Wolfsheim’s Perspective on Gatsby- A Glimpse into the Mind of the Great Gatsby’s Shadowy Character
How does Wolfsheim view Gatsby?
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel “The Great Gatsby,” the character of Meyer Wolfsheim plays a significant role in shaping the perception of Jay Gatsby. As a Jewish gangster and a man of considerable influence in the 1920s American underworld, Wolfsheim’s perspective on Gatsby is multifaceted and reveals much about the complexities of the American Dream during the Roaring Twenties. This article delves into the various ways in which Wolfsheim views Gatsby, shedding light on the themes of wealth, power, and moral ambiguity present in the novel.
Wolfsheim’s initial impression of Gatsby is one of skepticism and caution. As a man who has navigated the seedy underbelly of American society, Wolfsheim is wary of Gatsby’s sudden rise to wealth and prominence. In a conversation with Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor and narrator, Wolfsheim expresses his doubts about Gatsby’s legitimacy:
“He’s a goddamned criminal,” Wolfsheim said. “That’s what I heard. A man who killed a man.”
This remark highlights Wolfsheim’s suspicion of Gatsby’s past and his concerns about the source of Gatsby’s newfound fortune. Wolfsheim’s association of Gatsby with crime and violence is a reflection of the dark undercurrents that run through the novel, as well as the moral ambiguity of the characters involved.
Despite his initial skepticism, Wolfsheim ultimately acknowledges Gatsby’s intelligence and ambition. When Gatsby offers to pay off a debt Wolfsheim owes to a man named Dan Cody, Wolfsheim is impressed by Gatsby’s willingness to help someone he has never met:
“He’s a smart man,” Wolfsheim said. “He’s got the eye, the real eye. He’s got that quality. It’s a quality that you can’t buy, you know.”
This statement reveals Wolfsheim’s appreciation for Gatsby’s ability to perceive and manipulate the world around him. Wolfsheim sees Gatsby as a man who has the potential to succeed, even if he does so through unconventional means.
Furthermore, Wolfsheim’s view of Gatsby is colored by his own experiences with wealth and power. As a man who has accumulated wealth through illegal means, Wolfsheim understands the corrupting influence of money. He recognizes that Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream is a dangerous endeavor, as it can lead to moral decay and the loss of one’s integrity:
“He’s a wonderful guy,” Wolfsheim said. “But he’s got to learn that you can’t live forever. You can’t beat death.”
This comment reflects Wolfsheim’s belief that Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and status is ultimately futile, as it cannot grant him immortality or save him from the inevitability of death. Wolfsheim’s perspective on Gatsby serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of the American Dream and the moral compromises that come with wealth and power.
In conclusion, Meyer Wolfsheim’s view of Gatsby is complex and multifaceted. He is initially skeptical of Gatsby’s rise to wealth and power, but ultimately acknowledges Gatsby’s intelligence and ambition. Wolfsheim’s perspective on Gatsby serves as a reflection of the moral ambiguity and corrupting influence of wealth present in “The Great Gatsby.” Through Wolfsheim’s eyes, readers are reminded of the dangers of the American Dream and the importance of maintaining one’s integrity in the face of temptation.