Themes and Symbols
Nick's tone at the beginning is reflective and wise, but also this.
What is tired?
Daisy’s hope that her daughter will be a fool illustrates disparities between these two groups.
Who are men and women?
Both West Egg’s new money and East Egg’s old money can produce people with this moral condition.
What is moral bankruptcy?
This color suggests glittery surface rather than substance, the fake gold of Gatsby and his revelers.
What is yellow?
The green light and the gray valley of ashes exemplify this kind of imagery at the end of Chapter 1 and beginning of Chapter 2.
What is symbolic imagery?