GG notes packet

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

7:01 AM

The Great Gatsby

Chapter I

1. Who is the narrator? Where was he brought up? Is he judgmental?

Not judgmental(1,2)
Nick Carraway(3,10)
Mid western city(3)

2. What do we learn about Gatsby in the first few pages? (pg. 2)

Nick scorns him. Had it factor. Something good about started to show up. Good sense of life.
Has creative tempermant. Not so bad in the end. Downfall happens to him because of the things
around him and his dreams

3. What type of people are Tom Buchanan, Daisy and Jordan?

A. Tom: (6-8, 12-14)
Rich; big dude that played football in college and is rich. Racist and likes power(13).
Arrogant and cheating

B. Daisy: (8, 9, 11, 16, 17)

Has a charming laugh; has a murmur that is to lean people towards her. Sad but is
beautiful. (9) Selfish, likes money

C. Jordan:
Has good facial features; good looking, play golf; discontent (yawns a lot)

Generalizations about these people:

Rich and they like it
Daisy charming
Full of themselves (selfish) and better than others
Arrogant
Successful but not happy

4. What do you think of the green light at the end of the dock? (think about what green
symbolizes)
Money, envy, progression in life, wants,

Chapter 2
1. What is the Valley of Ashes? Who lives there? Who is Doctor T.J. Eckleburg?
Located between west egg and New York. Where poor live and there a lot of factories. George
Wilson and Murtle lives there also. Doctor T.J. Eckleburg is the doctor on the advertisement on
the billboard (23). Someone is watching.

2. How does Tom treat Mr. Wilson? Why do you think Tom treats him this way? (24-26)

He treats him badly and treats him as if he is lower than him. Lack of respect. He is very stupid
according to Tom. He does this because he is rich. (25)

3. Note Mrs. Wilson’s description of her sister Catherine. (28) Note Mrs. Wilson’s behavior
at the party. Describe both. (28-33)
Catherine is beautiful. Only rich people need to know this. (28) Ariund thirty(30) Mrs. Wilson
becaomnes increasingly violent and is acertive. Acts like she is rich because she is around rich
people and has an expensive dress.

4. Why did Mrs. Wilson marry George Wilson? How does she feel about him now? Why is
she feeling this way? (34, 35)
She married him because she thought he was a gentlemen. He treated her well. (34). She does not
really care for him as much. He had to barrow a suit for their wedding. Not as rich. (35)

5. Why does Myrtle feel so attracted to Tom? (36)

She is attracted to his looks and what he wears. What he is wearing is rich. He is rich. (36)

Chapter III
1. Early in this chapter, Fitzgerald describes a typical Gatsby party. What is it like? Do
people have a good time? (39-41)
His party is very expensive with food, cars, music, caterers, alcohol.(39-40) Yes people have a
good time because they come even though they are not invited. People are not on their best
behavior. (41) Not personal. (people do not really know each other)

2. Towards the second half of the chapter, Fitzgerald shows how Gatsby’s party is merely a
gathering of empty and shallow people who are living an illusion

What factors at the party help promote Fitzgerald’s theme?

A. They are not invited; want to live the life of wealth(41) B people try to
make money at the party by selling bonds and insurance (42)

C. Only came for party and did not even meet Gatsby(41) D. The girls
expect to be remembered at the party but they are not (43)
 People are arguing and fighting and their behavior is not very polite; arguing; fake
relationshipsn
(51)
People do not want to know each other (40)

1. People are not polite

2. People are not taking responsibility for their actions
3.

Summary of themes in first three chapters

1. wealth

2. Greed and selfishness; class

People who are rich live lavish and rich lives

3. putting on a mask (hiding true self):

No true love

Illusion vs. reality:

When people should be happy they are not
In a relationship but do not really care

Morals are being questioned:

Cheating

Chapter IV

1. Early in the chapter, some young ladies reveal about Gatsby that “he’s a bootlegger
.” It is also rumored that he killed someone .

2. Nick, the narrator, wrote a list of those who attended Gatsby’s parties. Note the types
of names Fitzgerald has included on the list. Why? Also, on what did Nick write the list of
names? (60-63)

He writes the name on a timetable. He includes common people and some well-known people.
Talks about rich people and how they are not all good and perfect. Who Gatsby associates
himself with.

3. One of the most prominent symbols of wealth is the Jazz Age, the Automobile
is introduced by Fitzgerald. What kind of car does Gatsby drive? Note how the car will
play a major role in the novel….( foreshadowing ) (68, 69)
 He drives a rolls Royce which is cream and has leather

4. Gatsby creates an “ideal image” of himself for Nick. Explain…

A. Raised in the (mid west) San Francisco and educated at Oxford. (How do we
know Gatsby is lying here) (bottom 65)
B. Traveled to Paris, venice and Rome.
C. Collects jewls , hunts big game and paints a
little. (65)
D. Fought in the Great War and “tried hard to die ...”
E. Gatsby tells Nick that he (Gatsby) didn’t want Nick to think he was “just some
nobody
. (67)

5. What’s Gatsby’s goal in creating this ideal image for Nick? Don’t we all create images to
impress others?
He was a good person and more than just a rich person. Nick will help him out with Daisy.
Trying to sell himself.

6. Nick meets Wolfsheim while on an outing with Gatsby (69-74)

A. It is revealed that Wolfsheim is a gambler .
B. His cuff buttons are human teeth .
C. He “fixed” the world series .

7. Jordan describes much about Daisy’s past. (74-77)

A. She had met Gatsby over five years ago. (Gatsby’s house?)
B. Right before her rehearsal dinner, she got drunk and tried to call off the
wedding .
C. After marrying Tom , she looked at him with an “unfathomable delight .”
Tom later
was involved in a wreck in which a “chambermaid at the Santa Barbara Hotel” broke her
arm .
D. Daisy might be said to a bit fickle in her romances.

8. Jordan relays to Nick that Gatsby wants Nick to do a favor for him. Explain. What does this
say about Nick’s morals?

Nick goes not want to get in the way of the mirage and mess it up. Gatsby is also a stranger and
he does not really know him well. Daisy should be happy. Tom is also cheating on her. Nick's
moral is that he does not want to get in a conflict. Questionable morality.

Chapter V
1. For setting up the meeting between Daisy and himself, Gatsby offers Nick a reward, a
“confidential sort of thing.” In effect, Gatsby views Nick as a broker .
2. THE MEETING:
 A. Before the meeting, it was pouring rain. (foreshadowing )
B. Gatsby is described as looking as “ pale as death .”
C. Gatsby is really nervous, and Nick tells him, “you’re acting like a little boy.” Why
is this so important?
Shows childish nature of Gatsby. Living in the past emotionally and not maturing

D. Note the description of the tour of his house that Gatsby gives Daisy. (90-93)

Hidden guest, has a lot of money and a lot of clothes, looking at Daisy, revalues
everything is his house from the eyes of Daisy like a child.

E. Fitzgerald tells the reader that Gatsby had passed through three stages:
1. embarrasment
2. joy
3. wonder
F. Gatsby is described as “running down like an
Overwound clock.”
G. Daisy’s love of his shirts explains Daisy wanted her time with Tom and she could
have been with Gatsby and she values wealth
H. What symbol does Gatsby discuss with Daisy? (92-93) the green light
Why has the importance of the green light “vanished forever” for Gatsby?
There is no more separation from daisy
I. How is Gatsby’s dream somewhat of an Illusion ? (95) He over fatasises
over daisy. Lives in his own dream and cannot live in reality. Daisy's vision will
always fall short

Chapter VI
1. Note the author’s description of the “real” Jay Gatsby. (97) (In a sense, does he remind
you of another character who lives in a “dream” world?)
Jay Gatsby is the conception of himself. Myrtle si try to be part of the upper class. Myrtle lives
in the valley of ashes and cheats on her husband. Daisy wishes she had the perfect life. Tom have
the best of both worlds.

2. Note Daisy’s reaction to Gatsby’s party. (104-108) What is the difference between the
East Eggers and West Eggers? (107-108) What does this imply about Gatsby’s chance of
winning Daisy away from Tom?

She looks intresed and surprised at the amount of people. East eggers do not like west eggers
because they are new money. It is very unlikely because him being rich means nothing.

3. Is it easy to recreate or reestablish a romance once is has ended? What is Gatsby’s reaction
toward Nick’s statement, “I wouldn’t ask too much of her…You can’t repeat the past.”
(110-111) Note the description of Gatsby’s romance with Daisy.

No. Gatsby says that he will fix every thing back to way it was. Gatsby is stubborn and in denial
Chapter VII
1. Fitzgerald says of Gatsby that “his career as Trimalchio was over.” Explain.
Now that he is with Daisy he does not have to work hard and throw parties anymore.

2. Note the scene involving Nick, Jordan, Gatsby, Tom and Daisy at Tom’s house:
A. When Tom leaves the room, Daisy kisses Gatsby and professes her love for
him. (116, 117)
B. Gatsby describes Daisy’s voice as “full of money .”
C. Note the entrance of Daisy’s child; what is Gatsby’s reaction? Why?
He is surprised because he never would have thought that he would have a child. He is also
in denial.

D. How does Daisy address the child? (117)

She addresses her as if she was entitled. She addresses her as a dream and blessed
precious.

3. Note the scene involving Tom and Mr. Wilson.

A. It is ironic that both Tom and Mr. Wilson have learned about their wifes' affairs
(124-125)
B. Note that both Tom and Mr. Wilson are described as being sick . Why does Tom
feel sick? This shows hypocrisy; control and power over something .

4. Read the climactic scene in which Gatsby confronts Tom over Daisy (130-135). After
reading this dialogue, what might one conclude about Daisy’s true desires?

Daisy never liked Tom but she did love him once. Daisy is fine with the way thing are.

5. What information does Tom use as the final weapon to destroy the relationship between
Gatsby and Daisy? (133-135) Why does Tom send Daisy home with Gatsby?

Gatsby is a bootlegger and gets is money through illegal means. He won and ha knows their
relationship is over.

6. How did Myrtle Wilson die? Whose fault?

Daisy drove Gatsby's yellow car and hits Myrtle.

7. Note how, even after a tragedy such as Myrtle’s death, Jordan seems laid back .
(142) What is Nick’s reaction? He was sick (142)
8. Who “stands guard” outside Daisy’s house to protect her from Tom? Gatsby Note how
Fitzgerald describes Tom and Daisy as “ conspiring ”. The chapter ends with
Fitzgerald’s description of Gatsby “watching over Nothing .” (142-145)

Chapter VIII
1. Note how Gatsby hangs on to his dream regarding Daisy. Note how Gatsby’s commitment to
Daisy is compared to his following a holy grail (149) . What is Fitzgerald saying about
American values if Gatsby’s “spiritual” quest is merely a relationship with Daisy? (151-153)
Americans lack true vales and they are shallow

2. Note the description of why, despite apparently loving Gatsby, Daisy decided to marry Tom.
How is her decision replayed towards the end of the novel?
she was tired of waiting for Gatsby. Wanted to be in a relationship so she can have decisions
made for her. Does not want to be associated with Gatsby after she learns the truth.

3. Note the reference to the draining of the pool. (153) What might that symbolize?
His dreams are going away and he wants more time to get his dream

4. What is George Wilson’s reaction to his wife’s death? (158-160)

A. George lacks a church and faith (Americans do not have faith)
B. George notes that “ God sees everything .”
C. George represents the ordinary man who’s wasted his life; note his eyes are described as
“ glazed ” looking toward the “ ash heaps ” (thinking about revenge)

5. Note Nick’s final words to Gatsby: “They’re a rotten crowd. You’re worth the whole
damn bunch put together.” How does this related to the first scene in the novel? (154) Why
does Nick feel Gatsby is superior to Tom, Daisy, Jordan and all the others?
He does not really judge but he is judging everybody. He has respect for Gatsby and he worked
for his money. Gatsby does things for Daisy. Other people do thing for themselves.

6. What was Gatsby doing before he was shot? (161) He is floating on an air mat in the pool
Nick speculates that Gatsby must have “shivered as he found what a grotesque thing a rose is…”
What’s this mean? Daisy is the rose; thrown off because it did not turn out the way he wanted to
be. Not the daisy he thought she was (The material world has not meaning without a
moral element)

Chapter IX
1. Who attended Gatsby’s funeral? (174)
Mr. Gatz, four or five servants, Nick, Owl eyes, postman
 2. Describe how Wolfsheim’s description of Gatsby clashes with Gatsby’s father’s
description of him.
Mr. Gatz thinks very highly of his son. To Mr. Wolfsheim, Gatsby would be nothing
without him.

3. How does Nick terminate his relationship with Jordan Baker? (185-186)

He breaks up with her on the phone. Does not want to hang out with people like her.

4. What is Nick’s final rejection of Tom and Daisy? (178-180)

He did not forgive them. They are careless and hide themselves with money.

5. Read the final three paragraphs of the novel. How do they represent the theme of the
novel?
A. What are the “dark fields of the republic…” Gatsby is chasing his dream and it
has already died. Going back to the past.

B. Theme: Gross materialism , along with a preoccupation with

wealth and beauty, has corrupted American Idealism; American has been turned
into a moral valley of ashes