Notes on The Great Gatsby Lecture

Key Themes and Symbols

• American Dream
  • Exploration of the pursuit of happiness and wealth.
  • The illusion vs. reality of achieving the dream.
• Class and Society
  • Examination of the social stratification.
  • Differences between "new money" and "old money."
• Love and Relationships
  • Complex dynamics of love, infidelity, and obsession.
• Symbols
  • The Green Light: Represents Gatsby's hope and dreams.
  • The Valley of Ashes: Symbolizes moral and social decay.
  • The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg: Represents the eyes of God watching over.

Characters

• Jay Gatsby
  • Wealthy and mysterious.
  • Represents the American Dream.
• Daisy Buchanan
  • Gatsby's love interest.
  • Represents beauty and social status.
• Tom Buchanan
  • Daisy's husband.
  • Represents "old money" and arrogance.
• Nick Carraway
  • The narrator; represents the moral compass.

Important Quotes

• Highlights themes of wealth, love, and societal norms.
• Reflects the characters' motivations and challenges.

Lecture Objectives

• Understanding the main themes and their implications.
• Analyzing character development and relationships.
• Exploring the novel's symbols and motifs.

Essay Topics

• How does Fitzgerald depict the American Dream?
• Analyze the importance of socio-economic status in the novel.
• Discuss the symbolism of the green light and its relation to Gatsby's dream.

Conclusion

• Summarization of key points discussed.
• Reflection on the lasting impact of "The Great Gatsby" and its relevance today.