Gatsby's Development

Gatsby's Development

1. Name: Jay Gatsby / James Gatz

   • Gatz is a Jewish name
   • Jay Gatsby sounds more dignified
   • James Gatz is a working class name
   • name change shows shift in social class

2. imagery and symbolism

   • pink suit - represents change in status and new money
   • green light - represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams
   • residence in West Egg - represents new money
   • Gatsby's mansion - love for Daisy and unnecessary grandeur of 1920s
   • Gatsby's parties - represent hedonistic lifestyles
   • Gatsby's books - uncut pages represents facade and fake veneer

3. comment in the narrative voice

   • at first, described with disdain
   • in the end, described with respect
   • portrayed as an idealistic fool
   • shady past is insinuated
   • suspicious storyteller

4. other characters' comments

   • Jordan: shady mysterious man but she likes him
   • Daisy: loves him and his wealth
   • Tom: foolish man with ridiculous stories
   • George: Thinks he killed Myrtle
   • owl eyed man - impressive

5. what Gatsby says about himself

   • Oxford man
   • rajah
   • humble

6. his actions

   • pining after Daisy for 5 years
   • orchestrating a tea to meet her
   • throwing parties
   • fighting Tom
   • shows off his wealth

7. contrasts of character

   • original character: wealthy mysterious man
   • final character: unlucky fool

8. character groups

   • part of the upper class
   • from East Egg
   • doesn't fit in

9. Gatsby = protagonist

10. selective detail

    • his smile
    • pink suit
    • yellow green car
    • Oxford
    • Dan Cody
    • reveal only sections of his past
    • old sport
    • formal speech
    • isolation
    • no appearance detail