TheGreatGatsby Summer

8/4/2019 TheGreatGatsby Summer

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Jordan Baker

Jordan Baker is a petite, brawny woman with an athletic body type that matches her

professional golfing career. Nick describes Jordan as a beautiful, slender, small-breasted

girl (Fitzgerald, 11), with pretty grey eyes. Jordan is a beauty no doubt, and is comparable to

Daisy in terms of appearance and character. Jordan has a very strong desire for success which

ultimately hurts her character. Although she is respected by many people, Jordan is a liar and

cheater. She cheated on her first golf tournament and lies with no regrets. Jordan is characterized

as the type of person who will do anything to get what she wants, even if it means hurting her

friends. Nick explains in chapter 3, that Jordan never puts herself in a compromising situation so

later on in the story, when Nick calls their relationship off, she lies to him saying that she is

already engaged. She represents the woman of the 1920s in the sense that shes rebellious,

independent and wants to live on her own. She strongly believes that she doesnt need a man by

her side and enjoys her freedom. Jordan seems to have lived a care-free lifestyle, and will takes

advantage of others so that she can become successful and get what she wants. Based on her

flawed character, Jordan is ultimately portrayed as a character who is more beautiful outside than

in.

Even though Jordan does not have a good moral character, she is portrayed as

understanding and somewhat patient. During Jordan's flashback to the day of Daisys bridal

dinner, she explains how she helped Daisy when she was drunk as a monkey and crying about

a pearl necklace. Based on Jordans description of what happened, she seems to be understanding

of Daisy. She was able to understand and comfort Daisy during her doubts and Jordans overall

character seems to be much different when she was younger.


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In the dialogue between Jordan and Nick in chapter 3, Jordan insists that she will not get

into an accident because other people will keep out of her way and because "It takes two to

make an accident." (Fitzgerald, 58). Jordan acts as if every other driver should watch out

for her and her arrogant attitude is what turns Nick off. He doesnt like her attitude towards life

and how its her way or the highway which is why later on in the story he states that he has

"had enough of all of them ... and suddenly that included Jordan too

(Fitzgerald, 142). Jordans sour puss attitude is the reason her and Nick eventually go their

separate ways.

"You're a rotten driver," I protested. "Either you ought to be more

careful or you oughtn't to drive at all."

"I am careful."

"No, you're not."

"Well, other people are," she said lightly.

"What's that got to do with it?"

"They'll keep out of my way," she insisted. "It takes two to make an

accident."

(Fitzgerald, 58)

The dialogue/quote is important to the book because Jordan represents the womans

change in attitude during the 1920s. During that time period, the woman became more rebellious

and had more freedom, they were tired of always being taken advantage of and it was their turn

to live care-free. Jordan represents this with her risqu behavior of drinking and smoking which

were frowned upon for woman during the 20s . Jordans behavior exemplifies the extensive

lengths the characters go through in the pursuit for success and wealth.


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Nick Carraway

Nick Carraway is the narrator of the story and because of this we do not have a good

physical description of him. Nick is the most reasonable of the characters because he has an

understanding of reality. He is the least superficial and cares the least about gaining wealth. Nick

is a 30 year old man who graduated from Yale University and fought in World War I. Nick

explains that I never saw this great-uncle, but Im supposed to look like him...

(Fitzgerald, 3) but gives no further physical description. Nick is described as being a little

smaller than Tom Buchanan and is supposed to be well-built and physically fit.

Nick begins the novel explaining that his father taught him not to judge or criticize

people. His character is very important because he is not quick to judge. Nick is very tolerant of

the other characters, but like he states in chapter one, his tolerance has limits. Nick doesnt like

what Gatsby stands for but tolerated him the most. He is a good listener which is why other

characters, Gatsby for example, confide in him, making him a good narrator. Out of all the other

characters, Nick is the most ethical and decent because gaining wealth is not his only desire in

life. Nick is the most understanding because he shares a certain relationship with most of the

other characters. He is Daisys cousin, went to school with Tom, Gatsbys confidant, and

Jordans lover.

Though Nick is a good person, he is not a completely reliable narrator. As the narrator,

Nick tells us the story in a flashback. Because of this, he already has made his judgements on

people and tells the story based on these judgements. From what Nick has told the readers, the

characters main motive is gaining wealth and success. Nicks characterization of Tom Buchanan


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was not a good one. Based on Nicks narrating, Tom did not seem like a good man; the way he

cheats on Daisy, acts towards woman, and more. Because he says this we know that Nick is a liar

because he admits to it in the last sentence of chapter three, Every one suspects himself

of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few

honest people that I have ever known. (Fitzgerald 59). Nick exemplifies this immoral

trait by not telling Daisy that Tom is cheating on her and not telling Tom that Daisy is cheating

on him. Its important to the novel because Nick may portray some of the character or incidents

wrongly. This could completely change the readers view of the novel and characters within it.


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Myrtle Wilson

Myrtle Wilson is the wife of George Wilson and Tom Buchanans mistress. As Nick

states, Myrtle has a thickish figure who carried her surplus flesh sensuously as

some women can (Fitzgerald, 25). Myrtle is a woman in her mid thirties who is never

described beautiful but rather sensual. She is unfaithful, overindulged, narcissistic, arrogant, and

more. Myrtle is unfaithful and disloyal to her husband, George, because she cheats on him with

Tom Buchanan. Myrtle is narcissistic because thinks she married lower her caste so that is why

she cheats on George with Tom. She is superficial and cares more about her wealth, success, and

rank in social class than any thing else. George adores Myrtle and does everything he can for her.

Regardless, Myrtle would rather be with Tom Buchanan who abuses her and whos loves is

limited, than her loving husband. She lacks respect for those who truly care for her and is down

right shallow.

Myrtle is a shallow person who cares only for herself. Nevertheless, she has a lot of

mislead hope. Despite Toms elaborate lie, Myrtle still hopes that Tom will leave Daisy for her.

Myrtle also hopes that her affair with Tom will move her to a higher social class. Nick also

portrays Myrtle to have certain cheery aura. He says there was an immediately

perceptible vitality about her [Myrtle] as if the nerves of her body were

continually smouldering. (Fitzgerald, 25). Myrtle seemed lively and enthusiastic and she

did her best to present herself to the outside world.

Myrtles affair with Tom, which is a large aspect of the novel, has to do with her sexual

desire for masculinity and her desire for high social rank and wealth. Her famous lines to George


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Wilson, "Beat me!" he heard her cry. "Throw me down and beat me, you dirty little

coward!" (Fitzgerald, 137), shows her hatred for her husband. Although George loves and

respects her, she returns no respect. She has a strong desire for masculinity which is the reason

she tolerates Toms abuse and the reason she dislikes her husband. Myrtle also wants to be

wealthy and money is something that George cannot not give her. She regrets getting married to

him saying, "The only crazy I was was when I married him. I knew right away I

made a mistake. He borrowed somebody's best suit to get married in and

never even told me about it... I lay down and cried to beat the band all

afternoon." (Fitzgerald, 35). Myrtle wants to be rich and Georges modest income is never

enough for Myrtle.


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Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan comes from an enormously wealthy family. As Nick states,Tom had

been one of the most powerful ends that ever played football at New Haven

(Fitzgerald, 6). Tom obviously had a lot of power in terms of wealth and success. He was man of

great wealth and was well known through out the society. He was rich and the fact that he lived

in West Egg, Long Island proved so. Nick characterizes Tom as a tall, athletic, arrogant, blonde-

haired man, in his thirties. However, Tom is best described by Daisy, "That's what I get for

marrying a brute of a man, a great big hulking physical specimen of a--

(Fitzgerald, 12). Based on these quotes, Tom can be portrayed as a muscular man with a vicious

and abusive character. Toms violent and aggressive nature can be further exemplified by his

abusive behavior towards Myrtle Wilson, his mistress. This leads to Toms unfaithful and

disloyal character. He cheats on Daisy, his wife, with Myrtle Wilson and shows no remorse.

Tom is a well educated man who also graduated from Yale and was once a football star.

He is a very wealthy and influencing man who is supposed to be living the American Dream.

Nonetheless, the life he lives is not enough for him. His desire for money and success is so

strong, he is willing to hurt everyone in his path. Tom is hypocritical and sexist. Because he is

driven by success, Tom only associates himself with certain people; and these people are require

to meet a set of moral standards. Tom is a hypocrite because he does not meet them himself. Tom

is said to believe in monogamy but has no problem cheating on Daisy with Myrtle. Tom also has

very strong opinions which he believes should be voiced. He is also a racist. In the first chapter

Tom talks about a book he read, The Rise of the Colored Empires by this man


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Goddard... (Fitzgerald, 12). He later on explains, "Well, it's a fine book, and

everybody ought to

read it. The idea is if we don't look out the white race will be--will be utterly

submerged. It's all scientific stuff; it's been proved." (Fitzgerald 12-13). The

aggressive manner he voices his opinions and his judgement of the book, all prove aspects of his

immoral character.

Tom Buchanans talk with Jordan is an important quote in the story:

"I've made a small investigation of this fellow," he continued. "I could have

gone deeper if I'd known----"

"Do you mean you've been to a medium?" inquired Jordan humorously.

"What?" Confused, he stared at us as we laughed. "A medium?"

"About Gatsby."

"About Gatsby! No, I haven't. I said I'd been making a small investigation of

his past."

"And you found he was an Oxford man," said Jordan helpfully.

"An Oxford man!" He was incredulous. "Like hell he is! He wears a pink suit."

"Nevertheless he's an Oxford man."

"Oxford, New Mexico," snorted Tom contemptuously, "or something like

that."

"Listen, Tom. If you're such a snob, why did you invite him to lunch?"

demanded Jordan crossly.


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"Daisy invited him; she knew him before we were married--God knows

where!"

(Fitzgerald, 122).

In this dialogue between Jordan and Tom, the importance of education is presented.

Although Gatsby is well-off and well known, Tom demeans him because Gatsby is not properly

educated. Tom finds it incredulous that people actually believe that Gatsby went to Oxford. Tom

says as much as he can so that people know that he is of a higher social class than Gatsby.

Ultimately his high social rank is what makes Daisy choose Tom over Gatsby.


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Daisy Buchanan

Daisy Buchanan is a 23 year old woman who has one daughter, Penny, with her husband,

Tom Buchanan. She is Nicks cousin once removed and lives in East Egg, Long Island. Daisys

appearance is very rarely described; however Nick does say that, Her face was sad and

lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth

(Fitzgerald, 9). Daisys voice is repeatedly described throughout the novel; there was an

excitement in her voice that men who had cared for her found difficult to

forget: a singing compulsion (Fitzgerald, 9).

Daisy would be considered a flirt. She toys around with guys feelings. From Tom to

Gatsby and even flirts with Nick. She does not necessarily mean it in a sexual way, it is just a

part of her nature. Daisy is one of the many characters longing to stay wealthy. She chooses her

husband based on wealth the first and second time. Daisy is the type of person who like

attention; especially when it is coming from people of the opposite gender. Daisy is also selfish

in many ways. To begin with she only think of herself. She chooses Tom twice based on his

wealth but continues to further flirt with Gatsby, toying with his feelings. Daisy wants be

wealthy and wants to maintain her high social class. She does this in any way she can. Daisy is

also careless and absentminded. When she hits Myrtle with the car, she never confesses to it and


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allows Gatsby to take the fall. Daisy shows no remorse for actions and her and Tom end up

skipping town.

Daisy is a smart woman, however she is overconfident,shallow, and arrogant. In the first

chapter of the novel, Daisy tells Nick: I've been everywhere and seen everything

and done everything. (Fitzgerald, 17). Daisy is confident she knows everything and that

she is living the

best lifestyle. She is arrogant towards Toms infidelity and towards other people, especially those

less wealthy than herself. Though Daisy isnt a very good person, like all people she has her

likable moments. Daisy has a few alluring traits that other characters, for example Nick,

acknowledge. She is vivacious and lively and when Daisy enters the room, everyone knows it.

This is because of her charming personalty. Daisy is a lovable character and can be portrayed as

dynamic and effervescent. Daisy is not an excessive drinker, so she has more realization of her

doings than Jordan. Daisy tries not to drink a lot so that she can present herself in a good manner.

When Daisy and Nick first meet, she shares words of wisdom:

"Well, she was less than an hour old and Tom was God knows where. I woke

up out of the ether with an utterly abandoned feeling and asked the nurse

right away if it was a boy or a girl. She told me it was a girl, and so I turned

my head away and wept. 'All right,' I said, 'I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope


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she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful

little fool."

(Fitzgerald, 17)

Based on her insight, Daisy seems to think she knows a lot about the world. Nonetheless,

she is unhappy with her own life. She acts like a fool through her arrogance and seems to think

that her behavior is all right. Daisy encourages her daughter to be a fool because she does not

know how to live any other way. Daisy wants Penny, her daughter, to be a fool just like herself so

that Penny can live a happy life among the rich.


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George Wilson

George Wilson, Myrtles husband, is a decent man. Nick best describes George by saying,

He was a blonde, spiritless man, anaemic, and faintly handsome. When he

saw us a damp gleam of hope sprang into his light blue eyes. (Fitzgerald, 25).

George is characterized to be an apathetic man not only in spirit, but in looks too. He loves and

adores his wife Myrtle and does a lot to please her. He makes a modest living through the auto

shop he owns. George is not poor, however he is not wealthy either. George is lacks a masculine

persona and his wife think he is a coward. Based on the way he treats her and other characters,

George also seems to be more respectful than the other people. His lack of masculinity is what

causes his wifes infidelity.

Although George is not high on the social ladder, he strongly believes in God. He is the

only character in the novel that talks about Him. When he finds out about his Myrtles infidelity,

he talks about God. George comes off as an honest man who works hard for the money he earns.

He knows his place in society which is why he puts up with Toms bullying. Unlike his wife,

George also has a better sense of reality. He seems to understand life more and is less superficial

than other characters. George is a good man. He believes in God and treats his wife and others

respectfully.

George is a great man however, at the end of the novel he kills himself and Gatsby.

George is a quick thinker, meaning he jumps to conclusions. He does this by assuming that the

same man who killed his wife, had an affair with her too. When he figures out that the yellow

car is Gatsbys , George is quick to take revenge. Even though he is the only character that seems

to strongly believe in God, George unpredictably kills Gatsby and then himself.


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In the following dialogue between Tom and George, we can see Georges lack of

confidence that other characters seem to have too much of.

"Hello, Wilson, old man," said Tom, slapping him jovially on the shoulder."How's business?"

"I can't complain," answered Wilson unconvincingly. "When are you going tosell me that car?"

"Next week; I've got my man working on it now."

"Works pretty slow, don't he?"

"No, he doesn't," said Tom coldly. "And if you feel that way about it, maybeI'd better sell it somewhere else after all."

"I don't mean that," explained Wilson quickly. "I just meant----"

(Fitzgerald, 25)

In the dialogue, a great example of Toms arrogance is at work. Tom Buchanan is a

wealthy fellow. His wealth and prosperity is what causes him to be cocky. Tom is arrogant

towards people who are of a lower social class than he is; and this is a great example of his

arrogance. George is a poor man. He does not have close to as much money as Tom and they

both know it. George also acknowledges that because of his low-income, he is of a lower caste.

George puts up with Toms verbal abuse as a result. Its important to the novel because Toms

attitude is what many other character show. Through this dialogue we are able to see why and

how important it is to rank high on the social ladder.


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Jay Gatsby

Jay Gatsby, as Nick best describes, an elegant young rough-neck, a year or

two over thirty (Knowles, 48). He is one of the main characters in the novel and the story

largely revolves around hims. Gatsby is Daisys lover. He is blind to her one-sided views of

society and is blind to her ignorance of those of a lower social class. He is never able to see the

bad in Daisy because all he sees and hopes for is a relationship he hope they will someday share.

Unfortunately for him, Daisy will always choose Tom, her husband, over Gatsby. This is not

because she loves Tom more than she loves Gatsby, but because she loves and values Toms

money more then Gatsby.

Gatsby is patient. He has been waiting for years for Daisy to come to one of his parties

and she never did. He is also patient because every weekend he throws a party and puts up with

all his guests, even the uninvited ones. Gatsby is also a caring man who is only looking for love

from Daisy. His deep love or Daisy, is what eventually leads Gatsby to his own defeat. Gatsby is

not a criminal, however he does make illegitimate money. A sacrifice he makes to become rich.

Throughout the novel Gatsby lies about his education and his past. He tells everyone, including

Nick, that went to Oxford. However Tom Buchanan proves otherwise,Nevertheless he's

an Oxford man. Oxford, New Mexico, snorted Tom contemptuously...

(Fitzgerald, 122). This quote shows how Gatsby did everything he could to get Daisy to be with

him.

An important quote by Gatsby is: Her voice is full of money, he said

suddenly. (Fitzgerald, 120). This means that you can tell that Daisy is educated by the way

she talks and presents herself. The fact that Daisy uses big words and how she thinks she knows

everything, all hint she comes from a wealthy family. It is important because the reader can


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question why Gatsby really wants her since he knows she was born into money and he has had to

work for it.

Catherine

Catherine is the beautiful sister of Myrtle Wilson. Nick best describes her as a slender,

worldly girl of about thirty with a solid sticky bob of red hair and a complexion powdered milky

white. Her eyebrows had been plucked and then drawn on again at a more rakish angle...

(Fitzgerald, 30). She is described as the typical 1920s flapper girl with innumerable

pottery bracelets. Catherine is loyal to her sister, Catherine, and does not tell George of

Myrtles affair with Tom Buchanan.

Although Catherine is stylish, loyal, and beautiful, she is also naive. Catherine believes

Toms elegant lie about why he will not leave Daisy, because she is Catholic. Based on the way

she presents herself, Catherine act younger than her age. Based on the way she talks to Nick, she

seems like a teenager or a young college student. She lacks many basic social skills and is not

very well in conducting herself.

Catherine is much like her sister Myrtle, they are superficial. She says, "I almost

made a mistake, too," she declared vigorously. "I almost married a little kyke

who'd been after me for years. I knew he was below me. Everybody kept

saying to me: 'Lucille, that man's way below you!' But if I hadn't met Chester,

he'd of got me sure." (Fitzgerald, 34). This quote really shows the readers how many

people, specifically women, care about social class and money. They would rather choose wealth

over true love any day. Their superficial view points and way of life is why Nick hates Long

Island by the end of the novel.


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9th Commandment:Thou shall not covet thy neighbors wife

Myrtle Wilson, Tom Buchnan, Daisy Buchanan, and Jay Gatsby all break the 9th

commandment,Thou shall not covet thy neighbors wife. The definition of covet is to

yearn to possess or have something. Based on this definition, just the mere desire of

having someone elses spouse is wrong. Throughout the novel, all four of these character break

this covenant. As we learn from the beginning of the novel, Myrtle and Tom have an on-going

affair. There is more than just lust and it is clear that they have flout the commandment. Daisy

and Gatsby also break this commandment. Although Daisy is married, they both have a certain

lust for each other that last throughout the novel. Even through their affair, which was presented

towards the end of the novel, they disobeyed the 9th commandment.

Myrtle Wilson and Tom Buchanan: Myrtles affair with Tom Buchanan hurts a lot people.

Although Myrtle is happy when she is with Tom, the affair is what leads to her death. When

George Wilson, Myrtles husband, finds out about his wifes infidelity, he lashes out. Myrtle runs

away and Daisy accidentally hits her causing her death. Besides Myrtle herself, George, Gatsby,

and Daisy are also hurt. When George figures out that it is Gatsbys yellow car that hits Myrtle,

George assumes it was Gatsby that she is having an affair with. George murders Gatsby and then

kills himself. Because of Toms adulterous ways, his wife, Daisy, and his daughter, Penny, are

both being hurt. Daisy has a husband who is cheating on her and Penny has parents who are

unfaithful to each other.


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Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby: Although Jay and Daisys affair is not as damaging as

Myrtles and Toms, many other characters are affected. Daisys husband and daughter, Tom and

Penny, are two characters that are impacted because of the affair. Although Tom is also cheating

on his wife, he is still hurt. Daisy and Tom lose respect for each other but nonetheless, stay

together. Although Daisy and Tom stay together, Penny is hurt because of her parents adulterous

ways.


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Literary Devices:

Chapter I: Imagery is an important literary device. It allows the reader to visualize the events

taking place and it also help them to connect with the novel. Fitzgerald descriptively illustrates

the setting through the imagery. Nick describes the Buchanans mansion in the first chapter. Nick

describes the mansion to be quite elaborate. Through the words he uses, Nick is able to paint a

clear picture for the readers and we can almost see the grandeur of the mansion. Nick talks about

the French windows, glowing now with reflected gold and wide open to the

warm windy afternoon... (Fitzgerald, 6). Nicks comparison to gold helps the reader

imagine the house from an even more grand level. The imagery used in the novel is important

because it leads to other literary devices, for example symbolism, metaphor, simile, and more.

Chapter II: In the Chapter II of The Great Gatsby Fitzgerald uses symbolism. It is when a

tangible or concrete image stands for an abstract idea. The Valley of Ashes is a significant

symbol used in the novel. It refers to the land between West Egg and New York City where they

dump industrial ashes. It is a place of despair and misery where people live literally among the

dirt. The valley symbolizes the people who live in it, like George. This is because the valley and

its inhabitants are both impoverished, poor, and spiritless. It also represents the social decrease

between the rich and poor as well as the decrease in morality amongst the rich.

Chapter III: The element of foreshadow is a literary technique in which the author builds

suspense in the story. The author gives the readers clues which allow them to make predictions

about the upcoming events. In chapter III, Gatsby summons for Jordan Baker. He asks her to


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come alone so that they can speak in private. This scene foreshadows further events to come. The

reader is forced to wonder why they are speaking alone and about what.

Chapter IV: InThe Great Gatsby, flashback is a literary device that is being used. A

flashback is a narrative strategy in which past events are told in the current event. Fitzgerald uses

flashback throughout the novel. A great example of flashback would in chapter IV. In this

chapter, Jordan Baker tells the story ofOne October day in nineteen-seventeen ---

(Fitzgerald, 74). In this flashback Jordan talks about Gatsby and Daisys previous relationship.

She gives the readers a lot of essential background information about Daisy. Flashbacks are

sometimes needed so that the reader has a better understanding of the novel and the characters.

Chapter V: A literary device used several times throughout the novel is allusion. Allusion is

reference to another piece of literature or a historical figure. The most recognized allusion is in

the first chapter, when Tom and Nick talk aboutThe Rise of the Coloured Empires by

Goddard. Nonetheless there are two more allusion in the fifth chapter. On page 84, Fitzgerald

refers to Economics by Henry Clay. Another example of an allusion is when Nick tells Daisy

Thats the secret of Castle Rackrent (Fitzgerald, 85). Nick is referring to the

unknown resolution of a Irish book . This allusion is also a metaphor because Nick compares the

Irish book with the reason he told Daisy to come alone. Allusions help the author connect with

the reader.

Chapter VI: InThe Great Gatsby, the author uses oxymorons to make the language more

interesting and to gain the readers attention. An example of an oxymoron is "The truth was

that Jay Gatsbysprang from his Platonic conception of himself." (Fitzgerald,

98). Platonic refers to the greek philosopher, Platos, ideas. Plato questions where a fathers


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relationship with his son has to do with character or success. The sentence is an oxymoron itself

because Jay Gatsby and James Gatz are the same people, there is no father-son relationship.

Another oxymoron is: a

vast, vulgar and meretricious beauty (Fitzgerald, 98). Its an oxymoron because vast, vulgar,

and meretricious all have negative connotations and then beauty is a positive connotation

referring to pretty while the others refer to rude and worthless.

Chapter VII: A literary device used in this chapter is irony. In this chapter, Tom Buchanan and

George Wilson both ironically discover of their wifes infidelity. They take the news differently,

however. Tom talks about how one must have self-control and being unfaithful is wrong.

However he has been unfaithful himself. George, on the other hand, decides that him and his

wife should relocate. Tom also learns this news in the 7th chapter. Ironically, he loses his wife

and his mistress both in the same day. Chapter VII contains many examples for irony. Irony is

used for comic relief as well as a way to get the reader to think about the novel.

Chapter VIII: A literary device that many author use is a metaphor. Metaphors are used so that

an author can paint a clearer picture of what they are trying to say.The Great Gatsby, has

many example of metaphors which compare two unlike things. In chapter IX, Gatsby uses the

metaphorher artificial world was redolent of orchids (Fitzgerald, 151) to compare

Daisy to an orchid because they are both exotic and beautiful. Another metaphor is the

comparison between Gatsbys life and a rose, He must have looked up at an

unfamiliar sky through frightening leaves and shivered as he found what a

grotesque thing a rose is and how raw the sunlight was upon the scarcely

created grass. (Gatsby, 161). Gatsby realizes that the future he dreamt will never occur how


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he pictures; he realizes that life is full of surprises. He finally realizes that the morals he has lived

by are not right and the scarcely created grass is scarce because not many people live by

the right morals.

Chapter IX: The underlying theme of the novel is the 1920s collapse of the American Dream.

In chapter IX, Nick compares the green light to the early settlers of America. The green light is a

symbol of Gatsbys hope for a better future. Unfortunately becomes more and more unreal as the

story progresses. Nick compares Gatsbys hope to the hope the early settlers had when first

coming to America. Immigrants who come to America seek a better future. They hope that by

coming to the land of the free, home of the brave the settlers and their descendants will

lead happy and prosperous lives. Likewise, Gatsby hopes and wishes for a future with Daisy. In

this dream, they will both live happily wealthy together. Gatsby corresponds a grandiose future

with Daisy. But like the American dream, Gatsbys dream is fanciful.

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TheGreatGatsby Summer