The Great Gatsby: Lecture Notes

Overview

• Main Theme: The story revolves around Jay Gatsby's efforts to reinvent himself and win back his old love, Daisy.
• Narrator: Nick Carraway, who moves from the Midwest to New York and lives next to Gatsby.
• The novel explores themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream.

Characters

• Jay Gatsby: An extravagant dreamer with a mysterious past who throws lavish parties. Real name: James Gats.
• Nick Carraway: The narrator, new to New York, and Gatsby's neighbor.
• Daisy Buchanan: Gatsby's former love, now married to Tom.
• Tom Buchanan: Daisy's wealthy and unfaithful husband.
• Jordan Baker: A famous golfer with whom Nick has a romantic interest.
• Myrtle Wilson: Tom’s girlfriend, married to George Wilson.
• George Wilson: Myrtle’s husband, owns a gas station.
• Dan Cody: Gatsby's mentor who introduced him to wealth.
• Meyer Wolfsheim: Gatsby's business associate involved in illegal activities.

Plot Summary

Setting

• Time: Summer of 1922
• Place: New York, specifically West Egg and East Egg on Long Island

Key Events

1. Nick's Move to New York: Begins career selling bonds, lives next to Gatsby.
2. Nick's Introduction to Society: Visits Daisy and Tom, uncovers marital issues.
3. First Glimpse of Gatsby: Nick sees Gatsby looking at the green light on Daisy's dock.
4. Social Scene Exploration: Nick meets Myrtle, Tom's girlfriend, and witnesses Tom's infidelity.
5. Gatsby's Party: Nick receives an invitation; the start of his friendship with Gatsby.
6. Gatsby's Mysterious Past: Claims of Oxford education and wealth seem dubious.
7. Jordan's Explanation: Gatsby’s past love for Daisy revealed; plans for reunion.
8. Tea with Daisy: Arranged by Nick; rekindles romance with Gatsby.
9. Affair with Daisy: Daisy visits Gatsby regularly, starts an affair.
10. Conflict at the Plaza: Gatsby confronts Tom; Daisy wavers but ultimately chooses Tom.
11. Tragic Accident: Daisy accidentally kills Myrtle with Gatsby's car.
12. Gatsby's Demise: George Wilson kills Gatsby, believing he is to blame for his wife’s death.
13. Funeral and Aftermath: Few attend Gatsby’s funeral; Nick returns to the Midwest.

Themes and Analysis

• The American Dream: Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and status represents the American Dream.
• Love and Obsession: Gatsby's fixation on Daisy and the past leads to his downfall.
• Class and Society: The novel critiques social stratification and the illusion of aspiration.

Conclusion

• Gatsby’s life illustrates the corruption of the American Dream.
• His tragic end emphasizes the dangers of obsession with wealth and social status.

For further analysis, refer to additional resources such as SparkNotes.