Vocabulary
Definition of word: being more than is sufficient or required; excessive
What is superfluous?
Who is the narrator of the story?
Nick Carraway
What is a major theme of the novel?
The American Dream and its corruption.
What event triggers Gatsby's party?
Gatsby's desire to impress Daisy leads him to throw extravagant parties.
What does the green light symbolize?
The unattainable American Dream and Gatsby's hopes for the future.
Definition of word: to imitate deceptively; to make believe; pretend.
What is feign?
What motivates Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy?
Gatsby's desire to reclaim the past and his idealization of Daisy.
How does the theme of the American Dream manifest?
Through Gatsby's rise to wealth and his ultimate disillusionment.
Describe the significance of the Valley of Ashes.
It symbolizes the moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth.
Explain the significance of the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg.
They symbolize the idea of an all-seeing moral authority and the emptiness of the American Dream.
Definition of word: nimble; skillful; clever.
What is deft?
Describe Tom Buchanan's character traits.
Tom is wealthy, arrogant, aggressive, and embodies the old money class.
Explain the theme of social class in the novel.
Social class distinctions are crucial, highlighting the divide between old money and new money.
How does the climax of the novel unfold?
The confrontation between Gatsby and Tom in the hotel room reveals truths and leads to tragedy.
What does the valley of ashes represent?
The decay of society and the consequences of excessive wealth.
Definition of word: heroic courage; bravery.
What is valor?
How does Daisy's character reflect the theme of wealth?
Daisy represents the allure and emptiness of wealth, showing how it can lead to moral decay.
How does Fitzgerald portray love and relationships?
Love is often depicted as superficial and tied to wealth, leading to disillusionment.
What are the consequences of Myrtle's death?
It leads to the unraveling of relationships and ultimately results in Gatsby's demise.
How is the color white used symbolically in the novel?
It represents purity and innocence, often contrasted with the characters' true natures.
Definition of word: cannot be seen or perceived clearly; imperceptible.
What is Indiscernible?
What does Nick Carraway learn about himself through Gatsby?
Nick learns about the complexities of morality and the pitfalls of the American Dream.
What role does isolation play in the lives of characters?
Characters experience emotional isolation despite being surrounded by wealth and social gatherings.
Discuss the resolution of the novel and its implications for Nick.
Nick's return to the Midwest signifies a rejection of the East's moral decay.
What does Gatsby's mansion symbolize about his character?
It symbolizes his wealth, status, and the emptiness of his pursuit for love.