“It just shows you.”

from F. Scott Fitzgerald – The Great Gatsby (Chapter IX) on Rap Genius

Tremendous Effort and the Desire for Self-Improvement

The schedule Gatsby’s father discovers exemplifies the sheer will-power and self-control Gatsby possessed. Gatsby’s rigid schedule speaks for itself and “just shows” that Gatsby was willing to do whatever it took to fulfill his desires. Although it is true that Gatsby’s motivation to change himself was externally influenced by expectations of society, all in all, Gatsby wanted to use his skills to be the best person he could be. Gatsby’s father and Nick are alluding to the fact that Gatsby was just a genuinely good person. Gatsby had dreams and aspirations and was willing to regiment his life and choices in order to improve himself.

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