Characters
What is Gatsby’s first name?
Jay
What does the body of water between the East and West Egg symbolize?
the water is a physical divide between the town, symbolizing the social and class divide between “old money” and “new money”
Where does the narrator live?
West-Egg
What was the Roaring Twenties?
A period of economic prosperity and social changes following World War II that was characterized by new fashions, consumerism, new technologies, Prohibition, and the crimes that went with it.
How are social and economic class differences shown in The Great Gatsby?
potential answers:
- Tom‘a carelessness and ease vs. Myrtle’s desperation and struggles
- Daisy’s shallowness and apathy vs. Gatsby’s longing
- Gatsby or the Buchanans’ material success and grand homes v. The Wilson‘s much less grand home and garage
- the geographical separation between the East Egg (old money) and the West Egg (new money)
What is the narrators name?
Nick Carraway
the green light symbolizes Gatsby’s longing for what he lacks despite his wealth
How is the valley of the ashes describe?
It is described as an ashy wasteland between the West Egg and New York. It is also often referred to in a negative way, like it is a dark and hopeless place
In what ways does the novel criticize the American dream?
- Gatsby is very wealthy and not lacking in material possessions yet he seems to still be melancholy and is full of longing.
- The Buchanan’s are also wealthy yet they are not happy in their life or marriage.
What is the name of the girl that Gatsby is trying to impress
Daisy Buchanan
What does the valley of the ashes represent?
It represents moral and coal decay due to the pursuit of wealth. It also represents the wealthy peoples’ lack of care while the poor must suffer the consequences of the wealthy’s choices.
What is the significance of Gatsby’s house?
It clearly communicates to the reader that Gatsby is a very wealthy man. It also acts as a stage for parties and is full of people Gatsby rarely talks to and
What was the American Dream like in the Roaring Twenties?
It focused on consumerism and material prosperity. The American Dream shifted from building stable foundations to immediate satisfaction, luxury, and freedom.
How is Moral Decay due to wealth demonstrated in The Great Gatsby?
The grandiose parties and lives of the wealthy mask apathy and a lack of connection or empathy
What are the differences between the East and West Egg?
The East Egg is where the “old money” lives and in general described as more elegant, grand, and tasteful. The West Egg is where the “new money” lives and is often more flashy and ostentatious in a way that makes it seem the inhabitants are over compensating.
What were the social changes for women in the 1920s?
Women had more independence, worked outside the home more, and had new freedoms. This caused a general pattern of changing social norms and behaviors, more women began to smoke, drink, be involved in nightlife, and develop new fashions.