Overview of The Great Gatsby Chapter 1

Oct 8, 2024

The Great Gatsby - Chapter 1 Notes

Introduction

  • The narrator reflects on advice from his father: "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages you've had."
  • This leads to the narrator's habit of reserving judgments.

The Narrator's Inclination

  • He is confided in by many, often without seeking it.
  • Describes a reserve in judgments as a matter of maintaining hope.

Background

  • The narrator's family is well-to-do, with roots in the Midwest.
  • He graduated from New Haven in 1915 and served in World War I.
  • After the war, he felt restless in the Midwest and moved East to learn the bond business.

Setting

  • Moves to West Egg, a town less fashionable than East Egg.
  • Describes the physical resemblance between West and East Egg, yet stark differences in society.
  • West Egg is more eccentric, while East Egg is elite and traditional.

Gatsby's Introduction

  • Gatsby's mansion is described as a grand place next to the narrator's small house.
  • The narrator has a partial view of the water and Gatsby's estate.

The Buchanans

  • Daisy Buchanan, the narrator's cousin, and Tom Buchanan, her husband, live in East Egg.
  • Tom is described as powerful, with a history of athleticism and wealth.
  • Daisy is charming yet sophisticated, with a thrilling voice.
  • The Buchanans have a daughter, briefly introduced.

First Meeting

  • The narrator visits the Buchanans' house for dinner.
  • Tom and Daisy's marital issues hinted at; Tom has a mistress.
  • Jordan Baker, a friend of Daisy's, is introduced as a golfer.

Themes Introduced

  • Wealth and class differences: East Egg vs. West Egg.
  • The importance of appearances and social status.
  • The complexity of personal relationships and moral ambiguity.

Emotional Underpinnings

  • Gatsby represents something mysterious and hopeful to the narrator.
  • The narrator is aware of Gatsby's presence but unaware of his significance or history at this point.

These notes summarize the main ideas and key points from Chapter 1 of "The Great Gatsby." They provide insight into the characters, setting, and thematic elements introduced in the opening of the novel.