The Great Gatsby Chapters 5-9 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the symbolism behind the green light?

The green light represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future and his association with Daisy.

What do West Egg and East Egg represent?

New wealth

Old money

Wealthy families

Both A and B (correct)

What do the eyes on the cover of the book symbolize?

The eyes symbolize that everything is always being watched, representing God watching down on Earth.

What does the city on the cover represent?

The city symbolizes New York City and its commotion. Signup and view all the answers

What does the color yellow symbolize?

Fake love. Signup and view all the answers

What does the color gold symbolize?

Real love. Signup and view all the answers

What does the disassembled face on the cover represent?

The disassembled face is believed to represent Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the tear on the cover symbolize?

The tear represents the hardships Daisy experienced and her unhappiness. Signup and view all the answers

What does water symbolize?

The start of new beginnings. Signup and view all the answers

What do the Valley of Ashes symbolize?

It represents moral and social decay resulting from the pursuit of wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby deliver so many goods and services to Nick's house?

To prepare for the tea and Daisy coming over. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby receive so many phone calls?

They are probably about illegal business dealings. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby offer Nick work?

He knows Nick doesn't make a lot of money. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the effect of rain on the plot.

Rain creates a cooler, relaxed atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

How truthful was Gatsby when he relayed the story of his life to Nick?

His stories were completely false and created to gain Nick's approval. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the meeting of Tom and Gatsby.

Tom realizes Gatsby's love for Daisy and tensions rise. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Tom and Daisy find Gatsby's party loathsome?

It was filled with West Eggers, whom they considered less sophisticated. Signup and view all the answers

Do you agree with Nick or Gatsby regarding the past?

I agree with Nick because circumstances cannot be repeated. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Daisy and Gatsby's new relationship.

They are now in love and understand the challenges of their relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Compare George Wilson and Tom.

Tom reacts by seeking revenge while Wilson is unaware of his wife's affair. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the fight between Gatsby and Tom.

Tom reveals Gatsby's source of wealth and tensions escalate over Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think Tom and Daisy were saying to each other in the kitchen?

Daisy was likely telling Tom the truth about the accident. Signup and view all the answers

At this point, how would you end the novel?

There is a sense of closure as Gatsby stops throwing parties. Signup and view all the answers

How does Fitzgerald achieve a melancholic mood in the beginning of this chapter?

He uses nostalgic and unhappy sounds along with suspense. Signup and view all the answers

How are seasons used in constructing this novel?

Seasons symbolize renewal and decay, reflecting Gatsby's hope and ultimate demise. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dan Cody and what is his significance in Gatsby's life?

Dan Cody was a wealthy man who exposed Gatsby to a lavish life. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick's statement 'You're worth the whole bunch put together' show a change in Nick from the beginning of the novel?

Nick's perspective shifts from suspicion to recognition of Gatsby's true character. Signup and view all the answers

How does T.J. Eckleburg affect Mr. Wilson?

Wilson believes T.J. Eckleburg's eyes are God watching him, driving him to take revenge. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Nick take care of Gatsby's funeral?

It highlights the emptiness of Gatsby's pursuits and lack of genuine relationships. Signup and view all the answers

Who attended Gatsby's funeral and why is this significant?

Only Nick, Gatsby's father, and 'Owl Eyes' attended, showing Gatsby's isolation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Nick's last meeting with Jordan?

Nick decides to break off with Jordan and return to the Midwest. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick call Tom and Daisy 'careless people'?

They are insensitive and thoughtless, causing harm to others without consequence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.