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Essay / The Mysterious Nature of Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby , the enigmatic character of Jay Gatsby is shrouded in mystery. Gatsby's elusive nature is further developed by Fitzgerald through various literary techniques, allowing for a deeper exploration of his character. By examining Gatsby's mysterious past, extravagant lifestyle, and questionable sources of wealth, it becomes apparent that Fitzgerald is intentionally cultivating a sense of intrigue around Gatsby. This essay will analyze how Fitzgerald's use of symbolism, characterization, and narrative structure contribute to the development of Gatsby's enigmatic character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayThe Mysterious Past of Jay GatsbyGatsby's mysterious past is a central part of his characterization. From the moment he is introduced, his past remains elusive, leaving readers to question his true identity and origins. Fitzgerald strategically uses symbolism to further develop this mystery. For example, Gatsby's ostentatious mansion, located in the affluent neighborhood of West Egg, is described as a "sea-facing mansion, a colossal affair in every way" (Fitzgerald 9). This symbolizes Gatsby's desire to create an illusion of grandeur and wealth, while concealing his true origins. Additionally, Fitzgerald uses characterization to further the mystery surrounding Gatsby's background. Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator and Gatsby's neighbor, describes Gatsby as having an "extraordinary gift for hope" (Fitzgerald 2). This characterization highlights Gatsby's relentless pursuit of his dreams, but also hints at a hidden past that propels him forward. Gatsby's mysterious nature is further enhanced by his refusal to discuss his background, as he tells Nick, "I'm the son of some rich people in the Middle West" (Fitzgerald 65). This vague statement only adds to the intrigue surrounding Gatsby's past. Jay Gatsby's Extravagant Lifestyle Another element that contributes to his mysterious nature is Gatsby's extravagant lifestyle. He throws lavish parties at his mansion, attended by hundreds of people, while remaining distant and detached from his guests. This juxtaposition of opulence and isolation creates an aura of mystery around Gatsby. Fitzgerald uses symbolism to emphasize this contrast. Gatsby's descriptions of parties are filled with vibrant imagery, such as "the lights grow brighter as the earth recedes" (Fitzgerald 39), depicting the grandeur of the events. However, despite the festivities, Gatsby himself remains elusive and detached, rarely participating in the festivities. Fitzgerald's use of narrative structure also contributes to the development of Gatsby's mysterious lifestyle. The novel is structured as a series of anecdotes told by Nick Carraway, who is both participant and observer in Gatsby's world. From Nick's perspective, readers become intimately familiar with Gatsby's parties, while remaining distanced from Gatsby himself. This narrative technique creates a sense of detachment and mystery, as readers must piece together the fragments of Gatsby's life. The Questionable Sources of Gatsby's Wealth One of the most significant aspects of Gatsby's mysterious nature is his questionable sources of wealth. According to some,, 2004.
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