Symbolism
What color is Daisy most often associated with? What does it represent?
white - perceived innocence
Who says this quote? What do they mean? “I’m glad it’s a girl…I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
Daisy - Daisy doesn’t see any alternative futures for women other than being beautiful enough to grab a rich man and fool enough to stay with him.
When is the novel set? What significant events are happening in American history during this time period?
1920s NYC; prohibition, economic boom, Jazz Age, post-WWI
Why does Gatsby throw huge parties? How do people find out about them?
In hopes that Daisy will show up at one of them; they just show up uninvited
- The parties show off the extravagance and wealth. of the 1920s.
Who lives in the Valley of Ashes?
What do the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg represent?
the eyes of God watching down on everyone
How does Myrtle view her own social status?
She views her status at quite high, even though she is married to a poor man and lives in the Valley of Ashes.
Why is the novel, The Great Gatsby, significant to the American literary canon?
It chronicles the mood of America during The Roaring 20s.
How do we know Gatsby has a sketchy career?
His odd connection to Meyer Wolfsheim, a gambler, the strange phone calls, and that he keeps asking Nick to get involved.
Meyer Wolfsheim's cufflinks are made from what?
human molars
In the line, “Gatsby believed in the green light,” the green light most likely represents…
Envy because of wanting his life to play out exactly as he imagines
Why does Gatsby actually tell Nick all about himself?
to make sure Nick "really knows him" because Nick is a part of Gatsby's plan
Where does Nick first meet Tom’s girlfriend, and why is it significant later?
George Wilson’s garage; it becomes important later when she dies there, signifying that she never advances the social ladder.
Explain what happened when Gatsby met Dan Cody.
Myrtle’s tone toward her husband can best be described as
annoyed and disgusted
What does Daisy represent to Gatsby?
The end goal. He will have achieved his dream when he gets her back.
How did it go when Daisy and Gatsby finally reconnected at Nick’s house?
It was AWKWARD. Gatsby barely knew how to act. Eventually he thought him and Daisy would get back together.
What is ironic about Gatsby’s funeral?
Everyone shows up to his parties, no one shows up to his funeral
Gatsby's ticket to a new, glamorous life came from
Dan Cody and living a lifestyle of luxury on a yacht
Fitzgerald’s tone toward the American Dream can best be described as…
delusional
What do the following lines show?
Nick: "You can't repeat the past."
Gatsby: "Can't repeat the past?" He cried incredulously. "Why, of course you can!"
Gatsby's unfaltering optimism for reaching his vision
Describe Daisy's confidence/decision-making skills.
She has none. She has no backbone and lets others make decisions for her.
Why does Gatsby change his name from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby?
He wanted to become the person he created in his head
What is sad about Henry c. Gatz?
He is very proud of his son, but his son was ashamed of him
How does Tom find out Daisy and Gatsby are in love?
When Daisy and Gatsby look longingly into each others' eyes