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When Fitzgerald mentions that Gatsby was invented to fit the image that a seventeen-year-old boy would create, he is referring to the idea that Gatsby crafted a persona that would appeal to youthful idealism, romanticism, and ambition. Here's a breakdown:
1. Idealized Perception: Gatsby deliberately shaped himself into a character that embodied traits like wealth, glamour, mystery, and a sense of grandeur, which are elements that a young, imaginative person might find fascinating or aspirational.
2. Youthful Imagination: The reference to a seventeen-year-old boy's creation implies a sense of naivety and innocence in the perception of Gatsby. This suggests that Gatsby's self-invention was based on youthful fantasies and dreams, rather than reality.
3. Loyalty to the Concept: The phrase "to this conception he was faithful to the end" indicates that Gatsby remained true to the persona he had constructed, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. This unwavering commitment to his self-created identity is a central aspect of Gatsby's character.
In essence, Fitzgerald suggests that Gatsby's persona was a deliberate construction tailored to capture the imagination of a young person, with all the idealism, romance, and ambition that such a portrayal entails. This insight adds depth to our understanding of Gatsby's character and motivations in the novel.
