Chapter 10: Gatsby's Origin Story
Through conversations with Gatsby's father and others, Nick learned the truth about Jay Gatsby's humble beginnings. Born James Gatz to poor farmers in North Dakota, he had changed his name to Jay Gatsby at seventeen, determined to reinvent himself and escape his circumstances.
Gatsby worked as a clam-digger and a salmon fisherman, saving every penny until he met Dan Cody, a wealthy copper magnate who took him under his wing. For five years, Gatsby sailed with Cody, learning about wealth and the lifestyle of the elite, until Cody's death left Gatsby with a small inheritance.
This period in Gatsby's life revealed his resourcefulness and determination to improve himself. Despite the legal and ethical questions surrounding his later business activities, his early life demonstrated a genuine desire to rise above his circumstances and achieve something greater.