The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Socratic Seminar

What makes a person GREAT. Who are some great people What makes a person GREAT? Who are some great people? What puts them in that category?

“Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”

Do you think his statement is genuine? Why? What advantages does the narrator have? What advantages do the other characters have? What advantages do you have?

How are West and East Egg alike? Different? 9-10

“Do you always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it What is Daisy talking about? Why is Fitzgerald putting those words into her mouth? Emphasis on time. Seems to have plenty of it, but before you know it, it’s gone.

What flaws do we see so far in the characters What flaws do we see so far in the characters? Where do these flaws originate? Tom – Racist Daisy – insubstatial Jordan – Cheater Nick – passive

Why would Daisy want her daughter to be a “beautiful little fool” Why would Daisy want her daughter to be a “beautiful little fool”? What might that indicate about her experiences?

What emotions does the author attempt to evoke in the reader in the final scene (Nick sees Gatsby)? What specific diction and action evokes these feelings?

According to the narrator and characters in Gatsby, how is success defined? How does this compare to your idea of success?

Do you think Nick is a reliable narrator? Why? Why not?

Is there a dark side to success in America?