What are some similarities and differences between Gatsby’s character (book) and Al Capone, the gang leader? Please use quotations from the novel and insights to discuss the two.

Both Capone and Gatsby were self-made men, meaning that they came from nothing and amassed a fortune. Capone started out as a bootlegger and eventually graduated to mob boss. Gatsby dealt in illegal trade, and associated with members of the mob through his business. Gatsby and Cappone each garnered the respect of those who knew them, and both were considered to be mysterious.

“Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once.”

“Well, they say he’s a nephew or a cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm’s. That’s where all his money comes from.”

Almost at the moment when Mr. Gatsby identified himself, a butler hurried toward him with the information that Chicago was calling him on the wire. He excused himself with a small bow that included each of us in turn.

“I’m scared of him. I’d hate to have him get anything on me.”