Max Gerlach, a blind man, believed he was the real-life inspiration for Jay Gatsby, a connection he attempted to communicate but was largely ignored during his lifetime. His story resurfaced decades later when biographer Matthew Bruccoli found evidence linking Gerlach to Fitzgerald, including a note with Gatsby's signature phrase, 'old sport.' As 'The Great Gatsby' celebrates its 100th anniversary, the exploration of Gatsby’s inspiration continues to engage scholars and fans, as Fitzgerald himself acknowledged the character's personal connections.
In 1951, a blind 65-year-old man named Max Gerlach claimed he was the inspiration for Jay Gatsby, asserting, 'I'm the real Jay Gatsby.' His story went largely ignored.
Forty years later, biographer Matthew Bruccoli uncovered a note by Max Gerlach from 1923 that included the phrase 'old sport,' sparking interest in Gerlach's connection to Fitzgerald.
'The Great Gatsby' remains captivating a century later, with the identity of Gatsby's real-life inspiration still an intriguing mystery for scholars and fans alike.
Fitzgerald himself once said, 'Gatsby started as one man I knew and then changed into myself,' indicating the deeply personal nature of his creation.
Collection
[
|
...
]