The bildungsroman is a novelistic form that focuses on the maturation and personal development of the main characters. Jay Gatsby’s growth as a character, George Wilson and Tom Buchanan are all examples of the bildungsroman style.
Tom Buchanan transforms from a carefree and unfaithful husband into someone who is concerned about his wife’s well-being. Tom Buchanan is described in the opening as a “freelance,” shameless husband. Buchanan calls his mistress “my lady” (29), instead of referring to his wife. Buchanan only realizes the importance of his actions when he discovers Daisy is in a relationship with Gatsby. Buchanan finally admits that he was hurt after seeing Daisy and Gatsby smoozing in his home. Buchanan clearly has become more aware of his wife’s actions. Wilson doesn’t seem to be able to or willing to admit that his wife has been disloyal from the start. Both Wilson’s wife and Tom, his friend take advantage. Tom replies to a question about Wilson: “Wilson?” He thinks she’s going to New York with her sister…he’s so stupid he doesn’t even realize he’s still alive” (26). Wilson becomes sickened when he discovers the truth. He decides to leave the country to fight his wife’s wrongdoings. Wilson’s decision of moving demonstrates that he has transformed from blindness to strength. It is his man and his own.
Jay Gatsby is finally able to make a significant change. Now, his fantasies of reliving history are quashed and replaced with reality. James Gatz, a North Dakota boy who was poor, wanted to be a successful farmer and not live in poverty. Gatsby falls for Daisy while serving in World War I’s military. He stated that he couldn’t express how shocked he was to discover he loved Daisy, an old sport. James broke up with the relationship due to his financial instability.
Gatsby sets out to win Daisy back, and succeeds. Jay becomes a man through his relationship with Dan Cody. Dan helps Jay understand the intricacies of “business arrangements,” i.e. Jay’s fortune is made by bootlegging. Gatsby, with Jordan and Nick, purchases a palace just across the street from the home of his former love. He finally sees Daisy again. The reunion was memorable but Fitzgerald’s use Fitzgerald’s broken clock is a symbol of Gatsby’s mission, and also foreshadows what lies ahead.
The contrast between East Egg and West Egg is also symbolic. Nick describes the Eggs in a way that is almost entirely opposite to one another, aside from the fact they are physically alike. This is significant because it shows how “incompatibility” Gatsby and Daisy are. Jay lives at West Egg while Daisy lives at East Egg. Gatsby loses sight of the fact that Daisy was in love with Tom throughout the novel. In reference to the love that Daisy and Tom had, Gatsby states his denial at Plaza Hotel (152).
Gatsby’s character changes are a result of all the events and failed attempts to relive his past. Nick states, “I think Gatsby believed it wouldn’t come.” Perhaps he didn’t even care. If true, it would have meant that he felt that he had lost the old life and that he had paid a steep price for living too much with one dream (161). James Gatz realizes that even with all his material wealth, he cannot recover what is lost.
As they discover the seriousness that makes men, three of Fitzgerald’s main characters experience dramatic transformations. Fitzgerald’s classic novel is an excellent example of the bildungsroman type.