Introduction to Nick [Write on board: Subject: Nick’s perception Course Outline: Ch. 1 Introduction of Nick as a narrator, Plot Summary, Analysis of Plot, Nick’s insight. Use tickboxes. Write questions: Reserving judgement is a matter of infinite hope. What does this mean?] Greetings to you all. Today we’re going to look at Nick’s perspective on the Great Gatsby incident. This is comprised of [drawn on board] the introduction of Nick as a narrator; chapter nine plot summary with analysis; and Nick’s final insights. The purpose of the PowerPoint is to show the quotes that I base my discussions on. You need to be familiar with the material to follow what I’m talking about. If you’re not, you’ll have to read off the screen or use your books. If at any stage during this seminar you reach enlightenment then give us an indication. To start off with a tricky question: can anyone tell me why the reader of “The Great Gatsby” is so reliant on Nick? [Script]: Just as with any narrator, we must trust Nick to give us an honest and trustworthy account of the events that happen. The reader is dependent on Nick for insight because the reader cannot accurately imagine Nick’s fascination of the occurrences. Also, the reader’s own judgement and interpretation of Gatsby will tend diverge from Nick’s, which implies that Nick is wiser than the reader or observes some greater ideas. All the same we rely on Nick to lead us to wisdom and insight because we learn from him what we cannot see ourselves. [Script]: Commendation Indeed the reason why we look at chapter one and nine is because here Nick summarises the crucial themes. You’ll notice the beginning and end are separated from the rest of the text with regards to time and attitude, since Nick is writing two years after everything has happened. (“…when I came back from the east last autumn….After two years…”) These several extracts from page one quickly convinces us that Nick is a rational, reliable narrator. He is established as wise and trustworthy when he eagerly speaks of judgement and philosophy, and the secrets of the “abnormal mind” which he was often privy to. He states that “Reserving judgements is a matter of infinite hope,” a controversial assertion to be discussed [write on board the classes’ initial thoughts. See if infinite hope is linked to Gatsby]. There is a change in tone as Nick describes himself as a tolerant person but articulates that he has his limits. He seems utterly displeased by the moral decay of society and the weaknesses of the “human heart” that he saw during his last “excursion.” Gatsby however, is said to be “exempt” from his reaction; Gatsby, who he ascribes “heightened sensitivity to the promises of life,” “romantic readiness,” and an “extraordinary gift for hope” is compared with a machine that can detect the most remote earthquakes. Nick lastly mentions the “foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams” which
he says has deterred him from the hedonistic “shortwinded elations of men.” [shortwinded = discontinuous, elation = extreme enjoyment and excitement] Why does Nick admire Gatsby? [list why’s and why-nots] [Any questions so far? / Check box]