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Veronica Molina

Ms. Storer

ENG 3H, Block 4

March 2, 2020

A Man like Christ

A Christ figure is a character in literature who resembles Christ, as seen through their

actions and persona. In the novel, The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby went

from growing up poor to living in luxury. Once Gatsby achieved success, he was one of the most

popular in New York. He was known for throwing the most extravagant parties and for his

character. He was admired by many, but his pursuit for riches was only for Daisy. Gatsby is seen

a Christ figure not only through his Christlike qualities and his ultimate sacrifice for Daisy, but

also through his faithful friend Nick.

Gatsby possesses many qualities similar to that of Christ. For example, Gatsby “saw Dan

Cody’s yacht drop anchor over the most insidious flat on Lake Superior” and warned him “that a

wind might catch him and break him in half an hour” (Fitzgerald 98). This quote demonstrates

Gatsby’s concern for those around him. Though Gatsby, should be worried about his own life

and situation, he still chose to prioritize the life of another before his. Like Gatsby, Jesus

prioritized the lives of others. Jesus showed great concern for the poor and would help heal

those, despite barely knowing them. Another example of Gatsby showcasing his Christlike

qualities is his belief in the green light. For instance, Nick describes how: “Gatsby believed in

the green light, the orgastic future…” (Fitzgerald 180). Gatsby constantly showcased one of the

three theological virtues: hope. Throughout the novel, the green light symbolized Gatsby’s hope

for a future with Daisy. Gatsby had hoped that he would one day be able to reunite with his one
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love. Similarly, Jesus had hope in the future, that humanity might be redeemed from sin and

reunited with him for eternity. In addition to Gatsby sharing many Christlike qualities, his

sacrifice for Daisy, also reveals how he is a Christ figure.

Gatsby’s ultimate sacrifice for Daisy Buchanan, shows his parallel to Christ. After many

questions about Myrtle Wilson’s death, Nick makes the following revelation, “‘Was Daisy

Driving?’ ‘Yes’ he said after a moment, ‘but of course I’ll say I was’” (Fitzgerald 143). Gatsby

ultimately takes the blame for the accident, despite it being completely Daisy’s fault. Though the

death of Myrtle Wilson, was a total accident, through Daisy not owning up to her actions, shows

her sin. However, Gatsby’s undeniable love for Daisy, allowed him to openly take the blame for

her sin. Gatsby had full control of the situation and could have spared himself from peril, just as

Jesus could have while on the cross, but both still chose to complete the ultimate sacrifice out of

love. As a result of Gatsby taking the blame for Daisy, he ends up suffering consequences. For

instance, after Gatsby had been killed, Nick says, “It was after we started with Gatsby toward the

house that the gardener saw Wilson’s body a little way off in the grass, and the holocaust was

complete” (Fitzgerald 162). Fitzgerald uses the word “Holocaust” to describe how Gatsby’s

death was like “a sacrificial burning on the altar” (“The Holocaust”). Gatsby needed to sacrifice

his own life, so that Daisy would not be punished by Tom, her husband. Without a doubt, one

can see the similarities between the death of Gatsby and Jesus. In Jesus’s case, he died so that

humanity will be saved from their sins and that the gates of heaven would be opened, while

Gatsby died because of his love for Daisy. Not only can Gatsby be seen as a Christ figure

through his many Christlike qualities and ultimate sacrifice his life for Daisy, but he can also be

seen as one through Nick.

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Gatsby can be seen as a Christ figure because he creates a faithful and devoted disciple in

Nick Carraway. Nick describes young Gatsby as “a son of God- a phrase which, if it means

anything, means just that- and he must be about his Father’s business” (Fitzgerald 98). Nick

directly compares Gatsby to Jesus, in order to showcase the development of Gatsby’s own

identity. Despite Gatsby coming from a poor background, Gatsby went beyond his circumstances

to achieve success. Gatsby acquired such a substantial ego, that it almost seemed divine. Nick is

in awe with Gatsby’s story and admires his character. Like Gatsby, Jesus showcased his divinity

and knowledge, which made many admire him and believe. Nick not only spoke well of Gatsby,

but he also remained with Gatsby till his death. For example, while at Gatsby’s funeral, Nick

hears someone murmur, “Blessed are the dead that the rain falls on,” (Fitzgerald 174).

Throughout Gatsby’s lifetime, he had many admirers; however, when it came to his funeral,

none showed up. It was only three who attended: Gatsby’s father, owl-eyed man, and Gatsby’s

most faithful friend, Nick. Similar, to the burial of Christ, Luke 23 tells of how only the women

of Galilee saw the entombment, even though Christ had many followers. Clearly there is parallel

between Gatsby and Christ, as seen through their most faithful followers. Thus, Gatsby can be

seen as a Christ figure through his faithful friend Nick, who remained with him till his death.

Fitzgerald uses parallel between Gatsby and Christ, in order to reveal his perception of a

Christ figure in the twentieth century. Gatsby’s qualities, his own death and his faithful friend

Nick, showcase a similarity with the life of Jesus Christ. The experiences of Gatsby reveals the

need to not make assumptions about one and see Jesus in every person, as one does not always

know their story.

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Works Cited

Fitzgerald, Francis Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2018.

History.com Editors. “The Holocaust.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 14 Oct. 2009,
www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/the-holocaust.