Examples Of Identity In The Great Gatsby

Everything in The Great Gatsby revolves around identity. Without the prominent display of identity in the book, the characters would have no traits or aspects that make them who they are. All of the relationships described in The Great Gatsby are built upon the identity of wealth and status. Many attempt to change or alter their identity throughout the story to fulfill their desires and wishes, but it is shown that, like Jay Gatsby, many fail to do so in the end.
Most of the relationships in The Great Gatsby would not have occurred if the identity of wealth or class were not present. One example, is that Tom and Daisy got married due to their status and wealth. It was believed that at the time of their marriage, Daisy was still in the process …show more content…
The first example of this in the story is shown to be the switch in personality when Myrtle Wilson goes from being the good wife married to her poor husband, to flaunting her wealth and relationship when in the city with Tom. Myrtle had begun her relationship with Mr. Wilson under the pretense belief that she loved him and it was later admitted that she did not realize how poor and ungentlemanlike he was. It then switches when she heads to the city with Tom and Nick that she becomes happy and begins embracing her relationship with Tom and his wealth when she purchases a puppy and throws a party. She attempts to hide her relationship with Mr. Wilson when in the city, hoping that one day Tom will leave Daisy for her. Another example of characters attempting to change their identity is when we discover the drastic change Gatsby made when he decided during his childhood, that farming was not his calling. He went from the poor James Gatz, to becoming a war hero and returning home to find wealth and hopefully run into Daisy. He changed his identity in hopes that his wealth and parties would one day lead to Daisy returning and accepting him. In the end, it did not work out that