Characters & Roles
Symbols & Settings
Themes & Motifs
Plot & Events
Narration & Style
100

Who is the narrator?

Nick Carraway

100

What does the green light represent?

Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future, especially with Daisy

100

What theme is reflected in Gatsby’s dream?

The decline/illusion/unatainability of the American Dream

100

Why does Tom confront Gatsby in Chapter 7?

He suspects Daisy loves Gatsby and wants to assert control

100

Is Nick Carraway a reliable narrator?

It's debatable—he’s emotionally involved but tries to be objective

200

What is Gatsby’s real name?

James Gatz

200

What is the Valley of Ashes and what does it symbolize?

A desolate industrial wasteland symbolizing moral decay

200

DOUBLE JEOPARDY!

What theme is explored in the final image of the book: “boats against the current”?

The struggle against time and inevitable failure

200

What happens to Myrtle Wilson?

She is struck and killed by Daisy driving Gatsby’s car

200

How does Fitzgerald’s use of color imagery support characterization?

Colors like gold (wealth), white (false purity), and gray (moral decay) help symbolize character traits and social status.

300

What does Daisy call her daughter?

Blessed Precious

Pammy

300

What does East Egg vs. West Egg symbolize?

East Egg = old money, West Egg = new money

300

How does Fitzgerald use the wealthy - Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby - to critique the American Dream in the novel?

By showing that wealth does not guarantee happiness or morality

300

How did Gatsby become wealthy?

Through illegal bootlegging and shady business deals

300

What does the yellow/gold color of Gatsby’s car and accessories signify?

Wealth and extravagance, but also corruption and superficiality beneath the glamour.

400

Who kills Myrtle?

Daisy Buchanan

400

Where does Gatsby throw his parties?

His mansion in West Egg

400

What is the central theme of the novel?

The corruption of the American Dream

400

Why does Daisy ultimately stay with Tom?

She prefers the security and status Tom provides

400

DOUBLE JEOPARDY!

What is Nick’s final opinion of Gatsby, and how does it reflect the novel’s tone?

Despite Gatsby’s flaws, Nick sees him as noble and hopeful, setting him apart from the morally hollow elite—this reflects the novel’s elegiac and critical tone.

500

Where does Gatsby live?

West Egg, symbolizing new money

500

What does Daisy symbolize?

Illusion, beauty, and unattainable perfection

Golden Girl

500

What does Gatsby’s death symbolize?

The death of idealism and failure of dreams

500

What major event happens at the Plaza Hotel?

The emotional confrontation between Gatsby and Tom over Daisy

500

How is the color white used to describe Daisy, and what does it suggest?

It represents false purity and innocence—her elegance masks moral emptiness.