Gatsby's Story

F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was obsessed with the idea of wealth and fame, had financial troubles throughout his life. In his novels a re-occuring theme is the relationship between money, success, and happiness. In Chapter 6, as Fitzgerald reveals more about Gatsby's early life, this theme is seen. Gatsby's name was originally James Gatz. He was born on a farm in North Dakota and spent his earlier years working as a janitor at his college and as a fisherman. It was when Dan Cody gave James Gatz a job on his yacht, that James began to transform. He was entranced by the life of luxury and success that Cody lived. James became obsessed with the idea of becoming a wealthy and successful man. He was committed to achieving this status he so desired. It is Gatsby who changes his name from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby. He uses the name Jay Gatsby to distance himself from his past and his lower class identity. Fitzgerald continues to expose the real Jay Gatsby, who was presented as admirable and flawless. Others consider Gatsby to be practically royalty however, besides his wealth, he is not as perfect or content as he seems.