Comprehensive in-depth textual analysis of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Organised into a chapter-by-chapter analysis, characterisation, setting, themes, literary device analysis. Relevant quotes are highlighted. 36-page (11907 words). Written by a 45 pointer who attained Grade 7 in Engl...
, 1. Rubric breakdown
“Know the enemy as you know yourself, and you will win a hundred battles” -Sun Tzu
Center bs-ing around rubric pointers. This is how you score:
Criterion A: This is about how well you link to the context and understand it. Hence, after
every example, LINK TO THE CONTEXT, by explaining the role of the quote in
highlighting the effects of the quote IN CONTEXT. E.g. the use of the word “orgastic” by
Nick in Chapter 9 carries a disgusting connotation as orgastic, from the root word orgasm
connotes a disgusting lust. Nick hence alludes to the disgusting, fallen nature of the American
dream, that it is but a perverse agglomeration of deluded desires of lost men. He hence
suggests to a lost generation the delusional foolishness of chasing the American dream.
Criterion B: This is about how you ATQ. Ensure you address all aspects of the question
clearly and thoroughly. Spend about 5 mins planning this out as an outline. Trust me, it helps.
UNDERLINE ALL the keywords in the question. Also, keep the scope of your essay
focussed. If they want you to describe the theme of moral disillusionment, don’t spend 2
pages describing the characters in the various party scenes without linking back to the theme.
Criterion C: This is about the EFFECTS OF LANGUAGE. Remember to explain all the
quotations and their effects, both to the audience and in context. Remember as well to cross
reference and weave in quotes. This shows you know your shit.
2. Chapter by Chapter
,Chapter 1: (Present 1924 -> Flashback to main story in 1922)
Nick & his family background
- Mainly the father being the main source of influence on his character: “In my younger and
more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind
ever since.”
- Rich family with lineage = ‘Old money’ (from East Egg)
o Family has built up fortune for many generations
Nick’s view of Gatsby
Background to East Egg and Wests Egg
Intro to main characters: Nick, Tom, Daisy, Jordan, brief mention of Gatsby
- Gatsby: Intro as a mysterious wealthy character
- Daisy: Suspects Tom of cheating on her, not very happy in her marriage
Chapter 2:
Description of Valley of Ashes
Intro to George & Myrtle Wilson (contrast)
Chapter 3:
Nick invited to one of Gatsby’s lavish parties
- Know more about the rumours surrounding this mysterious party host
- Finally meets Gatsby towards end of party
- Gatsby hosts these parties in hopes of attracting Daisy to attend
Develop Nick and Jordan relationship (driving around New York)
Nick impression of Jordan
Chapter 4:
Gatsby introduced as having ties to Meyer Wolfshiem (ie connections to criminal world)
Gatsby shares his past which seems to be falsified
Flashback to Gatsby & Daisy’s past (1917) as told by Jordan
, - Dated even though Gatsby was a lieutenant but Daisy was from a rich family (diff. in social
class -> Daisy’s mum did not allow)
- Gatsby left for war & Daisy forced to marry Tom
- Daisy eventually loved Tom
- Tom seems to have started having affairs (eg. Chambermaid from Santa Barbara Hotel)
Jordan tells Nick that Gatsby wants him to help arrange a meeting with Daisy
Chapter 5:
Daisy & Gatsby reunion (awkward -> happy)
Chapter 6:
Learn about Gatsby’s actual past from Nick (James Gatz)
Tom, Daisy, Nick at Gatsby’s party (West Egg)
- Highlight difference in social class between East Egg & West Egg
Tom suggests to Nick about Gatsby being a bootlegger
- Bootlegger: Someone who produces alcohol illegally
Show Gatsby’s unrealistic hopefulness to rekindle relationship with Daisy
Chapter 7:
Party at New York Plaza Hotel -> Confrontation between Gatsby & Tom over Daisy
Myrtle accident
- Initially: Blue car – Gatsby, Daisy // Yellow car – Nick, Tom, Jordan (swapped cars)
- End: Blue car – Nick, Tom, Jordan // Yellow car – Gatsby, Daisy
o Myrtle thought Tom was in the yellow car since she saw him in yellow car earlier
but ended up getting knocked down by the car
o Tom told George that the car belonged to Gatsby
o Everyone thought Gatsby was driving but only Nick found out that it was actually
Daisy who killed Myrtle in a hit-and-run
Chapter 8:
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