Character: Jay Gatsby

Gatsby’s Background

Jay Gatsby, originally James Gatz, comes from a humble and impoverished past which he attempts to sever all links from.
Born to poor farmers in North Dakota, he transforms himself into a millionaire, ensconced in glamour and wealth.
Gatsby’s transformation begins when he meets Dan Cody, a copper magnate, who introduces him to wealth and luxury.

Gatsby’s Obsession with Daisy

Gatsby’s life is primarily driven by his love and obsession for Daisy Buchanan, whom he met before going to World War I.
He is not just smitten by Daisy, but by what she represents – wealth, social status, beauty and sophistication. In essence, she embodies the American dream.
His extravagant lifestyle and grand parties are all elaborate attempts to attract Daisy’s attention and win her back.

Gatsby’s Flamboyant Lifestyle

Gatsby represents excess wealth and consumerism. He throws grand parties at his mansion, theatrically displaying his wealth.
His pink suit, giant mansion and fancy cars are all part of an illusionary image he created to woo Daisy.
Despite living amongst the social elite of West Egg, Gatsby always remains an outsider. This objective perspective allows Fitzgerald to critique the very society that Gatsby aims to be part of.

Gatsby’s Tragic End

Despite Gatsby’s enormous wealth, he fails in his quest to win Daisy’s heart and this eventually leads to his downfall.
He is tragically killed over a misunderstanding of events, dying alone without achieving what he hoped for.
Ultimately, Gatsby represents the tragic futility of the American dream, a man who has accumulated wealth and social status, yet still dies tragically, unfulfilled and alone.

Summary

Jay Gatsby is one of the most memorable characters in literature, embodying the illusions of success, wealth, and love that are at the heart of the American dream. His tragic demise punctuates F. Scott Fitzgerald’s critique of a society obsessed with wealth and social standing. Through Gatsby, the novel prompts readers to reconsider the values often associated with the American dream and explore the consequences of pursuing these illusions.