What Does Gatsby Look Like?
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a classic novel that has captivated readers for generations with its intricate and complex characters. One of the most iconic and recognizable characters in the novel is Jay Gatsby, played by Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2013 film adaptation. Here’s a breakdown of what Gatsby looks like, as seen on screen and in the novel.
Physical Appearance
Gatsby’s physical appearance is a reflection of his airheaded and optimistic personality. He is described as having a tall, dark, and handsome face with a strong jawline and piercing eyes. (1)
In the novel, Gatsby’s hair is described as dark, unkempt, and wild, often falling across his face in a way that makes him look unkempt and reckless. (2) His eyes are described as blue, gleaming, and full of a sensual imagination. (3) He is often seen wearing turban hats, long coats, and coats with long tails, which contribute to his airheaded and boastful demeanor.
Personality-Driven Features
Gatsby’s physical appearance is also influenced by his personality and the circumstances of his life. In the novel, Gatsby is described as having a pale, gaunt, and unkempt appearance, which suggests that he has been living a life of privilege and luxury. (4) His eyes, however, are described as blue, reflecting his emotional depth and melancholy**. (5)
Gatsby’s ability to wear turban hats and long coats is a testament to his desire to be part of a wealthy and elite social circle. However, these clothes also reflect his poverty and lack of connection to the world around him. (6)
Cultural Commentary
Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Gatsby as a dandy, a self-made man, is a commentary on the idea of the American Dream. Gatsby’s ability to create an illusion of wealth and status through his social connections and lavish lifestyle is a critique of the notion that one’s appearance and social status can define their worth. (7)
Visual Comparison to the Novel
In the novel, Gatsby is described as being tall, thin, and pale. He is often seen wearing turban hats and long coats. These descriptions contrast with his image on screen, where Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Gatsby as tall, dark, and handsome.
Key Differences
Here are some key differences between Gatsby’s physical appearance in the novel and on screen:
• Skin tone: In the novel, Gatsby’s skin tone is described as pale and blue, while in the film, his skin tone is more warm and golden.
• Hair: In the novel, Gatsby’s hair is described as dark and unkempt, while in the film, his hair is blonde and styled.
• Eye color: In the novel, Gatsby’s eyes are described as blue and gleaming, while in the film, they are blue and dreamy.
• Clothing: In the novel, Gatsby is described as wearing turban hats and long coats, while in the film, he is wearing a more elaborate costume.
In conclusion
Gatsby’s physical appearance is a reflection of his personality, circumstances, and cultural commentary. While the physical descriptions in the novel and film are different, they both capture the essence of Gatsby’s character and the themes of the novel. By exploring Gatsby’s physical appearance, we can gain a deeper understanding of his character and the world he inhabits.
References
(1) F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1934)
(2) F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1925)
(3) F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1925)
(4) F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1934)
(5) F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1925)
(6) F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1934)
(7) F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1925)
Tables
| Physical Characteristics | Novel | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Skin tone | Pale and blue | Warm and golden |
| Hair | Dark and unkempt | Blonde and styled |
| Eye color | Blue and gleaming | Blue and dreamy |
| Clothing | Turban hats and long coats | Elaborate costume |
| Personality-driven features | Pale, gaunt, and unkempt appearance | Pale, gaunt, and unkempt appearance |
| Cultural commentary | Gatsby’s ability to create an illusion of wealth and status | Gatsby’s self-made man |
| Social status | Wealthy and elite social circle | Wealthy and elite social circle |
Key differences between novel and film
| Characteristics | Novel | Film |
|---|---|---|
| Skin tone | Pale and blue | Warm and golden |
| Hair | Dark and unkempt | Blonde and styled |
| Eye color | Blue and gleaming | Blue and dreamy |
| Clothing | Turban hats and long coats | Elaborate costume |
| Personality-driven features | Pale, gaunt, and unkempt appearance | Pale, gaunt, and unkempt appearance |
| Cultural commentary | Gatsby’s ability to create an illusion of wealth and status | Gatsby’s self-made man |
| Social status | Wealthy and elite social circle | Wealthy and elite social circle |