The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald Chapter

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Chapter Six Characterisation Gatsby, Daisy, Tom Theme American Upper Classes American Dream Structure Symbolism

Characterisation - Gatsby

Characterisation - Gatsby n Chapter 6 is important in revealing detail about Gatsby’s character n Reveals how sensitive he was when he was younger – until he meets Dan Cody n Aware of his poverty, he develops a powerful obsession with amassing wealth.

n “It was James Gatz who had been loafing along the beach that afternoon …but it was already Jay Gatsby who borrowed a row boat…” n It is as if Gatsby is rechristening himself n Symbolises his desire to forget his lower class identity and recast himself as the wealthy man he envisions.

n Discussion: Is this why he finds Daisy so attractive? n For her, wealth and luxury comes effortlessly n She is the reason he invented Jay Gatsby. n Links to STRUCTURE and SYMBOLISM n “His parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people” n Stark contrast to his later extravagant lifestyle.

n DISCUSSION – What does Gatsby’s transformation tell us about the type of person he is? n What do we admire about him?

n We discover that Gatsby never received the money from Cody. n It is Gatsby’s power to make his dreams real that makes him ‘great’.

n “Can’t repeat the past? ” he cried incredulously. “Why of course you can!” n This illustrates his capacity to delude himself n Also illustrates his boundless capacity for hope n DISCUSSION: Does the quote influence our feelings towards Gatsby?

Characterisation - Daisy

CHARACTERISATION - DAISY n “But the rest offended her. . . was appalled by West Egg, ” n DISCUSSION: Why is Daisy so appalled by the people at the party? n Does her reaction come as a surprise to the reader?

n The main problem with Gatsby’s conception of Daisy is that it is a dream. n He still thinks she is the girl who loved him in Louisville n But she would never desert her own class and background to be with Gatsby.

CHARACTERISATION - TOM n “I may be old-fashioned in my ideas but women run around too much these days to suit me. ” n The reader sees how hypocritical Tom is being here considering his own behaviour n DISCUSSION: In your opinion would Tom ever believe that Daisy would have an affair?

STRUCTURE n When Gatsby reinvents himself he is transforming himself and Daisy into his ideal of radiant life and beauty.

STRUCTURE n “Tom was evidently perturbed at Daisy’s running around alone” n Tom’s concern is used to move the narrative along n This exposes the suspicions of Tom that will eventually lead to confrontation

Symbolism n The name ‘The Great Gatsby’ makes his almost seem like a magician. n His reinvention is almost magical.

SYMBOLISM n “Lake Superior” n This is a realistic geographical detail but symbolic in a sense. n Gatz must recreate himself as Gatsby in order to become superior and it is at this location that he does that.

THEME – Shallowness of the American Upper Classes n “Mr Sloane didn’t enter into the conversation, but lounged back haughtily in his chair. . . ” n They treat Gatsby with contempt n He has the money but lacks their superior social qualities (in their minds) n Even among the very rich there are class distinctions

n DISCUSSION: Think about Gatsby’s treatment and actions towards his guests (the Sloanes). What do they reveal about his character?

THEME – American Dream n “Can’t repeat the past? ” he cried incredulously. “Why of course you can!” n Gatsby’s future is an attempt at restoring a golden moment from his past rather than something new. n Historically, early American settlers felt that the New World offered them the opportunity to return to the Garden of Eden

n The concept of an ideal future is often a form of nostalgia for a Golden Age. n An age that supposedly existed in the distant past. n DISCUSSION: Can Gatsby’s dream ever come true?

Well-done!!!!