Vocab
This vocabulary term means "experienced secondhand."
What is vicariously?
This weather condition symbolically mirrors Gatsby's initial anxiety and the heavy awkwardness of his reunion with Daisy.
What is rain?
The revealing of this legal name, plus his youth with Dan Cody, shows how Gatsby deliberately re-invented himself.
Who is James Gatz?
Nick creates a very long list of these, showing that he is an observant but judgmental bystander.
What are party guests?
This character is depressed to find that reality is not as brilliant as his imagination when his love interest's intentions do not match his own.
Who is Gatsby?
This vocabulary term means "too many to be counted."
What is innumerable?
This symbol from Nick's living room could represent the inescapable reality of time and change.
What is a clock?
Gatsby dropped out of this small Lutheran college after only two weeks when he felt that the school, combined with the janitorial work he had to do, were beneath him.
What is St. Olaf's?
This character's account of Daisy and Gatsby's past in Louisville provides necessary background information to explain Gatsby's motivation and the central conflict.
Who is Jordan Baker?
Gatsby is "literally glowing," showing his overwhelming joy and a sense of completion when he finally reunites with this other character from his past.
Who is Daisy?
This vocabulary term means "a waste of time."
What is dilatory?
Gatsby tosses this item in front of Daisy to try to impress her and overwhelm her with his wealth.
What are shirts?
Gatsby's inability to distinguish between his dream of Daisy and the reality of her presence is a _____ that arises in the plot.
What is conflict?
This character leaves Gatsby and Daisy alone multiple times in Chapter 5, showing that he is an unreliable narrator and leaving readers to make inferences about key plot points.
Who is Nick Carraway?
This character shows deep suspicion and disdain for what he perceives as vulgar, illegitimate ways to get wealthy, and he vows to learn everything he can about Gatsby.
Who is Tom Buchanan?
This vocabulary term means "disapproval or disappointment."
What is reproach?
This symbol was largely monumental in representing Gatsby's desire for Daisy, and he admits to staring at it every night for five years.
What is the green light?
Daisy would rather be alone with Gatsby than to be surrounded by the wild, careless guests at this social event.
What is Gatsby's party?
Gatsby's shady business dealings with this character develop the central idea that Gatsby's new wealth and identity are tainted and morally compromised.
Who is Meyer Wolfshiem?
Gatsby is revealed to have been the son of poor farmers from this state, which goes against what he had originally told Nick.
What is North Dakota?
This vocabulary term means "stubbornly refusing to change one's course of action."
What is obstinate?
The author emphasizes the bright color and opulent detail of this possession of Gatsby's when he comes to pick Nick up for lunch, symbolizing his showy, new-money materialism.
What is his car?
Gatsby shows that he is delusional and sees no flaw in his unrealistic thinking when he expects Daisy to tell Tom this.
What is "I never loved you."
Gatsby refuses to accept that Daisy can't repeat this, which demonstrates the theme of the American Dream often being an unattainable illusion.
What is the past?
This character could be described as a catalyst who serves as the main inspiration and financial means to Gatsby's success.
Who is Dan Cody?