“The great Gatsby” Chapter four

To understand the structure of Chapter Four Learning intentions To understand the structure of Chapter Four To gain further knowledge about, and understanding of, the character of Gatsby To further understand the use of narrative voice in the novel

The structure of chapter four The chapter is divided into three sections: Nick lists visitors to Gatsby’s house Nick has lunch with Gatsby in New York Jordan tells Nick about Daisy’s past, her romance with Gatsby and her marriage to Tom.

The first section (pp54-56) Nick lists Gatsby’s party guests. He drops names as if the reader should recognise them as celebrities. Why does he do this? He is trying to emphasise the vast number of people who attended the parties, from all walks of life who: “accepted Gatsby’s hospitality and paid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing at all about him.” “He’s a bootlegger said the young ladies………crystal glass.”

First section (continued) He also lists examples of their misbehaviour. Why? He is emphasising the darkness beneath the wealthy and lavish lifestyle. This relates to the theme of- Appearance v Reality. Under the glittering society of 1920’s America lies moral decay

The character of gatsby It is in this chapter that we come to find out a lot more about Gatsby, and his past. He tells Nick various stories, which initially Nick finds incredible. (pages 57-59). • He claims to be an orphan of wealthy parents (from the Mid- West, although he then says San Francisco which is on the West coast, hundreds of miles away from the Mid -West)

Gatsby’s stories He says he was educated at Oxford (but sounds as if he is lying “ He hurried the phrase……..something a little sinister about him after all.) p57

Gatsby’s stories- page 58 He claims to have “lived like a young Rajah in all the capitals of Europe….collecting jewels chiefly rubies, hunting big game……” (All of this too sounds like a complete fabrication, and Nick can hardly restrain himself from incredulous laughter.) He says he was “trying to forget something very sad that happened to me long ago.”

Gatsby’s stories page 58 cont. He claims to have been a hero in the war: “ I tried very hard to die……….even Montenegro.” Again Nick is incredulous, but also fascinated. “ It was like skimming hastily through a dozen magazines.”

But then….p59 BUT- he then shows Nick an authentic looking war medal, and a photo of him at Oxford, which seem to “prove” that his persona is not just an act. Fitzgerald encourages the reader to think that Gatsby is lying, before giving credibility to his claims. ( Nick, whilst astounded, believes him.) This means that Gatsby’s past remains a mystery.)

What is his purpose? Why is he telling Nick all this? Initially he said that he did not want Nick to get the wrong opinion of him from all the stories he heard, But after relating the stories of his past he says: “ I didn’t want you to think I was just some nobody. You see I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me.”

His motivation Gatsby tells Nick he will find out all about the “sad thing” later when he has tea with Jordan. He has been trying to build a rapport with Nick by confiding in him, because he is going to ask him a favour.

How does nick feel about Gatsby at this point? More annoyed than interested Sure the request would be something “fantastic” For a moment-sorry he had ever set foot on Gatsby’s lawn

Gatsby in new York. Pp 60-64 We are given clues to another side of Gatsby’s life- his involvement with the criminal underworld. He is stopped for speeding but manages to produce a white card, which allows him to avoid paying a fine. The policeman is apologetic. (Shows the level of corruption in New York.)

Gatsby’s shady friend We learn of his association with Meyer Wolfsheim. They have lunch in the “half darkness” of the cellar, which implies it is a place of shady dealings. His association with this “businessman” (criminal), implies that his lavish lifestyle is funded by crime. Gatsby symbolises both the luxury, and the corruption of the Jazz Age.

Jordan’s story What happens to the narrative voice in this section? (p65- 68) The narrative voice changes in this section. Jordan is “telling” the story. (Nick is re-telling it “word for word” as she told it to him.)

Gatsby and daisy ( five years before) Jordan describes Gatsby’s early relationship with Daisy, and explains that a letter from Gatsby almost caused Daisy to reject Tom the night before their wedding. Fitzgerald contrasts Daisy’s behaviour with Gatsby’s. While Daisy is briefly distressed by the letter, she then marries Tom “without a shiver”. Gatsby’s constancy highlights his loyal and romantic nature.

Narrative viewpoint How does this story affect Nick’s view of Gatsby? Jordan’s story makes Gatsby into a more sympathetic character, and for Nick, Gatsby becomes a real person. He was “delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendour.” Nick’s changing opinion of Gatsby reminds the reader that the novel is written from Nick’s point of view, which introduces bias.

Gatsby and daisy-now page 69 Gatsby is obviously obsessed with Daisy and continues to have a “romantic” desire for her. Evidence. Why did he buy his house? So that Daisy would be across the bay. Why does he have so many parties? He was hoping that Daisy would just “wander in” to one of them. Why has he read a Chicago newspaper for five years? On the chance that he might catch a glimpse of her name.

Gatsby’s request Gatsby wanted Nick to know his story so that he could then ask Nick to invite Daisy to tea. Nick is stunned by how modest the demand is: “He had waited five years….stranger’s garden.” p69 Why does Gatsby want this? He wants Daisy to see his house. (Why?) Presumably to impress her with his wealth, so that she will think he is worthy of her love.

What else do we learn from Jordan? Tom: began cheating early in his marriage, having an affair with a chambermaid. (Just over three months after they were married. ) He has probably been behaving in this way ever since. Daisy: is easily led. The letter made her want to break off the wedding to Tom, but she is easily persuaded to go ahead with it. She seems besotted with Tom in the early days of their marriage, and hates to be apart from him. (Suggests that she has not been pining for Gatsby in the way he has been for her. It was only when Jordan mentioned his name in Chapter One, that she thought about him again)

Key points about this chapter Our knowledge of Gatsby, and the Gatsby/Daisy relationship deepens, but Gatsby remains an enigmatic character. There is a change in narrative voice in the third section. Nick’s changing attitudes to Gatsby influence the reader: this means that he is not giving an unbiased account.