Chapter Five: Love & Historical Context
English Lit: AQA A Level The Great Gatsby - Specification A, topic 3.5.2
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Chapter Five: Love & Historical Context
Who does Gatsby offer a shady business opportunity to?
What is significant about Gatsby's appearance in Chapter Five?
What symbolises the outward power of Gatsby and his type?
Which of these is NOT something Daisy cries over in Chapter Five?
In which chapter did we first see the symbol of the green light?