Gatsby
Throughout the week we have learned the background of and started reading The Great Gatsby. We have made predictions about what will happen later in the novel. To continue with this idea, I would like to address a theory about Gatsby. Many people have theorized that Gatsby is actually black. A website I found provides factual information and quotes from the book suggesting that Gatsby is, in fact, a black man.
https://www.reddit.com/r/FanTheories/comments/1juix7/gatsby_is_black/
The website listed above makes some interesting points that support the idea that Gatsby is black. To start, in the beginning of the book it is shared that Gatsby's mansion is on 40 acres of land; this was the amount of land promised to free slaves. Sherman's Special Field Orders, No. 15 stated that free slaves would receive 40 acres of land and a mule. However these promises were not always carried through.
One other interesting quote that suggests Gatsby is black is his appearance when he is introduced in chapter 3. It states that he has, "...tanned skin...and his short hair looked as though it were trimmed every day" (Fitzgerald 50). This description of his skin hints at his heritage and and his hair could reference the grooming styles of African Americans.
Though it is never explicitly stated, it could be inferred that Gatsby is African American based on descriptions of himself and his land.
https://www.reddit.com/r/FanTheories/comments/1juix7/gatsby_is_black/
The website listed above makes some interesting points that support the idea that Gatsby is black. To start, in the beginning of the book it is shared that Gatsby's mansion is on 40 acres of land; this was the amount of land promised to free slaves. Sherman's Special Field Orders, No. 15 stated that free slaves would receive 40 acres of land and a mule. However these promises were not always carried through.
One other interesting quote that suggests Gatsby is black is his appearance when he is introduced in chapter 3. It states that he has, "...tanned skin...and his short hair looked as though it were trimmed every day" (Fitzgerald 50). This description of his skin hints at his heritage and and his hair could reference the grooming styles of African Americans.
Though it is never explicitly stated, it could be inferred that Gatsby is African American based on descriptions of himself and his land.
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