Gatsby’s Transformation

As Nick broke from his narrative in chapter 5 to fill in Daisy’s past, he repeats this process in this chapter to reveal more about Gatsby’s history. As readers, we are given the chance to look at how Gatsby transformed himself from a farm boy to the sophisticated host.

Create a table… Stage What Happened Quotes and analysis 1 2 3

Stage 1 He describes his family as: “shiftless and unsuccessful”. “His imagination had never really accepted them as his parents at all.” These quotations are crucial to understanding Gatsby’s motivation. This can be viewed negatively, but it is also testament to his commitment to the dream. He is prepared to make any sacrifice necessary to remain true to his ideal.

Stage I His rejection to of his own name (James Gatz) which hints at poor immigration stock – again reinforces his dedication to reinvent himself into something more palatable and acceptable to the East Egg set to which he was so desperate to belong. It is a remarkable testament to his own determination and doggedness that he achieves so much from such humble beginnings, and of course, epitomises the power and nobility of the Dream.

Stage 2 Gatsby increasingly becomes immersed in a fantasy world, which spurs him on: “his heart was in a constant turbulent riot” and “each night he added to the pattern of his fancies.” Gatsby truly believes in the power of the imagination. It is this devotion to an ideal – even if it is wrong and distorted – which makes him great. In a society of morally bankrupt, vacuous, shallow, careless and selfish individuals, he stands out like a beacon of light. It is this quality which inspires Nick’s affection for him.

Gatsby learns to identify and seize opportunities to advance himself. This is evident when he meets Dan Cody: “he had probably discovered that people liked him when he smiled.” He has learned to use his best features to attract and please others and becomes a skilful and perceptive manipulator. Despite this loyalty and dedication to Cody, Gatsby is cheated out of his rightful inheritance. In doing so he learns an important lesson – that you don’t always get what you deserve and integrity is not always rewarded. This is a theme evident to in other characters like Jordan and Tom who cheat and are unfaithful yet remain unpunished. This betrayal of Gatsby also foreshadows Daisy’s treachery at the end. Stage 3

Stage 3 Therefore, in this chapter we see how he transforms from James Gatz to the Gatsby we now recognise, from humble mid western boy to glamorous east coast celebrity. In the process, he reinvents not only himself but also (and inaccurately) Daisy, who he fixates on as the epitome of his distorted interpretation of the dream. But - the reader needs to question whether this transformation is truly successful. What qualities does Gatsby abandon in his quest to reinvent himself?

Stage 3 Also his “hard brown body” and ability to survive on his wits and instinct (also crucial pioneering qualities) contrasts with the expensive suits and extravagant lifestyle he has now cultivated and is further evidence that in some way Gatsby rejects the true spirit of the dream.