#4: Text to Text Connection

In Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, one of the main characters and object of fascination is Jay Gatsby. Gatsby can be related to many characters from other novels, but Gatsby is very similar to the fictional comic book character Spiderman. Gatsby’s original name is James Gatz and comes from a sketchy family background, and ends up finding odd jobs to make any money he can. Similarly, Peter Parker also has a sketchy family background in that Peter Parker’s parents died when he was young and he lives with his grandparents up through high school. Peter Parker finds an odd job as a photographer for a newspaper to make some money. Both James Gatz and Peter Parker have a hard time fitting into the society they so badly desire to be a part of. James Gatz creates an alternate alias, Jay Gatsby, in order to reinvent himself; Peter Parker creates Spiderman, albeit with the help of a radioactive spider bite. Both characters don ridiculous costumes, Gatsby in his brightly colored suits, and Spiderman in his, well, Spidey costume. Gatsby and Spiderman become iconic public figures in New York City, and are loved by the masses: Gatsby for his lavish parties, and Spiderman for his crime-fighting skills. However, both characters are held back by a complicated love life. Gatsby is in love with Daisy who is married to Tom Buchanan. Spiderman is in love with Mary Jane, who is in love with his best friend Harry Osborn. Gatsby and Spiderman both meet their unfortunate demise while trying to protect their loved one. Some people remember Gatsby as a hero, a promoter of the lavish lifestyle that was popular during the 1920’s, while still others hardly remember him at all, as evident in his near empty funeral. Spiderman is remembered by some as a hero for protecting New York City, while others view him as a deranged costumed vigilante. This is significant because it shows that both characters could be argued as either heroes or villains.