Gatsby Three

Gatsby Three/ Socratic Seminar

Why does Tom display caring towards Wilson?

Tom displays caring because, although overall unpleasant, he is a human being with normal attendant emotions. Specifically, he is moved to console Wilson “with soothing gruffness” (140) because of a sense of guilt. Having cheated on his wife with Wilson’s wife, he feels a sense of guilt and pity for Wilson when his wife dies. Interestingly, a sort of compassion is revealed here that seems otherwise lacking in Tom’s character (and herein provides the best example of why Tom is round).

What does the book’s conclusion reveal about Daisy?

Throughout The Great Gatsby, Daisy’s fundamental character trait is weakness. Although endowed with intelligence and class, Daisy displays a lack of resolve and decisiveness that ultimately characterizes her more than anything else. Her response to Gatsby’s confrontation of Tom demonstrates this weakness, as she attempts to avoid committing herself and is obviously quite uncomfortable with the situation as a whole. Even more acutely is this weakness demonstrated by her reaction to Gatsby’s death: she takes the path of least resistance, fleeing with Tom, and leaving no means of contact (164). As the funeral occurs, Nick notes that Daisy “hadn’t sent a message or a flower” (174). Fundamentally, Daisy is characterized through this action and throughout the book as weak and cowardly.

Why does Fitzgerald end Nick and Jordan’s relationship?

Fitzgerald chooses to end Nick and Jordan’s relationship as symptomatic of the breakdown of the normal social order. Although too late to be foreshadowing for the dramatic confrontation between Tom and Gatsby, the end of Nick and Jordan’s relationship in a matter-of-fact, relatively easy way shows the weakness of the social ties created in this society. Nick decides that he had “had enough of all of them for one day, and suddenly that included Jordan too” (142). Fitzgerald ends this relationship—albeit not a very important one—quickly and easily as a demonstration of its vacuity and weakness. He ends the relationship with a simple handshake (177) and although strong emotions remain, it is a testament to the failure of the social system that the relationship ends so simply and easily.

What is the purpose of Gatsby’s father for the book?

Gatsby’s father serves several purposes. Foremost, he posthumously characterizes Gatsby in several manners. He characterizes Gatsby directly as being “’bound to get ahead’”(173) and indirectly as a hardworking, ambitious individual who, despite an unimpressive family background, rose to great prominence. Additionally, Gatsby’s father shows Gatsby’s isolation from others, showing up only at his death and never having visited him before.

But I don’t really know the answer to this one.