Understanding Mr. McKee in The Great Gatsby
Who is Mr. McKee?
In The Great Gatsby, Mr. McKee is a minor but symbolically significant character. He is introduced during the scenes set in the East Egg and West Egg, primarily at the parties and social gatherings attended by Gatsby’s acquaintances. Mr. McKee is depicted as a somewhat timid, artistic individual living in New York City. He is married to Miss Ella Kaye, a character who symbolizes the manipulative and materialistic side of the era’s upper class.
Although Mr. McKee does not have a prominent role in the plot’s central events, his interactions with other characters serve to highlight the social stratification and moral decay of the period. His character acts as a lens through which readers can observe the superficiality and pretenses that dominate the social scene.
Personality and Characteristics
Mr. McKee is portrayed as a somewhat meek and awkward man, often overshadowed by more flamboyant characters. His artistic inclinations—he is described as a photographer—reflect the era’s fascination with modernity and the pursuit of art and beauty, albeit often used as a veneer for superficial pursuits.
Key characteristics include:
- Timidity: Mr. McKee exhibits a shy demeanor, often avoiding direct confrontation and preferring to stay in the background.
- Artistic Inclinations: His interest in photography and the arts symbolizes a desire to capture beauty amidst a corrupt society.
- Subservience: His relationship with Ella Kaye and his social position suggest a degree of subservience to more dominant figures, embodying the social hierarchies of the time.
The Role of Mr. McKee in the Novel’s Themes
Symbolism and Social Commentary
Although a minor character, Mr. McKee’s presence in The Great Gatsby is laden with symbolic significance. Fitzgerald often used minor characters to embody broader social themes, and Mr. McKee is no exception.
Some ways in which Mr. McKee contributes to the novel’s themes include:
- The Illusion of Art and Beauty: As a photographer, Mr. McKee symbolizes the era’s obsession with appearance and surface-level beauty. His art is often superficial, paralleling the materialism of the 1920s.
- The Power Dynamics of the Elite: His subservience to Ella Kaye and his social position reflect the stratified nature of society, where appearances often mask underlying inequalities.
- The Decay of Morality: The interactions at social gatherings involving Mr. McKee reveal the moral decline and superficiality of the wealthy class.
Connections to the American Dream
While Mr. McKee may seem peripheral, his character indirectly relates to the novel’s critique of the American Dream. His artistic pursuits and social ambitions mirror the era's obsession with success and self-creation, often built on illusions rather than genuine achievement.
The fact that Mr. McKee is overshadowed by more dominant figures like Tom Buchanan or Gatsby himself emphasizes the hollowness of wealth and status pursuits. His passive role underscores the idea that many individuals in the society of the novel are merely facades or background players in the grand illusion of upward mobility.
Mr. McKee and the Setting of The Great Gatsby
East Egg and West Egg
The social settings in The Great Gatsby—East Egg and West Egg—are crucial in understanding Mr. McKee’s role. East Egg symbolizes old money, aristocratic wealth, and tradition, while West Egg represents nouveau riche, newly acquired wealth, and social mobility.
Mr. McKee’s interactions often occur in these social milieus, highlighting:
- The superficial distinctions between classes
- The fragility of social status
- The performative nature of wealth and elegance
The Parties and Social Gatherings
Much of Mr. McKee’s presence is tied to the lavish parties thrown by Gatsby or the social events attended by the characters. These gatherings serve as microcosms of the American society Fitzgerald seeks to critique.
In these settings:
- Mr. McKee is depicted as an observer and participant, yet always somewhat on the periphery.
- His photography and artistic interests are showcased, emphasizing the era’s fixation on appearances.
- The interactions reveal the moral superficiality and the fleeting nature of happiness associated with wealth.
The Significance of Mr. McKee’s Character
Reflecting the Era’s Morality
Mr. McKee’s character encapsulates the moral ambiguity and superficiality of the Jazz Age. His passive demeanor and artistic pursuits symbolize the era's obsession with surface, appearances, and fleeting pleasures.
His relationship with Ella Kaye also reflects themes of exploitation and the corrupting influence of wealth, illustrating how individuals often become pawns in the larger social game.
Highlighting the Illusion of Identity
Fitzgerald’s depiction of Mr. McKee underscores the fluidity and performative nature of identity during the Roaring Twenties. Characters like Mr. McKee embody the idea that social status and personal ambitions are often masks hiding deeper insecurities or moral failings.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Mr. McKee in The Great Gatsby
While Mr. McKee may not be a central figure in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, his character plays a vital role in enriching the novel’s critique of American society. Through his symbolism, personality, and interactions, Mr. McKee exemplifies the superficiality, moral ambiguity, and social stratification that define the Jazz Age.
His presence in the narrative reminds readers that beneath the glamour and glitter of the era’s wealth lies a fragile, often hollow pursuit of happiness and success. Fitzgerald masterfully weaves characters like Mr. McKee into the fabric of his critique, ensuring that even minor characters contribute to the profound themes that continue to resonate with readers today.
In understanding Mr. McKee and his role in The Great Gatsby, readers gain a deeper appreciation for Fitzgerald’s artistry in capturing the complexities of American society, the illusions of the American Dream, and the timeless human desire for meaning amidst superficial pursuits. Whether as a symbol of artistic aspiration, social hierarchy, or moral decay, Mr. McKee remains an integral thread in the rich tapestry of Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mr. McKee in The Great Gatsby?
Mr. McKee is a minor character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby; he is a photographer and a neighbor of the Buchanans, often seen at Tom and Daisy's parties.
What role does Mr. McKee play in the novel's setting?
Mr. McKee represents the artistic and somewhat superficial social circle of East Egg, highlighting the glitz and moral ambiguity of the Jazz Age.
How does Mr. McKee's character contribute to the themes of The Great Gatsby?
His character underscores themes of superficiality, the pursuit of beauty, and the moral decay present among the novel's wealthy characters.
Is Mr. McKee based on a real person or inspired by someone in Fitzgerald's life?
While there is no direct evidence that Mr. McKee is based on a real person, some literary critics suggest he may be inspired by Fitzgerald's acquaintances or artistic friends.
What is the significance of Mr. McKee's photography in The Great Gatsby?
Mr. McKee's profession as a photographer symbolizes the era's obsession with image, appearance, and the superficial pursuit of beauty.
How does Mr. McKee's interaction with other characters reflect the social dynamics of the novel?
His interactions often reveal the class distinctions and the blurred lines between social status, art, and morality among the characters.
Why is Mr. McKee considered a minor yet interesting character in The Great Gatsby?
Despite his minor role, Mr. McKee provides insight into the artistic and social environment of the novel, enriching its exploration of superficiality and the Jazz Age lifestyle.
