The Great Gatsby | Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis | F. Scott Fitzgerald

Summary

In 'The Great Gatsby,' Chapter One introduces Nick Carraway, a Yale graduate and war veteran, who moves to West Egg, Long Island, and becomes neighbors with the enigmatic Jay Gatsby. Across the bay, his cousin Daisy and her domineering husband Tom reside. Nick's dinner at the Buchanans reveals Tom's affair, and he witnesses Gatsby's longing gaze toward a green light, symbolizing his pursuit of wealth for Daisy's love. Nick's non-judgmental perspective allows him to navigate the superficial and morally complex society of East and West Egg, setting the stage for the novel's exploration of deception and desire.

Takeaways

• 📚 Nick Carraway, the narrator, is a 29-year-old Yale graduate and war veteran who moves to West Egg, New York.
• 🏡 Nick rents a home next to the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby, setting the stage for their eventual interactions.
• 🌉 Across the bay from West Egg is East Egg, where Nick's cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband Tom live.
• 🍽️ Nick is invited to a dinner at the Buchanan's home, which introduces him to the superficial and decadent lifestyle of the wealthy.
• 🏌️‍♀️ At the dinner, Nick meets Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and friend of Daisy, who reveals Tom's infidelity.
• 📞 Tom's phone call during dinner suggests his involvement with a mistress, showcasing the moral decay and betrayal in the social circles.
• 🕺 Gatsby's mysterious presence is highlighted when he emerges from his mansion, staring intently at a green light across the bay.
• 💚 The green light symbolizes Gatsby's longing, which is later revealed to be his desire to win Daisy's love.
• 💼 Fitzgerald uses detailed descriptions to contrast the opulence of the characters' lives with their moral vacuity.
• 👀 Nick's non-judgmental and moral perspective, influenced by his father's advice, makes him an ideal narrator to navigate the story's themes of deception and superficiality.

Q & A

Who is the narrator of 'The Great Gatsby'?

The narrator of 'The Great Gatsby' is Nick Carraway, a 29-year-old man who has recently moved to West Egg, Long Island.

What is Nick Carraway's background?

Nick Carraway has graduated from Yale and served in the Army. He is originally from the Midwest and decides to move to New York.

Where does Nick Carraway reside in the story?

Nick Carraway resides in West Egg, a community in Long Island, New York.

Who is Nick Carraway's neighbor in West Egg?

Nick Carraway's neighbor in West Egg is Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious businessman.

Who are the main characters living in East Egg?

The main characters living in East Egg are Nick's cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband Tom Buchanan.

What is the significance of the green light in the story?

The green light is symbolic and represents Gatsby's longing and hope for Daisy's love. It is later revealed that the light comes from the end of the Buchanans' dock.

What is the nature of Tom Buchanan's character as described in the script?

Tom Buchanan is described as brutish, insensitive, and someone who expects to have his way.

What is the role of Jordan Baker in the story?

Jordan Baker is a professional golfer and a friend of Daisy. She is also present at the Buchanans' dinner and reveals Tom's affair during the event.

How does the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, use detailed descriptions in the script?

F. Scott Fitzgerald uses detailed descriptions to highlight the luxurious lifestyle of the characters, including grand mansions, butlers, and the superficial nature of their lives.

What is the symbolic meaning of the color green in literature, as it relates to 'The Great Gatsby'?

In literature, green is often symbolic of money and wealth, which aligns with Gatsby's pursuit of wealth in hopes of winning Daisy's love.

How does Nick's character serve as a bridge between the old and new money in the story?

Nick is the perfect balance narrator who can navigate both the old-money of East Egg and the new-money of West Egg without bias, due to his non-judgmental and moral nature.