3.5.2

Chapter Five: Love & Historical Context

Test yourself

Chapter Five - Love, Historical Context and Historicism

For specification A, you are specifically interested in the implication of texts in history and how the ideology of love is presented in this text. Here are some ideas relevant to that reading:

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Significance of the business opportunity

  • The business opportunity offered to Nick by Gatsby is typical of this era – in that it indicates a shady and criminal activity.
  • However, it is partially this kind of activity that has allowed for ‘new money’ to emerge. This was a phase of society associated with goals rather than roles. His goal is to find love again.
  • Probably many business deals in this era were completed ‘confidentially’ out of the eyes of the law.
Illustrative background for Gatsby's attempts to impress DaisyIllustrative background for Gatsby's attempts to impress Daisy ?? "content

Gatsby's attempts to impress Daisy

  • To impress Daisy, Gatsby represents the ostentatious nature of this period. He hopes this will ‘make’ her love him again.
  • This is symbolised in the gardeners mowing the grass while it is raining and in the flowers delivered.
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Gatsby's outward power

  • The outward power of Gatsby and his type is symbolised by his flashy clothes, but this image is undercut by his pale exterior and sleeplessness.
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Meeting: Daisy and Gatsby

  • The meeting between Daisy and Gatsby captures all of the affected and awkward social mannerisms of the period.
  • They are, however, still trying to almost negotiate a love affair.

Chapter Five - Love, Historical Context and Historicism

For specification A, you are specifically interested in the implication of texts in history and how the ideology of love is presented in this text. Here are some ideas relevant to that reading:

Illustrative background for Gatsby's clothes and mansionIllustrative background for Gatsby's clothes and mansion ?? "content

Gatsby's clothes and mansion

  • Gatsby’s mansion and clothes show Daisy what ‘new money’ can bring. He hopes this will make her love him again.
Illustrative background for Significance of Daisy's tearsIllustrative background for Significance of Daisy's tears ?? "content

Significance of Daisy's tears

  • Daisy has to weigh up her and past and present situation and notes the changes that have occurred. She cries because she realises what she could have had. She cries too because of a lost love.
Illustrative background for Significance of the green lightIllustrative background for Significance of the green light ?? "content

Significance of the green light

  • The symbol of the green light is repeated here, but it may no longer be needed because in effect, wealth has allowed Gatsby to touch and embrace it.
  • It is still uncertain if money can bring happiness and true love to either of the characters here.

Jump to other topics

1Specification Overview

1.1Specification Overview

2Context

3Plot Summary

4Character Profiles

5Key Ideas

6Writing Techniques

7Love Through the Ages - Thematic Analysis

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