The Great Gatsby - Lecture 2 Notes

Introduction

• Author: Fitzgerald
• Novel: The Great Gatsby
• The previous lecture discussed the introduction of the author, the title of the novel, and themes.

Beginning of the Story

• Narrator: Nick Carraway
  • An observant and unbiased person.
  • Advice: 'Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.'
  • Came to New York from Minnesota.

Story Setting

• West Egg: New Rich, showy.
• East Egg: Old Rich, no showiness.

Characters

• Nick Carraway: Narrator
• Tom Buchanan: Nick's classmate, brutal and racist.
• Daisy Buchanan: Nick's cousin and Tom's wife.
• Jordan Baker: Daisy's friend, professional golfer.
• Jay Gatsby: Nick's neighbor, mysterious character.

Themes

• Violence and War: Effects of World War I.
• American Dream: Gatsby's dream of being with Daisy.

Symbols

• Green Light: Symbol of Gatsby's hope.
• Valley of Ashes: Life of the poor and societal decay.
• Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg: God's eyes, symbol of societal moral decay.

Story Expansion

• Gatsby's parties: Representation of high society and the jazz age.
• Gatsby and Daisy's past: Love story and Gatsby's ambition.

Plot

• Dinner at Tom's: Racism and Tom's affair.
• Gatsby's Party: Introduction to rich society.
• Gatsby and Daisy's Reunion: Revival of love and affair.

Key Events

• Tom and Gatsby's Confrontation: Dispute over Daisy.
• Car Accident: Myrtle's death, Daisy's driving.
• Gatsby's Death: Murdered by George Wilson.

Conclusion

• Few at Gatsby's funeral, including his father and Wolfsheim.
• Nick's departure from New York.
• Nick's respect for Gatsby, attempts to fulfill his dream.
• American Dream's collapse, societal corruption.

Special Comment

• Characters portray the American society of the time.
• Gatsby's struggle and his death is a tragedy.