The Great Gatsby: Character Analysis and Themes, Study Guides, Projects, Research of English Literature

Download The Great Gatsby: Character Analysis and Themes and more Study Guides, Projects, Research English Literature in PDF only on Docsity!

The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Style, Technique, Plot

and Characters

Jay Gatsby The American Dream & Reality/Appearances “Gatsby who represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn...there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life...” (2). Nick’s description of Gatsby suggests that Gatsby is very charming. Although Gatsby might seem to have some negative characteristics, his personality is so charming that Nick overlooks it. Gatsby appears to be a sensitive dreamer type who is looking for potential and the good things in life. a feeling or belief that someone is despicable sincere

Nick Social Status/Class Structure “the Middle West now seemed like the ragged edge of the universe—so I decided to go east and learn the bond business. Everybody I knew was in the bond business so I supposed it could support one more single man...Father agreed to finance me” (3). Nick reveals to the reader how he came to his profession. He reveals his status within society by mentioning who he socializes with: “Everybody I knew was in the bond business...” The reason he moves out East is because his father pays his way. It is obvious Nick enjoys the perks of being a benefactor of the wealthy class, yet this quote also reveal a sense of restlessness with Nick.

Tom Social Status/Class Structure & Gender Roles “His family were enormously wealthy—even in college his freedom with money was a matter for reproach—but now he’d left Chicago and come east in a fashion that rather took your breath away: for instance he’d brought down a string of polo ponies from Lake Forest” (6). Nick sees Tom on the porch and passes judgement. Tom seems rich and extravagant. The polo ponies symbolize Tom’s wastefulness with money; he spends freely to the point where others think he is showing off. The polo ponies are a giant expense that has little purpose other than amusement. Nick should disapprove of Tom’s behavior, yet he “took your breath away” suggests that Nick values this behavior and is possibly envious of Tom’s possessions.

Daisy Gender Roles “Her face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth...” (9). Nick makes this observation/judgement about Daisy. If this is true, what does this show about Daisy? Nick sees so much in Daisy’s face. He describes her face as “sad and lovely”, but he also sees “bright things”, “bright eyes”, and a “bright passionate mouth”. The repetition of the word “bright” creates a positive optimistic which makes Daisy seem to represent the women of the Roaring 20s - full of hope, yet trapped by the rules of society.

Full of promise and hope

“I’ve heard it said that Daisy’s murmur was only to make people lean toward her...” (9).

Jordan Gender Roles & Social Status & Reality/Appearances “Her gray sun-strained eyes looked back at me with polite reciprocal curiosity out of a wan, charming, discontented face (11). Unnaturally pale, as from physical or emotional distress. unsatisfied Nick remarks on the other woman in the room, Jordan. Jordan not only seems to represent a woman from old money/leisure class, but she and Daisy represent the new modern woman. Yet, there is a sense here that Jordan is unhealthy and tired (“wan” and “discontented”). She and Daisy both continue to display politeness and act out social conventions, but it is tiring and they struggle through their existence. How do eyes get sun-strained?