Characters
Who is Nick Carraway?
- Narrarator of the story
- Cousin of Daisy
- Neighbor of Jay Gatsby
- Moved to New York from the MidWest to become a bondsman
- Observant, good listener, honest, etc.
How does the Green Light serve as a symbol of Gatsby's affection for Daisy?
What is the difference between the West Egg and the East Egg?
The West Egg, where Nick and Gatsby live, represents "new money" while the East Egg, where Daisy and Tom live, represents "Old money". The fundamental differences between these two areas contrast their attitudes, social behavior, and status.
How are themes of class portrayed in the novel?
-Valley of Ashes shows the themes of poverty
- Characters represent classes:
- Tom and Daisy --> Upper upper class
- Nick and Gatsby --> Upper class
- Myrtle --> lower class/poverty
Who is Jay Gatsby?
- Throws opulent parties
-Tries to win Daisy's affection
- Ambitious, idealist, romantic, self-made
-New money
- Shot at the end of the book
- Lives on the West Egg
How does the Valley of Ashes portray the realities of wealth inequality?
The Valley of Ashes ultimately portrays the vast differences between upper and lower classes. In this time, if you didn't have a lot of money, you were living in poverty, in situations like the Valley of Ashes.
How does the East Egg vs the West Egg establish an important setting that connects to the central theme of the novel?
The East Egg vs West Egg represents the complexities of the American Dream. It shows a contrast between old wealth and new wealth, and how those who have new wealth will never truly be accepted by the other group.
How is morality utilized as a theme?
The novel highlights how the acquisition of wealth can lead to a decay in the morals of people. The lack of integrity from Tom and Daisy are a great example of this.
Who is Daisy Buchanan?
- Cousin of Nick
- Married to Tom Buchanan
- Old money
- Used to love Gatsby
- Lives on the East Egg
- Superficial, materialistic, self-centered, lacks moral principals
How does Dr. TJ Eckleberg's serve as a symbol in the novel?
They portray the decay of the American dream, and watch over the Valley of Ashes as it decays.
What does the Valley of Ashes contribute to the setting?
The Valley of Ashes represents the moral decay of the American Dream, and the contrast between the rich and the poor. At the time, if you didn't have money, you lived in poverty, like in the Valley of Ashes.
How is the American Dream utilized as a theme across the novel?
The American dream is primarily shown through Gatsby, who worked hard to accumulate a lot of wealth. However, the novel demonstrates the reality, which is not many people can make it, and even when you make that kind of money you don't get accepted into the social status.
Who is Tom Buchanan?
- Married to Daisy
- Lives on the East Egg
- Went to Yale with Nick
- Arrogant, bully
- Despises Gatsby
- Has an affair with his mistress Myrtle
How does Gatsby's house serve as an important symbol throughout the novel?
Gatsby's house is the location of many extravagent parties that he throws. Gatsby throws these parties and surrounds himself with many people, in hopes that one day Daisy will show up. But when everyone leaves, Gatsby is there all alone. This serves to symbolize Gatsby's loneliness, and how he is still holding on to the hopes that Daisy will come back to him.
How does the setting of Gatsby's house establish character conflict?
How is love a central theme?
Who is Jordan Baker?
- Famous golfer
- Friend of Daisy
- Has a fling with Nick
- Very dishonest, lies often
What does Gatsby's ring symbolize?
What is the time period of the novel and how does this contribute to the setting?
- Summer, 1922
- provides context for the story:
- end of WW2
- influx of wealth
- prohibition & bootlegging
How does death affect the themes of the novel?