The Great Gatsby​ by F.

Scott Fitzgerald
IB Analysis Journals

Brief Chapter Summary: ​Chapter 1

● The narrator’s name: Nick Carraway

● He is a wealthy stockman that lives in the West Egg Village next door to Mr. Gatsby
● He meets Daisy and Tom Buchanan, and Jordan Baker. Daisy is Nick’s cousin twice
removed and the Buchanan’s are a married couple. Jordan Baker is a famous golf player.
● They all have dinner at the Buchanan house, where Daisy takes a particular interest in
Mr. Gatsby and Nick learns of their young daughter and Tom’s mistress in New York
● Nick leaves and returns home to notice Mr. Gatsby nonchalantly outside on his lawn

Purpose of Chapter: ​Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc​.--this may be

difficult, but try to look at the chapter on a “macro” scale and see the big picture of the
purpose of this segment in the novel...

This chapter really emphasizes how Nick’s own perspective and how he views affect his
judgment. Setting up how we should see the characters and how their different personalities
allude to future events.
“When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished, and I was alone again in the unquiet
darkness” (Fitzgerald 21) - Gatsby has a tendency to constantly disappear or simply be seen
at very random occasions by Nick. They do not exchange conversation, yet he already retains a
valuable asset to the story as he keeps popping up throughout Chapter 1.
“It was a body capable of enormous leverage---a cruel body” / “‘Never heard of them,’ he
Remarked decisively. This annoyed me” (7 & 10) - Through Tom’s muscular and
dominating physique, he alludes some disdain and condescending tones in his voice that shows
his irritation towards him.
“... an absurd, charming little laugh…” / “Daisy’s murmur was only to make people lean toward
her; an irrelevant criticism that made it no less charming” / “‘Gatsby?’ demanded Daisy. “What
Gatsby?” (8 & 9 & 11) - With Daisy, he views her as a more delicate and mysterious figure both
literal and personality wise from how gentle her physical features and her voice are to her
sudden interest in Mr. Gatsby.
“Her gray sun-strained eyes looked back at me with polite reciprocal curiosity out of a wan,
charming, discontented face” (11) - For Jordan, he perceives her as a more mischievous
character that enjoys rumor and gossip, but also as a humorous friend towards both Daisy and
Nick.
“It was Gatsby’s mansion. Or rather, as I didn’t know Mr. Gatsby, it was a manion inhabited by a
gentlemen of that name” / “... he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone---he
stretched out his arrms toward thr dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I
could have sworn he was trembling” (20 & 21) - As for Mr. Gatsby, he is mainly witnessed
through a puzzling spotlight through his strange actions and concurring presence by Nick. It
also seems to foreshadow his future importance to the storyline and how biased Nick’s
perception of him alienates his character from all the rest.

Crafts & Techniques: ​Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc​.--include pg. #s!

“In two weeks it’ll be the longest day in the year” (11) - The realistic longest day of the year is
June 20th

Global Issues​: Include pg. # and explanation

Identity​: “I graduated from New Haven in 1915, just a quarter after my father, and a little later
participated in that delayed Teutonic migration known as the Great War” (3) - Earlier on, as he
states that his grandfather and other former members of his family, went to different wars to
fight for their countries. When he says he followed after their footsteps, he relays it as if he is
pressured by his family to pursue on with it, and therefore, delayed some of his own choice and
decision making in the process.
Culture and Politics​: “The idea is that if we don’t look out the white race will be--- will be utter
submerged. It’s all scientific stuff; it’s been proved” (13) - Tom maintains a very racial and
radical view of the world’s ethnic cultures and possesses a white supremacy attitude towards
them.
Power and Identity​: “Tom’s got some woman in New York” (15) - Ironically, Tom speaks so
highly of maintaining power over all other ethnic groups since the white race dominates over
all, yet, he exhibits abuse towards his own power as he cannot remain loyal to his wife and
more so, to his own daughter whomst mother he is cheating on.

Vocabulary: ​At least 10 words; include pg. #, ​inference of definition​, and real definition

Ex: ​Preoccupations​ (pg. 1): ​based on the root word, ​occupation​, I think that it means to
have a job or be busy;​ NOUN: the act of being engrossed in thought, distracted, or busy.
Ex: ​Contour​ (pg. 5): ​based on sentence context, I think it means the same size or shape​;
ADJ: an outline representing shape or form.

● Bores (pg. 1): ​based on a similar word, ​boring​, I think it means an uninteresting topic;
NOUN: a tedious person
● Levity (pg. 1): ​based on sentence background, I think it means false personality or
character; ​NOUN: the use of humor in place of severity
● Teutonic (pg. 3): ​based on similar vocabulary, ​Tectonic​, I think it means life-changing;
ADJ: associated with the 4th century ancient German tribe, thr Teutons
● Anticlimax (pg. 6): ​based on sentence context, I believe it means not of great value or
unnecessary; ​NOUN: a disappointing conclusion
● Supercilious (pg. 7): ​based on a similar word, ​superfluous​, I think it means over the top
or higher than one’s expectations; ​ADJ: acting as if one is superior; arrogant
● Effeminate (pg. 7): ​based on sentence context, I think it means dramatic; ​ADJ: similar to
a woman and very feminine
● Fractiousness (pg. 7): ​based on similar word, ​fraction​, I believe it means not a part of a
 whole but rather only a portion; ​ADJ: unable to control and very grouchy
● Pungent (pg. 7): ​based on sentence context, I think it means uplifting and saddening;
ADJ: pertaining a powerful stench or scent
● Uninflected (pg. 17): ​based on the similar word, ​uninflected​, I believe it means
unimpressed or unmoved; ​ADJ: never changing in pitch
● Libel (pg. 19): ​based on sentence context, I think it means something unattainable due to
certain circumstances; ​NOUN: a rumor that ruins a person’s status

Personal Notes: ​(not required, though good for IB to see…)

Brief Chapter Summary: ​Chapter 2

● Nick is first seen riding a car alongside Tom to finally meet his mystery woman in Chicago, where
they stop at Mr. George B. Wilson’s auto repair shop.
● Tom invites Myrtle Wilson (George’s wife) to go to Chicago with him and Nick, where we see that
Mr. Wilson is quite oblivious to the situation at hand as he believes his wife is stopping by her
sister’s.
● The three drive over to an apartment where Catherine, Myrtle’s sister, Mr. and Mrs. McKee all get
drunk and perform in sexual activities.
● Catherine mentions Myrtle’s and Tom’s loathness to each of their spouses, which causes a fight
between the two as Tom eventually breaks Myrtle’s nose with his fist.
● The chapter ends with Nick forfeiting his livelihood by going to sleep after partying to a
maximum.

Purpose of Chapter: ​Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.​

From this chapter, Fitzgerald accomplishes:

● Tension amongst the higher classes of New York as they expose secrets, misunderstandings, and
superficial personas of one another
● Elaborate the negative spotlight atop of the richer status as they selfishly utilize their wealth
● Nick’s biased lens before the duality of the lower’s struggles (social conflict) and the arrogant lens
delineating the upperclassmen

Crafts & Techniques: ​Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc​.

Motifs​: the habits of rumoring and secrets continues onto this chapter as Nick notices that Catherine’s
claims of Daisy being Catholic is false and unheard of; he also incorporates more of the “anchoring” or
being returned back to reality as he opens up how he is continuously pulled back to reality by his
surroundings when he wishes to escape from it; ashes to describe the sorrowful and depressing
environment of Chicago; blind eyes to represent the ignorance and the lack of truthful insight within the
wealthy classes; the concurrent mentionings of smoke also to signify ignorance or bliss from the
truth and callosity of the upperclassmen of New York, and the reappearing commentary of blue, whether
it is due to a person’s eyes or because of the sky and the sea.
Simile​: Nick emphasizes the blue tones of the sky while comparing it to the likeliness of the
Mediterranean Sea (34). *The color blue tends to have a calming effect on people, and it also takes effect
on Nick here as well*
Metaphor​: Nick compares his desire to escape from the crowd as a rope strapping him back into a chair
against his will as he is forced to stay where he is because of Tom (35).
Imagery​: Nick emphasizes Myrtle’s features as nothing special of the sorts, but compares his impression
of her through more passionate representations such as fire or smouldering (25).
Setting​: Nick describes the valleys between West and East egg as rather lifeless and unpleasant,
constantly being built up with smoke or very dull aspects involving gray colored cars or the color of dust
(23 & 24).
Symbolism​: Through colors, Nick notably mentions on the eyes and glasses of an eye specialist;
specifically: yellow and blue. Yellow can be seen as a joyful color that is popularly featured with summer
or innocence while blue is a color that could display masculinity or pacification.

Global Issues: ​Include pg. # and explanation

Culture and Beliefs​ (pg. 34): Mrs. McKee victimizes a young Jewish man who wished for her hand in
marriage and recalls it as a complete mishap had she chosen to marry him and patronizes him as lower
than herself using her white supremacy.
Identity and Value ​(pg. 34 & 36): On page 34, Myrtle opens up about her regret for marrying her
Husband (Mr. Wilson), as she believes that he is not as worth it as she assumed him to be. Because of this
relentless feeling of remorse, she sees Tom as an alternative partner that is more worth her time, which
is reciprocated. And not to mention, Tom mentions on page 36 that he incautiously approaches and flirts
with Myrtle the first time they meet while he is still married to Daisy.
Power and Justice ​(pg. 26): Even though Tom possesses the power to make a difference for the lower
class citizens of New York, he leisurely comments the dreadful lifestyle of the less fortunate
as he casually sits back and witnesses a young child placing torpedoes right beside a railroad track.
Identity and Community ​(pg. 35): Myrtle reprimands Mr. Wilson impoverished status as it is
revealed that he borrowed somebody else’s tuxedo for their wedding because he could not afford his
own.

Vocabulary: ​At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

Oculist ​(pg. 24): ​based on sentence context, I believe the word means eye specialist; ​NOUN: an eye
doctor
Borough ​(pg. 24): ​based on sentence context I think the word means a region or group; ​NOUN: one of fiv
localities within New York OR a town with a privileged corporation approved by written authority
Smouldering ​(pg. 25): ​based on sentence context, I believe it means an alluring attractiveness;​ ADJ:
burning (steamy) with no fire
Ectoplasm ​(pg. 30): ​based on prior knowledge, I believe it is something in relation to the cytoplasm of a
 cell;​ NOUN: the outer layer of the cytoplasm
Appendicitis ​(pg. 31): ​based on the similar term, ​appendage​, and prior medical knowledge, I think it is a
painful condition relating to the stomach;​ NOUN: inflamed appendix (large sac in the intestine)
Kyke ​(pg. 34): ​based on sentence context, I feel it means a foreigner out of the US or a social pariah;​ an
old racial Jewish nickname
Deft ​(pg. 37): ​based on surrounding text, I think it means quick and rapid;​ ADJ: skillful and clever
Tribune ​(pg. 38): ​based on prior context, I feel it means the headline of a New York subway;​ NOUN: a
New York newspaper headline
Town Tattle ​(pg. 37): ​derived from prior mentioning, I think it is a magazine title;​ NOUN: one of the
magazines Myrtle purchases
Lather ​(pg. 36): ​similar to the verb, ​lather,​ I think it means a white solution similar to soap;​ NOUN: foam
or heavy sweat

Personal Notes:

● At the beginning of the chapter, Nick describes the eyes of an optometrist, possibly through a
billboard or advertisement, but he never reveals or hints as to why he mentions it.
● Nick also mentions Myrtle’s puppy a few times through the chapter, so this could be a sign of
something, we just don’t know what yet…

Brief Chapter Summary: ​Chapter 3

● Nick attends an enormous celebration at Gatsby’s mansion, where he was personally invited to and
Many other socialites join.
● Gossip about Gatsby spreads that he worked for the government and murdered someone.
● Nick, feeling a bit overwhelmed and introverted, ambles over to Gatsby’s library where he meets
an “owl-eyed” man with large spectacles verifying the genuinity of the books (45).
● Nick, not aware of the man he is speaking to, recalls his war memories and reconciles with
someone who also partook in the military. It is revealed that he is indeed speaking to the one and
only, Jay Gatsby.
● Utterly speechless, Gatsby requests for Jordan’s presence to speak with him.
● Nick witnesses a red-haired singer intensively crying while singing and notices the horde of couples
arguing with each other while she is singing.
● As Nick leaves the party, he sees a car accident with the owl-eyed man as the driver, but reveals
someone else was the driver and that there was another unrevealed person in the car with him.
● Time passes, and reunites lost time with Jordan during the summertime. He labels his love as
curiosity for the time being.
● Jordan admits that she feels some slight affection for Nick, to which Nick admits to reciprocating
these feelings as love, not simple curiosity.
● The chapter concludes with Nick self-labelling himself as the most honest person he knows.

Purpose of Chapter: ​Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.​

As of Chapter 3, Fitzgerald:
● Provokes an intense desire to discover who Jay Gatsby is through suspense and the lack of presence.
● Introduces two new characters: the owl-eyed man and Gatsby.
● Adds onto the lack of character and individuality within the richer classes of New York.

Crafts & Techniques: ​Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.​

​ heme and Tone​: “I’ve been drunk for about a week now, and I thought it might sober me up to sit in a library”
T
exhibits Fitzgerald’s reproachful attitude towards the reckless nature of this era’s upperclassmen and their lack of
intelligence; “Dishonesty within a woman is something you never blame deeply” I believe what Nick/Fitzgerald is tryin
say here is that woman were so deeply looked down upon, that they had too much reason to lie about their own succes
hide their mistakes so that they would not be disowned by society (45 & 58).
​Motifs​: Nick constantly references various musical performers, such as Gilda Gray, the Follies, and Frisco to bring out t
importance of musical theater and the rise of talent awareness.
Symbolism​: Nick dedicates a whole page of a library filled to the brim with books, as books could represent truth and
knowledge, but with the lack of persons within the room, it seems he is trying to exemplify the lack of contemplation an
debate throughout the wealthier classes.
Setting​: Gatby’s Mansion
Characterization​: When Gatsby approaches Nick through the topic of war and their similar experiences with the milita
seems as if Gatsby gives Nick reassurance and pacification in light of the overly social environment they reside in; also,
admits to having affectionate feelings for Jordan, but at first sees it as curiosity, but later discovers his romantic feelings
for her, having gotten used to her mischievous and charming presence. The two characters give Nick relief and allow hi
the feeling of belonging.

Global Issues: ​Include pg. # and explanation

I​ dentity and Community​: Nick descriptively elaborates the absence of harmony throughout the red-haired singer and
the couples all around the room listening to her singing. It seems as though even though everyone within this room
possesses money and fame, their interactions with one another and the lack of gentle communication gets in the way of
peaceful lifestyle and interactions (51).
Identity and Values​: After meeting Jordan, Nick suddenly reveals that he has a woman within another city and ultimat
decides to break off with her due to his impending feelings for Jordan (58). The way he describes this woman does not
seem as though they have a very close and intimate relationship, but rather a friends-with-benefits scenario where ther
is not love, just negotiation.
Education and Values​: Nick is the only other person checking through the library, besides the owl-eyed man,
displaying the lack of care for books and education within the higher social hierarchy and more so, a larger span of
attention towards one’s own reputation and having fun and getting drunk (45).
Values and Identity​: Nick relays that he would follow women back to their apartments when he would get drunk and t
would provokingly try to lure him with them to possibly commence a one-night-stand. The woman possess no caution
and more so, larger interests in sexual activities over their safety. Men like Nick, on the other hand, seem to have no
conscience of what is creepy and continue with that sense of mind because they know nothing else.

Vocabulary: ​At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition
Cataracts ​(pg. 39): ​based on sentence context, I think it means large amounts of; ​NOUN: large water quantities
Omnibus ​(pg. 39): ​I think it means a way of transportation from sentence details; ​NOUN: a type of bus
Cordial ​(pg. 40): ​based on similar term, ​accordance,​ I believe it means to be aligned in the same manner, agreeing
perspective; ​ADJ: friendly and amiable
Verandas ​(pg. 40): ​based on sentence context, I think it means a type of sun coverage for shade; ​NOUN: sealed platform
outside of a house
Gaudy ​(pg. 40): ​based on sentence background, I believe it means glamorous; ​ADJ: spectacularly overdone
Prodigality ​(pg. 40): ​derived from similar term, ​prodigy​, I think it encompasses higher up on the social scale; ​NOUN:
over spending
Gilda Gray ​(pg. 41): ​from sentence background, I think she is a dancer or performer; ​NOUN: famous dancer and stage
performer
Follies ​(pg. 41): ​from sentence detail, I believe it is a well-known group of singer or performers; ​NOUN: a musical
Hilarity ​(pg. 46): ​based on context, I think it means ambiance or cheerful atmosphere; ​NOUN: amusement
Subterfuge ​(pg. 58): ​based on similar word, ​subterranean​, I believe it means underneath the truth or the ground;
NOUN: trickery

Personal Notes:

● The owl-eyed man may possibly be the guy mentioned at the beginning of Chapter 2, as he is described as havin
large spectacles. Also, his name is not revealed, so it brings suspense and mystery to the table as he is seen to be
wise and quite frank when within the library scene.
● After the car accident, Nick mentions that there is another person within the car, along with the owl-eyed man, b
their name, appearance, or actions are described other than the fact that they walked out of the car. Mysterious
indeed...

Brief Chapter Summary: ​Chapter 4

● The chapter starts with two women elaborating Gatsby’s murderous rumors while drinking and observing his
flowers.
● The narrator perspective returns to Nick as he lists and describes a complete list of moneyed socialites that atte
Gatsby’s parties.
● Gatsby arrives within a well-off yellow car to pick Nick up for a lunch date and gives Nick a whole background
narrative about himself and essentially brags himself and Jordan’s secretive meeting with him to the point wher
Nick Nick becomes annoyed.
● Once he arrives at a Port Roosevelt restaurant, Gatsby introduces the Jewish gambler, Mr. Wolfheim, to Nick, wh
deems him suspicious. Nick learns that it was Mr. Wolfheim that restored the 1919 World Series and that he wea
human molars as his shirt cuffs.
● Nick surprisingly sees Tom and goes to introduce Gatsby to him, but Gatsby is mysteriously nowhere in sight.
● The narrative perspective switches to Jordan Baker, who retells Daisy and Tom’s “love” story. It is revealed that
Gatsby was involved with Daisy at some point before she was forced to split with him and marry Tom.
● Daisy peacefully married Tom and soon gave birth to their daughter, but Jordan hints that Tom double-timed Da
with a maid which caused Daisy to be wary of Tom’s every location.
 ● Back to Nick’s viewpoint, he takes Jordan out on a date and learns that her and Gatsby’s private meeting was bec
Gatsby wished to privately see Daisy again through her and Nick.
● Nick ends the chapter off by lovingly wrapping his arm around Jordan’s shoulder and kissing her, lips to lips.

Purpose of Chapter: ​Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc​.

● Clearing some background on the intertwined connections between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom.
● Giving some more context in regards to Jay Gatsby to rid of the mysterious presence his reputation has only
been until now.
● Introducing one new character: Mr. Wolfheim.

Crafts & Techniques: ​Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.​

Setting (1):​ Sunday, Gatsby’s Mansion

Setting (2):​ Nick’s future perspective speaking of the current storyline in past tense
Setting (3):​ Port Roosevelt & restaurant
Motifs ​=
● Gossiping and Secrets ​(pg. 61 & 79): Two women sit in front of Gatsby’s house and rumor that he is a murderer
a member of a notorious German family. Also, towards the end of the chapter, Gatsby reveals to Nick that he wis
to see Daisy again, in secret, after their tragic split many eons ago through the help of Jordan and Nick.
● Flowers ​(pg. 61,63 & 68): When the two women gossip about Gatsby, one then asks the other to pass over a ros
her while they drink. Another instance involves Nick’s interpretation of four women’s last names on how they so
floral-like. His final instance was when he and Gatsby were driving towards Port Roosevelt, where Nick perceive
flowers atop of a hearse passing by. Fitzgerald utilizes various flowers throughout the chapter as a way to either
identify a female figure or as a way of hiding pain behind beauty and delicacy.
● Violence ​(pg. 62 & 63): Nick recalls a story regarding Mr. Shells and Mr. Ulysses where one of them was drunk,
lying on the ground of a parking lot while the other drove over the other’s fingers. Nick also continues on with th
brutal suicide of a business owner that jumped in front of a subway train.
● Americanization ​(pg. 62, 63 & 64): When Nick delineates all the famous men that attend Gatsby’s parties, you
notice that he sticks to white businessman and does not elaborate outside of that box; similarly, Nick describes
Gatsby’s way of walking atop of his car as an American way that does not know struggle or physical activity.
● Melodies ​(pg. 63): Nick adds onto input on the four women’s last names that he views them as floral-like and
harmonious.
● Hydroplanes ​(pg. 64): Also included within the previous chapter, we hear Gatsby constantly mentioning his
beloved Hydroplane, which can also be considered his trademark at this point.
● Colors ​(pg. 64 & 68): Nick utilizes literal color adjectives to describe different objects throughout the chapter to
emphasize the emotional Fitzgerald wants you to associate with the object or just how to perceive it.
● Nicknames ​(pg. 64 & 65): Gatsby consistently calls Nick, ​Old-sport,​ from the time they meet to current.
● Daisy’s voice ​(pg. 77): All throughout Chapter 1, Nick brings in the charming factor of Daisy’s voice and with the
addition of this chapter, Jordan adds onto the subject by saying Daisy’s voice has changed ever since her
marriage to Tom. This voice switch emphasizes the strained and incompatible relationship between Tom and
Daisy even before becoming wed.
● Nick’s uniqueness ​(pg. 80): At the beginning of the chapter, Nick elaborates his complete disinterest and
indifference towards the subject of all the businessmen and their wealthy components, as well as the violence
 that followed through.
Symbolism​:
● Gray ​(pg. 61): written pencil & ancient, old
● Leeches ​(pg. 61): New character mention & blood sucking organism
● Cotton ​white (pg. 62): the process of growing old and gaining white hair & guiltless, pure
● Green ​(pg. 64): nature OR money, wealthy man
● Caramel ​(pg. 64): caramel is a sweet candy that is generally enjoyed by everyone, symbolizing Gatsby’s own
ability to be fancied greatly by the public
● Hearse & Fun bus ​(pg. 68): the two opposites emphasize the chaotic nature of Port Roosevelt how one
representation of death and melancholy could go to joyous and enjoyable atmospheres in a split second
● Daylight ​(pg. 70): the truth
● Pearls ​(pg. 76): unable to be tainted & immortality & women
● April ​(pg. 77): springtime, new beginnings
● Stars ​(pg. 78): fate, an allusion to Gatsby’s and Daisy’s meeting
● June ​(pg. 78): summertime, chaos and youth
● Gatsby’s parties ​(pg. 79): Gatsby’s dying wish to behold the sight of Daisy again
Figurative Language​:
● Simile ​(pg. 62): a group of people labeled as Blackburns that Nick describes as “goats” that “flipped up their nos
● Oxymoron ​(pg. 62): “Winter afternoon,” Fitzgerald utilizes both cold and warm methods to create this opposite
conjunction.
● Simile ​(pg. 67): Nick describes Gatsby’s prize rubies “gnawing at his broken heart.”
Allusion ​(pg. 75): Jordan tells the story of Tom and Daisy, but what the reader does not expect is that Gatsby is also
incorporated within the story before Tom and Daisy’s, alluding and confirming their once loving relationship. It also aff
Daisy’s fascination with his mentioned name at the dinner table and Tom’s loathing attitude towards his name.
Theme ​(pg. 79): “There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired”: Fitzgerald seems to emphasize the
human social classes as either and their inability to be in between or combined. The loathing nature or discriminatory
nature of humans that somehow allows them to split us up by how they see fit.

Global Issues: ​Include pg. # and explanation

Identity and Community ​(pg. 62): Abuse and violence seem to be prominent features amongst the men Nick describes
as one of them got so drunk to the point of laying down, incautiously, in a parking lot and breaking his hand, and
another man known for strangling his wife. Another made an arduous effort to kill himself, brutally, afront a moving
train because of heavy duties and the lack of motivation. Even if one has money and power, that does not save them
from their own demons or issues.
Identity and Values ​(pg. 63 & 77): When four women enter the room with another wealthy socialite, Nick admits that
he forgot the names of those four women, and made little effort to deem them as important. Another involved Tom’s
cheating nature with Daisy, as he does not value her and certainly not their daughter, as he is already unfaithful to her
even before their little girl was conceived.
Culture and Education ​(pg. 62 & 63): Nick describes all these wealthy businessmen as white-colored men, seen as bot
the dominant race and the dominant gender over women. There is no diversity, and where there lies diversity,
mistreatment and inappropriate nicknames come into play.
Identity and Values ​(pg. 69): Although not textually stated, it is hinted by Nick that a group of minorities were physica
attacked or mistreated with the swollen eyes and injured lips.
Community and Culture ​(pg. 69): When Nick mentions a potential rivalry between him and two other wealthy car
owners, it hints at the fact that this rivalry is normal amongst the upperclassmen for reputation and superiority over
others.
Values, Culture, and Community ​(pg. 69): Nick describes Mr. Wolheim in almost a condescending voice judging the
shorter man for his variant features from his own.
Community and Values ​(pg. 70): Mr. Wolheim relays a murder tale to both Gatsby and Nick and I notice that this story
just elaborates how easy it was to murder someone within the 1920’s with the lack of safety regulations or awareness.
Community ​(pg. 78): The lyrics to a song playing at the end of the chapter relay a man’s lustful actions towards a
sleeping woman in the night, relaying the inconsideration of consent and appropriation. This song ultimately appeals
to the male gender, not caring too much for female opinion and representation as a sex object.

Vocabulary: ​At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

Bootlegger ​(pg. 61):​ I think it means a golddigger, or someone who is dependant on others​; NOUN: an illegal alcohol
seller
Von Hindenburg ​(pg. 61): ​I think he was a notorious criminal​; NOUN: he was a German general turned President durin
WWI
Penitentiary ​(pg. 62): ​Based on a similar word, ​penitentrium​, I believe the word means a prison​; NOUN: a jail for major
crime makers
Melodius ​(pg. 63): ​I think it either means an honorable subject or a harmonious topic​; ADJ: a blissful tune
Sporadic ​(pg. 64): ​Based on the similar term, ​sporadically​, I think it means out of sync​; ADJ: irregularly
Punctilious ​(pg. 64): ​Similar to the word, ​punctual,​ I believe it means at the end or straight to the point​; ADJ: very
particular to detail
Proprietor ​(pg. 64): ​Based on the similar sounding word, ​predator,​ I think it means an afflictor​; NOUN: business owner
Incredulous ​(pg. 66): ​Similar to the word, ​incredible​, I believe it means overwhelming​; ADJ: doubtful
Threadbare ​(pg. 66): ​Based on sentence context, I believe it means worn-out or mediocre​; ADJ: shabby and seemingly
used
Turbaned ​(pg. 66): ​Based on the hair accessory, ​turban,​ I believe it means to be wearing a turban​; ADJ: sporting a
turban or head cover
Bouis de Boulogne ​(pg. 66): ​I think it is a location with France or a disguise for an unhealthy nickname​; NOUN: a
French park
Elicited ​(pg. 66): ​Similar to the word, ​elicit​, I believe it means openly revealed​; ADJ: extracted or obtained
Montenegro ​(pg. 67): ​Based on the suffix, ​-negro​, I believe it means an outcasted group of black persons​; NOUN: Balkan
country
Orderi de Danilo ​(pg. 67):​ I think it means a secret war group during the Cold War​; NOUN: royalty entitlement
Nicolas Rex ​(pg. 67): ​I believe he was a part of the Orderi de Danilo​; NOUN: Montenegro leader
Spires ​(pg. 67): ​Similar to the word, ​spiral​, I believe it is a circular shaped object​; NOUN: a high spearlike shape on top o
roof
Somnambulatory ​(pg. 69): ​based on sentence context, I think it means a thought ideology​; ADJ: sleep walking

Personal Notes:
 Brief Chapter Summary: ​Chapter 5

Purpose of Chapter: ​Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.​

Crafts & Techniques: ​Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.​

Global Issues: ​Include pg. # and explanation

Vocabulary: ​At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

Personal Notes:

Brief Chapter Summary: ​Chapter 6

 ●

Purpose of Chapter: ​Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.​

● Revelating ​a large portion of Gatsby’s personal background and history

● Enlarging ​the intimate relationship between Gatsby and Daisy as well as comparing the drastic relationship dua
amongst Tom and Daisy vs. Gatsby and Daisy
● Adding ​onto how dysfunctional the higher social classes truly are with the lack of class and proper etiquette
● Emphasizing ​the illusioned life Gatsby fantasizes and refuses to relinquish

Crafts & Techniques: ​Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.​

Setting​ = Gatsby’s House, New York

Motifs ​=
● Rumors - the chapter begins with a journalist attempting to interview Gatsby based on the fact that fellow
co-workers have mentioned his name throughout the office and saw an opportunity to gain some info on some
mysterious information Fitzgerald never clearly releases (possibly, his involvement with the mafia or his true la
name).
● Appalling - the term is repetitively described at least three separate times during the chapter in order to really
emphasize how Nick specifically feels towards numerous vulgarities displayed by the upperclassmen of New Yo
● Clocks/time - by incorporating clocks or time, Fitzgerald emphasizes through Gatsby the symbol of immortality
the desire to turn back lost time. In order to regain the romance he was robbed of with Daisy, Gatsby reunites w
her and uses every chance he obtains to spend time with her to rekindle that stolen love. Fitzgerald also briefly
elaborates how torturous time seems to Gatsby without Daisy’s presence in his life as his past traumas derived f
the disastrous life he lived as a young lad, further bringing in the importance with her character.
● Night - Fitzgerald consistently uses a nightly setting when major events take place; in this situation, it would be
Gatsby’s and Daisy’s time spent with one another after so many years. They sit and talk specifically under the
MOONLIGHT, which is the symbol of immortality, so continuing with the theme of time, and quite literally the en
the day. Although not necessarily symbolic of any sort, Fitzgerald seems to use the night sky as a formal way of
concluding chapters or a conversation so that it appears as a more natural conclusion.
● Dreams - Gatsby’s constant daydreaming and illusioned perspective of life makes him extremely ambiguous,
believing all his aspirations will come true with effort and thought. He also heavily relies on it when it comes to D
granted that he fantasizes of the day they reunite again and imagines her love as his reward for all his hard work
see her again.
● The pain of reality - Gatsby loathes the idea of his upbringing, as he refuses to remind himself or anybody aroun
of his family’s unsuccessful agricultural business. Connecting back to the idea of illusions, Gatsby, ashamed of his
parents, envisions his own future pathway and works painfully arduously in order to achieve these goals he reta
his mind; but, because of this atrocious labor, he experiences the stress and fatigue that ultimately causes an abu
towards his own mentality when binge-drinking and partying to severe extents daily.
● Dan Cody’s yacht - Gatsby consistently uses Cody’s yacht as reasoning to succeed in the future and the importan
living freely and worry-free.
 ● Alcohol - alcohol is first used around to emphasize its murderous effects on a person, as it causes them to becom
violent and addictive to the substance due to numbing effect and ability to bring out the worst in the drinker. Oth
instances involve its unveiling capabilities to heighten conflict and disagreement that soon results in chaos as w
the overuse of it during this era, as people would drink so much their scent would mimic their choice of drink. T
phrase, ​Drunk on life​, seems to have a very malicious connotation within a few passages as these people are liter
living their lives forever drunk with no signs of being sober anytime soon.
● Upperclassmen rivalries - Gatsby and Tom are the competitors within this chapter, as they both showcase some
possessive traits over Daisy and really emphasize that to challenge who is superior to the other.
● Gatsby’s control - When Tom says he does not want to be considered a polo player, the man ignores his opinions
continues to call him so with Gatsby taking a liking to this and grinning at the idea. Although it is quite unclear th
this was truly Gatsby’s doing and he just finds amusement within it, but, with Gatsby’s agreement to the subject,
appears that his opinion overrides that of Tom’s, showcasing Gatsby’s superiority over Tom. Also, this chapter
reveals that Gatsby no longer or limits his alcohol intake from his experiences with Dan Cody; however, with the
of his guests consuming loads and loads of alcoholic beverages, Gatsby maintains his dominance and control ove
party through sobriety and consciousness.
● Reaching hands - the concluding passages mention the subject of Gatsby reaching his hands towards Daisy’s and
Tom’s house, anxiously debating whether Daisy enjoyed the party or not. In this sense, his hand reaching seems
symbolize his lost hope and wish to regain it.
● The past - Gatsby uses his past and childhood as motivation to continue living as he currently does in order to liv
free life. Contrary to this though, Gatsby relies on his past and essentially lives in the past instead of looking tow
the future. He sees his former memories more important and shapes his ideals and desires based on them.
● Green - Fitzgerald utilizes the color green multiple times throughout the book when describing Gatsby, possibly
way of describing not only his money and wealth, but his naivety and immaturity. Gatsby relies on his visions of
Daisy obsesses over them to the point of illusionment and mental deception.
Symbolism ​=
● Dreams - Gatsby’s unrealistic views through life
● Horses - freedom and desire
● Colors (green) - wealth and immaturity
● Orchid - elegance (when describing the woman, Gatsby contradicts this idea so he says she is nowhere near
elegant or beautiful)
● White-plum tree - hope and determination
● Gold pencil - Daisy’s way of subtly showing off her wealthy status
● Dead nature (crushed flowers, fruit rinds, discarded party favors) - Gatsby’s lost hope
● Blue nose - superiority and domination
● Twilight - the half between night and day, the undetermined middle
Figurative Language ​=
● Oxymoron ​= “I had reached the point of believing everything and nothing about him” (101) - Nick’s inability to
choose a side when regarding Gatsby
● Metaphor ​= “a promise that the rock of the world was founding securely on a fairy’s wing” (99) - the
unproportionate balance shown here shows Gatsby’s impracticalities for the future
● Personification ​= “Daisy’s voice was playing murmurous tricks in her throat” (104) -
Allusion ​= Pg. 97 - Gatsby hiding a relevant secret that even catches the attention of the newspaper, therefore possibly
concluding in the relation between Gatsby and the mafia
Theme ​=
● Pg. 104 - “It is invariably saddening to look through new eyes at things upon which you have expended your own
powers of adjustment” - it is depressing to know that your efforts to try and adapt for the satisfaction of others w
vain to the very correctness you knew before it all
● Pg. 107 - “Sometimes a shadow moved against a soft black morning. Sometimes a shadow moved against a
dressing-room blind above, gave way to another shadow, an indefinite procession of shadows that rouged and
powdered in an invisible glass” - biased and uneducated minds spread their ideas to create more uneducated
mindsets in order to create a whole cycle of spreading the unjust lies of the upper class that simply satisfies thei
stomachs but hides so bluntly behind the definition of power and high-status

Global Issues: ​Include pg. # and explanation

​ alues and Beliefs ​(pg. 98) = Without even considering their efforts or invested time within their family, Gatsby
V
immediately disowns his own parents based on how successful they were. His spoiled attitude towards them represent
own disconnection from reality and simply living within the world he believes to be perfect and idealistic, his own mind
Community and Beliefs ​(pg. 98, 100 & 107) = Growing up through poverty, Gatsby easily becomes astonished and
illusioned through the idea of wealth and money, as he only views the life behind it rather than the consequences that c
along with high-status and expectations.
Community, Beliefs and Values ​(pg. 98, 103 & 105) = Women are consistently looked down upon within this novel, w
one instance even Gatsby himself plays around with women possibly younger than himself in order to satisfy his own
dissatisfaction with himself, while others where another instance elaborates Tom’s own judgmental attitude towards a
woman’s appearance and double standards against them to fit within his own.
Culture, Identity, Values, and Beliefs ​(pg. 99) = This particular passage talks about women purposefully leading a ma
with the purpose of stealing his money after leaving him behind. They do this with no remorse and simply use their
husbands as a means to gain a higher status for themselves and ignore the idea of betrayal.
Culture ​(100, 106 & 107) = Alcohol is a heavily used item and nullifying product within the era of the Roaring 20’s, as i
pacifies one’s worries and rids them of any pain or torment they feel within themselves. However, it is so abused and
mistreated to the point where it is a household statement and has to be consumed within each passing day.
Community and Identity ​(pg. 104) = Daisy feels excluded from the rest of the wealthy crowd, feeling lonely and helple
against all odds against her as she is the only one revealed to feel this way, other than Nick.

Vocabulary: ​At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

1. Notoriety ​(pg. 97) = ​based on, ​notorious​, I think it means infamous or well-known in a negative perspective​; NO
ill reputation
2. “​Underground pipe-line to Canada​” (pg. 97) = ​I think it means a secret agent or spy for the government​; NOUN
speakeasy, or illegal underground association
3. Gatz ​(pg. 98) = ​I think it is a foreign last name not particularly positively though of​; NOUN: German last name th
associated Gatsby with World War I
4. Insidious ​(pg. 98) = ​based on the horror movie title, I believe it means absolutely chaotic-wishing and destructiv
ADJ: harmfully or aggressively stealthy
5. Loafing ​(pg. 98) = ​I think it means to be lazy or to loiter​; VERB: lounging around
 6. Tuolomee ​(pg. 98) = ​I believe it is the name of a boat Dan Cody owned​; NOUN: Dan Cody’s yacht derived from a
buolonic term during the Gold Rush
7. Metricious ​(pg. 98) = ​based on sentence context, I think it means utterly disgusting and mediocre​; ADJ:
pretentious and trashy
8. Turbulent ​(pg. 99) = ​based on the word, ​turbulence,​ I think it is a word used to describe something very rough o
aggressive​; ADJ: very unstable and disastrous
9. Ineffable ​(pg. 99) = ​based on sentence context, I believe it means irreplaceable or irrevocable​; ADJ: unable to
describe with words
10. ​Gaudiness ​(pg. 99) = ​based on sentence context, I think it means arrogance or spontaneity​; NOUN: vulgarness
11. ​Reveries ​(pg. 99) = ​based on sentence context, I think it means accomplishments or ideal symbols of
accomplishments​; NOUN: daydreams
12. ​Nevada silver fields ​(pg. 99) = ​I think they are fields within the state of Nevada that give off a metallic gray ton
when looked at​; NOUN: silver-mining districts in Nevada
13. ​Ramifications ​(pg. 99) = ​based on sentence details, I think it means briberies​; NOUN: consequences
14. ​Turgid ​(pg. 99) = ​based on sentence context, I think it means over the top or superfluous​; ADJ: pompous and sw
15. ​Elicited ​(pg. 100) = ​derived from the word, ​elicit,​ I believe it means severely clear and straightforward​; VERB: t
take away or obtain
16. ​Contour ​(pg. 101) = based on makeup references, I predict it means to darken or shadow a certain region; VERB
outline of a shape
17. ​Antecedents ​(pg. 101) = ​I think it means previously mentioned rumors​; NOUN: predecessor
18. ​Haughtily ​(pg. 102) = ​I believe it means to be positioned in an improper or rude manner​; ADVERB: dominating

Personal Notes:

Brief Chapter Summary: ​Chapter 7

● Morning has come, and Gatsby is locked by himself within his house, isolated even from Nick (by choice).
● Nick mentions that Gatsby has fired all of his staff, maids and butlers, from his household all of a sudden.
● Daisy comes to Gatsby’s property and gives him a visit, much to Nick’s confusion and surprise by the fact that it i
broad daylight where anybody can see her, also, on a very hot day.
● Also, Nick takes the effort to say that she has been coming over to Gatsby’s mansion quite often.
● They all drive over to the Buchanan House where Jordan and Daisy both match in white and Tom is on the phon
with Myrtle, again, during a public event.
● Gatsby walks into the house where Daisy miraculously jumps at the sight of him and declares her utmost love fo
with a kiss on the lips, while Tom is conveniently in the other room.
● Suddenly, the Buchanan daughter, Tom and Daisy’s daughter appears into the room and runs to her mother’s ar
with an embrace.
● She briefly speaks and asks her mother questions, but Daisy seems to ignore these questions but admires her be
making it seem almost as if she sees her daughter as a younger version of herself.
● Just as Tom makes a reappearance back into the room, Daisy randomly questions the group of folks what will ha
within the next thirty years of life, making it seem as if life is timeless and therefore, useless or problematic.
● Just as she asks this very important question, she yields away from the topic as she continues to dreamily admir
Gatsby as he casually stands in the freakishly hot house. - It is revealed that this is her way of declaring her love
Gatsby whilst in front of Tom, secretly.
● Just as everyone is talking over glasses of whiskey, Gatsby and Nick talk about the fact that Daisy’s voice makes h
sound as she is a gold digger or a seeker of loads of money.
● They all drive off into the lower areas of the city, with Daisy specifically asking to drive alongside Gatsby and hav
Jordan drive with Nick and Tom.
● This seems to anger Tom, as he has noticed the unusually flirtatious behavior between Gatsby and Daisy. Jordan
Nick act it off as a Tom tantrum, though.
● The two cars pass by the Wilson Auto Repair Shop where Mr. Wilson and Myrtle are.
● Mr. Wilson tells Tom of his revelation that his wife is cheating on him and he will be essentially kidnapping her t
West where she cannot maintain an unfaithful relationship with him.
● Mr. Wilson bargains with Tom over one of his cars, to which Tom actually shows signs of humanity by lending M
Wilson his car for cheap.
● Myrtle, seeing Jordan in the front seat of Tom’s car, panics as she mistakes her for Tom’s wife.
● After the auto repair shop, the entire group meets up at a hotel, similar to the one that appeared in Chapter 2.
● Tom and Gatsby shortly get into a ​heated ​argument with Tom’s accusations behind Gatsby’s untruthful statemen
● Out of spite and the ​heat ​of the moment, Tom blurts out that he knows of Daisy and Gatsby’s affair, to which he i
deeply offended, quite ironic.
● Just as Tom looks at Daisy, she remains quiet while Gatsby pitches in by saying Daisy has never loved him within
their marriage.
● Tom contradicts this statement, as he proclaims Daisy too loves him and admits that he loves her as well.
● Daisy, finding this declaration quite foolish, calls Tom disgusting and almost pretending, admits she could never
him anymore. ANYMORE.
● Tom gets emotional to which Daisy provides SOME closure for him, that she did in fact love him at point. But if w
were speaking on current terms, she conclusively does not.
● Gatsby, subtly excited, claims they are leaving Tom to his own business, to which Tom tries one final attempt to
Daisy back: by telling her Gatsby is a bootlegger.
● She denies this and entreats that they should all head home.
● Randomly, Nick admits that this whole day was the day that he was born: HIS BIRTHDAY.
● Nick, Tom, and Jordan head to Wilson’s Repair Shop instead, where we find out Myrtle was killed after carelessly
running in front of a YELLOW CAR.
● To Nick’s quick realization, the yellow car was Gatsby’s.
● The topic of yellow and blue pop up again as Tom describes the difference between his and Gatsby’s car to a poli
officer.
● As the three head back home, Gatsby is patiently waiting outside and reveals that Daisy was driving the car whe
accident happened, but he is willing to take the blame for her.
 ● At the end of the chapter, it seems Tom shows some care and concern for Daisy as the two rekindle back togethe
which Gatsby acts as if he sees nothing. ​NOTE: this reminds me of Madame Defarge from ​A Tale of Two Cities.​

Purpose of Chapter: ​Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc​.

● Fitzgerald establishes tension and uncomfortable atmospheres with the fiery temperatures and arguments the
characters portray.
● A switched portrayal between Daisy and Tom, as Tom seems to exhibit more human-like features while Daisy
displays colder and distant attitudes in front of Tom.
● Fitzgerald brings in the crescendo, the climax, as a way to say there is no going back from forth this chapter.

Crafts & Techniques: ​Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.​

Themes:​ When Daisy questions life with the query of what they would all be doing with their lives within the next thirt
years, she is exhibiting Fitzgerald’s attempt at exemplifying the Roaring 20’s true characteristics of doubt and seemingl
meaningless life. The persons born and living through this era, even with money and power, could not be more depress
and gloomy over the fact that they do not know what to do with their lives. In summary, they do not see the purpose of
lives.

Global Issues: ​Include pg. # and explanation

Identity and Values (pg. 116)​: Daisy willingly sends Tom off like a common servant while she takes the time to show
affection and passionate love for Gatsby. By doing so, she exhibits the same characteristics as Tom with Myrtle as he on
showed no mercy to leave her behind to see his mistress.
Values (pg. 117): ​Daisy showcases her neglectful nature for her daughter as she seemingly ignores her requests and
questions and instead pays attention to none other than the girl’s beauty. Adding on, it is mentioned that she inherited
her facial features from Daisy and Daisy shows a sign of narcissism for herself as she appears to admire her beauty with
her daughter’s.
Values, Identity, Beliefs, and Education (pg. 130):​ Tom conveys a jealous attitude towards Daisy as he explodes with
and spite that Daisy and Gatsby are having an affair. He maintains a double-standard mindset as he cannot make the
connection between the irony of himself cheating on Daisy and Daisy cheating on Tom. He views himself higher than he
sees that her actions should be punishable and therefore, views Daisy as a lower being than himself.
Values, Identity, and Beliefs (pg. 131):​ Daisy calls Tom “revolting,” and claims that her love for Tom has decreased ov
the years of their dying marriage. She admits this in such a condescending tone, not even giving him the chance to
comprehend all this at once and appears to take on the role of Tom’s abusive and aggressive side as she basically exemp
her complete disconnection from him right after he confesses his love for her. Because of Tom’s mistreatment towards
she has taken that role for herself and was even able to perfectly relay her blunt and hurtful message to a saddened pup
Values and Identity (pg. 143): ​Gatsby willingly takes the blame for Daisy’s murder, signifying his blind nature for her.
Without even considering the true consequences of killing another person, his love for Daisy takes him so far away from
reality that he is willing to die in her place, when she, in light, is the true perpetrator.

Vocabulary: ​At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition
Obscurely (pg. 113): based on prior knowledge, I believe it means unable to clearly see or covered by something: ADVE
vague or ambiguous
Dilatory (pg. 113): based on sentence context, I think it means, unable to comprehend; ADJ: very slow in movement or
understanding
Harrowing (pg. 114): based on prior knowledge and word connotation, I think it means arduous or enduring: ADJ:
distressing
Shirtwaist (pg. 114): I think it means a woman’s piece of clothing; NOUN: a woman’s blouse
Commutation (pg. 115): I believe it means a religious connotation or reference: NOUN: carrying out a judicial sentence
Awnings (pg. 115): based on setting, I believe they are window curtains; NOUN: a sheet used to cover a roof or window
Bona-fide (pg. 116): based on sentence context, I believe it means genuine or reality; ADJ: a genuine or authentic topic
Veranda (pg. 118): based on prior knowledge, I think it means the garden in the outdoors: NOUN: an outdoor garden
Scalloped (pg. 118): derived from crafting terms, I believe it means to be repeatedly rainbow shaped outlines: NOUN:
decorated with scallops
Overhead (pg. 135): based on sentence context, I think it means the ceiling or a cover of some sort: NOUN: similar to an
awning

Personal Notes:

Brief Chapter Summary: ​Chapter 8

● Gatsby first describes, in depth, the story of how he and Daisy met
● He describes her as a sympathetic girl, accidentally falling in love with her within the brief, primal time they init
spent together
● He expresses his guilt when Daisy once treated him as equal to her when in reality, he was still an impoverished
with no status
● Just when he tried to return home as soon as possible form the war, he gets sent to Oxford and leaves Daisy in a
lonely spot for a longer period of time and eventually led her to marry Tom out of impatience
● Just as Gatsby cannot accept their marriage, he blindly convinces himself that their marriage is a fake and Daisy
madly in love with Gatsby
● Nick iconically states he always “disapproved” of Gatsby from the start to finish as Gatsby uses his pool for the fi
time in Summer
● Jordan and Nick are no longer a couple as their distant attitudes to each other disconnect them once and for all
● The perspective switches over to Wilson and George’s point of view
● Wilson reveals he was aware of Myrtle’s affair with Tom as he discovered the puppy collar and Myrtle’s nose inj
from when Tom broke it in Chapter 2
● He comes to the conclusion that Gatsby was the one having an affair with his wife and strives to approach Gatsby
with the intent of murder and avengment as he conventiently sees the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
 ● Next day, Wilson kills Gatsby while he swims in his pool for the first time and then shoots himself to avoid the
consequences of murder

Purpose of Chapter: ​Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc​.

● Concluding the adventurous spirit of the story

● Ending the main plot line, symbolically, Gatsby
● Allowing Gatsby to see through the eyes of reality and truth for the first time without Daisy as his intent of life

Crafts & Techniques: ​Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.​

Setting: Nighttime
Motifs =
● Night = isolation and the constant use of setting for realization or unrealistic dreams coming into light for the
character, and in this case, it represents a thought process that keeps one awake in the midst of night that could
signify fear and paranoia of the future. The people of the Roaring 20’s do not look forward to the unexpected of t
future, but rather, they are frightened by the idea of it as it has the potential to be filled with more drama and da
● Ghosts = lifeless characteristic or someone’s obvious indifference to another character’s life that emphasizes the
livelihood of the characters with money, but rather the despair of heightened expectations and the need to main
status.
● Fantasy/Illusion = the concurrent idea of dreams that the wealthy hold in hopes that it will come true and the
emphasis upon the harshness of reality that pushes the upperclassmen away and resulting in their favor to life w
a fantasy created by their minds instead of the one already given to them.
● Daisy’s value = Daisy’s symbolic presence as a prize or a trophy that shines on her own that also shows the tragi
truth that she is not seen other than that by other men, including both Tom and Gatsby
● Time (the past) = Gatsby’s persistent attempts to change the present and to control his fate by Daisy’s side
● Daisy’s presence/voice = the effect Daisy has on others, with the inclusion in this chapter as well when a trolley
reminds Gatsby of Daisy with the joyous conversations and laughter going around on that bus. In this perspectiv
confirms that Daisy was the light in Gatsby’s life that motivated him to keep going as a wealthy businessman in h
that Daisy would return to him, she was his goal, his hopes and dreams.
● Nature = Gatsby and Daisy’s love for one another that was once described to be a blossoming love between the t
● Dying nature = Gatsby and Daisy’s dying love and a discouraged Gatsby as he finally starts seeing the picture tha
Daisy will never choose him over Tom.
● Hand reaching = Gatsby’s attempt to return Daisy within his grasps and his false representation of hope and hom
● Times-table = brings back the image of the multiplication table from when Nick first utilizes it within early chapt
● Ash = the dusty environment, which can also be said as the easily manipulated atmosphere or a veil that is used
symbolize the blindness/ignorance of the upperclassmen, as they cannot see clearly through the fog of their own
shortcomings.
● Doctor T.J. Eckleburg = he is the icon of truth and realization, or, since he is often described with large eyes whic
symbolize wisdom and in this passage, Wilson recognizes whose car Myrtle was hit by and concludes that it was
Gatsby’s yellow vehicle that murdered his wife.
Figurative Language =
● Personification = Nick describes the fog-horn groaning within the night
● Metaphor
 ○ Barbed wire = a dangerous and formidable border between two people that forbids them to really conne
and only allows them to really see the exterior of a person rather than the internal, deep whole of a perso
The barbed-wire input signifies the lack of communication and depth within the high class society as they
constantly try to be better than one another with rivalries and titles.
○ Divine right = again, Daisy is seen as a trophy or higher being as Gatsby speaks of his former beliefs that h
not have the right to touch Daisy, as she was a holy angel in his eyes.
○ Swimming pool = a baptism, almost, with Gatsby finally using his pool for the first time towards the end o
summer, as if to cleanse his soul and the former’s fantasies with Daisy by his side again, becoming a new
in the process.
○ Holocaust = when this word is used in the last passage of the chapter, Wilson shoots Gatsby, believing tha
was the one driving the car that killed Myrtle. In this sense, Fitzgerald relays Gatsby whole play within th
drama-filled plots of ​The Great Gatsby​. It was Gatsby that tried to interfere with Tom and Daisy’s relation
with one another, which ended with a murdered corpse. It was him who ultimately ended the last chance
romance between himself and Daisy with his structured manipulation and false accusations. And it was h
that ended Nick’s little adventure of the riches of New York.
● Oxymoron
○ Gatsby describes Daisy’s hair having a “dark shining” reflection in the dark, alluding to her contradicting
cynical beauty that is mentioned and proved on multiple occasions, one major event being her part in My
death. Had she not run over the running woman, Daisy would have made herself the sacrifice. In place, sh
chose Myrtle instead of herself and refused to take the responsibility out of fear and pity for Tom. While s
may be gorgeous as a woman, she is indeed selfish as she places her life highly above others (150).
○ When Gatsby passes by Daisy’s former house within his memories, he describes it as a “[m]elancholy bea
as the sight of the house reminds him of his beautiful Daisy, but it also returns the memories of her marri
to another man. His nostalgia brings him gloom and sorrow at the thought that Daisy chose another man
himself.
Symbolism =
● Nature (flowers) = Gatsby and Daisy’s ripening love for another that exemplified beauty and true romance
● Light = the love between Gatsby and Daisy that finally terminates as Daisy turns off her light at the sight of Gatsb
leaving him alone and depressed within the dark of the night.
● Barbed wire = the perilous disconnection amongst the upper class as it seems intimacy or a close connection is
dangerous and a line never to be crossed.
● Echoes = a long gone past
● Silver and gold = Daisy’s evolution as an award in Gatsby’s eyes
● Colors =
○ Gray = depressing, cold, and death
○ Yellow = joy, celebration, death (Gatsby’s car)
○ Blue = slowed time, melancholy, pacific
● Spring = new beginning, Tom’s first appearance in Daisy’s life > he replaced Gatsby’s place beside Daisy
● Compass = misdirection, a false truth as Wilson believes Gatsby is the murderer instead of Daisy
Language =
● Pg. 147 = grotesque, savage, frightening, dejection
 ○ Nighttime is the utmost worst time of day for Nick as it brings the pessimism out of him and we as an aud
see the downbeat version of Nick as he now portrays an emotionless corpse as his life can never be the sa
alongside Gatsby, Jordan, Tom, and Daisy and returns to his dejected character as he began at the start of
novel.
● Pg. 161 = unfamiliar, frightening, shivering, grotesque, scarcely
○ This is Nick’s second time using the words frightening and grotesque as he describes falling leaves of Aut
and the dejected roses that Gatsby once perceived as Daisy’s love. Now with Gatsby’s new, depressing
perception of life, Nick’s diction reflects that as the season, Autumn, exemplify Gatsby’s downcast, depres
attitude now as he lives life without a goal to set his mind to, he feels meaningless in utter nothingness.
Allusion = at the beginning of the chapter, Nick abruptly mentions that he feels the need to warn Gatsby about an upcom
danger, but has no idea what this is. Chapter conclusion arrives as the last vision we see as readers is Gatsby’s pool mur
Characterization =
● Opposite roles = in the past, Daisy appears to rely on Gatsby for her main source of merriment just as Gatsby tre
Daisy in current times. They have switched roles for a brief period of time and somewhat answers to Gatsby’s cr
obsession with Daisy: he sees her as a delicate flower that needs to be protected and cared for, even to this day.
● First meeting vs last meeting = Nick describes Gatsby’s first meeting as a reassuring smile and their last tragic
meeting, Nick delineates this same iconic reassuring, full of joy smile once again before he is killed by Wilson.
Parallelism as it begins and ends the tale of the Great Gatsby.
● Wilson vs Gatsby = Wilson mirrors Gatsby’s treatment towards Daisy as he relies on Myrtle for his whole source
joy and affection, and ironically, is the one to end Gatbsy’s life. So in lieu of the shot, he can reflect Gatsby’s old p
murdering the old persona of himself as it also connects back to the idea of baptism that Wilson’s shot was Gatsb
relivement of his burdensome life.
Themes = as Wilson screams the assertion that no one is capable of hiding from God’s vision, it showcases the indescrib
and countless sins achieved all throughout the novel and the wealthy class’ inability to keep secrets, as their attempts w
only deem vain in the eyes of truth.

Global Issues: ​Include pg. # and explanation

Beliefs and Identity (pg. 152)​ = Gatsby’s inability to genuinely see reality, as it causes him pain and aching when he le
that his beliefs regarding Daisy’s perspective of Tom are utterly untrue and humiliates himself. Daisy was his dream, hi
source of happiness that strays him from the path of transparents eyes that saw life as it is, a series of failures and succe
He only looks towards the success aspects of life, refusing to believe in any such thing as failure and incompetence.
Identity and Values (pg. 149)​ = Gatsby’s utmost talent of lie just further emphasizes his aspiration to live through the
of another person other than himself. That is his strive in life, and in the end, he never accepts his past as a part of hims
and hides away under the name, “Jay Gatsby,” to conceal the imperfections of his lifetime.
Identity, Community, and Culture (pg. 150)​ = from the smack beginning, Gatsby senses that Daisy never felt that she
belonged within the higher social class of wealth as she describes it as imprisoning. The controlling nature of the richer
status, although supposedly brings joy and cheer to the one who gains it, Fitzgerald contradicts the notion and instead
inputs the idea that it brings sorrow and despair as the representation of a veil that covers the truth and rather encoura
deception.
Community and Culture (pg. 150)​ = as Nick elaborates the “hot” nature of the lower classes, it also alludes to his belie
the wealthier status is the colder half of the two. As a result, it emphasizes the indifferent and lifeless energy that exude
from within, in comparison to the lower statuses, who are passionate about gaining money and status for themselves.
Identity and Values (pg. 151, 152, 154)​ = the upper class has a concurrent habit of living through illusions and hopes
rather than the legit soul of life. Their untrue, lifeless lifestyles go against their abilities and opportunities to become ha
and satisfied with life, but, because they do not know how to live life, they live as their predecessors did: the toxic, detai
life that pays more attention to reputation than legitimacy.
Values (pg. 159) ​= the nonexistent connection between Myrtle and Wilson as a married couple is briefly elaborated on
when Wilson describes his wife as a little deep as a person, but does not emphasize how deeply she is. He does not know
wife as much as he believes he does and just further represents the strained relationship between the two.
Identity and Values (pg. 156)​ = Nick does not take that much time to disconnect from Jordan and rather perceives her
nuisance and eyesore from the second Gatsby shows signs of despair and desolate hope. His supposed bond with Gatsb
reflects how he sees life and once Gatsby contradicts the free life in the midst of the novel, he now mirrors the pessimis
attitude he expresses at the beginning of the story just as his interactions with Gatsby come to a halt.

Vocabulary: ​At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

Fog-horn (pg. 147) = I interpret the word as a loud horn within the night that may also connect back to a ship; NOUN: a device
uses sound to warn vehicles
Wanly (pg. 147) = from the moon cycle, I believe the word means very miniscule and weak from the waning phase; ADJ
weak and fragile-like
Mustly (pg. 148) = I believe it means odorous and thick; ADJ: obliged to, forcefully
Redolent (pg. 148) = based on sentence context, I think it means nostalgic; ADJ: reminiscent
Pervading (pg. 149) = based on the term, ​pervasive​, I think it means forbidding to enter; VERB: able to enter
Strata (pg. 149) = based on sentence background, I think it means a layer on top of another platform; NOUN: sediment l
Liable (pg. 149) = I believe the word means accountable; ADJ: responsible or inclined to take responsibility
Impersonal (pg. 149) = I infer the word is the opposite of closeness or personally; ADJ: neutral or unbiased
Grail (pg. 149) = I interpret the word is miniature pieces of rock or grain; NOUN: a prize or trophy
Vestibule (pg. 153) = I believe it is a hallway or area meant to stand in; NOUN: hallway
Garrulous (pg. 156) = I interpret the word to be similar to ​gargoyle a​ s ravenous or frightening; ADJ: talkative
Fortuitously (pg. 161) = I infer the word describes how fortunate a person or object is; VERB: unintentional
Amorphous (pg. 161) = I think the word means filled with love; ADJ: misshapen, no shape at all

Personal Notes:

Brief Chapter Summary: ​Chapter 9

Purpose of Chapter: ​Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc​.

Crafts & Techniques: ​Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.​

Global Issues: ​Include pg. # and explanation

Vocabulary: ​At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

Personal Notes: