…showed first 75 words of 640 total…

…showed last 75 words of 640 total…hero of the novel. This is because he believes there is a logical purpose for his actions, yet his actions lead to pain and disaster. He had followed the "American Dream," being poor and then working until he becomes rich and successful. Jay's wealth is gained through bootlegging and other speculative practices. The corrupt ways in which he made his money soured the pure idea of the "real" work ethic and foreshadowed his corrupt life.