The Great Gatsby

1. The Great Gatsby Self-made man

2. The “self made man” • We begin to learn more about Gatsby’s background in chapter six. Much has been said about who Gatsby is and where he came from but the truth is that his background is still relatively unknown. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbWWIvTh3D8 • In chapter 6 Gatsby is described as a “self-made” man. What do you think this means? And what who would you describe, from present day as a “self-made man”? • Please come up with a list of at least two individuals, from present day, that you believe represents what a self-made man (or woman) is and explain why!

3. The “self made man” • The idea of a self-made man plays an important role in the American dream. • It is the idea that someone from a humble/modest (poor, lower class, etc…) background can become someone of great importance and wealth through sheer willpower and hard work.

4. An Example • John D. Rockefeller: made a fortune in the late 1800s by buying and selling oil refineries. (His son financed the Rockefeller center) • Walt Disney: grew up with an abusive father, first animation company went bankrupt, set up new studio in Hollywood. His early cartoons led to what we know of today. • Ben and Jerry: Struggled early in their lives to find something they were interested in professionally. Took a $5.00 course on “how to make ice cream” and opened their first ice cream shop in an old gas station.

5. Self-Made Man - No Such Thing • http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2011/11/15/self-made-man-no-such-thing/ • Article by Mike Myatt

6. Self-made man? • “Do you view yourself as a self-made man or woman? If you do, you may want to take another look in the mirror. What’s wrong with the “self-made” theory? Everything. If your pride, ego, arrogance, insecurity, or ignorance keeps you from recognizing the contributions of others, then it’s time for a wake-up call. ” • Here’s the thing – real leaders don’t take credit, they give it. While I take complete responsibility for all my failures and shortcomings, I take very little credit for my own success. Virtually all of the good things that have happened to me over the years have been the result of the collaborative efforts of many…Behind every success are significant investments and contributions by some if not all of the following people: family, friends, associates, protagonists, antagonists, advisors, teachers, authors, mentors, coaches, and the list could go on.

7. “Other than in a Rambo movie, there is no such thing as an army of one. Savvy leaders tend to seek out help wherever they can find it. Without question, the most successful business people on the planet are those that have learned to blow through self-imposed barriers to openly harness the power of broader spheres of influence. As much as some people won’t want to hear this, “help” is not a dirty word. ”

8. Question: • Do you agree or disagree with the idea of a “self made man”?

9. Evolution of Gatsby • Nick reveals to the reader the truth about Gatsby. • James Gatz went through a transformation to become the Jay Gatsby we know. • He was from North Dakota, went to college at St. Olaf in Minnesota- he worked as a janitor to pay his tuition but dropped out because he found it humiliating to work as a janitor. • James Gatz became Gatsby after meeting Dan Cody while he was working as a fisherman. • Dan Cody represented everything Gatz wanted to be (he was wealthy and important, having made his fortune in copper). • Gatz became Gatsby to achieve wealth and success.

10. Questions • What do you think of what Gatsby did and why do you think he reinvented himself? • Do you think that Jay Gatsby was justified in making all the changes to his life and creating a new background? OR • Do you think it was a ridiculous thing to do-unnecessary and unreasonable? Do you think that it is possible to be a “self-made man”? • Would you reinvent yourself if you could? • How would you change or why wouldn’t you change?