Sexual Identity In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

Despite its publication almost 100 years ago, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925) is a canonical text that is still studied in high schools across the United States. Many critics consider it “The Great American Novel of the Twentieth Century” because it obtains timeless, universal themes. Told through Nick Carraway’s recollection of his summer in 1922 New York City, the narrative explores New York’s lavish lifestyle post-World War I, the impact of mass consumption and consumerism, and the pursuit of the American Dream; however, there are clear underlying queer undertones and subtexts that are present. For my research, I define queer as any sexual identity other than heterosexual. By leaving room for subtext, the reader inserts their

age, sexuality, and reputation are key elements to discuss this novel, but the center of it is how the characters are not allowed to express their true sexual orientation, leading the novel to discuss a more important issue than capitalism: a queer novel that portrays the frustrated desires in the Age of Jazz” (1). I believe Fitzgerald intentionally does this with all characters, but for the sake of my paper, I will be focusing on Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker. Nick Carraway portrays queer undertones that would not be commonly acknowledged in mainstream society in the 1920s through his relationship with Jay Gatsby, his encounter with Mr. McKee, and his lack of intimacy with women. Additionally, socialite Jordan Baker’s queer subtext allows her to be read as a closeted lesbian because of her dominance in a male sport, her relationship with Daisy, and her strong sense of

In Chapter Eight, after the accident, Nick confesses, “I didn’t want to leave Gatsby. I missed that train, and then another, before I could get myself away” (Fitzgerald 112). Nick is willing to put his life on hold to ensure Gatsby’s well-being is sufficient before putting himself first. Another example of Nick’s inability to leave Gatsby is when George Wilson kills Gatsby; Nick demonstrates his emotional connection with Gatsby through his reaction to losing the only person close to him. When Gatsby is murdered, Nick is inconsolable and describes his emotions with language that appears more appropriate for a grieving lover than a friend. He claims, “After Gatsby’s death the East was haunted for me like that, distorted beyond my eyes’ power of correction,” which ultimately causes him to return back to the Midwest (Fitzgerald 129). Though Nick originally came to New York hopeful, he quickly realizes he is unable to survive East Egg and West Egg without Gatsby by his side. A life without Gatsby is better to be lived at a distance away, so Nick can reminisce on the memories and not be constantly reminded of them. Henceforth, Nick creates a narrator that surrounds him and his relationship with Gatsby. Despite Gatsby’s pursuit of Nick’s cousin Daisy, the intimate moments between them