Chapter 4:
Narrative Style: The narrative style of this chapter is different to all the other chapters. For example, instead of having the usual point of view from Nick part of the chapter is written from Jordans point of view '(said Jordan Baker that afternoon...)'. That paragraph really stands out to the reader as it is out of the ordinary and makes us,as the reader, pay even more attention, almost as if its subtly telling us something important is going to happen. It also helps give us an insight to Jordans character as we are hearing the story from her pov.
Characters/Characterisation:
In this chapter we are introduced to many new characters, most being Gatsbys colleagues; all of whom seem to be very dispicable characters from Nicks point of view. All they seem to do is 'gamble' or end up killing someone or rather themselves. 'Who afterward strangled his wife', 'who killed himself by jumping in front of a subway train'. this shows us the kind of dangerous people that Gatsby is associated with and makes us even more unsure of the character Gatsby himself.
We also find out that Nick and Jordan are finaly aware of each others feelings. We are reassured of them liking each other when the kiss in a park. 'I drew her up again closer, this time to my face'.
Themes:
There is obviously a theme of love in the chapter from Nick and Jordan. There is also a slight feeling of dread after finding out about Gatsbys friends and the kind of suspicious activities they get up to.
Settings:
Most of the chapter is set in a cafe that Nick is at, it is also based in the park the Nick and Jordan visit. Having a contrast between the dark empty cafe and the open wild life of the park helps define the mood that is set in both places between the characters.
After reading chapter four it leaves me with even more question and doubt about how trustworthy Gatsby is. I think the fact that Fitzgerald has described the kind of people Gatsby hangs around with is his own way of trying to manipulate our opinion on him, especially as Nick doesn't much like the other characters either so we hear a biased opinion on them. Since we hear about the horrid things the new characters have participated in, it leaves us in anticipation for something bad to happen to the characters of the novel.
Chapter 5:
Narrative style: The chapter stays with Nick as the narrator. Since it is in Nicks point of view we see clearly, although in a biased way, the scenario of Gastby and Daisy's meeting.
Characters/Characterisation:
We see another side of Gatsby in this chapter. He is very worried and nervous about meeting Daisy which not only shows us that he cares alot about her but cares alot about what she thinks.
Nick seems to get irritated very easily with the situation,especially with Gatsby. He is possibly bothered about the relationship Gatsby and Daisy share or shared, and the fact the his relationship with Jordan seems slightly complicated.
Themes:
Grief is a theme shown between Daisy and Gatsby, Daisy is 'mixed up' and upset about the complicated situation she is in with Gatsby and cry's. However, she blames this on simple things such as the fact that he has nice shirts. 'It's just...just i've never seen such lovely shirts'
Suspicion is also shown when Gastby ask's Nick to work for him, Nick is concerned and suspicious about what kind of work Gatsby is involved with.
Settings:
It is raining through out the majority of this chapter showing that something bad is about to happen and helping to set the depressing mood of the chapter.
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Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Great Gatsby chapters 4 and 5
Posted by Lawz M at 2:47 AM
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1 comments:
Your comment about how Nick influences our opinions of other characters is good. I like the way you use several of the headings. Aim to show how you react to the story. You're good on characters so discuss how they are developing. Or do they?
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