The Great Gatsby Chapter 8

Big questions today about Chapter 8 The last time Nick sees Gatsby what is said? What do we learn about Nick’s attitude towards Daisy and Tom in chapter 8? Gatsby tells Nick about courting Daisy in 1917. What does Nick learn about Gatsby’s feelings about Daisy and reasons for attraction? What impact do the eyes of T.J Eckleburg have on Wilson? What religious imagery is used to present Gatsby’s death? How has the weather changed in chapter 8? What does this use of pathetic fallacy suggest? It could be argued that Gatsby makes symbols of everything he values – they assume an illusory value not anchored in reality. What does Nick mean when he talks about the motif of a rose in this chapter?

Match the correct inference with the question (previous slide) A01/2/3 Gatsby functions as a symbol of America in the 1920s where the pursuit of wealth has become vulgar and empty. Gatsby’s dream of love with Daisy has degenerated into a quest for mere wealth and become the motivation for excess and criminality. They could represent the all seeing eyes of God who urges Wilson to avenge his wife’s murderer/ lover. The same eyes could be looking down on a world devoid of meaning and morality. The green light becomes a symbol of his destiny. The rose is like Daisy - something symbolic of beauty and love - but this has become corrupted and grotesque. If Gatsby hadn’t invested in her such great meaning, she would have remained a idle, bored rich young woman. The weather in chapter 7 was the hottest day of the year. In chapter 8 it appears the weather is turning cooler and autumnal, reflecting Daisy’s cool detachment and a loss of passion. Gatsby’s carrying his inflatable mattress to the pool and his death could be compared to Jesus carrying his crucifix suggesting Fitzgerald’s view of Gatsby being sacrificed by a hardened society devoid of spirituality (read ‘the saviour who fails’ crossref-it) Nick shouts that Gatsby is worth more than the Buchanans and all of their friends.

Now find a quote or quotes to explore the question / inference you have been allocated. Be ready to feed back in 5 minutes A01 Gatsby functions as a symbol of America in the 1920s where the pursuit of wealth has become vulgar and empty. Gatsby’s dream of love with Daisy has degenerated into a quest for mere wealth and become the motivation for excess and criminality. They could represent the all seeing eyes of God who urges Wilson to avenge his wife’s murderer/ lover. The same eyes could be looking down on a world devoid of meaning and morality. The green light becomes a symbol of his destiny. The rose is like Daisy - something symbolic of beauty and love - but this has become corrupted and grotesque. If Gatsby hadn’t invested in her such great meaning, she would have remained a idle, bored rich young woman. The weather in chapter 7 was the hottest day of the year. In chapter 8 it appears the weather is turning cooler and autumnal, reflecting Daisy’s cool detachment and a loss of passion. Gatsby’s carrying his inflatable mattress to the pool and his death could be compared to Jesus carrying his crucifix suggesting Fitzgerald’s view of Gatsby being sacrificed by a hardened society devoid of spirituality (read ‘the saviour who fails’ crossref-it) Nick shouts that Gatsby is worth more than the Buchanans and all of their friends.

Device / Idea found in chapter 8 Link to a poem MAKING LINKS BETWEEN CHAPTER 8 GATSBY AND THE POETRY A04 Device / Idea found in chapter 8 Link to a poem Love degenerating into the pursuit of something other than love Use of an eye motif Use of floral imagery Use of pathetic fallacy or seasonal symbolism Religious imagery or ideas of martydom Attitude that love is ennobling

Homework – re-read chapter 9 Kahoot quiz for chapters 8 and 9 next lesson – requiring 100% to pass! https://play.kahoot.it/#/?quizId=0ecb4631-cdb4-40e6-a7a6-3337f6ad5b01 https://play.kahoot.it/#/?quizId=999e3028-f96b-4341-81c9-d418f9440374