Monday May 6 Gatsby chapters 1-3

The American Dream is originally about the discovery of happiness, but by the 1920s, this dream has become perverted into this desire for wealth by whatever means; mistaken that money will bring happiness. F. Scott Fitzgerald does not us the words “American Dream” in the novel, The Great Gatsby, but it is evident that he shows the impossibility of achieving happiness through the American Dream. Fitzgerald demonstrates through symbols and motifs the impossibility of the American Dream.

.

The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock is a significant symbol within the book. To Gatsby, the green light represents his dream, which is Daisy. To attain her would be completing Gatsby’s American Dream. The first time the green light is seen in the novel is also the first time Nick sees Gatsby. Fitzgerald writes, “…he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward – and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away…” The green light is described as ‘minute and far away’ which makes it appear impossible to reach.

Another dominant symbol within this novel is the billboard eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. The eyes symbolize the loss of spiritual values in America. The billboard was erected to promote the business of an optometrist in Queensborough – the eyes symbolize the growing commercialism of America – life in America is all about making money, a lot of money as evidenced by the wealth of people like Tom Buchanan – a man’s success is measured in terms of how much money he is worth, not on what kind of person he may be morally. The billboard, like the spiritual values of America, is neglected – “But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days, under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground.” The old-fashioned values of America, which Nick Carraway returns to reconnect with in the mid-West are completely absent from the East, God seems to have abandoned America, leaving only Dr. T.J. Eckleburg behind to stare down with his empty eyes on people who have abandoned their spiritual values in the quest to achieve material wealth.

Due today: having read through chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby.

In class: graphic organizer / class handout / copy below    Looking at the adjectives, phrases, verbs associated with the characters. How does Fitzgerald make them come alive?  How does the setting connect to these individuals. You will be assigned a number and find textual examples to share.  Graphic organizer handout in class / copy below    If you are absent, make sure you get the information from a class mate.

Homework:  Tuesday, May 7  through chapter 4 page 85

                     Wednesday, May 8 through chapter 5- page 102

                      Thursday, May 9 through chapter 6- page 118

                      Friday, May 10 through chapter 7-page 153

                      For Monday, May 13---please have completed the novel ...ends on 189

                    

1. Nick Carraway- narrator

2. Tom Buchanan

3. Daisy Buchanan

4 Jordan Baker
5. Myrtle Wilson
6. George Wilson

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald     For each of the following, fill in textual examples that define the character. These may be adjectives, phrases, verbs.

Note there are five spots; one is on the back

Nick Carraway	Daisy Buchanan	Tom Buchanan	Jordan Baker	Myrtle Wilson	George Wilson
1
2
3
4
5.