Chapter 6 Flashback gives us insight into the
Chapter 6
• Flashback gives us insight into the changing periods of Gatsby’s youth. We see that the truth (reality) is much different than what he previously told Nick (illusion)
• That Gatsby decided who he would be at 17 (Gatsby instead of Gatz) explains why Gatsby is naïve, innocent and sometimes immature. • Also explains his peculiar strength of faith and hope in the ability to conquer obstacles.
• Money as theme topic: Dan Cody represents another of the novel’s theme topics. The use of money as an ideal instead of a way of attaining a higher goal or purpose is self-destructive. • Cody gave Gatsby a taste for the life that Gatsby believed he should live.
• Tom vs Gatsby: Tom barges in on Gatsby and snubs him (rude) He torments and is cruel to George (husband of the mistress) • Contrast: Gatsby is polite and interested in Tom.
• Party: Gatsby’s latest party has a tawdry, unpleasant quality to it which is suggestive to the approaching end of his dream. • Daisy is giving out green dance cards (symbolism).
• The party attracts Daisy as she acts in her life instead of living it in a responsible fashion where she is accountable. • Gatsby seems to believe that if you have enough money you can repeat the past. He wants to hold onto one beautiful moment and make it permanent.
• All Gatsby’s dreams were reduced to one dream of acquiring Daisy after their first kiss.
Theme Topics • • Coming of Age (growing up) Illusion vs reality Money The American Dream
Theme Statement • A theme statement states how a topic is developed throughout a piece of writing. It makes a universal observation about life/ human nature etc. • Topic: Money • Treatment in novel: Money causes problems, unbalanced attitude towards it. – Money leads to careless behaviour.
• Theme Statement: A love of money can lead to ruin of character.
Test • • Notes Characters- who is who Setting Symbols: colours, objects (cars), Gatsby’s shirts • Plot events • Theme statement • 1920’s
- Slides: 12