Millon states that narcissists believe they should live a perfect and superior existence (Personality Disorders 344). Perfection is viewed as either all or nothing and no flaws can be tolerated (Millon, Personality Disorders 345). Gatsby therefore attempts to repress the imperfect poverty-stricken James Gatz by changing his name and creating a new life at age seventeen (Fitzgerald 74). Similar thoughts are expressed by Tyson who writes that Gatsby’s fabricated life is more than just a scheme to pass himself off as a member of the upper class, it is also a form of denial and defense to help him repress the memory of his real past (47). Furthermore, Gatsby attempts to create illusions of a perfect life by lying. According to Millon, narcissists
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Mitchell argues that entitlement is a major force in Gatsby’s character and that Gatsby’s sense of narcissistic entitlement means that he believes he can have what he wants whenever he wants it (Mitchell 390). Indeed, as we find out towards the end of the story, the source of Gatsby’s tremendous wealth is his partnership with the gangster Meyer Wolfshiem and organized crime. Gatsby is involved in bootlegging alcohol as well as bond scams (Fitzgerald 102). Gatsby’s narcissistic sense of entitlement results in him having seemingly no moral qualms about breaking the law to get what he wants, in this case wealth and status. Another instance where Gatsby’s lack of morals comes under display is when he offers Nick a chance to join his side business: “You see, I carry on a little business on the side, a sort of side line . . . Well, this would interest you. It wouldn’t take up much of your time and you might pick up a nice bit of money. It happens to be a rather confidential sort of thing” (Fitzgerald 62). Gatsby has no issues with potentially corrupting and endangering Nick’s life by offering him to join his illegal business activities. Gatsby’s lack of morals is also noted by Mitchell who points out that he shows no moral conflicts about marrying and thereby dragging Daisy into a life supported by crime (390). This
Mitchell argues that entitlement is a major force in Gatsby’s character and that Gatsby’s sense of narcissistic entitlement means that he believes he can have what he wants whenever he wants it (Mitchell 390). Indeed, as we find out towards the end of the story, the source of Gatsby’s tremendous wealth is his partnership with the gangster Meyer Wolfshiem and organized crime. Gatsby is involved in bootlegging alcohol as well as bond scams (Fitzgerald 102). Gatsby’s narcissistic sense of entitlement results in him having seemingly no moral qualms about breaking the law to get what he wants, in this case wealth and status. Another instance where Gatsby’s lack of morals comes under display is when he offers Nick a chance to join his side business: “You see, I carry on a little business on the side, a sort of side line . . . Well, this would interest you. It wouldn’t take up much of your time and you might pick up a nice bit of money. It happens to be a rather confidential sort of thing” (Fitzgerald 62). Gatsby has no issues with potentially corrupting and endangering Nick’s life by offering him to join his illegal business activities. Gatsby’s lack of morals is also noted by Mitchell who points out that he shows no moral conflicts about marrying and thereby dragging Daisy into a life supported by crime (390). This