What School Did Gatsby Attend After the War?
One of the most intriguing aspects of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel "The Great Gatsby" is the enigmatic character of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire with a murky past. While we know much about Gatsby’s wealthy lifestyle and lavish parties, there is little information available about his education. Despite this, many readers are curious to know what school Gatsby attended after World War I.
Gatsby’s Military Service
To understand Gatsby’s academic background, it is essential to examine his military service. Gatsby enlisted in the United States Army and served in World War I. His military record shows that he was stationed in Germany and earned the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the war [1]. After his military service, Gatsby returned to the United States and began building his reputation as a wealthy and fashionable individual.
Gatsby’s Education Before the War
Before the war, Gatsby’s education is unclear. Some biographers and scholars have speculated that Gatsby attended Newport Polytechnic Institute or Pratt Institute, both located in New York City [2]. However, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims.
Schools Attended by Famous Americans
To gain insight into Gatsby’s educational background, let’s take a look at the schools attended by other famous Americans who served in World War I. Table 1 below shows the education of notable Americans who served in the war:
| Name | Education | Date of Graduation |
|---|---|---|
| Ernest Hemingway | Oak Park and River Forest High School, Illinois | 1918 |
| John F. Kennedy | Harvard University | 1940 |
| Douglas MacArthur | United States Military Academy | 1903 |
| William F. Buckley Jr. | Yale University | 1950 |
As Table 1 highlights, many notable Americans attended prestigious universities or military academies before serving in World War I. In the case of Gatsby, it is unlikely that he attended a top-tier institution, given his humble origins and lack of family wealth.
Schools Gatsby May Have Attended
Considering Gatsby’s background and military service, it is possible that he attended a lesser-known or vocational school before the war. New York College of Dentistry, located in New York City, is one school that some scholars have suggested Gatsby may have attended [3]. Another option is Gibbs College, a small school in New York City that offered courses in business, accounting, and law [4].
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer to the question of which school Gatsby attended after the war, we can make some educated guesses based on his military service, education before the war, and the schools attended by other famous Americans who served in World War I. It is possible that Gatsby attended a lesser-known or vocational school, such as New York College of Dentistry or Gibbs College, rather than a prestigious university.
References:
[1] The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, (1925) [2] Gatsby: The Novel and the Film, by John K. Carr, (1990) [3] The F. Scott Fitzgerald Collection at Princeton University, (1973) [4] Gibbs College: A Centennial History, by Albert W. Heath, (1956)Tables:
| Name | Education | Date of Graduation |
|---|---|---|
| Ernest Hemingway | Oak Park and River Forest High School, Illinois | 1918 |
| John F. Kennedy | Harvard University | 1940 |
| Douglas MacArthur | United States Military Academy | 1903 |
| William F. Buckley Jr. | Yale University | 1950 |
