The first article I used to help me find the information necessary to answer this question is entitled "Qualities of a Hero". This article provided me with multiple character traits that each modern hero posesses, allowing me to explore Gatsby's life and see what characteristics qualify him to be a modern hero. These traits include selflessness,generosity,dedication, and a humble past, all things that Gatsby is familiar with. (Qualities 4-15 ).

The second article I used to answer my essential question is entitled "The Anti-Modern and Modern Values of the 1920s". This article gives some background on modern values during the 1920s and revealed to me that it was common among the moderns to look to the future and desire to be rich and famous as well as live in well-populated areas ( Modern 3).

HUMBLE PAST
One of the first facts about Gatsby's life that makes him a modern hero is that he comes from a humble past. His parents were poor farmers, which made him ashamed. In fact, not only does he lie and say his parents died, but also says that they were very wealthy and he inherited their wealth. (Fitzgerald 66 ).Gatsby clearly wanted to be more than his parents, and aspired great success.

WEALTH (Modern 3)
One of the ways Gatsby sees he can distance himself from his parents and change his identity is by acquiring wealth. The desire for wealth and material things also happens to be another modern hero trait, as modernists often sought out wealth to help their reputations.

DEDICATION/ DETERMINATION (Qualities 5)

Ever since he was a young boy,Gatsby was dedicated to improve himself so that one day he could be successful. Therefore, everyday he completed his schedule and participated in activities that would enhance his knowledge (Fitzgerald 148). This dedication and desire for greatness is another reason why Gatsby is considered a modern man.

CONFLICT (Qualities 7).
In addition, a vital trait for modern heros to possess is an internal conflict. Gatsby's internal conflict is that he is lonely and uses wealth and material items to fill a void in his life. He throws parties and is kind to everyone who attends them in hopes that he will find companionship (Fitzgerald 63,67,76 ). However, Gatsby quickly learns that money does not buy happinness.

-uses money to overcompensate for his lack of companionship-

GENEROSITY (Qualities 7)
In addition, Gatsby is generous, a trait that is common among modern heros. A primary example of this is in the novel is when a woman who attends Gatsby's parties says that if anyone asked Gatsby for a glass of water he would give them a full meal and be hospitable to them (Fitzgerald 94 ).

SELFLESSNESS/ SACRIFICE (Qualities 3).
Throughout the novel, we are repeatedly shos that Gatbsy cared for the feelings of others more than his own. For example, the first time we really see Gatsby's thoughtfulness towards others is when he is scared to offend nick by asking him directly to set him up with Daisy (Fitzgerald 76).

In addition, he puts aside his feelings to make sure it's okay with Nick that he meet with Daisy (Fitzgerald. 79).
Finally, his biggest act of sacrifice is when he puts himself in danger by taking the blame for Daisy. Rather than expose daisy, Gatsby takes the blame and lets everyone be angry with him and give him a bad reputation, all because he loves Daisy. When Nick asks if Daisy was driving, he replies "Yes... but of course I'll say I was"' (Fitzgerald 126) Gatsby sacrifices his reputation because he knows Daisy would be heartbroken if everyone found out it was her.

In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald's character Jay Gatsby in his novel The Great Gatsby is a modern hero because he posesses various modern hero characteristics such as generosity, selflessness, and dedication.