This was a very compelling way to phrase this and describes vividly how Nick's new knowledge of Gatsby has transformed their relationship. By depicting him as an unborn baby, he is portraying the amount of mystery and uncertainty that has surrounded him until this point. When a parent is expecting a child, they know almost nothing about the child. Except for possibly the gender, parents are left guessing the weight, eye color, hair color, blood type, etc. Only when the baby is born can the parents know anything for certain.
The same goes for Jay Gatsby. In the chapters leading up this one, Nick hears countless rumors and speculations about his neighbor. Without ever meeting this man, Nick is left wondering what he did to earn his fortune, what he did for a living, and most of all, why he was reaching for the green light. But after meeting him finally and becoming closer to him, these important details are slowly revealed to him. Nick has now transformed into a proud parent, who slowly learns more and more about his Little Baby Gatsby as their relationship grows and develops.
I liked how you tried to answer one of the questions in the reading packet. I actually was a bit confused when Fitzgerald used the metaphor of Gatsby being a baby. Your analysis helped me understand the metaphor better. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI liked the way that you analyzed the effect of the metaphor. I would also argue that this is a transition to understanding Gatsby's motives. We learn that his "purposeless splendor" is actually for Daisy. Gatsby transitions from a flat character to one that is dynamic.
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