Describe the plot of the first chapter of The Great Gatsby. In your description, include how the setting affects the plot. Use examples from the text to support your description.

Answer 1

In the first chapter of "The Great Gatsby," narrated by Nick Carraway, the reader is introduced to the opulent world of 1920s Long Island, primarily through the lens of East and West Egg. The setting plays a crucial role in establishing the novel's themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream.

Nick, who has recently moved to a small house in West Egg, describes it as a less fashionable area compared to East Egg, home to the old-money elite. This contrast is immediately apparent and sets the stage for the social tensions that drive the narrative. Nick’s modest residence stands in stark contrast to the lavish mansions of his neighbors, particularly the enigmatic Jay Gatsby's grand mansion, which he describes as a "huge mansion" that is "an elaborate and expensive imitation of a French hotel."

The chapter also introduces Tom and Daisy Buchanan, who live in East Egg. Their home is characterized by its grandeur and the privilege associated with their old money status. This setting emphasizes the exclusivity and superficiality of the social elite, contrasted with Nick's more humble perspective. The opulence of East Egg is juxtaposed with Nick's own modest means, highlighting the theme of social class disparity.

Additionally, the opening chapter establishes the mood of the Jazz Age through descriptions of the opulent parties in Gatsby's mansion and the material excess that defines the characters’ lives. The atmosphere of the setting creates a sense of longing and desire, particularly with Gatsby’s mysterious figure hovering in the background, symbolizing the pursuit of the American Dream.

Moreover, Nick's observation of Tom and Daisy's troubled marriage, marked by discontent and infidelity, mirrors the emptiness that often accompanies the pursuit of wealth. The setting reflects the characters' superficial values and the hollowness of their social interactions.

In summary, the first chapter of "The Great Gatsby" introduces readers to the stark contrasts between the worlds of East and West Egg, using the setting to foreshadow the conflicts and themes that will unfold throughout the novel, particularly concerning wealth, class, and the elusive nature of the American Dream.

Answer 2

Read this student model describing the plot of chapter one of The Great Gatsby.

Nick Carraway, a war veteran from a rich Midwestern family, moves to New York to work in the bond business. There, he becomes reacquainted with his cousin Daisy and her wealthy husband, Tom. Their marriage is damaged by Tom’s affair. Nick is aware of a not-so-subtle difference between West Egg, where he lives, and East Egg, where Daisy and Tom live. The difference, which seems to be related to the cultural and social scene of the 1920s, foreshadows a conflict between the types of people who live on each “egg.”

Compare your plot description with that of the model. Which of the following do both your response and the model include? Check any of the boxes that apply.

Elements of exposition

The role of characters in developing the plot

The role of setting in developing the plot

An analysis of relationships between events

Summarizing rather than retelling

Answer 3

Both my response and the student model include the following elements:

• Elements of exposition: Both responses introduce Nick Carraway, his background, and his move to New York, providing context for the story.

• The role of characters in developing the plot: Both descriptions highlight the relationships between Nick, Daisy, and Tom, establishing their roles in the unfolding narrative.

• The role of setting in developing the plot: Both responses discuss the significance of East Egg and West Egg, emphasizing how these settings reflect the social and economic divides that play a crucial role in the story.

• An analysis of relationships between events: Both descriptions indicate how the characters’ relationships and the differences between their social standings contribute to the underlying tensions that foreshadow future conflicts.

Both responses summarize the content effectively, aligning with the plot's progression without overly retelling the narrative. However, the model does not emphasize "an analysis of relationships between events" as prominently as my response does in addressing themes and implications.