The Great Gatsby Film Analysis Part 2

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does the weather represent in the film?

Emotions, with sunny representing love, rain representing tension, and dark clouds representing anger and conflict.

What does the weather 'sunny' represent?

Anger

Love (correct)

Sadness

Tension

What does the weather 'rain' represent?

Calmness

Tension (correct)

Love

Happiness

What does the weather 'dark clouds' represent?

Anger Signup and view all the answers

What commentary is added during the Plaza Hotel scene?

The contrast between Old Money and New Money, accompanied by Gatsby's anger. Signup and view all the answers

What happens after the Plaza Hotel scene?

Daisy and Gatsby drive Tom's blue car to take Daisy home after Tom realizes Daisy won't leave him for Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

How long did Gatsby attend Oxford?

For 5 months. Signup and view all the answers

How long has it been since Gatsby and Daisy have been together?

5 years. Signup and view all the answers

What does the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg represent after Myrtle is hit by the car?

They represent God. Signup and view all the answers

What was Daisy doing in the movie?

She was driving Gatsby's yellow car and thought it would steady her. Signup and view all the answers

What did Gatsby tell Nick?

About his poor upbringing and why he made up stories. Signup and view all the answers

What did Nick idolize?

Jay Gatsby's hope. Signup and view all the answers

What was the truth about Gatsby's actions and wealth?

That this was for Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phone ringing signify as Gatsby is shot?

The corruption of relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nick's attitude toward Eastern society after Gatsby's death?

Disgusting and haunted. Signup and view all the answers

What did Nick say about Eastern society in Chapter 9?

'Careless people and retreated back to their money.' Signup and view all the answers

Why was Nick chosen to be the narrator?

Because he is an outsider and provides relatable perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

What does the perspective of an ordinary guy (Nick) provide?

Perspectives that we can relate to. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'valley of ashes'?

An industrial area where New York's industrial ashes are dumped, representing moral decay. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Valley of Ashes represent?

Moral and social decay resulting from the pursuit of wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Valley of Ashes also symbolize?

The plight of the poor, like George Wilson. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Valley of Ashes consist of between West Egg and New York City?

A long stretch of desolate land created by the dumping of industrial ashes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Weather Symbolism

Weather changes in the film are linked to characters' emotions and signify underlying themes.
Sunny weather symbolizes love and positive feelings.
Rain represents tension and heightened emotional conflict.
Dark clouds serve as a metaphor for anger and impending conflict.

Plaza Hotel Scene Dynamics

Tension escalates as Tom Buchanan confronts Gatsby, revealing beliefs on class differences and power.
Tom calls Gatsby a common swindler and exposes his shady business dealings.
Surprise ensues among characters when Gatsby shows anger, indicating his emotional investment in Daisy.

Character Backgrounds

Gatsby attended Oxford for a brief period of 5 months, revealing his desire to associate with higher social classes.
It has been 5 years since Gatsby and Daisy have rekindled their relationship, illustrating a significant time gap in their romance.

T.J. Eckleburg's Eyes

The billboard of T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes symbolizes the 'watchful eye of God', reflecting moral decay in society.
The fading billboard suggests the loss of spiritual values amidst material pursuits.
Daisy’s thought of driving Gatsby's yellow car connecting to her desire for stability and security.

Gatsby's Life and Dreams

Gatsby confides in Nick about his humble beginnings and his fabricated stories to fit in with the elite.
Nick idolizes Gatsby’s unwavering hope, showcasing Gatsby’s romantic idealization of his goals, particularly regarding Daisy.

Fate of Gatsby

The ringing phone during Gatsby's shooting symbolizes the corruption and breakdown of relationships.
Nick is the only attendee at Gatsby's funeral, indicating a stark contrast between Gatsby's grand lifestyle and the emptiness of his connections.

Nick Carraway’s Narration

Nick is an outsider whose perspective allows for a relatable narration of Gatsby's story, emphasizing his detachment from the decadence around him.
His view offers insight into the prevailing themes of disillusionment and moral emptiness within the wealthy class.

Valley of Ashes

The Valley of Ashes is an industrial wasteland between West Egg and New York City, representing the corruption of the American Dream.
It symbolizes profound social and moral decay resulting from the relentless pursuit of wealth.
Also highlights the struggles of the impoverished, such as George Wilson, illustrating the harsh consequences of the affluent's disregard for the less fortunate.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Dive deeper into F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' with our film analysis covering Chapters 7-9 and the Valley of Ashes. Explore the representation of weather and its symbolic meanings related to emotions throughout the film. Use this quiz to enhance your understanding of key themes and symbolism.