THE GREAT GATSBBY

• JAY GATSBY


  • James Gatz
  • born in North Dakota to impoverished farmers
  • legally changed his name to Jay Catsby at age 17
  • worked as a janitor
  • strongly opposed to alcohol & drinking
  • worked as a fisherman on Lake Superior
  • self-made millionaire due to Yukon gold rush
  • makes Gatsby his personal assistant after he warns him of an impending harsh winds
  • heavy drinker
• NICK CARRAWAY


  • descends from a well-to-do Minnesota family
  • travels to New York to learn the bond business
  • interviews Gatsby and becomes associated with him and the Buchanans
• DAN CODY


  • 50 years old
  • The Gatsby's money came from
• DAISY BUCHANAN


  • Nick's cousin
  • Tom's wife
  • the love of Catsby's life
  • ends up choosing Tom's wealth and status over Gatsby's poverty
• TOM BUCHANAN


  • brutal, intimidating man
  • former Yale football player
  • descends from an immensely wealthy Midwestern family
  • physically menaces both his wife and mistress
  • displays blatant hypocrisy
• THE SLOANES


  • stereotypical wealthy upperclass couple
  • friends of Tom and Daisy
• Gatsby's life story


  At age 17, Gatsby meets Dan Cody, a wealthy copper mogul, and becomes his assistant.

  Travelling with Cody begets Gatsby love for wealth and luxury. (West Indies & Barbary Coast)

  When Cody dies, he leaves Gatsby $25,000, but his Mistress (Ella Kaye) prevents Gatsby from claiming his inheritance

  It is then that Gatsby solely dedicates himself to becoming a wealthy and succesful man.
• Nick visits Gatsby after many weeks


  He finds Gatsby, Tom and the Sloanes having a drink together.
• Tom is unimpressed by Gatsby's lack of social grace and Daisy's habit of visiting his house alone


  Tom is suspicious, but has yet to discover Gatsby and Daisy's love for one another.
• Tom and Daisy attend a party at Gatsby's house


  Tom shows no interest in the party; he is focuses his attention on Daisy

  Gatsby is disheartened by the thought of Daisy not having a good time; Tom upsets her by telling her that Gatsby made his fortune by bootlegging
• Gatsby seeks out Nick after the party


  Nick advises Gatsby that "You can't repeat the past"

  To which Gatsby replies: "Of course you can!"
• Major Plots


  • Nick learns the truth about Catsby's childhood and how he came to be the person he is

  Tom Buchanan attempts to find out who Catsby really is

  Gatsby expresses his desire to recreate the past life he once had with Daisy

  Social class
• Themes


  • Gatsby v. Tom; Old money v. new money

  Although Gatsby has a substantial amount of wealth, this doesn't place him within the social realm in which he aspires to be.

  The Defaulting of the American Dream

  Gatsby blindly pursues his dreams at all costs. He believes money can buy the "American Dream" and his future with Daisy. Having goals and dreams is good in all, but no when they consume the dreamer.