Mr Gatz Vs Mr Gatsby: The Dual Nature of F. Scott Fitzgerald's Protagonist

The character of Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby is one of the most enigmatic figures in American literature. However, what many readers may not realize is that Gatsby is not his true identity. Gatsby was born James Gatz, a poor farmer's son, and his transformation into the wealthy and mysterious Gatsby is essential to understanding the complex nature of his character. This essay explores the stark contrast between James Gatz and Jay Gatsby, highlighting the implications of this duality on the themes of identity and the American Dream in the novel.

From the moment readers encounter Jay Gatsby, they are captivated by his extravagant parties, his vast fortune, and his enigmatic persona. However, beneath this façade lies James Gatz, a young man from humble beginnings who reinvented himself to achieve the American Dream. Gatz's transformation into Gatsby reflects his desire to leave behind his past and create a new identity for himself.

The stark contrast between Gatz and Gatsby is evident in their backgrounds. James Gatz grew up in a poor farming family, with limited opportunities for success. He symbolizes the struggle of the lower class in achieving the American Dream, as he is constantly reminded of his social inferiority. On the other hand, Jay Gatsby is the epitome of wealth and success. He is surrounded by opulence, throws extravagant parties, and is admired by the upper echelons of society. This stark contrast between his past and present underscores the lengths Gatsby goes to in order to escape his humble origins.

The Illusion of Identity

Gatsby's transformation from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby also raises questions about the authenticity of his identity. Throughout the novel, Gatsby is portrayed as a self-made man who is living the American Dream. However, his entire persona is built on an illusion. His wealth is obtained through illegal activities, and his extravagant lifestyle is nothing more than a means to impress Daisy Buchanan, the woman he loves. This illusion of identity is evident in Gatsby's elaborate parties, where he plays the role of the extravagant host, yet remains distant and disconnected from his guests.

The dual nature of Gatsby's character is also reflected in his relationships. While James Gatz longs for a genuine connection with Daisy, Jay Gatsby is driven by the desire to win her back at any cost. Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is not fueled by love alone, but also by his need to prove himself and validate his new identity. His obsession with Daisy becomes a symbol of his longing for acceptance and social validation, as he believes that winning her back will solidify his status among the elite.

The American Dream and Its Discontents

The contrast between James Gatz and Jay Gatsby also sheds light on the disillusionment of the American Dream. Gatz's transformation into Gatsby represents the belief that anyone can achieve success and wealth in America through hard work and determination. However, Gatsby's story exposes the hollowness of this ideal. Despite his immense wealth and status, he remains unfulfilled and unhappy. The pursuit of material wealth and social status, which define Gatsby's American Dream, ultimately leave him empty and devoid of true happiness.

Gatsby's dual nature also raises questions about the true nature of the American Dream. Is the American Dream about personal success and social mobility, or is it an illusion perpetuated by society? Gatsby's transformation into a wealthy and successful figure is merely a façade, a means to an end. In the end, he becomes a tragic figure, undone by his own illusions and the pursuit of an unattainable dream.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the contrast between James Gatz and Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby illuminates the complex nature of the novel's protagonist. The transformation of Gatz into Gatsby underscores the duality of his character and the implications of this duality on the themes of identity and the American Dream. Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and social status ultimately leads to his downfall, exposing the emptiness of the American Dream and the disillusionment it brings. James Gatz and Jay Gatsby serve as a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be achieved through material wealth and societal validation alone.

Bibliography

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.