The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

NY city also represents a version of the ______ _.

American Dream

However the ____ and dishonesty at its core is also highlighted through the poor _ of the _____.

corruption, behaviour, characters

What does the Valley of Ashes symbolize?

The failures of the American Dream

What do the people living in the Valley of Ashes, such as Wilson, Myrtle, and Michaelis, symbolize?

Poor working class Signup and view all the answers

How is Myrtle's life portrayed in chapter 7 regarding the Valley of Ashes?

Violently extinguished and her thick dark blood mingles with the dust Signup and view all the answers

What themes does the Valley of Ashes symbolize?

Death, despair, decay and the lack of moral and social values present in the 1920s Signup and view all the answers

What extreme possibilities does the symbol in the narrative represent?

The extremes of their natures Signup and view all the answers

What is the longest chapter in the novel, described as the climax?

Chapter 7 Signup and view all the answers

Chapter 7 is considered the least important chapter of the novel.

False Signup and view all the answers

What major conflict comes to the surface in Chapter 7?

The conflict between Gatsby and Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What does the oppressive heat symbolize in Chapter 7?

The passion and tension of the characters' affairs. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby call off his parties?

To lure Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

What new information does Gatsby learn about Daisy in Chapter 7?

That she has a child. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom accuse Gatsby of during the confrontation?

Running a bootlegging operation. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional state does Daisy experience during the fight between Tom and Gatsby?

Moving closer to Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately portrays Gatsby's tragic situation by the end of Chapter 7?

His inability to recapture the past. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy's child symbolize in relation to her relationship with Gatsby?

The time they have spent apart. Signup and view all the answers

What does the weather foreshadow in Chapter 7?

The coming conflict. Signup and view all the answers

What do the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize?

Judgment of moral decay in society. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby's use of light represent throughout the novel?

Hopes and dreams. Signup and view all the answers

How is Tom's character revealed during the conflict?

As hypocritical and misogynistic. Signup and view all the answers

What major event occurs at the Plaza Hotel?

The confrontation between Gatsby and Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby naively believe about Daisy's feelings for Tom?

That the past can be wiped out. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Daisy's voice according to Gatsby?

It is full of money. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 7: Key Themes and Character Analysis

This chapter serves as the climax of the novel, occurring on the hottest day of the year, filling the atmosphere with tension.
The confrontation between Gatsby and Tom reveals their significant flaws: Tom's prejudice and bullying versus Gatsby's illegal activities and fixation on the past.
Gatsby cancels his lavish parties, showcasing his shift in focus from impressing Daisy to yearning for a genuine connection with her.
The oppressive heat symbolizes the heightened emotions and complexities within the characters' affairs.

Plot Developments

Nick travels to East Egg to have lunch with Tom and Daisy, encountering Gatsby and Jordan Baker there.
Gatsby's astonishment at seeing Daisy's child highlights his disbelief at the reality of their situation and foreshadows the emotional turmoil ahead.
Confrontation escalates at the Plaza Hotel when Tom openly accuses Gatsby of being a criminal and questions his intentions toward Daisy.

Characterization

Gatsby's dream of rekindling his romance with Daisy leads to his tragic downfall when the past cannot be erased.
Daisy reveals her true nature, being self-centered and shallow, exemplified by her indifferent attitude toward her child and her superficial love affairs.
Tom's crude misogyny and hypocrisy come to the forefront, emphasizing his sense of superiority and possessiveness over Daisy.

Symbolism and Themes

Weather serves as a powerful metaphor, reflecting the emotional states and tensions among characters, where heat intensifies the conflict.
The green light symbolizes Gatsby's unreachable dreams and desires, representing hope and aspiration but ultimately leading to disappointment.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg serve as a symbol of moral decay in society, with various characters interpreting them through their own grief and loss.

Societal Commentary

The Valley of Ashes presents a stark contrast to the wealth and excess of the era, highlighting the struggles of the working class through characters like Wilson and Myrtle.
The disparity between wealth and poverty in the American Dream is underscored, questioning both the morality and ethics of those who pursue success without consideration for others.

Emotional and Moral Dynamics

Nick emerges as a moral compass, contrasting the flawed characters around him, and reflecting on their actions with increasing disillusionment.
The interactions between characters reveal deeper issues of love, loyalty, and the consequences of greed and ambition.

Conclusion

Chapter 7 encapsulates the culmination of tensions built throughout the novel, exposing the inherent flaws in each character while leading them towards tragic outcomes. The symbolism of the summer heat, green light, and the Valley of Ashes coalesces to highlight the emptiness of their pursuits and the illusions of the American Dream.

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Description

Dive into the critical events of Chapter 7 in 'The Great Gatsby,' the most pivotal chapter in the novel. These flashcards summarize key moments and character conflicts, enhancing understanding of themes like prejudice and ambition. Test your knowledge of this crucial section with these efficient study aids.