Questions and Answers
'I hope she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little ______.'
fool
'Old sport' is used primarily by which character in The Great Gatsby?
Gatsby
'...he was running down like an overwound clock' foreshadows Gatsby's eventual success.
False
'Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!' is an expression of whose naivete?
Signup and view all the answers
In which chapter does Gatsby confess that Daisy loves him?
Signup and view all the answers
'Gatsby believed in the green light' symbolizes what for Gatsby?
Signup and view all the answers
Which character is described as judgmental and privileged?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following quotes to their significance in The Great Gatsby:
Signup and view all the answers
What does Daisy express when she says, 'What'll we do with ourselves this afternoon, and the day after that, and the next thirty years?'
Signup and view all the answers
'Her voice is full of money' is associated with Gatsby's disdain for Daisy.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Key Quotes from The Great Gatsby
-
Daisy's Perspective: 'I hope she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.' Reflects Daisy's disillusionment with womanhood and societal expectations, portraying women as largely dependent on their beauty and male approval despite gaining the right to vote.
-
Gatsby's Phrase: 'Old sport' is a term Gatsby uses, signifying his attempt to appear as part of the elite class. It highlights the skepticism from Tom and Jordan, emphasizing the challenges of assimilating as 'old money' when one is not.
-
Gatsby's Control: '...he was running down like an overwound clock' illustrates Gatsby's emotional instability during his reunion with Daisy, foreshadowing the tragic unfolding of events. The clock imagery symbolizes lost time and the fragility of Gatsby's carefully crafted identity.
-
Naivety and Delusion: 'Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!' shows Gatsby's idealistic view and desperation to reclaim his former love with Daisy, contrasting with Nick's cynical outlook on reality.
-
Gatsby's Desperation: 'Your wife doesn't love you. She's never loved you. She loves me.' This statement reveals Gatsby's intense longing and refusal to accept change, linking back to his dream of restoring the past relationship with Daisy.
-
Gatsby's Hope: 'Gatsby believed in the green light' symbolizes Gatsby's unwavering belief in a better future, representing the elusive American Dream that ultimately remains unattainable.
-
Nick's Judgment: '...just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages you've had.' Indicates Nick's awareness of privilege and his judgmental nature towards those who are less fortunate.
-
Nick's Relation to Gatsby: 'Only Gatsby...was exempt from my reaction' signifies Nick's complicated feelings towards Gatsby, setting up a contrast between Gatsby and the rest of the characters, fueling intrigue about why Nick grows fond of Gatsby.
-
Questionable Honesty: 'I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known.' Suggests a self-awareness in Nick, prompting the reader to question his reliability as a narrator and his perspective on honesty.
-
Support for Gatsby: 'They're a rotten crowd...You're worth the whole damn bunch put together.' Marks a pivotal moment where Nick fully aligns himself with Gatsby, rejecting the Buchanans and the corrupt elite of society.
-
Daisy's Internal Conflict: Jordan's remark about Daisy threatening to call off her wedding highlights the depth of her feelings for Gatsby, while her eventual marriage to Tom reflects societal pressures and conformity to her social standing.
-
Daisy's Emotional Reaction: 'It makes me sad because I've never seen such...such beautiful shirts before.' Daisy's tears may represent either her materialism in response to Gatsby's wealth or genuine emotion towards Gatsby's devotion.
-
Daisy's Existential Crisis: 'What'll we do with ourselves this afternoon, and the day after that, and the next thirty years?' Reveals Daisy's sense of aimlessness and reflects a deeper nihilism in her life choices, contrasting Jordan's more optimistic view.
-
Daisy and Wealth: 'Her voice is full of money' connects Daisy's allure to materialism, intertwining her identity with Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and success, emphasizing the theme of wealth as a form of social currency in their relationship.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore significant quotes from 'The Great Gatsby' that reveal the complexities of identity, societal expectations, and the elusive nature of the American Dream. Each quote provides insight into the characters' motivations and the overarching themes of the novel. Delve into the profound disillusionment and aspirations portrayed by Fitzgerald.