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Kelso High School. English Department. The Great Gatsby. by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Chapter Six. Characterisation Gatsby, Daisy, Tom Theme American Upper Classes American Dream Structure
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Kelso High School English Department
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Chapter Six Characterisation Gatsby, Daisy, Tom Theme American Upper Classes American Dream Structure Symbolism
Why is the Chapter Important? • Chapter begins with an inquisitive reporter turning up on Gatsby’s doorstep on the basis of rumours. This suggests that there is more to Gatsby than we think. • Gatsby’s past is revealed. • Chapter raises the issue of why Gatsby really wants Daisy – his poor upbringing spurred him on to achieve the American Dream and Daisy represents the class and wealth that he aspires to.
Characterisation - Gatsby • Chapter 6 is important in revealing detail about Gatsby’s character.
Characterisation - Gatsby Gatsby has created his own identity: Jay Gatsby is a creation of James Gatz, a seventeen year old farm boy from North Dakota. James Gatz invented a persona that a seventeen year old boy would dream of being, but it is an illusion.
Characterisation - Gatsby Dan Cody is a father figure to Gatsby. Gatsby virtually disowned his mother and father because “his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents at all”. Until the age of seventeen, Gatsby was just James Gatz- Cody taught him how to be Jay Gatsby. Gatz always dreamed of something bigger and Cody proved it was possible.
Characterisation - Gatsby • Gatsby also learned from Cody: • Cody had a drink problem, but Gatsby ‘formed the habit of letting liquor alone’. • Cody’s behaviour was debauched – ‘savage violence of the frontier brothel and saloon’. Gatsby throws debauched parties, but isolates himself from his guests.
Characterisation - Gatsby • “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.
Characterisation - Gatsby • DISCUSSION – What does Gatsby’s transformation tell us about the type of person he is? • What do we admire about him?
Characterisation - Gatsby • 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,” • She is appalled by the vulgar behaviour of the drunken guests. • Does her reaction come as a surprise to the reader?
Characterisation - Gatsby • 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 • “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
Theme – Shallowness of the American Upper Classes • Gatsby’s behaviour is contrasted with those of the East Egg residents. • Gatsby is courteous and offers the riders refreshments. They accept without gratitude and leave without him. • Gatsby thinks ‘they cared’, he doesn’t realise that he wasn’t supposed to accept their invitation.
Theme – Shallowness of the Upper Classes • DISCUSSION: Think about Gatsby’s treatment and actions towards his guests (the Sloanes). What do they reveal about his character?
Theme – Shallowness of the Upper Classes • Gatsby’s naivety of class prejudice is also seen in his vain belief that Daisy will abandon her status and position to be with him. • For all his wealth, he will remain working class and will never be good enough for Daisy.
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
THEME – American Dream Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream became a pursuit of wealth- his dreams of being a great man were corrupted. When he met Daisy his dream of wealth and status was replaced by a dream of being with her. For the older Gatsby, she represents the American Dream and everything that he hopes to achieve.
Theme: Failure of American Dream • 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?
Theme: Failure of American Dream Daisy can’t live up to Gatsby’s dream. Gatsby has idealised Daisy and does not realise she is unworthy of his dreams. Daisy wants and is used to a life of privilege. She seems more interested in Gatsby’s possessions, than in Gastby himself, ‘It makes me sad because I’ve never seen… such beautiful shirts before’.
