If Gatsby Was an Animal, What Would He Be? And Why Would He Wear a Top Hat to a Jungle Party?

Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, is a character shrouded in mystery, ambition, and a touch of melancholy. If Gatsby were an animal, he would undoubtedly be a peacock. The peacock, with its dazzling plumage and regal demeanor, embodies Gatsby’s outward extravagance and his desire to be seen and admired. Yet, beneath the vibrant feathers lies a creature driven by instinct and survival, much like Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of the American Dream and his idealized love for Daisy.

The Peacock: A Symbol of Grandeur and Illusion

The peacock’s iridescent feathers are a perfect metaphor for Gatsby’s carefully constructed persona. Just as the peacock fans its tail to attract attention, Gatsby throws lavish parties, fills his mansion with opulence, and crafts a backstory designed to impress. His wealth, much like the peacock’s feathers, is a display meant to captivate and distract from the reality of his humble origins. The peacock’s beauty is undeniable, but it is also superficial—a trait that mirrors Gatsby’s own facade.

The Loneliness Beneath the Splendor

Despite its striking appearance, the peacock is often a solitary creature. Similarly, Gatsby’s parties are filled with people, yet he remains isolated, yearning for a connection that always seems just out of reach. His obsession with Daisy is less about love and more about reclaiming a past that never truly existed. The peacock’s cry, often described as haunting, echoes Gatsby’s inner turmoil and the emptiness that lies beneath his glittering exterior.

The Top Hat at the Jungle Party

Now, why would Gatsby, as a peacock, wear a top hat to a jungle party? This absurd image captures the essence of Gatsby’s character: a man who refuses to conform to his surroundings. The top hat, a symbol of old-world elegance, clashes with the wild, untamed jungle, much like Gatsby’s outdated ideals clash with the modern, morally ambiguous world of the 1920s. It’s a reminder that Gatsby, despite his efforts, will always be an outsider, trying to fit into a world that doesn’t truly accept him.

The Tragic Flaw: Pride and Obsession

The peacock’s pride in its appearance parallels Gatsby’s pride in his achievements. However, this pride becomes his tragic flaw. Just as the peacock’s feathers can make it a target for predators, Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy and his refusal to let go of the past lead to his downfall. His inability to see Daisy for who she truly is—a flawed, human woman—mirrors the peacock’s inability to see beyond its own reflection.

The Illusion of the American Dream

Gatsby’s story is often interpreted as a critique of the American Dream, and the peacock serves as a fitting symbol for this theme. The bird’s beauty is fleeting, much like the wealth and status Gatsby accumulates. Both are ultimately hollow, unable to provide the fulfillment they promise. The peacock’s feathers may dazzle, but they cannot sustain it, just as Gatsby’s wealth cannot buy him happiness or acceptance.

The Jungle Party: A Metaphor for Society

The jungle party, with its chaotic energy and primal undertones, represents the hedonistic society of the Roaring Twenties. Gatsby, as the peacock in a top hat, stands out as both a participant and an outsider. His presence is a reminder of the tension between appearance and reality, between the desire for connection and the inevitability of isolation. The top hat, out of place in the jungle, underscores the futility of Gatsby’s attempts to transcend his circumstances.

Conclusion: The Peacock and the Man

If Gatsby were an animal, the peacock would be his perfect counterpart. Both are defined by their beauty and their pride, yet both are ultimately trapped by their own illusions. Gatsby’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession and the emptiness of materialism, themes that resonate as strongly today as they did in Fitzgerald’s time. And as for the top hat at the jungle party? It’s a whimsical reminder that Gatsby, like the peacock, will always be a creature of contradiction—both magnificent and tragic.

Q: Why is the peacock a good symbol for Gatsby?
A: The peacock represents Gatsby’s outward extravagance, his desire to be admired, and the superficiality of his wealth. However, like Gatsby, the peacock is also a solitary creature, highlighting the loneliness beneath the splendor.

Q: What does the top hat symbolize in the context of the jungle party?
A: The top hat symbolizes Gatsby’s refusal to conform to his surroundings. It represents his outdated ideals and his struggle to fit into a world that doesn’t truly accept him.

Q: How does Gatsby’s story critique the American Dream?
A: Gatsby’s story shows that the American Dream is an illusion. His wealth and status are hollow, unable to provide the happiness or acceptance he seeks. His tragic end underscores the emptiness of materialism and the dangers of obsession.

Q: Why is Gatsby’s loneliness significant?
A: Gatsby’s loneliness highlights the disconnect between his outward success and his inner emptiness. Despite his wealth and the people around him, he remains isolated, yearning for a connection that is always just out of reach.