The Great Gatsby, an enduring classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald, features the tale of James Gatz, a poor boy from the rural farms of North Dakota, and his realization of the American Dream. Although Gatz is born into a poor family with a future destined to revolve around poverty, he transforms his life from that of a poor boy into that of Jay Gatsby, an inconceivably rich man living lavishly in New York. The aspect of audience plays a curious role in the success of Gatsby, namely for whom is Jay Gatsby accumulating all this wealth for? Although the obvious answer may be Daisy, the novel suggests many other elements to be crucial pieces to this curious puzzle. To begin with, Jay Gatsby is James Gatz up until the point in time James Gatz finds
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During Gatsby’s explanation to Nick about his roots, Gatsby concludes his explanation by saying, “I didn’t want you to think I was just some nobody” (Fitzgerald 73). In fact, the sentiment of not wanting to be “just some nobody” is what drives Gatsby towards his success (Fitzgerald 73). Gatsby starts off his story by claiming to be the “son of some wealthy people in the middle-west” in an attempt to establish himself as a member of the “old money” group, just like his East Egg counterparts (Fitzgerald 70). However, Gatsby’s improbable story only induces “incredulous laughter” from Nick, who is privy to the lifestyle of the rich upper class (Fitzgerald 71). In fact, Gatsby’s story “[evokes] an image … of a turbaned ‘character’” in Nick Carraway’s mind ((Fitzgerald 71). Interestingly enough, Gatsby’s dubious story plays into the character he is playing for society in general. Carraway’s reaction is reflective of the aristocratic East Egg and their opinion of Gatsby. Gatsby’s poor taste and lack of social graces fundamentally set him apart from the aristocrats of East Egg. Yet as is Gatsby’s character, he continues to push forward relentlessly in a never-ending struggle to make his dreams a …show more content…
Scott Fitzgerald explores Gatsby’s unhealthy fascination with wealth and social status beginning with James Gatz as he transforms himself into Jay Gatsby in response to his wish of fitting into the upper echelons of society. From a young age, James Gatz wanted to be richer than his circumstances, and so, his wealth later in life is a result of the yearnings of a young man. However, on a much grander scale, Jay Gatsby is a result of Gatsby’s inner longings to become a member of the upper levels of society. Consequently, he cumulates great amounts of wealth by any means necessary and throws lavish parties. Furthermore, Gatsby’s love for Daisy is a reflection of his subliminal desire to climb the ladder of society. In fact, as Adam Meehan of the University of Arizona explains, “Gatsby’s desired object (Daisy) is merely one manifestation in a deeper signifying chain” (80). Although a superficial reading of the text may indicate Gatsby’s actions are a result of his undying, Disneyesque love for Daisy, his actions are actually a refusal to accept his surroundings. Thus, the life of Jay Gatsby is, in a way, a perpetual act in which he attempts to replace his reality with a reality not fully his own. Gatsby keeps up this act mainly for society in an attempt to fit in with his East Egg contemporaries and fulfill his childhood aspirations of wealth and social
During Gatsby’s explanation to Nick about his roots, Gatsby concludes his explanation by saying, “I didn’t want you to think I was just some nobody” (Fitzgerald 73). In fact, the sentiment of not wanting to be “just some nobody” is what drives Gatsby towards his success (Fitzgerald 73). Gatsby starts off his story by claiming to be the “son of some wealthy people in the middle-west” in an attempt to establish himself as a member of the “old money” group, just like his East Egg counterparts (Fitzgerald 70). However, Gatsby’s improbable story only induces “incredulous laughter” from Nick, who is privy to the lifestyle of the rich upper class (Fitzgerald 71). In fact, Gatsby’s story “[evokes] an image … of a turbaned ‘character’” in Nick Carraway’s mind ((Fitzgerald 71). Interestingly enough, Gatsby’s dubious story plays into the character he is playing for society in general. Carraway’s reaction is reflective of the aristocratic East Egg and their opinion of Gatsby. Gatsby’s poor taste and lack of social graces fundamentally set him apart from the aristocrats of East Egg. Yet as is Gatsby’s character, he continues to push forward relentlessly in a never-ending struggle to make his dreams a …show more content…
Scott Fitzgerald explores Gatsby’s unhealthy fascination with wealth and social status beginning with James Gatz as he transforms himself into Jay Gatsby in response to his wish of fitting into the upper echelons of society. From a young age, James Gatz wanted to be richer than his circumstances, and so, his wealth later in life is a result of the yearnings of a young man. However, on a much grander scale, Jay Gatsby is a result of Gatsby’s inner longings to become a member of the upper levels of society. Consequently, he cumulates great amounts of wealth by any means necessary and throws lavish parties. Furthermore, Gatsby’s love for Daisy is a reflection of his subliminal desire to climb the ladder of society. In fact, as Adam Meehan of the University of Arizona explains, “Gatsby’s desired object (Daisy) is merely one manifestation in a deeper signifying chain” (80). Although a superficial reading of the text may indicate Gatsby’s actions are a result of his undying, Disneyesque love for Daisy, his actions are actually a refusal to accept his surroundings. Thus, the life of Jay Gatsby is, in a way, a perpetual act in which he attempts to replace his reality with a reality not fully his own. Gatsby keeps up this act mainly for society in an attempt to fit in with his East Egg contemporaries and fulfill his childhood aspirations of wealth and social