Questions and Answers
What does Nick mean by 'sense of fundamental decencies'?
Class does not necessarily define the way in which people act.
What does Nick declare about being judgmental?
People should try not to be judgmental.
What does Nick want after returning from the East?
A world in uniform and a sort of moral attention forever.
What does it mean that Daisy is a 'creature of her environment'?
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What does Nick's view of the East become after Gatsby's death?
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How does Nick describe Tom and Daisy?
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What does Gatsby's belief in the green light symbolize?
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What does Wilson's ignorance about Tom's affair reveal?
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What does Nick imply when he states, 'They're a rotten crowd'?
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How does Nick compare Gatsby to Jesus Christ?
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What does Daisy's question about their future reveal?
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How does Myrtle view her affair with Tom?
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What does the comparison between inherited wealth and earned wealth illustrate?
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What does Nick mean by 'Fundamental decencies is parceled out unequally at birth'?
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What does Jordan's comment about large parties suggest?
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Study Notes
Class and Society Themes in The Great Gatsby
- Nick asserts that basic decency is not determined by social class, evidenced by Tom and Daisy's reckless actions.
- He emphasizes the importance of withholding judgment, ironically revealing his own biases throughout the novel.
Nick's Disillusionment
- After returning from New York, Nick experiences a moral backlash, desiring a life of order and moral clarity, contrasting the chaotic nature of the city.
- Diction such as "uniform" and "moral attention" portrays a militaristic desire for ethics, opposing New York's moral ambiguity.
Daisy's Circumstances
- Daisy is portrayed as a product of her environment, lacking autonomy due to societal pressures and expectations.
Perception of Wealth and Carelessness
- Nick describes Tom and Daisy as "careless people," suggesting that their wealth leads to a superficial and destructive lifestyle, ultimately questioning the value of class.
The American Dream
- Gatsby's pursuit of the "green light" symbolizes the elusive nature of the American Dream, highlighting its transformation into materialism and corruption.
Elitism and Ignorance
- Wilson's ignorance emphasizes Tom's elitism, showcasing how wealth and status contribute to social blindness, leading to catastrophic consequences for Gatsby.
Internal Worth vs. Social Status
- Nick accuses Tom and Daisy of being worthless despite their wealth, contrasting them with Gatsby, who, despite his shady means of wealth, possesses integrity and worth.
Gatsby's Idealism
- Gatsby is compared to Jesus Christ, signifying his transformation into an ideal self and unwavering commitment to his dreams, showcasing the value of hope and determination.
Daisy's Existential Crisis
- Daisy struggles with her sense of purpose, revealing a deep-seated discontent beneath her cheerful facade.
Myrtle's Class Awareness
- Myrtle demonstrates class rigidity and her desires to elevate her status through her affair with Tom, distancing herself from moral obligations in pursuit of wealth.
Wealth Comparison
- Nick reflects on the superficial distinction between West Egg and East Egg, representing the contrast between earned versus inherited wealth.
Morality and Birthright
- The notion that decency is distributed unevenly at birth suggests that moral integrity transcends social class distinctions, with Nick both respecting Gatsby's aspirations and repulsed by Tom and Daisy's behavior.
Social Insight
- Jordan Baker's observation about large parties emphasizes her perceptiveness, foreshadowing the secrets that unravel during smaller social gatherings and their devastating effects.
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Description
Explore key quotes from 'The Great Gatsby' that illustrate the themes of class and society. These flashcards highlight Nick's observations on the moral complexities woven into social status and behavior among characters like Tom and Daisy.
