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The Great Gatsby. Chapter One Notes. Titles Fitzgerald Considered. Among the Ash Heaps and Millionaires Trimalchio in West Egg * Trimalchio * On the road to West Egg Gold- hatted Gatsby* The High-bouncing Lover* * Trimalchio is a character in a 1 st century Roman novel by
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The Great Gatsby Chapter One Notes
Titles Fitzgerald Considered • Among the Ash Heaps and Millionaires • Trimalchio in West Egg * • Trimalchio * • On the road to West Egg • Gold-hatted Gatsby* • The High-bouncing Lover* * Trimalchio is a character in a 1st century Roman novel by Petronius. He is a former slave who gained wealth and power through hard work. He is known for throwing lavish parties with exotic dishes and entertainment. * Read the poem at the beginning of the book to understand the references/allusions.
Nick’s background • From the West (Midwest) which represents solid morality, work ethic, dependability, and a no-nonsense approach to life • East represents money, excitement, the American dream, carelessness • Nick detests all that Gatsby represents, but says Gatsby turned out all right in the end – a paradox – (G. stays true to his dream) • Nick claims to be the best one to narrate because he is not judgmental – people tell him intimate things (his suspended judgment is an asset and a flaw at the same time (paradox)
Dinner at the Buchanans’s • First of three parties that Fitzgerald presents • Nick sees much that should disillusion him about the rich • Tom – affair with Myrtle - bullies people, pushes Nick - pseudo intellectual – book on keeping the races in their place • Old versus new money
Daisy and Jordan • Daisy and Jordan seem to float when Nick enters the room – they seem insubstantial • Daisy – has a pretence of sophistication; attempts to draw out an emotional response form Nick; wants her daughter to be a beautiful fool; has no plans; can’t make plans • Jordan – literally has nose in the air, a snob
First glimpse of Gatsby • Image of arms out to Daisy’s green light at the end of her dock • Represents hopefulness, the American dream, faithfulness, dedication • Green – money, envy, magic