Socratic Seminar: The Great Gatsby

Socratic Seminar

The Great Gatsby

World Connection Questions

Do you believe the idea of the American Dream is captured in The Great Gatsby?

Yes, The Great Gatsby was published during an era of American change towards desire for greater wealth and tendency towards materialism, known as the Jazz Age. Ambition to succeed was the center of the American Dream, and it is the center of The Great Gatsby which has characters who are always trying to get more than what they already have. Fitzgerald shows the impossibility of the American Dream by demonstrating conflict through symbols and characters. Nick, the narrator, represents yearn to achieve the American Dream as an outsider. He came from the Midwest to the East Coast to fulfill his dream, however he eventually realizes he is unable to achieve it and moves back to the Midwest. Fitzgerald describes Gatsby as a dreamer looking for wealth, even claiming his lover Daisy as an object of wealth. Gatsby seeks his wealth even through illegal activities, like bootlegging. This shows desire influencing corruption, which was very prominent in the 1920s among groups such as gangsters.

The materialistic aspect of the Jazz Age is shown by Daisy’s character. Daisy is pleased by physical happiness like money. When speaking about her daughter she says, “I‘m glad it‘s a girl. And I hope she‘ll be a fool- that‘s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” This shows how Daisy views life dictated by physical possessions and wealth which fools people to be happy, when in reality they’re not.

How does The Great Gatsby show the effect of class upon romance during the 1920's?

The love triangle that Daisy creates between herself, Tom, and Gatsby shows how class effected romance. The higher the class the man was, the more attraction they received from women. Daisy said she would wait for Gatsby until he returned from war, but Tom emerged as high class suitor, and Daisy didn’t deny him. Gatsby had no money at this point. However, when Daisy and Gatsby are reunited, Daisy feels love for him again, and he coincidentally has achieved a great wealth. Though, Tom soon has suspicions and implies that Gatsby achieved his status by illegal activities. I believe this is one reason Daisy slowly starts turning back towards Tom. It shows how she doesn’t want to be with someone who would be dishonored in the ways they achieved their fortune.

Close Ended Questions

1. What is the main reason Gatsby throws such lavish parties?

To impress Daisy

2. Who does Daisy choose to be with at the end of the novel?

Tom

Open Ended Questions

1. What is the message of the title The Great Gatsby?

The word “great” within the title makes the reader believe Gatsby is a distinguished and significant individual. However, after reading the novel, readers are able to perceive the irony of the title. The Great Gatsby speaks to be great luxury, yet the surname Gatsby derives from a lie. Jay Gatz changed his name to Jay Gatsby in attempt to idealize his life to fit in with the changing society- Gatsby is just a cover-up and shows idealized lies. The name change was an attempt to shape himself into a suitor for Daisy; however, it has no meaning of wealth because it is only for social acceptance. The title symbolizes corruption caused by desire to conform to society.

2. What role do cars have in developing the story of The Great Gatsby?

In the story, cars are a symbol that help portray corruption and success- they are a reflection of class and wealth. Cars are fallible and can fall apart, break down, and kill people.

Myrtle was killed by a car which can be interpreted as her being killed by the reality of the class she aspired to be a part of. She was a member of the East Egg, yet conformed herself by being with Tom, who was a part of the West Egg. Daisy killed Myrtle while speeding home and driving carelessly- this portrays the dangers and results of the fast indulgent lifestyles of the 1920s and how fashion can be powerful and destructive, causing impacts (whether it be good or bad) on people’s lives.

Gatsby has a Rolls Royce and station wagon. The Rolls Royce was a symbol of of wealth- in chapter 4 Nick quotes, "I'd seen it. Everybody had seen it."

Nick drives an old dodge, which symbolizes