When and Why Did Gatsby Change His Name?
James Gatz changed his name to Jay Gatsby when he was seventeen. He did it to fit his new lifestyle and express his desire for success and affluence.
In the beginning, Jay Gatsby is presented as a shady millionaire. He hosts lavish parties each week in his opulent mansion. Nick saw him as a self-made man who dedicated his life to achieving success and fortune. Yet his true objective is to get the lady he loves back. Gatsby is referred to as a man who has molded his personality. Making all of his dreams come true is an excellent talent.
As the son of struggling farmers in North Dakota, Jay Gatsby was born James Gatz. When he was seventeen years old, he met wealthy man Dan Cody, who later served as his mentor. James adapted to the lifestyle of the wealthy and powerful over the course of the following several years. Afterwards, in order to sound more aristocratic, he changed his name to Jay Gatsby. The desire of Gatsby to distance himself from his family and background influenced his choice. He desired to transform himself into a successful and affluent man. His new nature and way of life were intended to be reflected in the name.
The American Dream is embodied in Gatsby’s tale of prosperity. He had always pictured himself as a rich, sophisticated, and well-respected man. Yet it didn’t exactly fit with his upbringing. He was willing to use whatever means necessary to make money because he was so desperate to be someone else. Gatsby was prepared to drop many things, even his identity. The name change was simply a reflection of his goals.
