The Great Gatsby: Key Quotes Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does George Wilson say about fooling God?

God knows what you've been doing...You may fool me, but you can't fool God.

What does Daisy Buchanan think the best thing a girl can be?

A beautiful little fool.

What does Nick Carraway state about repeating the past?

You can't repeat the past.

What is Jay Gatsby's view on repeating the past?

Why, of course you can. Signup and view all the answers

What does Myrtle Wilson declare about saying Daisy's name?

Daisy, Daisy, Daisy! I'll say it whenever I want to. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick Carraway say about the crowd he associates with?

They're a rotten crowd...You're worth the whole damn bunch put together. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jay Gatsby apologize for regarding the clock?

I'm sorry about the clock. Signup and view all the answers

What does Myrtle Wilson say about marrying her husband?

I married him because I thought he was a gentleman...I thought he knew something about breeding but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick Carraway say about Tom and Daisy Buchanan?

They were careless people...and let other people clean up the mess they had made. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jordan Baker say about not telling Gatsby something?

She's not to know about it. Gatsby doesn't want her to know. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy Buchanan remark about Gatsby's shirts?

It makes me sad because I've never seen such - such beautiful shirts before. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy Buchanan admit about her feelings?

I did love him once - but I loved you too. Signup and view all the answers

What realization does Nick Carraway have on his birthday?

I just remembered that today's my birthday. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom Buchanan say about self-control?

Self control!...I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jay Gatsby claim about love?

It was a terrible mistake, but in her heart, she never loved anyone except me. Signup and view all the answers

What question does Daisy Buchanan pose about future afternoons?

What are we going to do with ourselves this afternoon...and the day after that, and the next thirty years? Signup and view all the answers

What does Jordan Baker say about life and fall?

Don't be morbid...Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick Carraway conclude about the human experience?

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Nick Carraway's father give him about criticism?

Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages you've had. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick Carraway say about the aftermath of Gatsby's death?

After Gatsby's death, the East was haunted for me like that, distorted beyond my eyes' power of correction. Signup and view all the answers

What surprise does Jay Gatsby express about love?

You loved me TOO? Signup and view all the answers

What does Jordan Baker say about their past interaction?

You threw me over on the telephone. I don't give a damn about you now, but it was a new experience for me and I felt a little dizzy for a while. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Their Quotes

George Wilson: Expresses a strong moral conviction, indicating that human deception cannot fool a higher power. Reflects the theme of morality.
Daisy Buchanan: Offers a cynical view on femininity in her era, suggesting ignorance can be a protective trait. Highlights societal expectations of women.
Nick Carraway: Contemplates the impossibility of reclaiming the past, setting up a central conflict in the story regarding memory and regret.
Jay Gatsby: Contradicts Nick's assertion about the past, embodying the desire to recreate lost moments, revealing his obsessive nature.
Myrtle Wilson: Shows her longing for a different life and true social standing, demonstrating class struggles and personal disillusionment.
Nick Carraway: Critiques the moral decay of the wealthy, emphasizing the consequences of their carelessness on innocent lives.

Symbolic Moments

Jay Gatsby: Regrets over the symbolism of the clock reflect his desire to stop time and regain lost love, showcasing his tragic flaw.
Myrtle Wilson: Reflects on her mistaken perceptions of Tom's social status, exposing her disillusionment with the reality of her marriage and social aspirations.

Themes of Carelessness and Consequence

Tom and Daisy Buchanan: Represent the elite's irresponsibility, highlighting how their actions have lasting destructive impacts on others.

Interpersonal Relationships

Jordan Baker: Illustrates the complexity of relationships influenced by deception and secrecy, indicating Gatsby's intentions when arranging meetings.
Daisy Buchanan: Her emotional response to Gatsby's wealth signifies the shallow nature of materialism and the superficial values of her social circle.

Existential Reflections

Nick Carraway: Realizes the somber passage of time and its effects, as he reflects on Gatsby's death, contributing to a sense of loss and nostalgia.
Nick's Father: Offers wisdom on empathy and social privilege, grounding the narrative in themes of class and perspective.

Emotional Revelations

Daisy Buchanan: Confesses her dual love, highlighting the complex emotional entanglements that drive character motivations and tragic outcomes.
Jordan Baker: Describes personal disappointment, signalling the fragility of human connections amidst the chaotic lives of the characters.

Conclusion

Nick Carraway: The imagery of "boats against the current" encapsulates the struggle against past influences, reminding readers of the inevitability of time and change as central to the narrative.

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Description

Explore essential quotes from 'The Great Gatsby' through engaging flashcards. Each card features significant quotes from key characters with their corresponding page numbers, helping you to understand the depth of Fitzgerald's work. Perfect for study or a quick review of the novel's themes and characters.