The Great Gatsby Chapters 5-9 Flashcards

Symbolism in The Great Gatsby

• The green light symbolizes Gatsby's dreams and aspirations, particularly his desire for Daisy, acting as a guiding beacon of hope.
• West Egg (new wealth) and East Egg (old money) represent social class distinctions, revealing the characters' backgrounds and societal standings.
• The eyes of T.J. Eckleburg symbolize the idea of being watched and the moral decay of society, possibly representing God observing humanity.
• The city beneath the eyes indicates the chaos and corruption of New York City, illustrating the dramatic social landscape of the Roaring Twenties.
• Yellow signifies fake love, contrasting with gold, which represents genuine love and authenticity.

Character Insights and Relationships

• Daisy's disassembled face indicates her lack of identity and self-assurance, reflecting her conformity to societal expectations.
• The tear on the cover signifies Daisy's emotional struggles and dissatisfaction in her life, particularly in her relationships with Tom and Gatsby.
• Water symbolizes new beginnings, appearing at significant moments, such as Gatsby and Daisy's reunion, suggesting renewal.
• The Valley of Ashes exemplifies the moral and social decay resulting from the relentless pursuit of wealth, highlighting the disparity between the rich and the poor.

Gatsby's Pursuits and Relationships

• Gatsby prepares for Daisy's visit by delivering extravagant goods to Nick's house, showcasing his desire to impress her.
• Frequent phone calls to Gatsby hint at potential illegal activities, painting him as a bootlegger.
• Gatsby's offer of employment to Nick underscores their friendship, as Gatsby feels Nick's financial struggles and seeks to help.
• The rain during Gatsby and Daisy's first meeting creates a soothing atmosphere, symbolizing the release of tension between them.

Key Events and Conflicts

• Gatsby's storytelling to Nick is largely fabricated to gain favor, reflecting his need for acceptance and the public persona he constructs.
• The confrontation between Tom and Gatsby reveals personal tensions and differing values, highlighting their jealousy and conflicting perspectives on love and morality.
• Tom's discovery of Daisy's affair leads to dramatic revelations about Gatsby's character, ultimately framing Gatsby as the antagonist in their relationships.

Reflections on Fate and Class

• Nick's thoughts on the unrepeatability of the past echo the novel's underlying themes of nostalgia and the elusiveness of the American Dream.
• Daisy and Gatsby's relationship is characterized by their acknowledged love, yet their connection remains fraught with challenges.
• George Wilson's response to Myrtle's affair underscores themes of betrayal and tragedy, culminating in violence and despair.

Thematic Elements and Conclusion

• Gatsby's downfall and the subsequent funeral attended by only a few highlight the emptiness of his pursuits, underscoring the futility of his dreams.
• Nick's perception of wealth shifts, as he recognizes the carelessness of Tom and Daisy, who insensitively damage others' lives without consequence.
• Seasonal symbolism throughout the novel contrasts renewal with decay, paralleling Gatsby’s initial hope with his ultimate tragic fate.
• Nick's final interaction with Jordan marks his rejection of the superficial lifestyle of the East and a return to his Midwestern values.

Test your knowledge of key symbols and themes in Chapters 5-9 of 'The Great Gatsby.' This quiz covers important elements like the symbolism of the green light and the significance of West Egg and East Egg. Perfect for students wanting to deepen their understanding of this classic novel.