How does Fitzgerald make use of structure in chapter 1 of the novel?
In the 1st chapter, Fitzgerald uses structure in a number of ways to achieve various results. The chapter begins by the narrator telling us of his past. Were told about his childhood and how he came to be in West Egg. Fitzgerald indicates time passing by using page breaks, the page break in the opening section could suggest that the opening section was a kind of introduction, and that now the plot is about to begin. Fitzgerald dedicates an entire paragraph to a very detailed description of Gatsby, ‘an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness’, this ignites the readers interest and curiosity.
What use does Fitzgerald make of point of view in Chapter 1?
Nick Carraway narrates in both first and third person, presenting
only what he himself observes. Nick alternates sections where he
presents events objectively, as they appeared to him at the time,
with sections where he gives his own interpretations of the story’s
meaning and of the motivations of the other characters.
How is Daisy Buchanan characterised in Chapter 1?
Throughout chapter 1 the audience are revealed to multiple sides of Daisy Buchanan. At first she is presented as innocent, sweet and intelligent, “… A stirring warmth flowed from her”, however underneath the pretty ‘white dress’ lays a sardonic, somewhat cynical and corrupted inner-self.
In the first section of the chapter, Daisy’s innocence is immediately presented by the symbolic representation of her ‘white [fluttering] dress’ which suggests that she is pure and almost harmless. Additionally, her radiance and beauty is expanded upon by Nick’s consistent reference to her ‘light’ fluttery movements, for instance the use of the adverb ‘slightly’ portrays an aspect of tender femininity to the notion of her actions. However, despite this overwhelming radiance perceived by Nick, there seems to be missing gaps within her altruistic, personable behaviour. This becomes almost immediately evident on page 18 in which Tom Buchanan talks about ‘The Rise of the Coloured Empire’ - a book that postulates the fall of white supremacy. Daisy’s attitude shifts slightly to sarcasm at this point in which the audience witness her almost mocking her husband, “Tom’s getting very profound… He reads books with long words in them.” Her satirical and somewhat cynical behaviour is further emphasised when she confides her true sentiments to Nick, “you see I think everything’s terrible anyhow… Sophisticated - God I’m sophisticated!” Despite her crude, superficial behaviour, Nick continues to perceive Daisy as this amazing and ‘thrilling’ character, “she laughed with thrilling scorn.” Perhaps Fitzgerald has done this to suggest that the reader should make further assessment of Nick’s judgments before making a firm evaluation of Daisy and the other characters. The final conclusion of Daisy’s characterisation can be reaffirmed by her short and ’irrelevant’ reference to her daughter, “you ought to see the baby.” It is as though her daughter is nothing more than a possession used for show when company is present. Perhaps this is symbolic not just of Daisy, but of women’s role overall as wives and mothers in society. In reality, Daisy must tend to her husband and play the tedious role of a housewife with no importance to the outside world. Perhaps this is why she puts on an act of superficiality and arrogance.
In the first section of the chapter, Daisy’s innocence is immediately presented by the symbolic representation of her ‘white [fluttering] dress’ which suggests that she is pure and almost harmless. Additionally, her radiance and beauty is expanded upon by Nick’s consistent reference to her ‘light’ fluttery movements, for instance the use of the adverb ‘slightly’ portrays an aspect of tender femininity to the notion of her actions. However, despite this overwhelming radiance perceived by Nick, there seems to be missing gaps within her altruistic, personable behaviour. This becomes almost immediately evident on page 18 in which Tom Buchanan talks about ‘The Rise of the Coloured Empire’ - a book that postulates the fall of white supremacy. Daisy’s attitude shifts slightly to sarcasm at this point in which the audience witness her almost mocking her husband, “Tom’s getting very profound… He reads books with long words in them.” Her satirical and somewhat cynical behaviour is further emphasised when she confides her true sentiments to Nick, “you see I think everything’s terrible anyhow… Sophisticated - God I’m sophisticated!” Despite her crude, superficial behaviour, Nick continues to perceive Daisy as this amazing and ‘thrilling’ character, “she laughed with thrilling scorn.” Perhaps Fitzgerald has done this to suggest that the reader should make further assessment of Nick’s judgments before making a firm evaluation of Daisy and the other characters. The final conclusion of Daisy’s characterisation can be reaffirmed by her short and ’irrelevant’ reference to her daughter, “you ought to see the baby.” It is as though her daughter is nothing more than a possession used for show when company is present. Perhaps this is symbolic not just of Daisy, but of women’s role overall as wives and mothers in society. In reality, Daisy must tend to her husband and play the tedious role of a housewife with no importance to the outside world. Perhaps this is why she puts on an act of superficiality and arrogance.
How does Fitzgerald make use of structure in chapter 1 of the novel?
Fitzgerald uses structure in chapter one of the novel ‘The Great Gatsby’ to introduce the two main characters, the narrator Nick and Gatsby himself. Gatsby is introduced very early on into the book as a way of emphasizing how the narrator’s life has now changed since meeting this character ‘No – Gatsby turned out all right at the end’. Fitzgerald begins the opening of the beginning chapter by starting off at the very beginning, as in the beginning before the narrator has even moved to West egg where he meets Gatsby. This opening is quite explanatory and gives the reader a sense that they are involved within the story as they are being told it from the beginning before the narrator even meets the ‘great’ Gatsby.
Fitzgerald uses structure in chapter one of the novel ‘The Great Gatsby’ to introduce the two main characters, the narrator Nick and Gatsby himself. Gatsby is introduced very early on into the book as a way of emphasizing how the narrator’s life has now changed since meeting this character ‘No – Gatsby turned out all right at the end’. Fitzgerald begins the opening of the beginning chapter by starting off at the very beginning, as in the beginning before the narrator has even moved to West egg where he meets Gatsby. This opening is quite explanatory and gives the reader a sense that they are involved within the story as they are being told it from the beginning before the narrator even meets the ‘great’ Gatsby.
How doHow does Fitzgerald establish a voice for Nick Carraway in the opening chapter? What is revealed by this?
From the beginning of Chapter 1, Fitzgerald reveals to the reader that the author and the narrator of the story is Nick Carraway. This is significant as the story is being told from Nick’s point of view, a participant in the novel that highlights his own specific characteristics, meaning that his narration, the information he offers the reader, together with the manner in which he presents it, is coloured by his character. Nick’s narration of events uses the technique of documentary realism to produce dramatic reconstructions in a series of linked scenes, rich in sufficient detail, most of which being the interpretation and judgement on the situation and the different characters within the chapter. By expressing his reservations as well as his admiration at the outset, Nick becomes a figure whom we must interpret. The point of view of Nick Carraway dominates the novel, as he subtly implies judgements and describes characters in a particular way, meaning the reader interprets certain characteristics and opinions of characters in the way in which Nick presents them in the novel. He describes himself as a highly moral and tolerant man who was taught by his father to reserve judgements of people, being “inclined to reserve all judgements”, however, Nick makes a number of judgments through the way he describes the characters and the settings of places giving an overall perception and enables the reader to make a judgement based on Nick’s point of view.
es Fitzgerald establish Nick’s fascination with East and West Egg- and Gatsby in particular- on pages 10-12?
Fitzgerald uses a long and elaborate description of the two eggs and builds this up until he focuses on a bird’s eye view of the land where he states that they ‘must be a source of perpetual wonder’. The ‘must’ emphasises Nick’s sincerity and belief that these two eggs are particularly amazing. The symbolism of the eggs could also relate to Nick’s hope of starting a new life and thus the difference to his old life, driving him to being fascinated with the area and Gatsby in particular. ‘The white palaces... glittered along the water’ is creating images of jewels, wealth and a land of wonder causing Nick to be drawn into the new society he has come across. When Nick travels to East Egg the lighting continues to be beautiful ‘glowing now with reflected gold’ and this adds to the impression of richness and luxury which again feeds his fascination. Fitzgerald creates a contrast of images of the ‘Hotel de Ville in Normandy’, ‘a tower’ and ‘spanking new’, the sensuous and rich imagery seems to be drawing Nick in and creates a sense that he is awestruck. After this he simply states ‘It was Gatsby’s mansion.’ This contrasts completely with the elaborate sentence and imagery before it; Fitzgerald is emphasising the owner and recognising his importance to the novel.
From the beginning of Chapter 1, Fitzgerald reveals to the reader that the author and the narrator of the story is Nick Carraway. This is significant as the story is being told from Nick’s point of view, a participant in the novel that highlights his own specific characteristics, meaning that his narration, the information he offers the reader, together with the manner in which he presents it, is coloured by his character. Nick’s narration of events uses the technique of documentary realism to produce dramatic reconstructions in a series of linked scenes, rich in sufficient detail, most of which being the interpretation and judgement on the situation and the different characters within the chapter. By expressing his reservations as well as his admiration at the outset, Nick becomes a figure whom we must interpret. The point of view of Nick Carraway dominates the novel, as he subtly implies judgements and describes characters in a particular way, meaning the reader interprets certain characteristics and opinions of characters in the way in which Nick presents them in the novel. He describes himself as a highly moral and tolerant man who was taught by his father to reserve judgements of people, being “inclined to reserve all judgements”, however, Nick makes a number of judgments through the way he describes the characters and the settings of places giving an overall perception and enables the reader to make a judgement based on Nick’s point of view.
es Fitzgerald establish Nick’s fascination with East and West Egg- and Gatsby in particular- on pages 10-12?
Fitzgerald uses a long and elaborate description of the two eggs and builds this up until he focuses on a bird’s eye view of the land where he states that they ‘must be a source of perpetual wonder’. The ‘must’ emphasises Nick’s sincerity and belief that these two eggs are particularly amazing. The symbolism of the eggs could also relate to Nick’s hope of starting a new life and thus the difference to his old life, driving him to being fascinated with the area and Gatsby in particular. ‘The white palaces... glittered along the water’ is creating images of jewels, wealth and a land of wonder causing Nick to be drawn into the new society he has come across. When Nick travels to East Egg the lighting continues to be beautiful ‘glowing now with reflected gold’ and this adds to the impression of richness and luxury which again feeds his fascination. Fitzgerald creates a contrast of images of the ‘Hotel de Ville in Normandy’, ‘a tower’ and ‘spanking new’, the sensuous and rich imagery seems to be drawing Nick in and creates a sense that he is awestruck. After this he simply states ‘It was Gatsby’s mansion.’ This contrasts completely with the elaborate sentence and imagery before it; Fitzgerald is emphasising the owner and recognising his importance to the novel.
How is Tom Buchanan characterized in chapter one?
Considering seeing Nick as a unreliable narrator, we are given a distinct image of Tom being a well off arrogant man,
How is Gatsby introduced in chapter 1 and what is interesting about this?
When we are first introudced to Gatsby him self, his description is some what different to what we expected. As at the start of the chapter there have been brief description of his wealth, and his class. When we read the first chaper, there is not a description of what his apperance is, it about his presents, and from what we can infer it leaves Nick questioning it. Further more, we can infer to an extent that what Nick has heard of Gatsby he is then able to make a sharpe judge ment on what his presents would be like. 'Standing with his hands in his pockets regarding the silver pepper of the stars. Something in his leisurely movements and the secure postion of his feet upon the lawn suggested that it was Mr Gatsby himself.' This link to the idea of Nick being an 'unreliable narrator' as he has never had any direct contact with Mr Gatsby, which leads to Nick being very judgemental on Gatsby posture. However from the description Nick gives us, it seems that Gatsby wealth and his house are a cover up for a some what miss lead life. ' But i didn't call to him,for he gave a sudden intimation that he content to be alone - he streched out his a rms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far away i was from him, i could of sworn he was trembling.' This description of Gatsby is interesting, as we can see a whole side to Gatsby that is covered up by his glamourus parties and his wealth life style, however, to a certain extent we are very questionable of what Nick believes as he could be seen as the unreliable narrator.
How does Fitzgerald characterise the difference between the Middle West and the East on pages 8-12
Fitzgerald characterises the difference between the Middle West and the East by using the perspective of Nick. In the begining of chapter one we glimpse the process of maturity which Nick underwent when he was at war, prior to his departure from the Middle West Nick describes his home-town as the "warm centre of the world" Gatsby using the images of warmth and the visual of centre to create the impression of security, stabilty, and comfort. However, once Nick experiances the excitment of war the descrinption changes to the "ragged edge of the universe" Fitzgerald represents the change of perspective literally, the change from the centre to the edge, also the contrast of warmth and its various connotations to ragged, and the imagery of poverty and discomfort. Notably Fitzgerald shifts the focus from the "world" to the "universe" perhaps suggesting that Nick has had his horizons broadened. This is contrasted with the images of growth and spring which are linked with Nicks arrival in the East "And so with the and the great burst of leaves growing on the trees" Fitzgerald uses the association of Nick's search for excitement with the buzz and vivacity of the East, and in particular the area where the Great Gatsby is set, which is close to New York City. However, while the Middle West represents traditional values "When I came back from the East I felt I wanted the world to be in uniform" after experiencing the extravagance of the East Nick returns to his home town with a new sense of reverence for the strict moral standards and traditions that are connected to the Middle West.
How is Jordan Baker characterised in chapter 1?
In the first chapter, Nick Carraway seems to be intimidated by Jordan; constantly in the first parargraphs of her introduction, Nick feels the need to apologise to her for his presence. As a result of this, the characterisation of Jordan is decidedly biased, the reader is given the impression that Jordan is contempous and snooty, reflected in her very limited amination in the first paragraphs. Nick tells the reader that he is not aware that Jordan even saw him out of the corner of his eye, let alone acknowledged him as another guest, giving the reader an uneasy feeling about her, making her seem rude and haughty. However, Nick is very praising of her appearance, describing her as moving "languidly" and saying, "I enjoyed looking at her." Nevertheless, this seems to be accepted by Nick as merely a superficial appreciation of her looks rather than anything else as in the very next line he describes her as making a statement about where he lives "comtemptuously", reminding the reader that although she may be beautiful and elegant, Jordan is not a very nice person.
In chapter one, it is made clear that Jordan Baker has a significant presence, making Nick Carraway feel decidedly nervous, uncomfortable and almost 'apologetic' for being there. this could be evidence of Nick's first feelings towards her on their meeting. Jordan is described as moving 'languidly' and with a lack of conviction, suggesting that as a result of her success and high status, she does not need to make too much of an effort with things. This idea is elaborated on in her introduction to Nick, and her slightly dismissive attitude towards him, implying that she doesnt feel the need to make much of an effort with people. Another aspect of her character is exposed when Tom recieves a call from Myrtle during dinner. no sooner than Tom and Daisy have left the table, does Jordan begin to gossip away to Nick about Tom's 'secret' affair in an excitable manner, returning to normal upon the return of Daisy to the table. this suggests that Jordan could be somewhat two-faced, enjoying the intrigue of Tom and Daisy's life, but not necessarily having an honest liking for them as individuals.
In chapter one, it is made clear that Jordan Baker has a significant presence, making Nick Carraway feel decidedly nervous, uncomfortable and almost 'apologetic' for being there. this could be evidence of Nick's first feelings towards her on their meeting. Jordan is described as moving 'languidly' and with a lack of conviction, suggesting that as a result of her success and high status, she does not need to make too much of an effort with things. This idea is elaborated on in her introduction to Nick, and her slightly dismissive attitude towards him, implying that she doesnt feel the need to make much of an effort with people. Another aspect of her character is exposed when Tom recieves a call from Myrtle during dinner. no sooner than Tom and Daisy have left the table, does Jordan begin to gossip away to Nick about Tom's 'secret' affair in an excitable manner, returning to normal upon the return of Daisy to the table. this suggests that Jordan could be somewhat two-faced, enjoying the intrigue of Tom and Daisy's life, but not necessarily having an honest liking for them as individuals.
How does Fitzgerald use setting to characterize the Tom Buchanans on pages 11-25?
The use of setting to help characterize the Tom Buchanans is used heavily in the first chapter. The extravagant and rich setting in which they live shows not only their lifestyle but the type of characters that Tom and Daisy Buchanans are.
The first description of the setting in which Tom and Daisy live is “Their house was even more elaborate than I expected, a cheerful red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion, over-looking the bay.” This quote creates imagery for the reader as the use of the words “mansion” and “Georgian Colonial” sets the scene of a gigantic house. Also the fact that Nick, the narrator, was shocked by the elaborateness of the house shows that this house is bigger than the typical home on East Egg, reflecting the Tom Buchanans lifestyle as Nick already knew they were a privileged family due to Tom’s family background so it shows they live a well-off life with luxury items. The reader soon finds out that they live on East Egg compared to Nick’s less desirable West Egg and we can refer to the earlier quote of “white palaces of fashionable East Egg glittered along the water” describing East Egg. From the use of the word “palace” it is as if their houses and lifestyles are like royalty, this creates an air of importance and high status over the couple.
Another description, this time of the front of the house, could reflect, depending on interpretation, part of the Buchanans personality. “The front was broken by a line of French windows, glowing now with reflected gold and wide open to the warm windy afternoon.” Daisy could be interpreted as a “warm, “glowing” character as she is described with adverbs such as “radiantly” and “lovely”.
Finally the use of descriptions on things such as the “high hallway” not only creates grand imagery but it could also be seen to reinforce Tom’s presence; the tall and physical stature which he could be interpreted to have. Along with descriptions of the “high hallway” comes descriptions of colours such as “bright rosy-coloured space” which could be used to describe Daisy’s warm and friendly personality.
The use of setting in chapter one to describe the Tom Buchanans helps us, as the reader, to gain an idea of their lifestyle. The grand details of their house and the fact that the have a butler shows that they are a privileged family and the small details help to represent the difference in their personalities.
The first description of the setting in which Tom and Daisy live is “Their house was even more elaborate than I expected, a cheerful red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion, over-looking the bay.” This quote creates imagery for the reader as the use of the words “mansion” and “Georgian Colonial” sets the scene of a gigantic house. Also the fact that Nick, the narrator, was shocked by the elaborateness of the house shows that this house is bigger than the typical home on East Egg, reflecting the Tom Buchanans lifestyle as Nick already knew they were a privileged family due to Tom’s family background so it shows they live a well-off life with luxury items. The reader soon finds out that they live on East Egg compared to Nick’s less desirable West Egg and we can refer to the earlier quote of “white palaces of fashionable East Egg glittered along the water” describing East Egg. From the use of the word “palace” it is as if their houses and lifestyles are like royalty, this creates an air of importance and high status over the couple.
Another description, this time of the front of the house, could reflect, depending on interpretation, part of the Buchanans personality. “The front was broken by a line of French windows, glowing now with reflected gold and wide open to the warm windy afternoon.” Daisy could be interpreted as a “warm, “glowing” character as she is described with adverbs such as “radiantly” and “lovely”.
Finally the use of descriptions on things such as the “high hallway” not only creates grand imagery but it could also be seen to reinforce Tom’s presence; the tall and physical stature which he could be interpreted to have. Along with descriptions of the “high hallway” comes descriptions of colours such as “bright rosy-coloured space” which could be used to describe Daisy’s warm and friendly personality.
The use of setting in chapter one to describe the Tom Buchanans helps us, as the reader, to gain an idea of their lifestyle. The grand details of their house and the fact that the have a butler shows that they are a privileged family and the small details help to represent the difference in their personalities.
In what ways is Nick established as an unreliable narrator in chapter 1?
Fitzgerald introduces the novel in Chapter 1 through an inner monologue, in which Nick Carraway, the narrator of the story, begins to talk about his younger life and his father. He goes on to quote his father by saying, "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone - just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." As Nick introduces himself to the reader he explains how he has taken what his father said with him through life and says, "I'm inclined to reserve all judgements." However, throughout the first chapter as Carraway introduces us to the other characters it becomes clear that this is not the case. As Nick believes he has personal connections to the other characters, his sub-conscious judgments shine through. Carraway's bias encourages this sub-conscious judgment when the reader is introduced to Tom. The judgments made towards Tom have been emphasised by Nicks love towards Daisy who is Tom's wife and also Nick's second cousin. "..with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner. Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face." This is not the only time Nick passes judgment, it also happens when the narrator speaks about Gatsby himself. "..who represented everything for which i have an unaffected scorn"...."then there was something gorgeous about him."
Fitzgerald's establishes Nick as an unreliable narrator through his biased relationships with specific characters, and the relationships that come from them encourages Nicks automatic, psychological judgments.
Fitzgerald's establishes Nick as an unreliable narrator through his biased relationships with specific characters, and the relationships that come from them encourages Nicks automatic, psychological judgments.
How is Tom Buchanan characterised in chapter 1?
Through the eyes of Nick, Tom Buchanan is a character who is described as very rich and physically pleasing-but nevertheless; also aggressive and violent. The adverbs used to describe Tom; "crossly", "impatiently" indicate how he can be temperamental and perhaps not as content as you would imagine a man with his wealth would be. Tom's manner towards his wife, Daisy, is unpleasant and causes slight tension in some points of chapter 1. At the beginning of the chapter, Nick describes himself as someone who reserves judgement, but by the way he describes Tom, actually shows his inability to do so, or at least in this case- and therefore is evidence to show how his view is perhaps not reliable. In consequence to this; seeing Nick as an unreliable narrator and the feelings which he slyly shows he has for his second cousin Daisy may reflect, and be one reason for Tom is described as such a brash and abrupt character. The way Fitzgerald uses Nick to establish Tom through his eyes, also shows the reader snippets of Toms past, back when Nick knew him, for example; “’just because I’m stronger and more of a man than you are’” and is an ideal way for Nick to represent him as being arrogant and a true ‘alpha-male’ character.
How is Gatsby introduced in chapter 1 and what is interesting about this?
Nick first introduces Gatsby as "the man who gives his name to the book". Although Nick cynically states that Gatsby "represented everything for which [he] [had] an unaffected scorn" for, his "heightened sensitivity" and "extraordinary gift for hope" therefore made him "exempt from [his negative] reaction" on his stay in WEST egg, New York. Through this first description of Jay Gatsby, there is a certain ambivalence/confusion in Nick's dedication to Gatsby's memory.
Later on in chapter one, we learn about Gatsby's "colossal" wealth through Nick's description of his "spanking new"/"mansion" with a "marble swimming pool". Throughout chapter one, these sudden bursts of description and information of Gatsby engages the audience further with his character, portraying a sense of excitement every time even Gatsby's name is uttered, "Gatsby?" / "What Gatsby?" !
There is also something quite holy about the way Nick presents Gatsby at the end of this chapter: "alone", a "figure" / "at the end of the dock" / "distinguished" / "by a single green light" , however, simultaneously, there is an element of spookiness, a haunting "trembling" "Gatsby had vanished" into the "unquiet darkness". Overall, Nick Carraway's description of Gatsby has left the reader tense and curious to find out who this "gentleman" is and why is he so "gorgeous" but then so "alone". This description has done nothing but obscurify this image of Gatsby...
Nick first introduces Gatsby as "the man who gives his name to the book". Although Nick cynically states that Gatsby "represented everything for which [he] [had] an unaffected scorn" for, his "heightened sensitivity" and "extraordinary gift for hope" therefore made him "exempt from [his negative] reaction" on his stay in WEST egg, New York. Through this first description of Jay Gatsby, there is a certain ambivalence/confusion in Nick's dedication to Gatsby's memory.
Later on in chapter one, we learn about Gatsby's "colossal" wealth through Nick's description of his "spanking new"/"mansion" with a "marble swimming pool". Throughout chapter one, these sudden bursts of description and information of Gatsby engages the audience further with his character, portraying a sense of excitement every time even Gatsby's name is uttered, "Gatsby?" / "What Gatsby?" !
There is also something quite holy about the way Nick presents Gatsby at the end of this chapter: "alone", a "figure" / "at the end of the dock" / "distinguished" / "by a single green light" , however, simultaneously, there is an element of spookiness, a haunting "trembling" "Gatsby had vanished" into the "unquiet darkness". Overall, Nick Carraway's description of Gatsby has left the reader tense and curious to find out who this "gentleman" is and why is he so "gorgeous" but then so "alone". This description has done nothing but obscurify this image of Gatsby...