The protagonist’s real story is way different from what he tells people. Gatsby’s real name is James Gatz, and he was born in a poor farmers’ family in North Dakota. After failing to complete his education, he decided to start a new life. Gatsby invents an alternative story about himself to become a different man he dreamed of being.
Detailed answer:
After withdrawing from the college, Gatsby starts working on Lake Superior. There he meets Dan Cody, who owns a beautiful yacht. The protagonist warns him about an upcoming storm. And Cody offers Gatz the position of a personal assistant on his yacht. During his work and travel with Cody, the main character gets fascinated by the freedom of a wealthy life. Dan Cody is an alcoholic, and after a certain time, he passes away, bequeathing $25,000 to the young boy. However, his mistress refuses to transfer the inheritance. And Gatz decides that he has to become a wealthy and successful person by himself.
The protagonist creates an alternative story about his past. He makes up a new name, origin, education, family, and career. The reason behind the lie is self-rejection and shame from belonging to the lower-class. When he meets Dan Cody, he realizes that it is the life he dreamed of. From that moment, he dedicates his life to become an affluent person. Jay desires to possess luxury items and belong to the upper class.
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