Violence and Obsession :The Shift of Identity in Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

Abstract

The present research undertakes the study of the main character in Scott Fitzgerald novel The Great Gatsby. The paper makes use of the psychoanalytic literary theory, and attempts a psychoanalytic interpretation of id, superego, ego, and core issues in the protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby. Basing on these previous interpretations, this work continues to analyze some of the subject’s behaviors, and psyche issues. Excessive violence, and obsession are features that appeared on Gatsby after his identity shift. Being a victim of an unfortunate past, the protagonist made a change in his name. From James (Jimmy) Gatz, to James Gatsby. The aim of this research is to investigate the identity shift, and the behavioral changes in the character, and also identifying the nature of relationship between the two aspects. In addition, to identifying the effects of these events on his psyche, and mental health. By applying the psychoanalysis literary...