Marilyn Monroe personified Hollywood glamour with an unparalleled energy and charisma that enamored many. The only figure to have come close to even resembling Marilyn is Jay Gatsby, a fictional character from The Great Gatsby. Marilyn was more than a '50's sex goddess; her apparent vulnerability and innocence, in combination with a unique sensuality, have endeared her to the consciousness of people worldwide. Both Monroe and Gatsby were believed to be great in their times, allowing very few people see the real side of themselves. It is this real, personal, side that allows us to conclude that these two are nearly one in the same and anything but great.
             A pivotal point in both Monroe's and Gatsby's lives, that later contributed to them being successful, was the both of them being born into poor families and dreaming of a better life. Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortenson, later changed to Norma Jeane Baker, and later, to Marilyn Monroe. Jay Gatsby was born James Gatz into a poor farmer's family. Both Mortenson and Gatz grew tired of poverty at a young age and began to dream themselves new lives.
             Marilyn Monroe accomplished many things in her lifetime, among them over thirty films; sadly that is where her successes ended. She would be a brilliant actress and beautiful model in her lifetime, but would never be successful in her personal life. Monroe was not happy doing her job despite the money she made. She was quoted saying, "Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul" (Ellen, 4). Gatsby is a mirror image of Monroe in her successes and failures. Gatsby was a man made for the businesses in which he ran, illegal and anything but moral. However, Gatsby became incredibly wealthy despite his own personal failures. The successes of these individuals start and stop at their material wealth.
             Among many of Monroe's failures were her th...