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The Great Gatsby. by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Chapter Six. Characterisation Gatsby, Daisy, Tom Theme American Upper Classes American Dream Structure Symbolism. Characterisation - Gatsby.
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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Chapter Six Characterisation Gatsby, Daisy, Tom Theme American Upper Classes American Dream Structure Symbolism
Characterisation - Gatsby • Chapter 6 is important in revealing detail about Gatsby’s character • Reveals how sensitive he was when he was younger – until he meets Dan Cody • Aware of his poverty, he develops a powerful obsession with amassing wealth.
“It was James Gatz who had been loafing along the beach that afternoon …but it was already Jay Gatsby who borrowed a row boat…” • It is as if Gatsby is rechristening himself • Symbolises his desire to forget his lower class identity and recast himself as the wealthy man he envisions.
Discussion: Is this why he finds Daisy so attractive? • For her, wealth and luxury comes effortlessly • She is the reason he invented Jay Gatsby. • Links to STRUCTUREand SYMBOLISM • “His parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people” • Stark contrast to his later extravagant lifestyle.
DISCUSSION – What does Gatsby’s transformation tell us about the type of person he is? • What do we admire about him?
We discover that Gatsby never received the money from Cody. • It is Gatsby’s power to make his dreams real that makes him ‘great’.
“Can’t repeat the past?” he cried incredulously. “Why of course you can!” • This illustrates his capacity to delude himself • Also illustrates his boundless capacity for hope • DISCUSSION: Does the quote influence our feelings towards Gatsby?
CHARACTERISATION - DAISY • “But the rest offended her...was appalled by West Egg,” • DISCUSSION: Why is Daisy so appalled by the people at the party? • Does her reaction come as a surprise to the reader?
The main problem with Gatsby’s conception of Daisy is that it is a dream. • He still thinks she is the girl who loved him in Louisville • But she would never desert her own class and background to be with Gatsby.
CHARACTERISATION - TOM • “I may be old-fashioned in my ideas but women run around too much these days to suit me.” • The reader sees how hypocritical Tom is being here considering his own behaviour • DISCUSSION: In your opinion would Tom ever believe that Daisy would have an affair?
STRUCTURE • When Gatsby reinvents himself he is transforming himself and Daisy into his ideal of radiant life and beauty.
STRUCTURE • “Tom was evidently perturbed at Daisy’s running around alone” • Tom’s concern is used to move the narrative along • This exposes the suspicions of Tom that will eventually lead to confrontation
Symbolism • The name ‘The Great Gatsby’ makes his almost seem like a magician. • His reinvention is almost magical.
SYMBOLISM • “Lake Superior” • This is a realistic geographical detail but symbolic in a sense. • 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 • “Mr Sloane didn’t enter into the conversation, but lounged back haughtily in his chair...” • They treat Gatsby with contempt • He has the money but lacks their superior social qualities (in their minds) • Even among the very rich there are class distinctions
DISCUSSION: Think about Gatsby’s treatment and actions towards his guests (the Sloanes). What do they reveal about his character?
THEME – American Dream • “Can’t repeat the past?” he cried incredulously. “Why of course you can!” • Gatsby’s future is an attempt at restoring a golden moment from his past rather than something new. • Historically, early American settlers felt that the New World offered them the opportunity to return to the Garden of Eden
The concept of an ideal future is often a form of nostalgia for a Golden Age. • An age that supposedly existed in the distant past. • DISCUSSION: Can Gatsby’s dream ever come true?
