Characters
Who is the narrator of the story?
Nick Carraway
What does the book say about the American Dream?
Corrupted / fake / not for everyone
Where does Nick live?
West Egg
What is Gatsby’s real name?
James Gatz
What does the green light symbolize?
hope / dream / Daisy
Which character is dishonest and a professional golfer?
Jordan
What theme is shown in Gatsby wanting the past back?
reality vs. illusion
What is the Valley of Ashes?
Dirty/poor/hopeless place
Why does Gatsby throw big parties?
For Daisy / to impress her
What does the Valley of Ashes symbolize?
Sadness / broken dreams
Why did Tom hit Myrtle at the party?
Says Daisy’s name
What does the novel show about who gets punished and who doesn’t?
Poor people suffer / rich people escape blame
Where does the big confrontation happen? (from chapter 7)
Plaza Hotel / apartment downtown
Why doesn’t Gatsby leave after Myrtle’s death?
Stays for Daisy / still hopeful
What moment makes Daisy cry in Gatsby’s closet, and what does it really show us about her?
She cries over shirts – cares about money / overwhelmed by wealth / how much she misses him or what she could have had with him
What makes George Wilson a tragic character?
(A tragic character is someone who suffers deeply. This is usually because of a mix of personal flaws, bad luck, and outside forces beyond their control.)
Poor / heartbroken / kills Gatsby
How does the book show lack of morality?
Rich avoid consequences / unfair / people not being honest / hiding from others
What separates Daisy and Gatsby’s homes?
How is Gatsby’s view of Daisy unrealistic?
Thinks she’s perfect / she’s not
What’s the weather like when things go wrong in the book?
(Chapter 4 - when Gatsby and Daisy meet again; Chapter 7 - the climax)
Hot / stormy / uncomfortable
Rain = nervous / tension → clears up; Heat = pressure / explosion
What does Daisy’s reaction to Gatsby’s death reveal about her character?
Selfish / avoids responsibility / moves on quickly
Why is Nick different from other characters?
Honest / not fake / goes back home
Why is Gatsby’s mansion important?
To impress Daisy / show off wealth
In what ways is Gatsby “great” and not?
Dreamer / fake life / lies / criminal
What do the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg symbolize?
Judgment / watching / no God