Quotes
Who said this and when?
”And I hope she’ll be a fool— that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
Daisy said this at the dinner party at the Buchanan house.
Who is the man that effectively turned James Gatz to Jay Gatsby?
Dan Cody (the millionaire from copper)
Describe how Gatsby’s parties were important to the plot.
They were important because they were a way to get Daisy to notice him, which ultimately spurred the whole book forward.
Explain the significance of the green light.
The green light refers to the light at the end of Daisy's dock and across from Gatsby's house. It symbolizes Gatsby's American Dream of attaining Daisy to complete his American Dream.
Describe the Eggs and who lives on them?
East Egg (Old-money) : Buchanans and Jordan
West Egg (New-money/disparity) : Gatsby and Nick
Who said this and what does this tell you about the character’s personality?
“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.”
Jordan said this and this tells us that she has a misunderstanding of the concept of intimacy and alludes to her shallowness.
Who is called a compulsive liar?
Jordan
Why does Gatsby “jazz up” Nick’s house?
To impress Daisy and create a suitable environment for rekindling their love.
Explain why the Valley of Ashes is important.
The Valley of Ashes shows the ugly truth behind the consumer culture and lavish lifestyle of the elite.
What sits between the eggs and New York City (Manhattan) and who lives there?
The Valley of Ashes and the Wilsons live there.
What is this quote foreshadowing and what word gives you the context of the situation?
”So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight.”
It foreshadows Myrtle’s death as Nick, Tom, and Jordan drive back home. The word “death” foreshadows the upcoming tragedy.
Who has been identified as ”careless” and ”shallow” people and by who?
Tom and Daisy by Nick
What is the climax of the novel (describe it in detail)?
The fatal car accident that killed Myrtle Wilson is the climax of this novel.
What is the significance of automobiles throughout the novel, and how does this connect to a bigger theme?
Throughout the novel, it is evident that Gatsby and Tom own fancy cars. Cars are also associated with destruction, such as with the car crash at Gatsby's party and Myrtle's death. This relates to elite's destructive lifestyle and selfishness.
What year and in what season does the book take place in? For an extra 100 points, what year did Gatsby and Daisy meet?
Summer of 1922
Extra: 1917
Who said this and explain the significance of this quote?
”I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.”
It was Nick who said this and it’s significance is that it describes his perspective as an observer and a participant, but also his internal conflict with himself regarding indulgence of moral decay.
With whom did Gatsby and Daisy reunite through, and why did this character help them?
Nick helps to reunite them by hosting a tea party at his house. He does this because he believes Gatsby to be a good man that deserves a chance to pursue his love.
What is the rising action in the novel?
When the four of them were sitting in the heat and arguing about infidelity, ambitions, and moral decay. This leads into the climax.
What do Gatsby's shirts symbolize for Daisy?
They symbolize the future that Daisy and Gatsby could have had. She only has the money and status with Tom, but with Gatsby she could have had both of those, love, and happiness.
What does going to New York city usually mean in the novel?
It is generally where the characters of the book indulge in reckless behavior. Such as the party at Tom and Myrtle's apartment, when Gatsby and Nick met Wolfsheim, and the outing of Gatsby, Nick, Daisy, Tom, and Jordan.
Who said this, and explain the significance (with examples of characters) of each part of the quote?
”There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.”
Nick said this.
These are the references: “pursued”- Daisy because she is the object of others’ desires; “pursuing” - Gatsby because he actively strives for a goal; “busy” - Tom and Wolfsheim because they are too preoccupied with their own lives to care about anyone else’s; “tired” - Nick and George Wilson, who are too worn down by life’s struggles and issues.
Why does Daisy decide to stay with Tom?
She decided to stay with Tom for comfort and security. She knew he was a stable choice and had already built a secure life with him. She does it for her personal reasons.
What is the significance of the title, “The Great Gatsby”?
It shows the rise and fall of someone who were to chase their “American Dream” and it mocks the moral inconsistencies that are found within the American Dream.
What does Owl eyes symbolize and what is an example of this?
Owl eyes was able to see beyond the superficiality of the world Gatsby had created (and the era itself) and knew there was something hidden inside, which is why his name reflects wisdom and intuition.
Example: He knew the books were real but were uncut and unread, showing that Gatsby only kept them in his study in order to keep up appearances.
What time period does the novel take place in, and what clues help come to this conclusion?
The novel takes place in New York during the "Roaring '20s". This is made known by the excessive drinking, lavish parties of the elite in contrast to the lifestyle of the poor, and it shows themes of moral decay and the rise of conusmerism.