The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Analysis

The subject is an entity that is constantly affected and affecting. It is therefore ‘…always linked to something outside of it…always subject to or of something.’ This subject has, at any given moment, a world made up of not only places in relation to itself, but also inherent social relationships and identities that create and shape the subject and its position in the worlds of other subjects. The introduction of a new facet to this world, through the conscious effort of the subject or otherwise, therefore transforms the subject itself, its positions, relationships, and world. The First World War was a momentous event that brought about the introduction of such transformations. It is a dividing line of sorts in Western history, between a

Of the four Westerners, the Buchanans seem, perhaps, the most untouched by the ‘new’ America, their ‘Old Money’ allowing them to exist in a bubble of privilege where class and status hold onto the vestiges of pre-war European models, but simultaneously leave them exemplifying the carelessness and self-gratifying nature of post-war society. It is worth noting, however, that Daisy’s experience of the ‘new’ and subsequent disillusionment has less to do with society than it does with her marriage. Nick, in contrast, is permitted entry to their circle but cannot afford to live in East Egg, betraying a status of having better connections than finances, but with the former being ultimately more important as evidenced by Gatsby’s separation from the sphere of those with ‘better’ connections due to his money being both ‘New’ and dubiously earned. Nick and Gatsby’s residence in West Egg, however, may be seen as embodying the spirit of the West, of the journey of

A belief in being destined for greater things had led to a disgust for his origins, and Gatsby, or rather James Gatz, began ‘improving’ himself from a young age to further the groundwork for fulfilling his ambitions. This culminated in his creation of the Gatsby persona after his introduction to a world of affluence in the form of Dan Cody. The years he spent in service to the latter fleshed out the ‘vague contour’ of Jay Gatsby and were what allowed him, along with the anonymising effect of an officer’s uniform, to later ingratiate himself with Daisy and experience, even if temporarily, her world. It is the attainment of Daisy and all she represents that then becomes Gatsby’s purpose and drives him further in his desire to better himself, this time with the aim of being able to impress her and be more her equal. The Gatsby that Nick first meets is the result of these experiences, with the added benefit of time spent dubiously acquiring the means to construct the lifestyle required to play the part. It may be said, however, that these encounters merely exacerbate Gatsby’s interests and further motivate him towards what would always be his destiny. What truly is ‘new’ for Gatsby then, is what breaks him. The loss of Daisy - after gaining her and coming so close to keeping her - along with the breaking down of the Gatsby persona at the