p. 37-48
As I continue to read, Fitzgerald is slowly introducing the reader to Mr. Gatsby. However, for the majority of the first two chapters and a portion of the third, Gatsby remains a complete mystery. Many people know of him and frequent his parites; however, very few know him personally. Moreover, hardly any know the true story of his passed. Some believe he was educated in Oxford, others heard he is a veteran of the Great War, while still others believe he is a bootlegger and murderer. Even the guests at his own house party seem to simply be dumbstruck by him: "As soon as I arrived I made an attempt to find my host, but the two or three of whom I asked his whereabouts stared at me in such an amazed way, and denied so vehemently any knowledge of his movements...." (Fitzgerald, 42).
While reading, I could not help but notice that the mystery that surrounds Gatsby's character is similar to the relationship that the people of Oz have with the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. Just as those who know of Gatsby are in awe of him, so are the people of Oz both fearful and wonderstruck by the Wizard. They know little about him but (...."those who accepted Gatsby's hospitality and paid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about him" (Ftizgerald, 61)), nonetheless, crave his presence and wisdom. Similarily, everyone around Long Island wants to attend a party at the Gatsby mansion. Both he and the Wiz seem to be central figures in society, but neither are frequently seen around; they remain a mystery to the people in whose lives they play a significant role. I am anxious to see if this comparison continues to hold through as the tale of F. Scott Fiztgerald's The Great Gatsby unfolds.
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