Why Does Gatsby Go to War?
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, is a classic tale of love, greed, class, and the American Dream. One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is the character of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious individual who is obsessed with winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. However, before Gatsby’s rise to wealth and fame, he served in World War I. But why did Gatsby go to war?
The Backstory
Gatsby’s decision to enlist in the war is not explicitly stated in the novel, but it can be inferred through his conversations with Nick Carraway, the narrator. Gatsby’s childhood was marked by poverty and neglect, and he was sent to live with his wealthy aunt in the Midwest. This experience had a profound impact on Gatsby, and he became determined to improve his social status and win the heart of Daisy, who was already married to the wealthy and brutish Tom Buchanan.
The War as a Catalyst
Gatsby’s decision to enlist in the war can be seen as a catalyst for his transformation from a poor and unknown individual to a wealthy and influential one. The war provided Gatsby with an opportunity to escape his humble beginnings and reinvent himself. By fighting in the war, Gatsby was able to gain a sense of purpose and belonging, which was lacking in his pre-war life.
The Impact of the War on Gatsby
Gatsby’s experiences during the war had a profound impact on his personality and worldview. He was exposed to the harsh realities of war, including the death and destruction that it brought. This experience likely contributed to Gatsby’s increased sense of cynicism and disillusionment with the world. Despite this, Gatsby’s experiences during the war also gave him a sense of confidence and self-assurance, which he carried with him into his post-war life.
The War as a Symbol of Class
The war can also be seen as a symbol of class and social status. The wealthy and privileged were more likely to avoid military service, while the poor and working class were more likely to be sent to fight. Gatsby’s decision to enlist in the war can be seen as a way for him to distance himself from his humble beginnings and align himself with the wealthy elite.
The War as a Catalyst for Change
The war also served as a catalyst for change in Gatsby’s life. He returned from the war with a newfound sense of purpose and determination, which he channeled into his pursuit of wealth and social status. The war also gave Gatsby a sense of freedom and independence, which he had not experienced before.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gatsby’s decision to go to war was likely motivated by a desire to escape his humble beginnings and reinvent himself. The war provided Gatsby with an opportunity to gain a sense of purpose and belonging, which was lacking in his pre-war life. The war also had a profound impact on Gatsby’s personality and worldview, contributing to his increased sense of cynicism and disillusionment with the world. Despite this, Gatsby’s experiences during the war also gave him a sense of confidence and self-assurance, which he carried with him into his post-war life.
Table: Gatsby’s Transformation
| Pre-War | During the War | Post-War | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Status | Poor and unknown | Exposed to the harsh realities of war | Wealthy and influential |
| Personality | Lacking in confidence and self-assurance | Exposed to the harsh realities of war | Confident and self-assured |
| Worldview | Naive and idealistic | Cynical and disillusioned | Cynical and disillusioned |
| Purpose | Lacking in purpose and belonging | Gained a sense of purpose and belonging | Determined to win back Daisy |
Bullets: Key Points
• Gatsby’s decision to enlist in the war was likely motivated by a desire to escape his humble beginnings and reinvent himself.
• The war provided Gatsby with an opportunity to gain a sense of purpose and belonging, which was lacking in his pre-war life.
• Gatsby’s experiences during the war had a profound impact on his personality and worldview, contributing to his increased sense of cynicism and disillusionment with the world.
• Despite this, Gatsby’s experiences during the war also gave him a sense of confidence and self-assurance, which he carried with him into his post-war life.
• The war served as a catalyst for change in Gatsby’s life, giving him a sense of freedom and independence, and a newfound sense of purpose and determination.
