What have you learned about the main character(s) from the first third of the novel?
Known for throwing extravagant parties every weekend.
Has a mysterious background and there are various rumors surrounding him.
Craves attention and validation from others, as seen through his effort to ensure his guests enjoy themselves.
Wants to be perceived as smart and well-read, but is seen through by the owl-eyed man.
Separates himself from his guests at his own parties, adding to his mysterious aura.
Served in the same division as Nick in the war, establishing a connection between them.
His true character and the extent of his wealth remain a mystery.
There are questions regarding the authenticity of the rumors about him, his wealth, and his involvement in illicit activities.
Serves as the narrator and the primary observer of the events.
Comes from a prominent, well-to-do family in the Midwest.
Holds moral standards and tries to maintain neutrality in his interactions.
Considers himself tolerant and tries not to judge others based on his advantages.
Graduated from New Haven (Yale) and presents himself as educated and well-mannered.
Begins a relationship with Jordan Baker, who has a reputation for being dishonest.
Married to Tom Buchanan, a wealthy man from an upper-class background.
Symbolizes charm, beauty, and innocence.
Superficial and driven by a desire for prestige and power.
Unsatisfied with her status in life and unhappily married.
Shows a lack of genuine kindness, only acting kind when it serves her purpose.
Her relationship with Gatsby is hinted at, as she is revealed to be in love with someone other than her husband.
Comes from a wealthy background and is arrogant and pretentious.
Has an affair with Myrtle Wilson, revealing his lack of fidelity and moral standards.
Racist and holds racist beliefs, as shown through his association with white supremacist literature.
Maintains control and authority in his interactions with others.
Uses his wealth and social status to maintain an image of power and superiority.
How have the main character(s) changed, grown, or revealed themselves in the second third?
In these chapters, Gatsby's past is further explored, revealing his humble beginnings and his transformation into a wealthy and extravagant figure. Through his interactions with Nick and his elaborate parties, Gatsby showcases his desire to be accepted by the upper class and his obsession with recreating the past.
Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy Buchanan is a central focus in these chapters. He goes to great lengths to impress her, showcasing his opulent mansion, extravagant parties, and grand gestures like showering her with his collection of shirts. His devotion to Daisy and his unyielding belief in their future together are revealed, demonstrating his idealism and capacity for love.
However, Gatsby's character is also shown to be complex and enigmatic. He remains mysterious about his past and the source of his wealth, leaving others to speculate and create rumors about him. This contributes to the aura of glamour and fascination surrounding him.
Gatsby's growth in these chapters is seen in his vulnerability and his willingness to take risks for love. Despite the uncertainty and potential for disappointment, he continues to pursue Daisy, hoping for a reunion and a chance to recreate the past. This determination and emotional investment demonstrate Gatsby's growth as a character, as he becomes more willing to face the consequences and confront the realities of his dream.
Overall, in the second third of the novel, Gatsby is portrayed as a complex and multi-dimensional character. He is driven by his idealistic pursuit of love and the American Dream, but his flaws and vulnerabilities are also revealed. This adds depth to his character and sets the stage for further development and revelations in the remaining chapters.
In addition to Jay Gatsby, several other characters in The Great Gatsby undergo changes and reveal different aspects of their personalities in the second third of the novel. Here are some notable developments:
Daisy Buchanan: Daisy's character becomes more layered and complex in these chapters. Initially portrayed as a symbol of beauty and charm, her true nature starts to emerge. Daisy is torn between her love for Gatsby and her comfortable but unfulfilling marriage to Tom Buchanan. She is revealed to be indecisive and easily swayed, as seen in her wavering feelings for both men. Daisy's actions reflect her desire for security and social status, as she ultimately chooses to stay with Tom despite her connection with Gatsby.
Tom Buchanan: Tom remains arrogant and assertive, but his true colors start to show in these chapters. He becomes increasingly suspicious of Gatsby and grows more possessive of Daisy. Tom's racist and condescending attitudes are also revealed during a heated conversation about his beliefs in white supremacy. This further demonstrates his flawed character and highlights his underlying insecurities.
Nick Carraway: As the narrator, Nick's character provides insight into the events unfolding around him. In this section, he becomes more entangled in the lives of the other characters. He acts as a confidant for both Gatsby and Daisy, witnessing their emotional struggles and becoming more empathetic towards them. Nick's growing disillusionment with the wealthy and their shallow lifestyles is evident as he starts to question the moral integrity of those around him.
Jordan Baker: Jordan's character remains enigmatic, but her relationship with Nick becomes more significant. They grow closer, and Nick begins to develop deeper feelings for her. However, Jordan's dishonesty and manipulation are also revealed, highlighting her morally ambiguous nature.
How have the main character(s) changed, grown, or revealed themselves in the final third?
Jay Gatsby: Gatsby's character undergoes a transformation in the final third of the novel. His obsession with Daisy and his relentless pursuit of the American Dream come to a tragic end. He is revealed to be a vulnerable and deeply flawed individual, driven by his idealized vision of the past. Gatsby's death exposes the emptiness and fragility of his extravagant lifestyle, highlighting the futility of his pursuit.
Nick Carraway: Throughout the novel, Nick serves as the narrator and central observer. In the final third, he becomes disillusioned with the shallow and morally bankrupt world of the wealthy elite. He begins to see through the façade and realizes the hollowness of the lives led by Tom, Daisy, and their social circle. Nick's experience with Gatsby's downfall prompts him to reflect on the emptiness and corruption of the American Dream.
Daisy Buchanan: Daisy's true nature becomes more apparent in the final third. She is revealed to be a self-centered and careless individual who is willing to manipulate others for her own benefit. She chooses the comfort and security of her social position over love and loyalty, ultimately betraying Gatsby and contributing to his downfall. Daisy's actions highlight the destructive power of wealth and privilege.
Tom Buchanan: Tom's true colors are fully exposed in the final third of the novel. He is shown to be an arrogant and hypocritical individual, using his wealth and social status to exert control over others. Tom's affair with Myrtle and his manipulation of Wilson ultimately lead to the tragic events that unfold. His actions highlight the moral decay and corruption prevalent among the wealthy elite.
