1. Presenting him as a tragic figure:
* Lost love and unattainable dreams: Gatsby's entire life revolves around his love for Daisy and his desire to recapture the past. His yearning for her, despite her being married, makes him a figure of pathos. The unattainability of his dreams fuels a tragic trajectory.
* Self-made man with a flawed past: Gatsby's wealth is built on illegal activities, but he strives for respectability and acceptance in the upper class. This struggle highlights his desire for redemption and a sense of inherent goodness that is ultimately thwarted.
* Isolation and loneliness: Despite his lavish parties, Gatsby is ultimately alone. His longing for connection and belonging resonates with readers, emphasizing his tragic isolation.
2. Using a sympathetic narrator:
* Nick Carraway's perspective: The story is narrated by Nick, who initially admires Gatsby and his romantic aspirations. Nick's sympathetic portrayal of Gatsby helps the reader understand his motivations and sympathize with his plight.
* Nick's evolving judgment: Nick's initial admiration for Gatsby gradually turns into a more critical understanding of his flaws. This evolution highlights Gatsby's humanity and makes him a more relatable character.
* Nick's personal connection: Nick's involvement in Gatsby's life adds an emotional dimension to the story. His witnessing of Gatsby's hopes and downfall makes the tragedy even more poignant.
3. Highlighting Gatsby's positive qualities:
* Romantic idealist: Gatsby's unwavering belief in the possibility of recapturing the past and his relentless pursuit of Daisy showcase his passionate nature and romantic idealism.
* Generosity and kindness: Gatsby's extravagant parties and willingness to help others demonstrate his inherent goodness and desire to connect with others.
* Selflessness and sacrifice: Gatsby's willingness to take the blame for Myrtle's death and his ultimate sacrifice for Daisy reveal his selfless nature and his capacity for love.
4. Contrasting him with the "old money" elite:
* Gatsby's outsider status: The novel constantly emphasizes Gatsby's status as a "new money" outsider trying to fit in with the established East Egg elite. This highlights the injustice of a system that values wealth and status above personal qualities.
* The hypocrisy of the upper class: The corrupt and morally bankrupt nature of the "old money" characters like Tom Buchanan contrasts starkly with Gatsby's naive optimism and his yearning for genuine connection. This contrast makes Gatsby's downfall even more tragic and fuels reader sympathy.
By employing these techniques, Fitzgerald skillfully elicits sympathy for Gatsby, transforming him from a controversial figure into a complex and tragic hero who embodies the American Dream's allure and its ultimate disillusionment.