The Great Gatsby Character Flashcards

Study Notes

Characters in The Great Gatsby

Nick Carraway: Narrator, originally from Minnesota, attended Yale, and cousin to Daisy Buchanan. Moved to New York for a career in bonds, resides in West Egg next to Gatsby, and aids in rekindling Gatsby and Daisy's relationship.
Daisy Buchanan: Represented as the "golden girl." Cousin of Nick, married to Tom but in love with Gatsby. Made a promise to wait for Gatsby during his military service, ultimately chose wealth over love by staying with Tom. Involved in the fatal car accident that killed Myrtle Wilson.
Jay Gatsby: Born James Gatz, represents "new money." Rose from poverty and was introduced to wealth by Dan Cody. Served in WWI, passionately in love with Daisy, and took the blame for a car accident involving her. His life ends tragically at the hands of George Wilson.
Tom Buchanan: Daisy's husband, symbolizes "old money." Resides in East Egg, engaged in an affair with Myrtle Wilson. Provides false information to George Wilson about Gatsby being responsible for Myrtle's death.
Myrtle Wilson: Tom's mistress, married to George Wilson. Lives a dual life, having an apartment with Tom. Killed by Daisy's car while attempting to escape her life.
Jordan Baker: Friend of Daisy, a professional golfer, and romantically linked to Nick. Described as dishonest and embodies the era’s cynicism.
Meyer Wolfsheim: Gatsby's associate who played a role in Gatsby's illegal liquor business, symbolizing the corrupt means by which Gatsby acquired his wealth.
Klipspringer: A mooching guest at Gatsby's mansion, takes advantage of Gatsby's fortune and notably absent from Gatsby's funeral, highlighting themes of superficial relationships.
Owl Eyes: A partygoer impressed by Gatsby’s authentic library, symbolizing the disconnection between Gatsby's wealth and his true self.
Dan Cody: Gatsby's mentor who shaped his understanding of wealth and social conduct. His legacy included a monetary inheritance that was ultimately claimed by Cody's ex-wife.

Themes and Analysis

Representation of the American Dream: Gatsby symbolizes the American Dream through self-made wealth, yet his path involves illegal activities. Fitzgerald critiques the moral decay of the Dream in the 1920s, suggesting that success often comes through corruption rather than hard work.
Social Class Distinctions: Gatsby epitomizes "new money," contrasted with Tom and Daisy’s “old money.” This hierarchy suggests societal views of old wealth as superior, which influences perceptions and relationships. Geography divides social classes: West Egg (new wealth) and East Egg (old wealth).
Fitzgerald's Message: The author emphasizes that altering oneself for love is futile, as Daisy remains attached to her wealthy lifestyle. Gatsby’s desire to reclaim the past is portrayed as unattainable, underscoring the story's tragic elements of unfulfilled dreams and the inescapable hold of wealth and status.

Key Concepts

Bootlegging: Reflects how many in the 1920s achieved success through illegal means post-Prohibition.
Geographic Symbolism: The contrasting lifestyle and accessibility of West Egg and East Egg illustrate class differences.
The Illusion of Relationships: Many characters symbolize shallow connections based on wealth rather than genuine affection or loyalty.

Description

Test your knowledge of key characters in 'The Great Gatsby' with these comprehensive flashcards. Learn about Nick Carraway, Daisy Buchanan, and their relationships as you prepare for your literature studies. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the novel's central figures.