Gatsby Notes Ch1­3
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Gatsby Notes Ch1­3
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Gatsby Notes Ch1­3
The Great Gatsby
Chapter Commentary (Overhead)
Chapter One
The reader needs to be aware that Nick is the narrator, and as such is personally involved with the characters he
describes.
We must therefore, be careful when accepting his value judgments.
Things are not necessarily the way that Nick perceives them.
Nick importantly brings up that he is from the mid-west, towards the end of the book he asserts that none of the
characters were from the east and thus unfit to live there. Their past lives hindered their ability to live their present
lives. Is this true for Nick?
He also says he is from the middle class- this presents a class context for the story. Daisy and Tom are obviously
upper class, but accept Nick, not as an equal, but a toleration. Gatsby however, accepts Nick as a confident.
Suggesting..?
Daisy- “I’m glad it’s a girl, and I hope she’ll be a fool, a beautiful little fool”
Daisy reinforces the social stereotypes and divisions of labour for women here. Daisy is witty and clever, so much
more than her husband Tom, who carelessly flaunts his affair in front of Daisy - because Daisy is inferior, he does not
have to worry about the consequences.
Gatsby (assumed) stares at the Green Light on East Egg. Symbolic of desire and hope, but for what?
Chapter Two
Near the garage where Wilson and Myrtle live is an old advertisement for an eye doctor. The Eyes of Dr T J
Eckleberg.
The symbolism here is of judgment and accountability. It is not a coincidence that the eyes are located in the
‘wasteland’ between the Eggs and New York. It is not a coincidence that the eyes see the ‘comings and goings’ of the
key characters.
Myrtle acts in a manner that suggests irony. While with Tom she behaves above her status, but acts as diametric
opposites to one with the status she assumes.
Tom behaves terribly towards Myrtle, again suggesting carelessness and lack of consequential awareness. A product of
his class and wealth.
Chapter Three
Nick receives an invitation to Gatsby’s party. Perhaps the only one who is invited- why?
Rumours circulate the party about who the mysterious Gatsby is.. German spy, bootlegger, murderer…
While at the party Nick begins to flirt with Jordan, but again is he honest with himself, if not, how can he be honest
with us?
The chance encounter with Gatsby appears simple, but is it really chance, look again at Gatsby’s comments. (war
recognition)
The atmosphere is romantic, after alcohol consumption, but everyone appears strangers to Gatsby, no one know him.
Nick notes that “no one swooned backwards on Gatsby, no French bob touched Gatsby’s shoulder…”
Why would he have these people at his home if he is not close to them?
Look at the sue of the word ‘careless’ at the close of the chapter. Nick describes Jordan’s driving as “careless”. “What
if you meet somebody just as careless as you” “I hope I never will” is her reply. Fitzgerald is making a point here, the
theme of consequence and responsibility.
Notice how Nick closes the chapter. “I am one of the few honest people I have ever known” Is this a trustworthy
statement. Nick seems to have lied previously in the book, is this true at this point?
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