Characters
This character narrates The Great Gatsby.
Who is Nick Carraway?
Nick moves to this fictional village on Long Island.
What is West Egg?
Gatsby is seen reaching toward this object across the bay.
What is the green light?
“In my younger and more vulnerable years…” begins this character’s narration.
Who is Nick Carraway?
Nick claims to be this kind of narrator, though he subtly critiques others.
What is impartial or nonjudgmental?
This is Nick’s cousin, married to Tom Buchanan.
Who is Daisy Buchanan?
The Buchanans live in this more fashionable area.
What is East Egg?
Nick says he is “inclined to reserve” this.
What is judgment?
“That’s the best thing a girl can be in this world…” is said by this character.
Who is Daisy Buchanan?
Tom’s attitude toward race and power shows his belief in this.
What is white supremacy or racial superiority?
This man is arrogant, athletic, and a Yale graduate.
Who is Tom Buchanan?
Nick is originally from this region of the U.S.
What is the Midwest?
East Egg and West Egg symbolize this broader social divide.
What is old money vs. new money?
“Civilization’s going to pieces” reflects this character’s worldview.
Who is Tom Buchanan?
Jordan’s aloof demeanor reflects this cultural shift in the 1920s.
What is the rise of the New Woman (or modern female independence)?
She is a professional golfer and Daisy’s friend.
Who is Jordan Baker?
This major city lies just across the bay from West Egg.
What is New York City?
Daisy wishes her daughter will grow up to be this.
What is "a beautiful little fool"?
When Tom answers the phone during dinner, this is implied.
What is that he's having an affair?
Gatsby is not fully introduced yet to create this literary effect.
What is mystery or suspense?
This mysterious man is seen at the end of Chapter 1, reaching toward a green light.
Who is Jay Gatsby?
This is how the Buchanans’ house is described—evoking wealth and tradition.
What is "a cheerful red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion"?
This theme is foreshadowed by the contrast between appearances and reality in the Buchanans’ life.
What is illusion vs. reality (or disillusionment)?
“He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way” refers to this character and action.
Who is Gatsby, reaching for the green light?
The contrast between the Buchanans’ wealth and their personal lives supports Fitzgerald’s critique of this.
What is the emptiness of the upper class or the moral decay of the rich?