Anabel Rios

Mrs. Storer
English 3H
2/19/20
Socratic Circle Reflection on The Great Gatsby
Our Socratic seminar was based off of The Great Gatsby. The Great Gatsby is a novel written by
the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald; full name is Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald. The Great Gatsby has
representations of relationships and setbacks within Fitzgerald’s own life, and in the discussion,
we answered questions pertaining to the novel and its characters. In the Socratic circle we
questioned Gatsby’s love for Daisy, Gatsby’s attraction towards the green light, consideration of
Gatsby as a Christ-like figure and Nick’s social status. The biggest subject was Gatsby’s love for
Daisy because there were many perspectives of his “love”. Our group did a good job using
evidence and traveling deeper within the question. Many people were able to elaborate and
expand upon others’ statements.
Previously stated, one of the main topics that we discussed was Gatsby’s love for Daisy. Was it
true love or was it an obsession? In my circle, John brought up a good point that would make one
question Gatsby’s intentions. John mentioned that in the long run, Daisy eventually became a
“goal” for Gatsby, she became a goal for Gatsby since it was such a challenge to win her over,
like a game. Another original discussion was whether Gatsby could be considered a Christ-like
figure or not. Many people stated how Gatsby could be considered a Christ-like figure thanks to
his all-giving attitude towards Daisy. Gatsby worked hard in hopes that Daisy would notice him.
Just like Jesus gave us his everything, Gatsby did everything for Daisy. In a sense, Gatsby also
died for the sins of Daisy and Tom. Daisy was the true murderer of Myrtle, but Gatsby ended up
being framed as the assailant. Tom had Myrtle as a mistress in his/her affair, but that blame was
also shifted onto Gatsby when he died. Jesus died for our sins and Gatsby died for the sins of
both Daisy and Tom. These were insightful thoughts because it allows us to realize more
meanings behind what is being said. An original piece of evidence used in the discussion was
when Gatsby was hiding behind a bush and worrying about Daisy even though he was the one
being framed for killing Myrtle. It shows how generous and considerate he was despite being in
a dire situation.
1. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby, it is seen through Gatsby’s gaining of wealth,
Tom’s irresolvable affairs, and Nick’s mourning over Gatsby’s death, that money does
not lead one to happiness.
2. First, Gatsby was born in a poor family and eventually climbed up the social ladder
through bootlegging businesses. Gatsby became wealthy for the sake of Daisy, but she
never returned his feelings. Gatsby thought that by becoming rich he would be able to
attain Daisy’s love and ultimately be happily wed to Daisy. In the end, the money Gatsby
illusioned as the key to heaven on earth was valueless. Second, Tom was born into
wealth. A basic assumption about being born into wealth is that one is guaranteed to be
successful and satisfied in life, but that is not always true. Despite being born wealthy,
Tom is never truly happy and that shows through his relationships with Daisy and Myrtle.
If Tom was truly happy in his relationship with Daisy, then there would be no need for an
 affair. But Tom finds Daisy lacking somehow and decides to cheat on her. He uses
Myrtle’s body for his own pleasure and also uses money to please Myrtle in order to fill a
void within himself. Lastly, Nick is not the wealthiest, but he still owns some kind of
money. Even in the beginning, Nick was never a greedy person like the others, but the
impact of Gatsby’s death left Nick so miserable that it shows even those born into any
kind of wealth are never truly happy in life.
3. I suppose the only connection I could make with this selection of text is that I try to see
the positivity of things within my life. I’m happy with my life right now and even if I go
through certain challenges, I try my best to focus on my blessings rather than the events
that are going downhill.