The Great Gatsby - Chapter 1 Notes

Introduction

• Welcome by Miss Deming, who will be reading The Great Gatsby chapter by chapter.
• Other works by Miss Deming: Salvage the Bones by Jasmine Ward and the complete collection of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.

Key Points to Consider

• Narrator: Nick Carraway
  • Evaluate his reliability as a narrator.
  • Pay attention to his perspective.
• Imagery and Setting:
  • Detailed descriptions of the settings.
  • Contrasting settings.

Summary of Chapter 1

Narrator's Background

• In his youth, Nick's father advised him against criticizing others.
• Nick is inclined to reserve judgments.
• Nick has been privy to many personal revelations due to his reserved nature.
• Returned from the East, disillusioned with human nature, except for Gatsby.
• Nick's family background in a Midwestern city; his family is well-to-do.

Introduction to New York

• Moved East to learn the bond business.
• Settled in West Egg, a less fashionable area compared to East Egg.
• Lives in a modest house next to Gatsby's mansion.

Description of Gatsby

• Gatsby represents hope and romantic readiness.
• Narrator hints at a tragic element associated with Gatsby's dreams.

The Buchanans

• Nick visits Tom and Daisy Buchanan in East Egg.
• Tom: Dominant, wealthy, with old New Haven ties.
• Daisy: Nick's second cousin, with a sad and lovely face.
• Jordan Baker: A friend of Daisy, known for her athletic achievements.

Social Dynamics

• Dinner at the Buchanans is tense.
• Discussion around racism (Tom's reading of a pseudoscientific book).
• Conflict between Tom and Daisy hinted (Tom's affair).

Nick's Reflection

• Daisy's cynicism and insincerity.
• Observes the Buchanans' complex relationship.

Meeting Gatsby

• Nick sees Gatsby for the first time.
• Gatsby is mysterious, reaching out toward a green light across the bay.

Conclusion

• Ends with a mysterious note about Gatsby's actions.
• Encouragement to stay tuned for future chapters.