Gatsby Seminar Prep

1. Why did Fitzgerald think that it was necessary to tell the story through Nick?
Telling the story through Nick makes the story unique. Gatsby is also a very
elaborate person, and I think it is necessary for Nick to degrade the elaborateness
of Gatsby. Nick is also very observant, which makes the story more interesting.
Nick also thinks he is very honest, like he says on page 59.
2. How would the story have changed if it were told through Gatsbys eyes?
3. How is the city of New York significant to the story?
I think Gatsby almost represents New York. Expensive and elaborate. New York
is a place where Gatsby can be himself and let loose. On page 56, Nick talks
about how in New York he felt loneliness in himself and others, and lonely might
be exactly what Gatsby is.
4. Is Gatsby confident in himself? Why or why not?
From my perspective, Gatsby is not confident in who he is. In the scene where
Nick invites Daisy to his house for Gatsby, Gatsby doesnt have the confidence to
talk to Daisy, he just follows Nick and hangs out in the kitchen. If Gatsby were
confident he would have had the guts to talk about why he had invited Daisy.
5. In what way does Gatsby represent the American Dream?
The American Dream consists of riches, and fame, and Gatsby has both. I think
that is why so many people want to participate in his parties. From the outside, the
parties look like a blast, with all that is going on, like the music and dancers. But
like Nick observes on pages 51 and 52, most people that attend are a complete
mess.
6. On pages 64-65, what is Nicks impression of Gatsby?

Sarahs Questions:

What is the significance of the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg?
I think that the significance of the eyes is the making of money, and wealth. Doctors
make a lot of money and Dr. Eckleburg is a Dr. If someone with a lot of wealth is always
looking over people, then the people think that they should also strive toward wealth and
the American Dream. Nick thinks, But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days
under the sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground (24).

On page 116-17 what is Gatsby trying to uncover?


Connections:
I have always thought that the parties that Gatsby throws are extremely elaborate, and I
think it is almost unrealistic. I think it is mostly for show, which I disagree with.

I think I relate a lot with Nick. Nick is very observant and honest, which are two
characteristics I think I also have.

Gatsby reminds me of my Uncle. Sounds weird, but they both like to show off and arent
necessarily confident in themselves. They both also are sort of mysterious and do not tell
much about themselves to others.