Before Reading The Chapter List: Four Rumors About ✓ Solved

Before Reading The Chapter List At Least Four Rumors About

Before reading the chapter, list at least four rumors about Gatsby in the column on the left. Now read Chapter 6. After finishing the chapter, list at least four facts about Gatsby. Create a CER response paragraph to explain the major differences between the fictional Gatsby and the real Gatsby. 6 sentence response required.

Use the following format to help you formulate your response. Claim - what is the difference between fiction and reality in Gatsby’s life? Evidence - evidence of fiction Response - what picture does this paint for others/the society in which he lives? Evidence - transition to evidence of reality Response - why does Gatsby hide this from the world around him? Conclusion - Why is this so important for the reader to know moving forward in the story?

Requirements: 1 complex sentence highlighted yellow. 1 ellipse used in an embedded quote highlighted blue.

Paper For Above Instructions

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby is a character shrouded in mystery, sparking numerous rumors that depict him as a larger-than-life figure. Before delving into the novel’s complexities, it is crucial to acknowledge these rumors, which serve as the foundation for understanding Gatsby's perceived identity versus his reality. Common rumors about Gatsby include that he is a bootlegger, a German spy during World War I, has a mysterious past linked to ultrarich families, or that he is involved in organized crime. These rumors contribute to the enigmatic aura that surrounds him and shape the perceptions of other characters in the novel.

After reading Chapter 6, several facts emerge that reveal a different, more grounded reality about Gatsby. For instance, Gatsby is originally James Gatz, born to poor farmers in North Dakota. He reinvents himself as Jay Gatsby through hard work and ambition, but his wealth is largely unearned, as he engages in illegal activities to maintain his lavish lifestyle. Gatsby’s true motivations also come to light, particularly his obsession with Daisy Buchanan, which is not built on a foundation of genuine connection but rather on an idealized version of love that he has created in his mind. This fact contrasts sharply with the glamorous, romanticized rumors surrounding him.

To illustrate the distinction between the fictional and real Gatsby, one can begin with the claim that the rumors about Gatsby paint a vastly different picture of him compared to his true self. Many believe he is a self-made millionaire, living a life of luxury and abundance. However, as Chapter 6 reveals, he is a man built on illusions, desperately trying to recapture the past and the love of a woman who is beyond his reach. The evidence supporting the idea of Gatsby's fictional life can be found throughout the novel, as characters such as Tom Buchanan and Daisy herself perpetuate notions of his supposed origins and connections within elite society. This creates an image of Gatsby as sinister or morally corrupt, a perception that each character brings to their interactions with him.

Yet, as the narrative progresses, readers transition to the evidence of Gatsby’s reality. This reality unveils a man who feels compelled to hide his true origins and struggles to belong in a world that remains elusive. Gatsby’s elaborate parties are not merely social gatherings; they are a façade meant to attract Daisy and elevate his status in the eyes of others. The question arises: why does Gatsby conceal his past and true identity from the world? The answer lies in the deep-rooted fear of rejection and the desire for acceptance in a society that values wealth and status above all else. Thus, Gatsby's deception serves as a protective mechanism against being judged by a society that has little tolerance for those perceived as 'other.'

Understanding these stark differences is crucial for readers as they move forward in the story. The narrative encourages critical thinking about the nature of the American Dream and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their ideals. The juxtaposition between the glamorous rumors and the harsh reality serves to reinforce themes of illusion versus reality, creating a compelling commentary on the pursuit of happiness in a flawed society. Therefore, knowing the truth about Gatsby is vital for grasping the underlying motivations of the characters and the inevitable tragedy that unfolds.

This complex dichotomy not only shapes Gatsby's identity but also influences the actions and perceptions of those around him.

Additionally, the embedded quote with an ellipsis highlights another key distinction: "They’re all the same... I want to know you." This statement encapsulates the yearning for genuine connection in a world steeped in superficiality and deception.

References

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.
• Bloom, Harold. Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Infobase Publishing, 2009.
• Bruccoli, Matthew J. Some Sort of Epic Grandeur: The Life of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1981.
• Lehan, Richard. "The American Dream and The Great Gatsby." American Literature, vol. 64, no. 4, 1992, pp. 757-773.
• Park, Eunjin. "Constructing Identity and Power: Gatsby and the American Dream." Journal of American Studies, vol. 48, no. 2, 2014, pp. 279-297.
• Shirley, David. "The Role of Rumors in The Great Gatsby." Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 51, no. 1, 2005, pp. 47-68.
• Hoffman, Alice. "Myth and Identity in The Great Gatsby." Studies in American Fiction, vol. 31, no. 2, 2003, pp. 159-175.
• Crum, John R. "Gatsby's Parties: The American Dream on Display." The American Dream Revisited. 2016.
• Mattioni, Jennifer. "Dreams and Reality in Fitzgerald’s Work." Literary Studies, vol. 3, 2018, pp. 21-30.
• Thompson, Roger. "The Navigating of Secrets: Jay Gatsby’s Character in The Great Gatsby." Contemporary Literary Criticism, vol. 50, 2010, pp. 150-155.