The Great Gatsby - ScreenR on Commentary

The Great Gatsby - Chapter Six Analysis

The chapter is opened to the truth about Jay Gatsby past (which is very different to the rumours and what Gatsby has told of himself).

The story begins with Gatsby being referred to with his birth name (James Gatz) which he changed when he was 17. The reason he did this becomes clear as it is revealed that "his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents at all." (pg78), meaning that he never wanted to believe that he was brought up on an unsuccessful farm run by his parents. He had been ready to change his name for a long time suggesting that he modelled himself on an idealized version of "Jay Gatsby", who becomes a personification of the 'American Dream', by changing his name, he is leaving his past and reinventing himself as someone that comes from wealth.

Though coming from very little wealth and opportunity, he quits from being a janitor - his only source of income - because he finds the work humiliating as it suggests his social class which is at odds to what he believes his social standing to be.

The awkward luncheon reinforces the great difference there is in the book between those who come from inherited wealth and those who come from new money. Tom sees Gatsby as inferior to himself, even though Gatsby may be wealthier.