In The Great Gatsby, discuss the character development of Jay Gatsby, paying special attention to how this relates to larger themes in the work.

I think the major theme you need to analyse and relate the
character of Jay Gatsy to is the American Dream. Some have called Jay Gatsby the most
intriguing figure in American literary history. He is a character who has literally
formed his own identity and embodies in so many ways the American
dream.

Consider how his story emerges and develops this
theme of being a self-made individual. He comes from humble roots as his parents were
poor farmers. The Gatsby that we meet in the novel is a result of his single-minded
pursuit of the American Dream and his desire to marry Daisy, who, for him, personified
that dream. Daisy becomes his sole reason for being, and thus he sets himself on his
path of, as it is described, "following the grail" so to gain himself the social
standing and wealth that would place him in the same sphere as Daisy and give him the
chance of winning her. This leads to his involvement in a drug ring, allowing him to
gain wealth and therefore buy a house close to Daisy's and throw luxurious parties in
the hope that Daisy will attend.

It is clear that as Nick
gets to know Gatsby and plays the role of observer and actor in the events in the novel,
Gatsby is presented as being insecure in his position and his parties turn into
gratuitous events that are peopled by disinterested and self-absorbed socialites.
However, Gatbsy's profound loyalty to the American dream and his idealism distinguish
him as being a real tragic hero in American literature whose death is in part a result
of his single-minded pursuit of the American dream.

So,
when thinking about the character of Gatsby we cannot help but relate it to what
Fitzgerald is trying to say about the American Dream as a theme in the
novel.