Is Gatsby a true American?

In Chapter 4, the character of Gatsby is developed further, but the more we learn about him the more mysterious he becomes. In many ways, Gatsby does represent a true American as he shows that he has a sense of resourcefulness. When Nick sees Gatsby, he describes him as having “resourcefulness of movement that is so peculiarly American.” This resourcefulness or knack for innovation is a key American quality, which Gatsby seems to possess. Gatsby also appears “restless” as he is constantly thinking about achieving his goals. The ability to be innovative and the “rags to riches” story is truly a part of the American Dream. Gatsby also seems to have fought bravely in the Great War, earning a Medal of Honor for his actions, and this patriotism shows that Gatsby embodies the American ideals of honor and perseverance, but also freedom, which he fought for. However, even though Nick learns much about Gatsby, he becomes an even more complicated and mysterious individual. Besides the rumors that Gatsby has committed murder and is part of a bootlegging scheme, Nick also meets one of Gatsby’s friends, who wears a coat with buttons made of human molars and was supposedly responsible for the fixing of the 1919 World Series. Also, while Gatsby was explaining his history, Nick increasingly felt a tension, as if Gatsby were lying or “pulling [his] leg.” Gatsby also “hurried the phrase ‘educated at Oxford,’ or swallowed it, or choked on it, as though it had bothered him.” This shows that, while Gatsby does have some traits, which are American, he also has a mysterious side to him and it is impossible to tell if he can be trusted.