The Great Gatsby - Chapter 1 Notes

Introduction

• Narrator: Nick Carraway
  • Given advice by his father to avoid criticizing others as they may not have had his advantages.
• Nick values reserving judgments, believes it opens up interesting perspectives.
  • Learned a lot about people's secret griefs.
  • Accused of being a politician in college.

Nick's Background

• Family background:
  • Prominent, from a middle-western city.
  • Related to the Dukes of Buccleuch.
  • Family business: wholesale hardware.
• Education:
  • Graduated from New Haven in 1915.
  • Participated in WWI.
  • Post-war restlessness led him to learn the bond business.
  • Moved east in 1922.

Setting

• West Egg:
  • Less fashionable compared to East Egg.
  • Nick's house is modest, near Gatsby’s mansion.
• East Egg:
  • Home to Tom and Daisy Buchanan.

Tom and Daisy Buchanan

• Tom Buchanan:
  • Wealthy, arrogant, and supercilious.
  • Known for his football prowess at New Haven.
• Daisy Buchanan:
  • Nick’s second cousin, charming with a low, thrilling voice.
  • Cynical perspective; wants her daughter to be a "beautiful little fool."

Key Characters

• Daisy's friend: Jordan Baker
  • Golf player, lives in West Egg.
• Tom's affair:
  • Mention of a woman in New York.
  • Tension between Tom and Daisy over this affair.

Fitzgerald’s Themes

• The disparity between wealth and true happiness.
• The disillusionment post-WWI.
• The idea of the American Dream and its corruption.

Important Symbols

• Gatsby’s mansion:
  • Symbol of wealth and grandeur.
• Green light:
  • Represents Gatsby’s aspirations and dreams.

Miscellaneous

• Nick's intention of becoming a "well-rounded man."
• The book's setting during the summer, symbolizing new beginnings.

Summary: The chapter introduces Nick Carraway, his background, and his move to West Egg. It sets the scene for the extravagant lives of the Buchanans and hints at Tom's infidelity. Key themes include the idea of judgment, wealth disparity, and the allure of the American Dream.