Discussion

Discussion of Questions
1. People and events in history are referenced to for two reasons. This first is to offer an idea as to how people thought and interacted with one another in the time period, and the second is to establish the time period which was in the years subsequent to the war. Fitsgerald refers to [|Columbus], [|Midas], [|J.P. Morgan], [|John Rockefeller], and [|Maecenas] in the novel for multiple reasons. Columbus was a man who went on four expeditions to the America's to better both his own life and the lives of others. The idea of moving or changing something to better ones life is a recurring theme throughout the story. The narrator, Nick Carraway, exhibits this idea of changing location to better a persons life. "...the Middle West now seemed like the ragged edge of the universe—so I decided to go East and learn the bond business". This desire to get away from the less prosperous west shows his desire for more. Midas is presented in chapter one for two reasons. One being as a parralel to Gatsby's character. Both Midas and Gatsby chase after a seemingly unattainable thing (for Midas it is the ability to turn anything he touches into gold and for Gatsby it is a life spent with Daisy). Once both are obtained each man begins a whirlwind downhill which ultimately leads to their demise. Secondly Midas also represents the wealth and power desired by many Americans during the 1920's. This is shown in, "I bought a dozen volumes on banking and credit and investment securities, and they stood on my shelf in red and gold like new money from the mint, promising to unfold the shining secrets that only Midas and Morgan and Maecenas knew". This shows how Midas is a figure uses to symbolize knowledge of wealth and money in order to prosper. J.P Morgan's and John Rockefeller's references are also used to serve the purpose of informing the reader the important that money held during this time period. J.P Morgan and John D. Rockefeller were both very successful business man who made their fortunes off money and oil. Maecenas was a political advisor to Octavian in the years before christ. His reference by Fitzgerald could be to show how personal propserity was also important along with wealth. A person had to both be wealthy, seem wealthy, and act wealthy in order to be given the ever so popular title of wealthy. Maecenas success was something very sought after in the early 1900's. Overall these historical references were used as tools to indirectly inform the reader on both the lifestyle and goals of the time period but also the personal struggles and desires of much of society.

2. Tom, like many of the main characters in the novel has very outstanding character flaws that are part of the tag that they are asscociated with. One of these flaws is that Tom is an ardent racist shown by this quote, "“Civilization’s going to pieces,” broke out Tom violently. “I’ve gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things. Have you read ‘The Rise of the Colored Empires’ by this man Goddard?” “Why, no,” I answered, rather surprised by his tone. “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.” The quote specifically highlights Tom's beliefs in white superiority. Another morally troubling aspect of Tom's character is his lack of loyalty to his wife Daisy. Tom on more than one occasion has disrespected Daisy, and also has a mistress of his own on the side. Tom's insensite behavior towards Daisy as well as evidence of their disfunctional relationship is shown by this quote, "“Look!” she complained; “I hurt it.” We all looked—the knuckle was black and blue. “You did it, Tom,” she said accusingly. “I know you didn’t mean to, but you DID do it. That’s what I get for marrying a brute of a man, a great, big, hulking physical specimen of a——” “I hate that word hulking,” objected Tom crossly, “even in kidding.” “Hulking,” insisted Daisy.", More evidence of Tom's feelings of domination is shown in this quote, "Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward." Fitzgerald describes Tom in this way because it shows his imperious manner and how the "hulking" Tom has a need to be able to control the situation.

3. The first chapter of the novel introduces each character as well as presents a foreshadow for major themes that are present in the novel. The first chapter of the novel shows that Tom and Daisy Buchanan's marriage seems menaced by a quiet desperation beneath the surface. Tom is arrogant and dishonest, advancing racist arguments at dinner and carrying on relatively public love affairs. Daisy however tries hard to be shallow, she even says "I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” about her baby daughter, because women live best as beautiful fools. Jordan Baker is a cynic with her boredom and dishonesty at sharp odds with her wealth and beauty. As with the Buchanans’ marriage, Jordan’s surface glamour covers up an inner emptiness. Most importantly the first chapter introduces Nick, the narrator. He moved from the Midwest to find luck in the booming bond business. He does not judge people, he accepts that every human being has flaws and he recognizes the flaws of each individual. "In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”

Chapter 1 Chapter One Text Discussion Questions Chapter One References