We’ve finally gotten some answers on Jay Gatsby’s education from the man himself! But why is Gatsby’s academic success such a hot topic to begin with?
Well, for a while, many people speculated whether or not he was educated to begin with. But surely a man with such smart fashion and so much money would have a degree beneath his belt. As it turns out, Gatsby is educated, but not even enough to earn an Associate’s degree.
“It was in nineteen-nineteen, I only stayed five months. That’s why I can’t really call myself an Oxford man. It was an opportunity they gave to some of the officers after the armistice, [w]e could go to any of the universities in England or France.” – Jay Gatsby
(Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 7).
But why Oxford? Nobody could believe it for a long while, whether or not the esteemed party host could have engaged with such a prestigious academia. Our anonymous informants have shared incredulity before:
“Well, he told me once he was an Oxford man. However, I don’t believe it.” – J.B.
“An Oxford man! Like hell he is! He wears a pink suit.” – T.B.
(Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 3).
(Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 7).
Now that Jay Gatsby has revealed the mystery behind his education, it all makes sense. Why he was so quick to hide the fact that he attended, it was all because his tuition was paid off by the government, and the lack of time spent enrolled.
Regardless, Gatsby still appears to hold the school dear to his heart.
“Here’s another thing I always carry. A souvenir of Oxford days. It was taken in Trinity Quad—the man on my left is now the Earl of Doncaster.” – Jay Gatsby
“It was a photograph of half a dozen young men in blazers loafing in an archway through which were visible a host of spires. There was Gatsby, looking a little, not much, younger—with a cricket bat in his hand. Then it was all true.” – N.C.
(Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 4).
Now, our naysayers have corrected their disbeliefs, due to the overwhelming evidence of Gatsby’s education.
“By the way, Mr. Gatsby, I understand you’re an Oxford man… Oh, yes, I understand you went to Oxford.” – T.B.
“You found he was an Oxford man… Nevertheless he’s an Oxford man.” – J.B.
(Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 7).
Well, if you’d ever like to enroll in a prestigious school, whether or not you’re qualified, simply serve our great country! Then you too can achieve the American Dream our Gatsby so perfectly embodies.
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. eBook #64317. Project Gutenberg, January 17, 2021, online.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/64317/64317-h/64317-h.htm
