Vocab.
Bringing three extra calculators to the test was completely __________________________ since the teacher had already provided enough for everyone.
Word Bank: affront, inviolate, superfluous, transitory, intermittent, formidable, adventitious, amorphous, garrulous, corroborate, pervaded, ravenously
superfluous
Why does Gatsby want Daisy to tell Tom she never loved him, and what does this reveal about his understanding of love?
He wants to erase the past and restore their relationship perfectly; it shows he equates love with exclusivity and idealized control.
In Chapter 8, how do the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg symbolize moral judgment after Myrtle’s death?
They represent God (or some higher authority) watching over human sin, highlighting the moral decay and consequences surrounding Myrtle’s death and the characters’ actions.
Why do Tom and Daisy leave East Egg after Gatsby’s death?
To avoid consequences, demonstrating their carelessness and selfishness.
Why is Mr. Gatz proud of Gatsby?
He admires Gatsby’s ambition and dedication and seems unaware of him attaining it by illegal means.
The beauty of the sunset was __________________________, fading away within minutes as darkness took over the sky.
Word Bank: affront, inviolate, superfluous, transitory, intermittent, formidable, adventitious, amorphous, garrulous, corroborate, pervaded, ravenously
transitory
Why does Tom insist Gatsby and Daisy drive home together?
To assert dominance and humiliate Gatsby, demonstrating Tom’s control and confidence.
How does the green light take on new symbolic meaning for Gatsby in Chapters 7–8?
It represents his unattainable dream of reclaiming Daisy and his hope for a perfect past, now fading as reality intrudes.
How do phone calls after Gatsby's death reveal his business?
They show illegal activity and unfinished deals, highlighting his morally ambiguous life.
Explain how Gatsby's father feels about his son. Does Nick reveal anything about Gatsby to his Father
He is proud of his son and his accomplishments and believes he was going to be successful from a young age; Nick does not reveal anything.
His sudden promotion wasn’t due to skill or experience but rather an __________________________ opportunity that came from being in the right place at the right time.
Word Bank: affront, inviolate, superfluous, transitory, intermittent, formidable, adventitious, amorphous, garrulous, corroborate, pervaded, ravenously
adventitious
Explain the reason that Myrtle ran out to Gatsby's car.
She assumed that it was Tom's car since had been driving it earlier.
In Chapter 9, how does Gatsby’s funeral symbolize the emptiness of wealth-centered relationships?
Few attend despite his popularity, emphasizing the shallowness of social connections based on wealth and spectacle rather than loyalty or friendship.
Why does Gatsby wait for Daisy’s call in Chapter 8?
He still clings to hope and the fantasy that their love will be restored.
Why does George want to move out West with Myrtle?
George suspects Myrtle is having an affair (he doesn't know with whom at this point).
“In this heat every extra gesture was an affront to the common store of life.” What part of speech is affront used as here, and what does it reveal about the situation in this sentence?
Affront is used as a noun it highlights the tension and discomfort among the characters in the oppressive heat.
Explain the significance of this quote from Daisy: “‘You always look so cool.’”
This is the moment where Tom realizes that Daisy is having an affair with Gatsby.
At the start of Chapter 7, why does Gatsby hired new housekeeping staff?
He didn't want people that would gossip about Daisy.
How does Myrtle’s death set the stage for Gatsby’s demise?
It triggers George Wilson’s revenge, leading to Gatsby being killed.
How does seeing Daisy's daughter affect Gatsby.
Gatsby can hardly believe in her existence because she reminds him of Tom and another obstacle between Daisy and Gatsby.
“His wife and his mistress, until an hour ago secure and inviolate, were slipping precipitately from his control.” How does inviolate reflect Tom's perception of his relationships?
Inviolate suggests untouched or safe; it emphasizes Tom's belief in the stability of his relationships, but now shows that everything is falling apart.
Why is Nick morally aligned with Gatsby, and how is this different from the East Egg elite?
Nick respects Gatsby’s devotion and hope, contrasting with Tom and Daisy’s carelessness and selfishness.
Explain one thing that Daisy's voice represents.
Wealth/class; reputation; her one redeeming quality; power over people (except for Tom)
What does Klipspringer’s phone call reveal about Gatsby’s friends?
They are selfish and only care about material possessions.
Final Jeopardy Question:
At the end of The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway attempts to reconnect with several key figures from Gatsby’s life: Meyer Wolfsheim, Daisy, Jordan, and Tom Buchanan.
Explain what happens in each of Nick’s final encounters (or lack of encounters) with these characters, and analyze what their outcomes reveal about their values and moral character. You must provide a full response for each of the four characters.
Wolfsheim: Nick try to reach Wolfsheim, but he refuses to attend Gatsby’s funeral or get involved, claiming he doesn’t want to be “mixed up in it.”
Daisy: Nick is unable to see Daisy at all. She and Tom have already left town and she doesn't even send flowers.
Jordan: Nick briefly speaks with Jordan, but their relationship ends. She claims she is engaged and criticizes Nick.
Tom Buchanan: When Nick speaks with Tom, he admits he told Wilson that Gatsby owned the car. Tom shows no remorse.