Characters
who is Jay Gatsby
This character reinvented himself to pursue an idealized version of love
The Green Light
Represents Gatsby’s unreachable dream
American Dream
The belief that anyone can succeed through hard work
Nick Moves East
Nick arrives in West Egg to learn the bond business
Roaring Twenties
A decade of economic boom and cultural change
who is Daisy Buchanan
She is the one of Gatsby’s dream but represents wealth and carelessness.
The Valley of Ashes
Symbolizes poverty and the dark side of wealth.
Wealth
Old money vs. new money divides society
Gatsby’s Parties
Extravagant gatherings meant to attract Daisy
Prohibition
Illegal alcohol fuels Gatsby’s wealth
who is Nick Carraway
The novel’s narrator who observes the moral decay around him
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg
Eyes that watch over moral decay
Excess
Lavish parties hide emotional emptiness
The Reunion
Gatsby and Daisy reconnect at Nick’s house
Economic Inequality
The gap between rich and poor widens
who is Tom Buchanan
A symbol of old money arrogance and entitlement.
Gatsby’s Mansion
Represents excess and the illusion of success
Appearance vs Reality
Gatsby’s persona hides his true origins
The Confrontation
Tom exposes Gatsby’s past
Consumerism
Advertising and luxury goods explode
who is Jordan Baker
A professional golfer known for dishonesty and detachment.
Parties
Symbolize empty pleasure and superficial relationships
Love & Illusion
Gatsby loves an idea, not a person
The Tragedy
Gatsby takes the blame for Daisy and is killed
Social Class
Old money dominates despite new wealth