Examples Of Identity In The Great Gatsby

“ Gatsby’s Identity”
Ralph Ellison, an American scholar and literary critic once proclaimed, “ When I discover who I am, I will be free.” Ellison states an individual will only find peace and freedom, after uncovering their true identity- releasing them from their facade. Similar to Ellison’s interpretation, Fitzgerald shares akin notions, by using Gatsby as a man who slowly begins to embrace and follow his true self. In the passage, Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism and imagery emphasize the character development of Gatsby- thus revealing fragmentations of individuals in the modern world, forging their genuine identities.
Early in the story, Gatsby is depicted to be a man of mystery, with the audience receiving a mere glimpse of his true personality.

During his reunion with Daisy, as it starts dreadfully awkward, he begins to display symptoms of anxiety and concern- out of fear the encounter may go astray.

“ I certainly am awfully glad to see you again. A pause; it endured horribly.” Fitzgerald implements imagery into the quote, as the interaction between the two progress, it illustrates Gatsby’s struggle to uncover his honest self. However, in all reality, Gatsby is finally being his true self- no longer showing putting up a false identity for others, as he displayed from his extravagant parties. With the interaction progressing, the discomfort fades away- with the two having a delightful reunion for the first time in years. Transitioning into the passage, Gatsby’s genuine identity is casually visible for the reader. As the reunion ends to delightful terms, the two begin to show a unique affection towards one another- identical to their relationship

in the past. “We’ve met before,” muttered Gatsby. His eyes glanced momentarily at me, and his lips parted with an abortive attempt at a laugh.” The previous memories of Gatsby and Daisy, brought him genuine happiness and bliss- revealing more of his true character to the audience. As the rekindled relationship would take place, Gatsby has removed his mask, which created a false image for him. Now, he would discover his genuine identity- longing for Daisy’s fondness of him. The reunion of Gatsby and Daisy added a touch of suspense to the interaction, as it brought the audience speculation of both characters true identities.
Into the passage, Fitzgerald displays a decisive use of symbolism to assert Gatsby’s true emotions towards Daisy.

While the two reconcile after years of being apart, Gatsby would accidentally knock over Nick’s broken clock, subsequently grasping it before it would shatter on the floor. “ Luckily the clock took this moment to tilt dangerously at the pressure of his head, whereupon he turned and caught it with trembling fingers, and set it back in place.” In this scheme, the clock represents the prior memories and relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. As Gatsby catches the clock before it dismantles, he is symbolically saving the past memories he shared with Daisy. Moreover, he eagerly desires to make up for the time absent with her. In addition to the previous observation, Fitzgerald also uses the clock to symbolize the expression, “ Time is money”. Ever since meeting Daisy, Gatsby has tried desperately to become wealthy and be a good match for her; over time he would succeed his dream of attaining the money, but over time, he lost Daisy.“ His head leaned back so far that it rested against the face of a defunct mantelpiece clock, and from this position his distraught eyes stared down at Daisy, who was sitting, frightened but graceful, on the edge of a stiff chair.” Prior to the reunion, Gatsby had always spent his time, amassing in materialistic success and wealth- with anticipation to win Daisy over. Fitzgerald uses the clock symbol and Gatsby’s act of knocking the broken

timepiece over, to clarify there are more important things in life than the pursuit of money. Since “Time is money”, the author is criticizing how people are unconsciously allowing money to interfere with their lives, and even worse: their love. The use of symbolism, conveys the theme of an individual’s identity- as Gatsby’s true intentions and desires become revealed, portraying his true distinctiveness to the reader.
In the “ Great Gatsby”, Fitzgerald implements the use of symbolism and imagery to emphasize the character development of Gatsby- revealing the fragmentations of him to form his genuine identity. In quote,“Luckily the clock took this moment to tilt dangerously at the pressure of his head, whereupon he turned and caught it with trembling fingers, and set it back in place.”, it was a pivotal point in the passage, paving a path for Gatsby’s character to develop. In the end, Gatsby’s true identity would be revealed, showcasing a man who simply desired to rekindle the faded memories of his past- pursuing Daisy as the final step of concluding his journey, to find true happiness representing his identity.