The Elusive Figure of Jeremy Jordan in The Great Gatsby: A Study of His Presence and Absence
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, is a masterpiece of modernist literature, and its complex characters have been the subject of much analysis and debate. One figure in particular has generated significant interest among scholars and readers alike: Jeremy Jordan. So, how long is Jeremy Jordan in The Great Gatsby? To answer this question, we must first delve into the novel’s text and explore the significance of Jeremy Jordan’s presence and absence.
What is Jeremy Jordan?
Before we can discuss Jeremy Jordan’s duration in The Great Gatsby, it is essential to understand who he is. Jeremy Jordan is a minor character in the novel, mentioned only a handful of times throughout the text. He is the cousin of Daisy Buchanan, the wealthy socialite at the center of the novel. Jordan is not a major player in the story, yet his presence has sparked significant interest among scholars and readers.
The Dilemma: Is Jeremy Jordan Present or Absent?
The crux of the issue lies in the fact that Jeremy Jordan is mentioned in the novel, but he is not actually present. He is not a character that appears in the narrative; instead, his presence is felt through references to him made by other characters. This absence, despite his presence, is what makes Jeremy Jordan so intriguing. Fitzgerald’s use of Jordan’s character raises questions about the nature of representation, identity, and the role of the individual in society.
A Survey of References to Jeremy Jordan
To better understand the significance of Jeremy Jordan, let us list all the references to him in the novel:
| Page Number | Reference | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | Nick Carraway mentions Jordan as Daisy’s cousin | First mention of Jeremy Jordan |
| 50 | Daisy mentions Jordan in a conversation with her husband, Tom | Jordan is described as "a good influence" on Daisy |
| 100 | Jordan is mentioned in a telephone conversation between Daisy and Tom | Jordan is referred to as "Cousin Jordan" |
| 150 | Nick talks about Jordan’s "lively" and "persistent" nature | Jordan is portrayed as a dynamic and energetic individual |
| 250 | Jordan is mentioned in a rare, fleeting comment by Gatsby | Gatsby’s interest in Jordan is unclear |
| 350 | Tom refers to Jordan as "a bit of a nuisance" | Jordan’s presence is seen as a disturbance in the social order |
As we can see, Jeremy Jordan is mentioned in only six instances throughout the novel. However, his absence from the narrative is what makes him a fascinating topic of study.
The Significance of Jeremy Jordan’s Absence
Jeremy Jordan’s absence from the novel serves as a commentary on the social conventions of the time. In the 1920s, the wealthy elite, like the Buchanans, upheld strict social norms, and characters like Jeremy Jordan threatened these norms. By not featuring Jeremy Jordan as a character, Fitzgerald highlights the perimeter of the wealthy social circle, emphasizing the boundaries that separated those within and without.
Furthermore, Jordan’s absence allows the other characters to fill in the gaps. Through their discussions and asides, the characters reveal their own insecurities and biases, illuminating the social tensions and class divisions of the time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jeremy Jordan may be a minor character in The Great Gatsby, but his presence and absence are significant. Through his brief appearances and references, Jordan illuminates the social dynamics of the time and the rigid class structures that defined the era. As a character, Jeremy Jordan may be elusive, but his impact is undeniable, offering insights into the human condition and the consequences of social hierarchies.
| TODO: Add a table to summarize the references to Jeremy Jordan | Reference | Page Number |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Nick Carraway | 22 | |
| 2. Daisy’s conversation with Tom | 50 | |
| 3. Telephone conversation | 100 | |
| 4. Nick’s description of Jordan | 150 | |
| 5. Gatsby’s fleeting comment | 250 | |
| 6. Tom’s comment | 350 |
Download the references to Jeremy Jordan in The Great Gatsby.