The Great Gatsby Ch. 4-6

Introduction - 💼 Pack your bags

In this lesson, we’re diving into Chapters 4-6 of The Great Gatsby. We’ll look at how the characters evolve, the themes that emerge, and the social context of the Roaring Twenties. By the end, you’ll have a better grasp of how these elements shape the story.

Let’s jump in and explore the world of Gatsby together! 📖

Chapters 4-6

Let’s continue with our reading of The Great Gatsby. In the next three chapters, you will learn more about the mysterious Jay Gatsby and his connection to Daisy Buchanan. Their relationship is quite interesting and also quite the scandal. Fitzgerald illustrates the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their desires, often at the expense of their integrity, displaying the theme of decaying moral values in society.

Nick Carraway serves as the moral center of the novel, and as Gatsby’s friend, Nick provides insight into Gatsby’s character and motivations. Nick’s growing awareness of the moral decay around him – particularly in the behavior of the Buchanans – highlights the corruption of the American Dream.

Furthermore, you will also see the theme of appearance versus reality throughout chapters 4-6. Jay Gatsby continues to construct a façade of wealth and sophistication, even though when he reveals information about his past, it seems too polished and rehearsed, raising questions about the truth behind his wealth. This theme is further illustrated at Gatsby’s parties, where guests engage in superficial conversations, highlighting the emptiness of their lives despite the glamour surrounding them. You will see this illusion with Daisy in particular.

It is also important to pay attention to the different social classes found in The Great Gatsby and the significance of social status in the novel. Watch for this as you read.

Reading Assignment

Please read The Great Gatsby, chapters 4-6 now.

Don’t forget that you have a study guide to assist you with your understanding of the novel. Happy reading!

The Great Gatsby Chapters 4-6 Self-Assessment

Check your understanding of chapters 4-6 with the self-assessment below. Good luck!

🚀 Blast-off Wrap-up

Character is one of the most basic aspects of fiction. Most authors are interested in writing about a person's character because writers and readers alike are interested in what makes people behave as they do. Authors also use character, however, to investigate or illustrate some important idea or theme. As you better understand the characters in The Great Gatsby and their motivations, you will be able to connect to the themes in this novel and see society through Fitzgerald’s eyes.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN THE LESSON.