mr. mckee the great gatsby

2 min read 23-11-2024

Mr. McKee, a somewhat shadowy figure in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, might seem like a minor character. However, his presence subtly underscores the novel's themes of superficiality, social climbing, and the elusive nature of truth. This article delves into Mr. McKee's role, exploring his significance within the context of the Jazz Age and Gatsby's world.

A Man of Few Words, Many Implications

Mr. McKee, a photographer, is introduced alongside his wife, Myrtle Wilson's sister, Catherine. He’s presented as a quiet, almost insignificant presence, attending the chaotic party at Gatsby's mansion. This quietness, however, is precisely what makes him intriguing. His reticence speaks volumes about the shallowness of the social circles Gatsby inhabits.

The Silent Observer

Mr. McKee’s silence is significant. He observes the lavish parties, the extravagant displays of wealth, and the casual disregard for morality. His lack of outspoken commentary subtly condemns the moral decay at the heart of Gatsby's world. He's a passive participant, a silent witness to the excesses and deception surrounding Gatsby.

The Photographer and the Illusion

Mr. McKee's profession as a photographer is also telling. Photography, in the early 20th century, was increasingly used to create idealized images – capturing a version of reality that often differed from the truth. This aligns with the pervasive illusion of wealth and happiness that defines Gatsby's social circle. Gatsby himself is a carefully constructed persona, an illusion meticulously maintained.

Capturing the False Image

Mr. McKee's photographic skills, therefore, become a metaphor for the superficiality of Gatsby's world. Just as a photograph can capture only a fleeting moment, often missing the deeper reality, so too does Gatsby's opulent lifestyle mask his deeper insecurities and ultimately, his tragic fate.

The McKee's and the World of Deception

The McKees’ presence at Myrtle Wilson's apartment underscores the interconnectedness of the novel's various social circles. Their presence highlights the casual nature of adultery and the moral laxity prevalent in West Egg and New York City during the Roaring Twenties.

A Tangential Connection

While not directly involved in the central plotline, Mr. McKee represents the periphery of Gatsby's world. He shows the extent of the superficial relationships and careless attitudes that permeate the novel's social landscape.

Conclusion: A Minor Character, Major Significance

Though a minor character, Mr. McKee provides a valuable perspective on the hollowness at the heart of the Jazz Age's excesses. His quiet presence serves as a counterpoint to the boisterous displays of wealth and the desperate pursuit of status. His profession as a photographer further reinforces the novel's themes of illusion and the constructed nature of identity. By examining Mr. McKee, we gain a deeper understanding of the subtle nuances that contribute to The Great Gatsby's enduring power.