Characters
Who is the narrator in The Great Gatsby?
Nick Carraway
What is the symbolism of the green light?
Jay Gatsby's undying love, desperation and the inability to reach the American dream and Daisy.
What did Daisy say when her daughter was born?
“I hope she'll be a fool…that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
What are examples of foreshadowing in “The Great Gatsby” and how do they contribute to the plot?
Foreshadowing is seen when Gatsby is talking about his past and unrequited love for Daisy, which foreshadows the tragedy and romance to come.
Who could be identified as a tragic hero and why?
The Great Gatsby includes a tragic hero which is Jay Gatsby. Jay has many admirable qualities including his hospitality through his extravagant parties but he has one fatal flaw that ultimately leads to his death. His fatal flaw is his unrequited love for Daisy and his longing to rekindle his love.
Where is Gatsby From?
Jay Gatz grew up on a North Dakota farm.
What is the symbolism of the diamond dog collar?
The dog collar is imagery for how Tom believes he controls Myrtle. The collar is also a symbol of the relationship between the two and alerts George that his wife has been having an affair.
“If it wasn’t for the mist we could see your home across the bay," said Gatsby. "You always have a green light that burns at the end of your dock." What does this reveal about Gatsby’s intentions?
This quote shows Daisy that Gatsby lives directly across from her and makes it known that he is keeping an eye on her. He said this also to express to her after all these years he still cares about her and is making an effort to get her back.
In the novel, how does Fitzgerald use allusions?
His references to the Roaring Twenties and Jazz Age refer to the historical events and contribute to the societal context of the novel.
Does The Great Gatsby have a tragic fate? How?
Gatsby's pride and belief that he can recreate the past and rekindle his love with Daisy contributes to his tragic fate. This leads him to pursue an idealized version of the American Dream and love, which ultimately proves unattainable.
How do the feelings between Gatsby and Daisy contrast each other?
Gatsby is in love with Daisy and has been trying to get her back for years. He has been going out of his way to do extravagant actions to get her attention which shows his attention. This contrasts how Daisy feels because although she has a husband, Tom, she is not in love with either of them. She is trapped with Tom but her feelings towards Gatsby towards the beginning of their reunion aren’t genuine.
What does George look at as he refers to “God”
George is fixated on the ad for glasses. The large eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg on the billboard is the image of God for George.
“If it wasn’t for the mist we could see your home across the bay,” said Gatsby. “You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.” - Who is Gatsby speaking to? What is the significance?
Gatsby is speaking to Daisy at their first meeting. This statement is the first time Gatsby explicitly states that the green light belongs to Daisy’s house, revealing why Nick has seen him reaching out for it
How does the author characterize Jay Gatsby? (direct and indirect)
Jay Gatsby’s direct characterization reveals his wealth and mysterious personality while his indirect characterization reveals his isolated life and yearning for Daisy’s love.
What is a main contributing factor to the tragic atmosphere of the novel?
The narration and commentary throughout the novel contributes to the tragic atmosphere. The lack of moral values that went on during the Jazz Age are shown during this storyline and shows the societal disillusionment that went along with this historical time period and the atmosphere of the novel.
Name at least two examples of foil characters in the novel?
An example of foil characters is Nick and Gatsby. While Nick is more relaxed and observant, Gatsby contrasts that by having a false romantic reality. This highlights the difference between perception and reality.
What is the symbolism of the broken clock during Gatsby's meeting with Daisy?
Gatsby rests his head on the broken clock which symbolizes he is stuck in the past and all he has been thinking about is Daisy.
She held my hand impersonally, as a promise that she’d take care of me in a minute, and gave ear to two girls in twin yellow dresses, who stopped at the foot of the steps. - Who is Nick speaking about?
Nick is describing Jordan Baker during Gatsby's party.
The setting in the novel includes West Egg, East Egg, and the Valley of Ashes. Why is this significant?
The setting helps show readers the distinction between social classes and the different wealth statuses. West and East Egg symbolize those who are higher up and wealthy, while the Valley of Ashes strongly contrasts that.
Throughout the novel, there are many aspects of writing Fitzgerald uses to show the elements of tragedy. What happens in Chapter 8 that confirms this tragedy and how?
Gatsby ultimately is tragically shot and murdered by Tom Buchanan. This is a result of the affair between Gatsby and Daisy because Gatsby was trying so hard to steal her from Tom and rekindle the love they once had.
Who is the titular character and what do we learn about him in chapter 8?
In Chapter 8, we learn more about Gatsby's mysterious nature through his father who arrives after Gatsby's death. Henry Gatz shows up and tells Nick more about Gatsby as a child and he learns more about Gatsby's enigmatic persona. Nick also learns how Gatsby truly pursued the American Dream because as a young child he wrote out his dreams and what he wanted to accomplish. Finally, we learn about how all of Gatsby's riches and expenses were all in hopes to get Daisy back. His unrequited love for her since World War I when they fell in love, carried over to his adult life and how he would do anything for her because he loved her.
What is the symbolism of The Valley of Ashes?
The Valley of Ashes represents the moral and social decay that results from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure. The valley of ashes also symbolizes the plight of the poor, like George Wilson, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result.
“I’m p-paralyzed with happiness.” - In Chapter 1 who is speaking for the first time in the book?
These are Daisy's first words as she is speaking to Nick upon his arrival to the Buchanan residence.
What is the main example of imagery in the novel?
The most prominent example of imagery is through Gatsby’s party. Fitzgerald uses strong vocabulary to describe the extravagant parties thrown by Gatsby. The use of vivid imagery helps readers understand and feel the experience. (Or give another example)
How is Tom Buchanan established as the tragic villain?
He is set up as a villain through the physical descriptions of his “cruel body” and “arrogant eyes” and through the violence of his actions including his bruising Daisy’s finger and breaking Myrtle’s nose with his open hand.