Kelso High School
English Department
The Great Gatsby
by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Chapter Six
Characterisation
Gatsby, Daisy,
Tom
Theme
American Upper
Classes
American Dream
Structure
Symbolism
Characterisation - Gatsby
Characterisation - Gatsby
Chapter 6 is important in revealing detail
about Gatsby’s character
 Reveals how sensitive he was when he
was younger – until he meets Dan Cody
 Aware of his poverty, he develops a
powerful obsession with amassing wealth.

“It was James Gatz who had been loafing
along the beach that afternoon …but it
was already Jay Gatsby who borrowed a
row boat…”
 It is as if Gatsby is rechristening himself
 Symbolises his desire to forget his lower
class identity and recast himself as the
wealthy man he envisions.

Discussion: Is this why he finds Daisy so
attractive?
 For her, wealth and luxury comes
effortlessly
 She is the reason he invented Jay Gatsby.
 Links to STRUCTURE and SYMBOLISM
 “His parents were shiftless and
unsuccessful farm people”
 Stark contrast to his later extravagant
lifestyle.

DISCUSSION – What does Gatsby’s
transformation tell us about the type of
person he is?
 What do we admire about him?

We discover that Gatsby never received
the money from Cody.
 It is Gatsby’s power to make his dreams
real that makes him ‘great’.

“Can’t repeat the past?” he cried
incredulously. “Why of course you can!”
 This illustrates his capacity to delude
himself
 Also illustrates his boundless capacity for
hope
 DISCUSSION: Does the quote influence
our feelings towards Gatsby?

Characterisation - Daisy
CHARACTERISATION - DAISY
“But the rest offended her...was appalled
by West Egg,”
 DISCUSSION: Why is Daisy so appalled by
the people at the party?
 Does her reaction come as a surprise to
the reader?

The main problem with Gatsby’s
conception of Daisy is that it is a dream.
 He still thinks she is the girl who loved him
in Louisville
 But she would never desert her own class
and background to be with Gatsby.

CHARACTERISATION - TOM
“I may be old-fashioned in my ideas but
women run around too much these days
to suit me.”
 The reader sees how hypocritical Tom is
being here considering his own behaviour
 DISCUSSION: In your opinion would Tom
ever believe that Daisy would have an
affair?

STRUCTURE

When Gatsby reinvents himself he is
transforming himself and Daisy into his
ideal of radiant life and beauty.
STRUCTURE
“Tom was evidently perturbed at Daisy’s
running around alone”
 Tom’s concern is used to move the
narrative along
 This exposes the suspicions of Tom that
will eventually lead to confrontation

Symbolism
The name ‘The Great Gatsby’ makes his
almost seem like a magician.
 His reinvention is almost magical.

SYMBOLISM
“Lake Superior”
 This is a realistic geographical detail but
symbolic in a sense.
 Gatz must recreate himself as Gatsby in
order to become superior and it is at this
location that he does that.

THEME – Shallowness of the
American Upper Classes
“Mr Sloane didn’t enter into the
conversation, but lounged back haughtily
in his chair...”
 They treat Gatsby with contempt
 He has the money but lacks their superior
social qualities (in their minds)
 Even among the very rich there are class
distinctions


DISCUSSION: Think about Gatsby’s
treatment and actions towards his guests
(the Sloanes). What do they reveal about
his character?
THEME – American Dream
“Can’t repeat the past?” he cried
incredulously. “Why of course you can!”
 Gatsby’s future is an attempt at restoring
a golden moment from his past rather
than something new.
 Historically, early American settlers felt
that the New World offered them the
opportunity to return to the Garden of
Eden

The concept of an ideal future is often a
form of nostalgia for a Golden Age.
 An age that supposedly existed in the
distant past.
 DISCUSSION: Can Gatsby’s dream ever
come true?

Well-done!!!!