Characterization
In Chapter 2, Tom breaks Myrtle’s nose. What does this moment reveal about his character?
He is violent, impulsive, aggressive, brutal, and lacks empathy.
Write the best mood for the line:
"The valley of ashes, with its gray dust and dead land" (Chapter 2)
Gloomy
Gatsby nearly knocks over the clock in Chapter 5. What might this symbolize about his relationship with the past?
The clock is a symbol for the time that has passed between Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship and the clock falling on him represents his obsession with the past.
Compare West Egg and East Egg. What does each say about the people who live there and about “old money” vs. “new money”?
East Egg/Old Money means you are from established families who inherited their fortunes across generations (such as Tom Buchanan).
West Egg/New Money means you are self-made entrepreneurs, or individuals with recently (and sometimes illicitly) acquired fortunes (such as Jay Gatsby).
What does STEAL stand for?
Speech, Thoughts, Effects on Others, Actions, Looks
How are Daisy and Mrs. Wilson similar in how they depend on Tom?
They want the financial security/stability he can offer them.
Describe the scene's mood in one word:
Gatsby standing alone in the dark, reaching toward the green light (Chapter 1)
Mysterious
In Chapter 5, the rain turns to sunshine during the reunion. What might this symbolize about the emotional transition of the scene?
Gatsby and Daisy were tense and awkward when they first met, but eventually warmed up to each other and got more comfortable as time went on.
Why does Gatsby place his house directly across the water from Daisy’s?
Gatsby buys his mansion in West Egg directly across the bay from Daisy Buchanan in East Egg so he can be close to her and try to win her back.
How does Fitzgerald describe Daisy’s appearance and voice in Chapters 1 and 5, and what do those descriptions suggest about her character?
She is very feminine, graceful, and beautiful, which makes her popular and attractive.
In Chapter 1, Daisy says she hopes her daughter will be “a beautiful little fool.” What does this line reveal about Daisy’s view of herself and of women in her world?
She believes a woman is much more likely to be happy, safe, and comfortable if she is too naive to notice the moral corruption, deceit, and harsh realities around her.
How does the mood shift from the first half of Chapter 5, when Gatsby first meets Daisy, to later in their reunion?
The mood shifts from anxious, awkward tension during the initial reunion to an ecstatic and comfortable mood once Gatsby and Daisy re-establish their deep connection.
Gatsby’s shirts, car, and suits are described in vivid colors such as yellow, pink, silver, and gold. What do these colors suggest about his idea of success?
These colors suggest that Gatsby views success as a bright, flashy spectacle designed to prove his worth and win back Daisy Buchanan.
How does the setting of the valley of ashes affect Mrs. Wilson's desire to leave it?
The valley is a depressing, industrial dumping ground where everything, including her husband, George, is coated in a lifeless, ash-gray dust.
What does Tom’s treatment of Myrtle in Chapter 2 reveal about his sense of entitlement?
Tom's treatment of Myrtle in Chapter 2 reveals that he views himself as untouchable and that he looks down on others.
How does Daisy react when she sees Gatsby’s shirts in Chapter 5?
She cries because of the painful realization of the life and social standing she missed out on by marrying Tom Buchanan instead of waiting for Gatsby.
In chapter one, how does the mood change when Tom is called away to the phone?
The mood becomes tense when Tom gets a call from his mistress and rushes out of the room to answer.
Why might Fitzgerald choose the color green for the green light at Daisy's dock? Consider what the color suggests/symbolizes.
Green is the literal color of American money. Gatsby’s entire transformation from a poor soldier to a lavishly wealthy host is a calculated attempt to return to Daisy's social tier.
Why does Fitzgerald place the Valley of Ashes in Queens? What does it show about the social order of the 1920s?
The working class is poor and cannot afford to live anywhere nicer.
In Chapter 4, Gatsby tells Nick his life story (the wealthy family, Oxford, the war medals). What does his manner of telling it suggest about his need to be believed?
Gatsby’s manner of telling his life story suggests that his need to be believed is desperate, insecure, and heavily calculated.
Nick says he is “inclined to reserve all judgments,” yet he judges people constantly. What does this contradiction show about his reliability as a narrator?
Nick judges characters like Tom and Daisy harshly, yet exempts Jay Gatsby because of his "extraordinary gift for hope". This double standard proves that his storytelling is driven by personal emotional attachment rather than neutral observation.
What mood does the weather create in Chapter 5, and how does it mirror Gatsby’s emotions?
The rain reflects Gatsby's anxiety about meeting Daisy, and when the rain stops, he feels more confident.
In Chapter 1, Gatsby stretches his arms toward the green light across the water. What does this gesture reveal about his longing?
Gatsby’s gesture of stretching his arms out toward the green light reveals a profound, trembling yearning for an unattainable dream—specifically his obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan and the past he desperately wants to recover.
How does the setting of Gatsby’s mansion (the lights, music, and crowds) reflect his goals?
Gatsby’s mansion is a physical manifestation of his grand dream, designed specifically to show off his immense wealth and lure Daisy Buchanan back into his life.
Gatsby has Nick’s lawn cut and fills the house with flowers before the reunion. What do these actions reveal about his priorities and his fear of failure?
Gatsby’s decision to have Nick’s lawn mown and to flood his house with flowers reveals his obsession with perfection and his deep terror of being rejected by Daisy.