry his muse and barely has real friends, Gatsby is great because of his infatuation to his dream and the price he’s willing to pay for his goal.
 
Gatsby’s obsession to his dream proves his greatness. After meeting the golden girl Daisy at her extravagant party when he is still penniless, Gatsby decides to win Daisy’s heart and to live Daisy’s lifestyle, characterized by “vast, vulgar, and meretricious beauty” (Chapter 6). When he comes back after war with great fortune and his pristine true heart for Daisy, she is already married to Tom Buchanan, an aggressive man from a wealthy old money family.
 
However, Gatsby keeps pursuing Daisy, despite his friend Nick reminded him that, "They're A Rotten Crowd. You're worth the whole damn bunch put together" (Chapter 8). Gatsby ignores Daisy’s ambiguous attitude and vanity, an embodiment of the conflict between new money class and old money class. Instead, he clings to the Daisy that only existed in his constant retention and long memories.
 
A crucial symbol in the book, the green light, visible only from the shores of Gatsby's mansion, is a constant reminder of Gatsby's passion for Daisy. Situated at the end of Daisy 's dock, this distant, radiant beacon is more than just an object; it encapsulates Gatsby's single-minded obsession that portrays Daisy in a more unrealistic, flawless way. When Gatsby tells Daisy, “You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock” (Chapter 5), he is revealing that he always gazes at Daisy’s place all night, and this indicates his longing for her. Moreover, after Gatsby’s tragical death, Nick recalls that “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us” (Chapter 9). This remark shows that even in the face of the ever-receding nature of his dream, Gatsby remains steadfast in his pursuit. Fueled by his unwavering determination, he sees in the green light not only Daisy but also the promise of a better future, another layer of his dream. Gatsby’s spiritual insistence on his dream conveys the enduring power of hope, which transcends the limits of reality and makes his character truly impressive.
 
Gatsby’s sacrifice for his dream is also one of his significances. One sacrifice is his relentless pursuit of wealth through morally ambiguous means. To achieve the kind of wealth he believes will win Daisy's heart, Gatsby engages in activities that raise eyebrows and invite gossip among his party guests. A girl at one of his lavish gatherings even remarks, “I’ll bet he killed a man” (Chapter 3). However, it becomes evident that Gatsby's intentions are not malicious; he merely seeks to amass wealth quickly. In doing so, he sacrifices his reputation, accepting the role of a mysterious and potentially sinister figure to be closer to Daisy, his ultimate dream.
 
Another sacrifice is his estrangement from his authentic self in order to conform to the image he believes will win Daisy’s affection. He falsely claims to be an Oxford graduate, a detail he shares with people like Jordan Baker, a professional golfer of old money background who doesn’t really believe him (Chapter 3). In fact, Gatsby's Oxford experience was limited to a five-month program available to American officers at the end of World War I. This lie serves as an example of how he sacrifices his authenticity and potentially the trust of those around him to align himself with the upper class, all in an effort to appear more appealing to Daisy.
 
And the most remarkable sacrifice is that he becomes Daisy’s scapegoat - the story concludes with Wilson, the husband of Tom’s mistress Myrtle, murders Gatsby because he believes Gatsby killed her, although it was Daisy who accidentally killed her. Daisy decided to give away Gatsby’s life, rather than her own, as she sit as opposite sides of the room with Tom holding their hands; while he chose not to expose that Daisy was the one who killed Myrtle when driving the car after he realized that Daisy may never marry him, and endured the deception from the one he loved in order to maintain the truthfulness in his heart aiming for the animate and profound green light. As a result, Gatsby’s greatness is also symbolized by his solid volition behind his magnificent dream.
 
Some may argue that Gatsby is not great because he fails to marry Daisy, the goal of his life, and he has almost no friends. He dies before he gets Daisy, and none of the members from his previous parties mourn for him except Nick and the owl-eye. However, Gatsby is still great because the tragic end of his love actually demonstrates the contradictory but ardent characteristic in humanity that some of the most courageous people keep chasing the distant goal even when they know that their struggle can be meaningless. Furthermore, the number of friends cannot measure the greatness of a person; instead, the quality and charisma serve for this evaluation. Nick, the one who is profoundly affected by him, understands Gatsby deeply; compared with the superficial friends most people made for short-term entertainment, Nick symbolizes much more meaningful connection. Therefore, whether Gatsby married Daisy or not and the quantity of friends both cannot deny Gatsby’s greatness.
 
Ultimately, Gatsby is great because of his persistence and sacrifice for his dream. Despite the tragic end he meets, his pursuit of the American Dream sums up both the allure and the harsh realities of that era. Gatsby's relatively naive perspective within a world tainted by corruption and decadence further underscores his greatness, prompting readers to consider the intricate interplay between identity, aspiration and illusion.