The development of a hero always follows the same kind of pattern and structure in epic poems. This characterization of heroes as valiant figures has progressed over time to create a solid reference point for what a true hero should be. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald is able to use these key components to mock Gatsby's heroism. This creates an ironic image of Gatsby because his seemingly great deeds are incomparable with the acts of true valiant heroes. F. Scott Fitzgerald draws on the conventions of epic poems to satirize the novel's characterization of Gatsby. Like epic poets, Fitzgerald objectively recounts the deeds of his hero. In epic poetry the muse impartially tells the story of a hero so that others may know his greatness. In The Great Gatsby, Nick is our muse. He says: «[He is] inclined to reserve all judgment,” to give himself authority as an author (1). Making Nick an impartial narrator should legitimize Gatsby's actions. The only problem is that as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Nick is not impartial at all. Because Nick prefers Gatsby, accounts of his actions are always told in a positive light, making him seem better than he actually is. This description of Gatsby, juxtaposed with the minor characterization the reader infers from what Nick says, further emphasizes how insignificant Gatsby actually is. In recounting the exploits of this hero, Fitzgerald mocks the characteristic catalogs of epic poetry, which typically serve to exalt the hero through elaborate descriptions of warriors, ships, and battles. When Nick recounts all the people he met at Gatsby's parties, he lists them as if they were warriors, returning from battle. “From the West And... middle of the paper... the meaning of Gatsby by comparing him directly to the heroes of the epic poems. Gatsby was supposed to be this grand figure who represented America and the American dream, but this ironic comparison shows that he hadn't actually accomplished anything of note. The rags-to-riches dream that many Americans possessed during the 1920s was just as superficial and meaningless as Gatsby was. People tried to move up in social class, but as we see with Gatsby, this is not a heroic feat. Fitzgerald is showing that giving up values ​​and morals and climbing the social ladder through questionable tactics is what the American dream has become. Gone are the days when people worked hard and earned the glory they deserved, now they use the misfortunes of others to promote themselves. Works Cited Fitzgerald, Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner, 2004.