Saturday, December 15, 2012

Why does Fitzgerald focus so much on Gatsby's past in Ch. 6 of The Great Gatsby? Why is there so much background?What is the meaning of the...

In The Great Gatsby, the history of Gatsby's relationship with Daisy, and the origins of that relationship, are vital to understanding Gatsby's dream and illusion--what he is trying to recapture.


The history in chapter six reveals Gatsby's naivete and lack of experience--he is enchanted by Daisy's home--Nick tells the reader that Gatsby had never experienced anything like it, and the home alone suggested romantic tales and mysteries inside, to Gatsby.


Chapter six reveals that Daisy is somewhat of a trophy or goal for Gatsby--the fact that numerous soldiers had sought Daisy's company is a plus for Gatsby, not a detriment.


The kiss in chapter six makes Gatsby's dream more concrete, in the way any image makes ideas more concrete.  It shows the reader what Gatsby experienced, and what he is trying to recapture.  The kiss provides Gatsby's dream with romance.


Unfortunately, chapter six also establishes that Gatsby is "out of his league" with Daisy.  And five years and the story that's narrated in the novel do not change that. 

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