Great Gatsby Setting and Symbols

Questions and Answers

What is East Egg known for?

Home of the newly rich

Island for 'Old Money' people (correct)

A city full of activity

A symbol of luxury

Which of the following describes West Egg?

Symbol of judgment

A large Georgian mansion

Industrial area

Home of the newly rich (correct)

Where does Nick work?

New York City

What does Gatsby's house resemble?

A famous landmark home in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What type of house do Tom and Daisy own?

A large red and white Georgian colonial mansion Signup and view all the answers

Describe Tom and Myrtle's apartment.

A top floor apartment in New York, filled with overly ornate furniture Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about Nick's house?

A forgotten 'cardboard' bungalow between 2 mansions on West Egg Signup and view all the answers

What does the Valley of Ashes symbolize?

Poverty and hopelessness Signup and view all the answers

What does the green light symbolize?

Goals, dreams, or a desire to repeat the past Signup and view all the answers

What do Dr. TJ Eckleburg's eyes symbolize?

Judgment or abandonment Signup and view all the answers

What do automobiles represent in the story?

Status of wealth and freedom Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the extravagant parties hosted by Gatsby?

To attract attention and showcase wealth Signup and view all the answers

How is cheating portrayed in the book?

As an escape from boredom, poverty, or a path to the American Dream Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting Elements

East Egg: Represents "Old Money," where affluent characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan reside.
West Egg: Home to the "newly rich," characterized by individuals such as Jay Gatsby.
New York City: A bustling metropolis serving as Nick Carraway's workplace as a bondsman.
Gatsby's House: Constructed to emulate a European landmark, reflecting Gatsby's wealth and his desire for Daisy.
Tom and Daisy's House: A striking Georgian colonial mansion on East Egg, symbolizing their social status.
Tom and Myrtle's Apartment: A lavishly furnished top-floor apartment in New York indicative of Tom's infidelity and excess.
Nick's House: A modest "cardboard" bungalow situated between two mansions in West Egg, highlighting his humble background.
Valley of Ashes: An industrial wasteland signifying decay and the harsh realities behind the American Dream, situated between West Egg and New York.

Symbols

Green Light: A powerful symbol for aspirations and the elusive nature of dreams, often related to Gatsby’s longing for the past.
Valley of Ashes Symbol: Represents poverty and despair, illustrating the failure of the American Dream for many characters.
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's Eyes: A haunting symbol that evokes themes of judgment and abandonment, suggesting a void of moral oversight.
Automobiles: Serve as symbols of wealth, freedom, and status, but also embody risk and danger.
Parties: Lavish gatherings meant to showcase wealth and the pursuit of pleasure, emphasizing the superficiality of the characters' lives.
Cheating: A recurring theme used as an escape mechanism for characters to escape boredom, poverty, or strive towards the American Dream.

Description

Explore the key settings and symbols of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Understand the significance of locations like East Egg, West Egg, and New York City, as well as Gatsby's grand estate. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their comprehension of the novel.