The Great Gatsby
Significance of Names
Symbolism abounds in F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. Ranging from lights to billboards, Fitzgerald's representations are at some times subtle and at other times blatant. The way that Fitzgerald named his characters in the novel is an example of the aforementioned blatant symbolism. Nearly every name in the novel, ranging from the main characters to characters who appear only once, was chosen with extreme care.
Significant Characters
Jay Gatsby: Gatsby's last name is a play on words. Gat is a slang term for a pistol. As Gatsby is murdered with a pistol, the pun is obvious.
Nick Carraway: Nick's name does not directly imply either simplicity or wealth, as is the case with his character. The name Carraway would as easily suit a wealthy man as it would a street bum. Nick's first name works in the same way. One might take note that the word car begins his last name.
Daisy Buchanan: Sophistication and a snobby aura are both emitted from Daisy's last name. Buchanan is an accurate name to depict a character who is wealthy and has the stereotypical personality of one who has a seemingly limitless supply of money. Daisy's first name portrays her startling beauty and superficial purity. White is associated with Daisy throughout the book, and an actual daisy is a white flower. For further information on this symbolism, see Maggie's Color Symbolism Page
Tom Buchanan: As is the case with his wife, Daisy, Tom is also extremely rich and likes for everyone to take notice of his wealth. The last name Buchanan also fits him perfectly. Tom's character, however, is as simple as it appears at first glance. A former football star, Tom gives the immediate impression of being self-centered, conceited, and not too bright. This simplicity of character and lack of personality depth allow a name as common and plain as Tom to describe him well.
Jordan Baker: The name Jordan is a non-gender specific name. Jordan is a woman who defies the image of the typical woman of the 1920s. An athlete who excels in golf and a woman who does more or less as she pleases, her characteristics lead her name to suit her beautifully. The name Jordan Baker also implies reference to two types of dominant vehicles at the time, as the explanatory notes of the novel names, "the sporty Jordan and the conservative Baker electric."
Myrtle Wilson: It is perfectly clear upon first glance as to why Fitzgerald chose such an unflattering name as Myrtle. Upon hearing that a woman's name was Myrtle, one might expect for her to be a homely, plain, unworldly woman with little intelligence. Such is the description of Myrtle Wilson. The common last name of Wilson accurately names a similarly common woman.
George Wilson: George Wilson, like Myrtle Wilson, is also a simple name that would fit a plain, simple man. Until the last couple of chapters of the book, George Wilson seems to be just that. To some extent, the implied simplicity in George Wilson's character because of his name adds shock at the unexpected twist towards the end of the book when Wilson murders Gatsby, therefore proving the true complexity of his character.
Insignificant Characters
At the party of Gatsby's that both Nick and Jordan attend, many characters are named that do not appear in the novel from that point on. Fitzgerald did not, however, aimlessly name the people to fill up space. The names of those that attend the party depict the eclectic mix of different classes and types of people that Gatsby would entertain.
Chester Becker: Refined and catchy, this name clearly indicates a man from East Egg. Note the assonance that helps the name to be remembered and to be more significant.
Doctor Webster Civet: Also clearly indicative of a man from East Egg. The Doctor reflects extensive education and class, characteristic of those from the more fashionable Egg. The last name Civet is of French origin, which distinguishes Webster as being cultured and stylish.
The Chrystie family: Even in present times, the members of the society who deem their last name too dull and common often change a letter of the name to "jazz it up." The classic spelling of this last name would of course be Christie, but this East Egg family changed the i to a y to distinguish themselves.
Stonewall Jackson Abram: Named after the Southern Civil War hero, this East Egg resident evidently has enough social standing to warrant being named after such a soldier. East Eggers would deem themselves worthy of this honor far more commonly than a more homely West Egg resident.
S.B. Whitebait, the Hammerheads, and the Belugas: There is an obvious reference to the sea in these names, as in fishing bait, a Hammerhead shark, and a Beluga whale. Those that are familiar with the ocean were considered of a higher social class than the average American, as ocean travel reflected culture and common beach trips, in many cases, reflected wealth. These names are of East Eggers.
Newton Orchid, George Duckweed, and George Bull: The reference to the plants and animals, and thus, a reference to the Earth describes a man who is relatively common. Of particular social detriment is the last name Bull with the slang reference to lies. Juxtaposing the sea references of East Egg residents, these men must be from the West Egg.
Clyde Cohen and Mr. P. Jewett: In the 1920s, those that were Jewish or of Jewish origin were not looked upon nearly as highly as those who were Christian, a much more popular religion. As anti-Semitism prevailed throughout the decade, a last name such as Cohen or a last name actually containing the word Jew would not be well regarded. These men are from West Egg.
The Catlip family: In the 1920s, as well as today, to be called "catty" was not a compliment. As those that are catty generally use their mouths extensively, the reference to "catty" and "lips" obviously describes someone who was not trusted nor respected. The Catlips are from West Egg.
S.W. Belcher and Miss Haag: Definitely undesirable names, references to belch and a name that closely resembles hag reflect members of society with substandard manners and class. Both of these people are from West Egg.
Works Cited
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Macmillan, 1992.
Page created on April 28, 1999
Curator:Carrie Lopez