The Great Gatsby Lecture Notes

Chapter 1: Dinner with the Buchanans

Father's Advice:
- Resisting judgment of others due to unequal advantages in life.
- Opened up new perspectives on people’s lives and experiences.
Nick Carraway's Background:
- From a successful, wealthy family in the Midwest.
- Finished studies at Yale in 1915, served in WWI.
- Moved to New York to learn the bond business.
Living Situation:
- Rented a small, weather-beaten house in West Egg for $80 a month.
- Neighbor: Jay Gatsby, unknown at this point.
Visit to East Egg:
- Dinner with Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Nick's cousins.
- Tom Buchanan: Strong, wealthy, ex-Yale football player.
- Daisy: Beautiful, charming, married to Tom, has a young daughter.
- Miss Baker: A friend of Daisy, hinted at Tom’s affair.
Gatsby’s Description:
- Portrayed as a mysterious figure, significant to Nick despite initial scorn.
- Represents hope and romantic idealism.

The Valley of Ashes:
- A desolate area symbolizing the moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth.
- Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes: Represents the eyes of God observing the decay.
Tom's Mistress:
- Tom takes Nick to meet Myrtle Wilson, his mistress.
- Myrtle’s husband: George Wilson, owner of a garage nearby, unaware of the affair.
- Myrtle is described as sensuous but lacks beauty.
Party in New York:
- Tom and Myrtle host a party with Nick and others.
- Myrtle's arrogance grows with her new social status.

Gatsby's Parties:
- Extravagant and chaotic, filled with unknown guests.
- Nick receives a formal invitation, unlike most guests.
- Jordan Baker’s presence makes Nick feel connected.
Gatsby's Background:
- The mystery surrounding Gatsby continues to grow.
- Rumors about Gatsby’s past emerge, including accusations of being a criminal.
Meeting Gatsby:
- Nick discovers Gatsby is the host, contrary to his expectations.
- Gatsby is charming and enigmatic, but Nick senses a deeper loneliness.

Gatsby's Confession:
- Shares background: Son of wealthy parents, educated at Oxford.
- The truth about his past slowly unfolds, including his relationship with Dan Cody.
Jordan Baker shares details about Gatsby and Daisy’s past romance, revealing Gatsby's intentions to rekindle their relationship.

Tea at Nick's:
- Gatsby’s nervousness before meeting Daisy.
- Tension and awkwardness define their reunion, marked by Gatsby’s anxiety.
Symbolism of the Green Light:
- Represents Gatsby's unreachable dreams and desires.

Gatsby’s True Identity:
- The wealthy persona is built on a false past, revealing his insecurities.
Daisy's Reaction:
- Daisy's emotional response to Gatsby's wealth and lifestyle.
- Gatsby's longing for the past complicates their reunion.

Tensions Rise:
- Tom’s suspicion of Gatsby grows, leading to confrontation.
- Daisy’s indecisiveness becomes apparent.
Confrontation in the Plaza Hotel:
- Tom accuses Gatsby of being a fraud and threatens him.
- Daisy’s loyalty is tested, leading to her conflicted feelings about Tom and Gatsby.

Myrtle’s Death:
- Tragic accident caused by Daisy driving Gatsby’s car, leading to her death.
- Wilson, distraught, seeks revenge on Gatsby.
Gatsby's Isolation:
- Gatsby's dream of rekindling his past with Daisy collapses.

Aftermath of Gatsby’s Death:
- No one attends Gatsby’s funeral, highlighting his isolation.
- Nick's disillusionment with the East and its inhabitants grows.
Reflection:
- Tom and Daisy retreat back into their wealth, leaving chaos behind.
- Gatsby's unfulfilled dream symbolizes the American Dream's hollowness.
Final Thoughts:
- Nick reflects on Gatsby’s hope and the unattainable nature of dreams.
- The struggle against the current of time and fate resonates throughout.