The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald explores themes of the American Dream, wealth, and class through the lives of its characters. Set in the 1920s, the novel follows Jay Gatsby's unrelenting pursuit of his lost love, Daisy Buchanan, against a backdrop of moral decay and social stratification. This revision guide provides detailed notes for OCR A Level English Literature students, covering key themes, character analyses, and plot summaries. Ideal for those preparing for exams, it offers insights into Fitzgerald's critique of American society and the illusions of wealth. The notes encompass important chapters and key quotations to aid understanding and analysis.

Key Points

  • Analyzes the themes of the American Dream and moral decay in The Great Gatsby
  • Explores character motivations and relationships, especially between Gatsby and Daisy
  • Covers key quotations and their significance in understanding the text
  • Provides chapter summaries and thematic breakdowns for OCR A Level English Literature
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46 pages
Language:English
Type:Study Guide
English
newtopiccyclegrowin
46 pages
Language:English
Type:Study Guide
English
178
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OCR A Level English
Literature
The Great Gatsby
Contents
The Great Gatsby: Plot Summary
The Great Gatsby: Themes
The Great Gatsby: Characters
The Great Gatsby: Context
The Great Gatsby: Interpretations
The Great Gatsby: What To Compare It To
The Great Gatsby: Key Quotations
Your notes
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The Great Gatsby: Plot Summary
Plot Summary
Understanding the plot of the story is vital because it serves as the narrative backbone,
allowing you to connect with larger ideas such as themes and characterisation. It will also
help you gain confidence in finding the most relevant references to support your response.
The following guide is divided into:
Plot storyboard
Overview
Chapter summaries
Plot storyboard
Your notes
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Overview
Published in 1925, The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick Carraway, who is a recent graduate
from Yale University. He moved from the
Midwest
to New York after World War I to work in
finance. Set against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, Nick narrates events that
happened two years prior when he was living in New York, in an area called “West Egg”. Nick
becomes entangled in the affairs of his neighbours, especially the mysterious and wealthy Mr
Gatsby.
Jay Gatsby is known for hosting extravagant parties in the hope that his first love, Daisy
Buchanan, will attend. Daisy is married to the extremely wealthy Tom Buchanan and she is
also the narrator’s cousin. Gatsby’s
relentless
pursuit of wealth and social status is driven by
Your notes
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End of Document
178

Figures

Overview
The American Dream
Wealth and class
Money and materialism
Nick Carraway
Jay Gatsby
Daisy Buchanan
Tom Buchanan
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Myrtle Wilson

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FAQs

What is the main theme of The Great Gatsby?
The Great Gatsby explores the theme of the American Dream, illustrating how it has become corrupted. The novel critiques the idea that hard work leads to success, showing instead that the pursuit of wealth often results in disillusionment and moral decay. Characters like Jay Gatsby embody the relentless pursuit of this dream, yet their efforts lead to tragic consequences, highlighting the emptiness behind the facade of wealth and social status.

Who narrates The Great Gatsby and what is his background?
The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick Carraway, a recent Yale graduate who moves to New York to work in finance. He comes from the Midwest and serves as a lens through which the events of the story unfold. Nick becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy neighbors, particularly Jay Gatsby, and provides insight into the complexities of wealth and social class during the 1920s.

How does Jay Gatsby's character represent the American Dream?
Jay Gatsby represents the American Dream through his relentless pursuit of wealth and success, driven by his desire to win back his first love, Daisy Buchanan. Despite his extravagant lifestyle and lavish parties, Gatsby's life is marked by loneliness and disillusionment. His belief that wealth can recreate the past ultimately leads to his downfall, illustrating the tragic consequences of chasing an unattainable ideal.

What role does Daisy Buchanan play in Gatsby's life?
Daisy Buchanan is central to Jay Gatsby's motivations and desires. She is Gatsby's first love, and he believes that winning her back will fulfill his dreams of happiness and success. However, Daisy is married to Tom Buchanan, which complicates Gatsby's pursuit. Throughout the novel, Daisy's choices reflect her entrapment in a life of wealth and status, ultimately leading to Gatsby's tragic end.

What is the significance of the green light in The Great Gatsby?
The green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future, particularly his desire to rekindle his romance with Daisy. It represents the elusive nature of the American Dream and the idea that happiness is always just out of reach. As Gatsby stretches out his arms toward the light, it becomes clear that his pursuit is fraught with unattainable aspirations, underscoring the novel's themes of longing and disillusionment.

How does the Valley of Ashes symbolize social class in the novel?
The Valley of Ashes serves as a stark contrast to the opulence of East and West Egg, symbolizing the moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth. It represents the plight of the working class and the consequences of economic inequality. Characters like George and Myrtle Wilson, who live in this desolate area, highlight the struggles faced by those who are marginalized in the quest for the American Dream.