The Great Gatsby: Analysis of Jay Gatsby
Introduction
- Continuation of series on The Great Gatsby.
- Based on Mr. Brough's guide by Mrs. Hallahan.
- Focus on Jay Gatsby's character.
Dual Nature of Gatsby
- Gatsby is both duplicitous and honest, privileged and disadvantaged.
- Nick Carraway's initial impression of Gatsby: "turned out all right in the end" suggests prior issues.
Gatsby as a Tragic Hero
- Parallels to Aristotelian tragic hero with a fatal flaw.
- Gatsby's flaws: inability to tell the truth, determination to recreate the past.
- Attempts to win Daisy, leading to tragedy.
- Lack of noble birth but reinvents himself with a fabricated history.
American Reinvention Theme
- Gatsby's rebirth and self-invention parallel American ideals of reinvention.
- Comparison with early American settlers.
Nick's Changing Perception
- Nick's opinion varies based on exposure to different sides of Gatsby.
- Nick's faith in Gatsby wavers with fluctuating stories surrounding him.
- Comparison of Nick's relationship with Gatsby to that of God and worshipper.
Critique of Materialism
- Society's focus on material possessions over spiritual fulfillment.
- Gatsby as a "God" figure criticized by Fitzgerald.
Gatsby's Role as Party Thrower
- Throws parties but doesn't partake in revelry.
- His behavior contrasts with the novel's tragic end.
Gatsby's Death and Sacrifice
- Gatsby's death likened to a Christ-like sacrifice.
- Dies so others can live; parallels to Jesus.
- His death spares him the pain of Daisy's rejection.
Fitzgerald's Critique of Upper Class
- Hypocrisy and superficiality of post-war upper classes.
- Daisy and Tom's snobbery and carelessness.
- Gatsby's rejection by Daisy symbolizes social rejection.
Commercialization of Love
- Daisy's valuation of Gatsby through material possessions.
- Reflects 1920s commercialization of American life.
- Gatsby's possessions attract Daisy more than his character.
Gatsby and Daisy's Relationship
- Gatsby's nervousness around Daisy highlighted.
- Attempts to recreate past love fail.
- Daisy's reaction to Gatsby's wealth through emotional responses.
Tragic Hero Elements
- Gatsby's inability to stop the unfolding tragedy.
- His lies and duplicity lead to downfall.
- Exposure of Gatsby's past by Tom leads to Daisy's disillusionment.
Conclusion
- Gatsby's story challenges societal judgments based on past actions.
- Gatsby's success seen as remarkable despite his beginnings.
- Fitzgerald critiques society's treatment of wealth and character.
Final Thoughts
- Analysis shows complexity of A-level literature study.
- Encouragement to explore further materials for deeper understanding of The Great Gatsby.
This concludes the notes on the character analysis of Jay Gatsby as presented in the lecture.