The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, remains one of the most iconic novels in American literature, capturing the opulence, glamour, and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties. One interesting aspect that scholars and readers sometimes explore is the cultural references and symbolism woven into the story, including allusions to popular songs and figures of the era. Among these references, the phrase Sheik of Araby” stands out as a significant cultural touchstone that echoes the themes of mystique, exoticism, and desire prevalent in Gatsby’s world. Understanding the connection between the Great Gatsby and the “Sheik of Araby” enriches our appreciation of Fitzgerald’s portrayal of identity, fantasy, and social aspiration.
Understanding the “Sheik of Araby”
The “Sheik of Araby” was originally a popular song written in 1921 by Harry B. Smith, Ted Snyder, and Francis Wheeler. The song gained wide popularity in the 1920s, coinciding with the era in which The Great Gatsby is set. The term sheik conjures images of a powerful, exotic, and romantic figure from the Middle East, an archetype popularized in Western culture by movies such as Rudolph Valentino’s 1921 silent filmThe Sheik. This film cemented the sheik as a symbol of alluring mystery and masculine charisma, qualities that deeply influenced the cultural imagination of the Jazz Age.
The Song’s Lyrics and Cultural Impact
The lyrics of “Sheik of Araby” express admiration and fascination with the sheik figure, portraying him as an object of desire and admiration
- I’m the Sheik of Araby, your love belongs to me.
- At night when you’re asleep, into your tent I’ll creep.
This playful and flirtatious tone matched the exuberance of the Jazz Age, and the song was often played at parties, symbolizing the flirtation with exoticism and romance that characterized much of the decade’s popular culture.
The Great Gatsby and the Allure of the Exotic
Fitzgerald’s novel, set against the backdrop of wealth and hedonism, delves deeply into themes of desire, fantasy, and identity. Jay Gatsby himself embodies a kind of constructed identity, where the American Dream is tied to reinvention and the performance of a glamorous, almost mythical persona. Gatsby’s lavish parties, mysterious background, and relentless pursuit of Daisy Buchanan position him as a figure who, much like the sheik, captivates others with an aura of mystique.
Gatsby as a Sheik Figure
Though Gatsby is an American self-made millionaire, his persona shares similarities with the sheik archetype. Both represent a form of idealized masculinity and allure
- MysteryGatsby’s past is shrouded in rumors, much like the enigmatic sheik figure whose true nature remains partly hidden.
- Power and WealthThe sheik’s authority and exotic wealth parallel Gatsby’s enormous fortune and social influence.
- Romantic PursuitJust as the sheik is the object of desire, Gatsby is obsessed with winning Daisy’s love, reflecting a similar theme of longing and possession.
The Role of Music and Popular Culture in The Great Gatsby
Fitzgerald’s novel is rich with musical references that help evoke the spirit of the Jazz Age, a time when jazz music itself was a symbol of modernity and social change. Songs like “Sheik of Araby” would have been familiar to Fitzgerald’s contemporary readers and contribute to the novel’s immersive cultural atmosphere. These musical references deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters and setting, reinforcing the themes of glamour and illusion.
How “Sheik of Araby” Symbolizes Gatsby’s World
The “Sheik of Araby” song represents the kind of fantasy that Gatsby’s life is built upon. The exotic allure of the sheik mirrors Gatsby’s own extravagant self-fashioning, designed to captivate Daisy and the upper class. It also underscores the performative aspect of Gatsby’s identity much like the sheik persona was a construction for entertainment and allure, Gatsby’s wealth and charm are carefully curated to hide his humble origins.
Exoticism and the American Dream
The sheik motif ties into broader themes of exoticism and the fascination with the other that permeated Western culture in the 1920s. This fascination is evident in Gatsby’s attempts to craft himself as someone extraordinary, almost otherworldly, to break free from his past and achieve the American Dream. However, just as the “Sheik of Araby” is a fantasy figure rather than a real person, Gatsby’s dream is ultimately illusory, doomed to unravel as the reality beneath his image becomes clear.
The Illusion of Grandeur
Gatsby’s life is a spectacle of illusions, much like the romanticized sheik persona conjured by popular culture. This parallel highlights the dangers of chasing dreams rooted in illusion rather than reality. Fitzgerald critiques the emptiness behind the glittering façade of wealth and status, using symbols like the sheik to remind readers that such figures often hide deeper truths and contradictions.
The Significance of the Sheik of Araby in Gatsby’s Narrative
The connection between The Great Gatsby and the “Sheik of Araby” offers a fascinating window into the cultural and symbolic dimensions of Fitzgerald’s work. The sheik figure embodies the exotic allure, mystery, and romantic idealism that resonate strongly with Gatsby’s character and the novel’s themes. Both the song and Gatsby’s persona reflect the Jazz Age’s fascination with fantasy, performance, and the pursuit of impossible dreams.
Understanding this link enriches our interpretation of Gatsby as not just a tragic figure, but also as a symbol of the allure and dangers of constructed identities and the seductive power of myth in American culture. The “Sheik of Araby,” with its mix of romance and fantasy, perfectly encapsulates the glittering yet ultimately fragile world that Gatsby inhabits.