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What does it mean when Gatsby says son of God?

Published in Literary Analysis 3 mins read

When Gatsby is described as a "son of God," it signifies his profound self-reinvention and extraordinary ambition, portraying him as an individual who has risen from nothing and believes his destiny is solely upward.

Understanding Gatsby's "Son of God" Status

This powerful metaphor reveals several key aspects of Jay Gatsby's character and his philosophy of life in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. It suggests that Gatsby's identity is not inherited but rather a deliberate creation, born from an idealized vision of himself.

Key Interpretations

The phrase "son of God" in the context of Jay Gatsby embodies the following ideas:

  • High Ambition: It highlights Gatsby's boundless aspirations, suggesting that his goals are nearly divine in their scope and that he perceives no limit to what he can achieve. He aims for an almost god-like level of success and influence.
  • Self-Creation and Reinvention: Gatsby sheds his former identity (James Gatz) to become the magnificent "Jay Gatsby." This act of self-genesis mirrors a divine creation, where he conceives and then manifests his idealized self. This aligns with the novel's notion that he "sprang from his Platonic conception of himself."
  • Ascension from the Bottom: The description emphasizes that Gatsby rose from humble beginnings. He was not born into wealth or status but forged his own path, implying a trajectory where the only direction is upward and onward.
  • Unwavering Belief in Destiny: For Gatsby, being a "son of God" means he has an inherent drive and a preordained path towards greater heights. There is no other way for him to go but up, driven by an unyielding optimism and belief in his own potential.

Gatsby's Self-Conception

Gatsby's "son of God" status isn't about religious piety but about his deeply held belief in his own exceptionalism and the purity of his dream. He invests his life with a spiritual fervor, dedicating himself to the pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

Aspect of "Son of God" Meaning in Gatsby's Context
Divine Purpose Gatsby believes he is destined for greatness, not by birth, but by will and self-conception.
Boundless Potential He sees no ceiling to his ascent; his path is always towards higher success and achievement.
Idealized Self He embodies a perfect, self-created version of himself, pursuing a life shaped by his grandest dreams.
Transcendence Gatsby transcends his origins, crafting a new reality through sheer ambition and imaginative power.

This powerful characterization underscores Gatsby's profound ambition and his belief in the limitless possibilities of the American Dream, even as it takes a corrupted form. For a deeper dive into Gatsby's character and motivations, consider exploring analyses of The Great Gatsby from reputable literary sources like SparkNotes on Jay Gatsby's Character.