Identity In The Great Gatsby

Identity
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald presents the idea that our identity is shaped by our relationships in various ways. The way which the identities of the characters in the book change from one to another can be seen throughout the book in three different relationships. These three relationships are between Gatsby and Daisy, Tom and Myrtle, and Gatsby and Nick. Gatsby went through with the American dream to gain status and money to be worthy of Daisy whom he loves. Tom’s mistress, Myrtle, who is from the valley of ashes, changes her identity by the way she speaks and acts when she was around Tom and her husband, George. Although Gatsby is portrayed as a very composed and a highly educated man, he shows his real identity to Nick

They have a relationship which they can talk to each other without having to look good in front of each other. To the public, Gatsby is rumored to supposedly be a German spy, an Oxford graduate, and a murderer. However, Nick denies all those rumors and trusts Gatsby that he has his own explanation. As the story of Gatsby goes on, the audience can see that Gatsby begins to trust Nick with all his secrets which he keeps hidden in the depths of his heart.”He talked a lot about the past, and I gathered that he wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy. (6.132)” Therefore, In Gatsby and Nick’s relationship, Gatsby does not have to hide and is able to allow his true identity to be seen.
The relationships between the characters shape their identities in The Great Gatsby in various ways. The way that Gatsby is willing to change his name and his self just because of the loving relationship he wants with Daisy. It is also shown through the way that Myrtle would change the way she holds herself when she is with Tom, in contrast to when she is with her Husband. Gatsby’s true identity of himself is shown through his relationship with Nick because of the trust which he had built in his friend. Therefore, The Great Gatsby presents the idea that our identity is shaped by our relationships in various