Free Great Gatsby Essays: The Ideal Self †Made Man :: Great Gatsby Essays

The Great Gatsby and the Ideal Self Made Man   In the same way that the all-embracing concept of the American Dream suffered certain degradation during the course of its historical development, so, too, the noble 19th century ideal of the self-made man was conveniently adapted to suit the moral climate of the 1920s. Referring to Fitzgeralds main character in his novel The Great Gatsby, the young James Gatz is obviously simulate in this aspect of personality upon Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790), who is often quoted as the earliest example of this particular type of homo americanus. As the youngster of a great family he soon went to work for his father, at the age of only ten after only two years of schooling. After his apprenticeship as a newspaperwoman he concentrated on educating himself manger reading. In 1818 Franklins Autobiography was published, which contains various enumerations of moral virtues he met with in his reading to arrive at moral perfection. His excogita tion was to acquire the habitude of all these virtues, so he found it better not to distract his attention by attempting the whole at once, except to set apart on one of them at a time, and if he should be master of that, he would proceed to another, and so on, till he should have gone trough them. These names of virtues, with their precepts, were TemperanceEat not to dullness drink not to elevation. SilenceSpeak not but what may benefit others or yourself turn away trifling conversation. OrderLet all your things have their places let each part of your business have its time. ResolutionResolve to perform what you ought perform without drop what you resolve. FrugalityMake no expense but do good to others or yourself i.e. waste nothing. IndustryLose no time be forever and a day employed in something useful cut off all unnecessary actions. SincerityUse no hurtful deceit think innocently and justly, and, if you plow, speak accordingly. JusticeWrong none by doing injuries, or committing the benefits that are your duty. ModerationAvoid extremes forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve. CleanlinessTolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation. TranquilityBe not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. ChastityRarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or anothers peace or reputation.