The cult personality is defined as someone that reinvents themselves through a persona that is heavily charismatic which makes that individual able to gain admiration and buy in from surrounding individuals. Fitzgereald uses Gatsby as the epitome of the cult persona. As we read the novel we see how perfectly curated Gatsby’s life and personality seemingly is. One example of this is presented through Nick’s perspective, Gatsby’s reputation precedes him. Before Nick has even met Gatsby he hears all of these rumors that Gatsby was a German spy, he is an Oxford graduate, and he has murdered a man. All of these dramatic rumours create a sense of mystery and wondering regarding Gatsby’s personality painting him as almost a mythical creature. As we find out later in the novel “Jay Gatsby” is really a sort of stage name for James Gatz. Gatsby reinvented his image to portray this wealthy, sophisticated, man of class and luxury in order to try and impress and win back Daisy. Gatsby’s identity solely rests in Daisy, in some sense he is both the portrayal of the cult personality but is also an obedient member to the cult of Daisy. Fitzgerald uses Gatsby’s to criticize the fragility of the cult personality, later in the novel we find out that Gatsby’s wealth is built on bootlegging and illegal activities which allows Gatsby to not only create but genuinely believe in this illusion that he is truly part of the upper class. His inability to distinguish between this illusion and reality is Gatsby’s greatest hubris because when he realizes he will never be able to win Daisy over his entire persona and life mission comes crashing down. Gatsby’s unfortunate fate serves as Fitzgerald’s reminder of why the cult personality is dangerous because like a tower of cards, one slight tap and they all come crashing down.