Quote Interpretation
"They were careless people, Tom and Daisy — they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money of their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made."
Hot Weather
“The next day was broiling, almost the last, certainly the warmest day of the summer”
The hot weather symbolizes the tension in the room when Daisy and Gatsby's are confessing their love for each other to Tom
Morality and Ethics:
Are Gatsby and Wolfsheim’s line of work and careers respectable and ethical?
Gatsby and Wolfsheim’s line of work and careers were not respectable due to the fact that during this time period, the main focus was to eliminate alcohol abuse, but Gatsby and Wolfsheim engaged in illegal activities for personal financial gain.
What is the mood at Gatsby's and Daisy’s first encounter after 5 years?
The mood at Gatsby’s and Daisy’s first encounter was awkward at first due to five years without seeing each other. However, the mood lightens up because they soon start to catch up on all the time lost.
"My own house was an eyesore."
She told me it was a girl, and so I turned my head away and wept. 'All right,' I said, 'I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."
Compare Myrtle’s lifestyle with the lifestyle she desires.
Green Light
“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . .”
The Green light symbolizes the end of Daisy and Tom’s dock and because the light is directly across Gatsby it expresses that Daisy is near physically but emotionally distant.
Society and Class:
What sort of opportunities does Tom offer for Myrtle?
Opportunities that Tom offers Myrtle is money and spontaneity.
What is the mood at the dinner table during Nick and Daisy’s reunion?
The mood during the dinner was peaceful. However when Tom receives a phone call from Myrtle, they start to develop tensions at the dinner table.
“...mean and girls came and went like moth among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars”
"Well, it's a fine book, and everybody ought to read it. The idea is if we don't look out the white race will be—will be utterly submerged. It's all scientific stuff; it's been proved."
Why does Tom have an affair with Myrtle?
T.J. Eckleburg
“With an effort he got up and walked to the rear window and leaned with his face pressed against it, "—and I said 'God knows what you've been doing, everything you've been doing. You may fool me but you can't fool God!' "Standing behind him Michaelis saw with a shock that he was looking at the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg which had just emerged pale and enormous from the dissolving night.”
T.J. Eckleberg’s eyes is a symbol that the town is always being watched with every action they take.
American Dream:
Name a character and explain how they represent this theme.
Gatsby represents is the epitome of the American dream because he came from a poor background but with determination and motivation, he became a self made man.
What is the mood at the scene when Tom abuses Myrtle?
The mood of the scene when Tom abuses Myrtle is shocking and intense because things escalated quickly and his attack was unexpected.
"I heard a car stop and then the sound of someone splashing after us over the soggy ground"
"I wouldn't ask too much of her," I ventured. "You can't repeat the past." "Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!"
How does Nick feel about the people in New York?
Valley of Ashes
"About half way between West Egg and New York the motor road hastily joins the railroad and runs beside it for a quarter of a mile, so as to shrink away from a certain desolate area of land. This is a valley of ashes—a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air."
The Valley of Ashes is a symbol of all the casualties of the rich who were dumped on by the rest of the world just how ashes were dumped on them.
Death and Failure:
How does Gatsby represent this theme?
Gatsby’s obsession with his dream led to his ultimate demise
What is the mood at the meeting where Daisy is supposed to confess to Tom about her affair?
The mood at the meeting where Daisy is supposed to confess to Tom about her affair is pressuring and nerve wracking because of Gatsby’s presence.
“I’ve been drunk twice in my life, and the second was that night”
In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. "Whenever you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."
Why does Daisy ultimately reject Gatsby and remain with Tom?
Clock
"Luckily the clock took this moment to tilt dangerously at the the pressure of his head, whereupon he turned and caught it with trembling fingers and set it back in place. Then he sat down, rigidly, his elbow on the arm of the sofa and his chin in his hand."
When Daisy and Gatsby reunite, Gatsby drops the clock which symbolizes the time lost with each other.
Love and Relationship:
Describe the different stages and transitions of Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship over the course of time?
The different stages and transitions of their relationship is a bumpy road because at first they were happy and sharing numerous joyful moments. Then, Tom came into the picture and made everything more complicated for their relationship.
What is the mood at Gatsby’s funeral?
The mood at Gatsby’s funeral is depressing because everyone now views Gatsby as a villain. Therefore, no one who knew or attended his parties, has a desire to attend his funeral.
“Tom and Myrtle” in love, but both are married to people they really do not love. They want to be together, but stay in separate relationships”