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Gatsby Chapter 7-9. The end. Theme: American Dream. Gatsby still thinks Daisy is going Gatsby’s dream is a spiritual search for the Holy Grail, but his faith is misplaced because of the corruption of his goal (Daisy’s “Realness”). How is this related to America’s capacities as a nation?
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Gatsby Chapter 7-9 The end
Theme: American Dream • Gatsby still thinks Daisy is going • Gatsby’s dream is a spiritual search for the Holy Grail, but his faith is misplaced because of the corruption of his goal (Daisy’s “Realness”). • How is this related to America’s capacities as a nation? • What do American’s dream for? • How is it corrupt?
The illusiveness of Daisy • Daisy “vanished into her rich house, into her rich, full life, leaving Gatsby—nothing.” • Gatsby “watches nothing.”
Symbolism • Autumn comes which symbolizes the end…how? How do seasons correspond with life? • Spring: • Summer:
George and the Everyday man • He has no religion or spirituality • seeing Eckleburg’s eyes as God (not a symbol!!!)—flat and superficial. • He kills the wrong man after being encouraged/fooled by his wife’s lover. (IRONY!) • He becomes synonymous with his wasteland—ashen • He’s suicidal—killing ourselves for materialism?
What is love? • Tom for Daisy • Tom for Myrtle • George for Myrtle • Daisy for Tom • Daisy for Gatsby • Nick for Jordan • Nick for “girl back home” • Jordan for Nick • Gatsby for Daisy
Gatsby’s Childhood • Symbolizes? • Gatsby’s boyhood schedule • hardworking • ambitious • romantic thirst for adventure • A real American hero • Father?
Tom and Daisy • Flee • Take no moral responsibility • Live lives of lies
Nick and Jordan • Jordan gets irritated with Nick’s “carelessness”—ironic! • Nick realizes he is not as honest as he once believed—takes some responsibility for the events—only character who does so.
What makes Gatsby Great? • To Nick? • To You? • Bootlegger • Sells stolen bonds (ironic given Nick’s job) • Fallen hero?
American Dream • Before Industrialism and materialism? • After the corruption?
Encompassing Theme • Destructive nature of materialism • Ideal can never be realized in the gross materialism that has made a moral valley of ashes of the green freshness of America.
Contrasting symbols • Dutch Sailor and Eckleberg (EYES) • America can produce the Valley of Ashes and Daisy (unworthy recipient of a true, passionate dream) • Many forms of destruction • True dream lies in the ideals of the past not the destructive and moral corruptness of the present