preview

Trimalchio Great Gatsby

Decent Essays

The next best title for “The Great Gatsby” is either Trimalchio” or “Trimalchio in West Egg”. Either would be a good title because the name Trimalchio comes from a Roman work of fiction in which the arrogant slave Trimalchio becomes rich through shady means. This is a condensed version of Gatsby’s own rise into fortune. He’s witnesses Dan Cody’s wealth and he hungers for it. Gatsby is determined to get rich and live that lifestyle even if it’s somewhat criminal means. It’s obvious that this life was meant for Gatsby though. Tom says, “I didn’t hear it. I imagined it. A lot of these newly rich people are just big bootleggers, you know” to Nick when he mentions to him that Gatsby may be a bootlegger. Tom was right in that Gatsby was new money.

Get Access