Family In The Great Gatsby

The fabric of American society is comprised of a strong set of values, which, whether consciously or subconsciously, we all adhere to in some way or another. These values include things like innovation, liberty, truth and transparency, and equality, but family is one of the most emphasized and important values. The way we see the world, the opportunities that we are presented with, and how others perceive us are often connected to our families. Because of the things that our families provide for us, an important part of what it means to be an American is a close relationship with and desire for family. Before discussing why the family is so important to Americans, it is important to discuss what family means to Americans. In the past, a family

In The Great Gatsby, James Gatz had parents who were “shiftless and unsuccessful farm people” (Fitzgerald 98). Wanting to get away from this lifestyle and to pursue “a universe of ineffable gaudiness” (Fitzgerald 99), he changed his name, became a gambler, and earned a very comfortable living for himself, under the impression that he’d be able to escape the guises of his true family and how they’d be seen under the affluent eyes of those in the East and West Eggs. Gatsby was humiliated by his family, and because of this, aspired to be more than they had been and wanted nothing that would associate him with them. My father has experienced a similar phenomenon. He grew up in a very poor household and did not have much. Not wanting to replicate this experience in his adult life, he works extremely hard to ensure that he is as far as possible from the life he was born into. I notice that he does not talk about his childhood much, and especially not to people outside the family. Both these cases mirror each other. Perception of us is connected to our families, especially in America. Although it is entirely possible to rise from what you were raised from, the family that you were a part of will be with you for the rest of your