Active Reading Journal: "The Great Gatsby" Chapters 3&4

Keeping in mind the historical and cultural contexts of the novel, why might Fitzgerald create such a distinction between the upper and lower class? Why might Fitzgerald want to underscore an important theme, such as the pursuit of wealth, so early in the story? What do we learn about Nick from his description? Discuss some of the other potent symbols in the story. How are these interpretive keys to the novel’s meaning? How might the “two young women … buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon” (p. 8) symbolize the women of this generation?

I think that Fitzgerald would create such a distinction between the upper and lower class is because when it was actually the 1920s, there was definite distinctions. Those who are wealthier dress better, have more stuff, etc. While those who a poorer have hand-me-downs and  can afford very little. Another reason I think that Fitzgerald created the distinction is so that you could understand characteristics from each class. As a fellow classmate said: "... I mostly noticed how poorly the wealthy men treated their women..." I agree with what they said because it is apparent to me that the wealthy men do treat their women/wives with less respect then Nick (who is not wealthy) does. The wealthier men feel like they can get away with more, than those who are not wealthy could.

I think that Fitzgerald might want to underscore an important theme, such as the pursuit of wealth, early on because it happens to be a big economic and social problem. Those who are wealthier feel like they can get whatever they want, while those who are not have to face the wrath of those richer than them.

In the introduction we met Nick's father, who told him not to be judge-mental, but throughout the novel we learn that Nick is judge-mental (this can be shown through his distaste of Tom's affair) and did not live up to his fathers expectations. We also learned that Nick was in the war and moved from Chicago to West Egg (NY). He also is not a very wealthy man but he hangs out with the wealthy.

Another potent symbol in the novel may include the green light that is mentioned in chapter 1: "...fifty feet away a figure emerged from the shadow of my neighbour's mansion and was standing with his hands in his pockets regarding the silver pepper of the stars. Something in his leisurely movements and the secure position of his feet upon the lawn suggested that it was Mr. Gatsby himself, come out to determine what share was his of our local heavens.I decided to call to him. Miss Baker had mentioned him at dinner, and that would do for an introduction. But I didn’t call to him for he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone—he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and far as I was from him I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward—and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock. When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished, and I was alone again in the unquiet darkness." (Fitzgerald, 21-22) possibly representing Gatsby's hope for him and Daisy.

"Two young women...buoyed up as though as upon an anchored balloon" (Fitzgerald, 8) symbolizes women of the 1920s because the '20s was a time of partying and having fun. Women were very rebellious during the 1920s. They cut their long hair into short bobs, they wore flapper (short) dresses, and they partied. Although prohibition was occurring during this time this didn't stop people from obtaining alcohol. This time period was all about having fun, hence the fact that they were "...buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon" (Fitzgerald, 8)

Chapter 3: Summary

In chapter 3 Gatsby sends his butler over with a message inviting him to one of his lavish parties that night. At the party Nick is with Jordan (Ms. Baker) and they have fun together. At one point in the chapter they go into the library where they find a drunk man (Owl Eyes) trying to sober up. They pretty much just listen to Owl Eyes babble on about the books, and then they leave. A little while later they actually meet Jay Gatsby (Nick not realizing who it was). Later that night Gatsby sends a butler to ask Jordan to meet him inside. When they decide to leave Nick begins to walk home, only to find that Owl Eyes is having car trouble, as the man who was driving him, had lost a tire. At the end of the chapter Nick is describing his life and says that he knows Jordan is a dishonest person and he is: "...one of the few honest people that [he] has ever known." (Fitzgerald, 60)

Chapter 4: Summary

In chapter 4 Gatsby invites Nick to lunch to ask him a favour. On the car ride over Gatsby begins to tell Nick about his life, but Nick has some doubts about if Gatsby is telling the truth or not: 

 "He looked at me sideways _ and I knew why Jordan Baker had believed he was lying. He hurried the phrased 'educated at Oxford, or swallowed it, or choked on it, as it had bothered him before. And with this doubt, his whole statement fell to pieces, and I wondered if there wasn't something a little sinister about him, after all." (Fitzgerald, 65)

At lunch Nick gets to me Wolfshiem who is no importance to him at this part of the novel. Wolfshiem leaves lunch. Gatsby asks Nick for the favour but asks him to ask Jordan about it. Nick excuses himself for a moment because he notices Tom. When Nick is talking to Tom he notices that Gatsby has vanished. After lunch, Nick has tea with Jordan, who tells him what he wants/needs to know. She tells him that Jay Gatsby and Daisy used to be in love before he went off to war, she got married and has been faithful to her husband, but her husband has not been faithful to her. The whole point of this conversation is that Gatsby wants Nick to invite Daisy over so that he can see her again.