The term "great" as used in the title of The Great Gatsby is part hyperbole, part ironical, and part true, as Nick relates Gatsby's story to the reader.
The story occurs in the roaring twenties, when pomp ruled and money was flowing in and parties like those thrown by Gatsby were popular. Exaggeration was common place, and this probably contributes to the title.
But calling Gatsby great is also partly ironical. Does fulfilling the so-called American dream the way Gatsby does make one great? He is a poster boy for the American dream, but look how he achieves it.
Finally, Gatsby loves like every human should love. His love is all-encompassing and relentless. Gatsby is a great romantic. In this sense, he fulfills expectations of being called great. Whatever else The Great Gatsby is, it is first a love story.
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