Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which literary period was Fitzgerald writing in when he wrote The Great Gatsby?
Which literary period was Fitzgerald writing in when he wrote The Great Gatsby?
- Realism
- Romanticism
- Modernism (correct)
- Post-Modernism
The Great Gatsby is narrated by Jay Gatsby.
The Great Gatsby is narrated by Jay Gatsby.
False (B)
What is the significance of the green light in The Great Gatsby?
What is the significance of the green light in The Great Gatsby?
Represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams, particularly his desire to reunite with Daisy.
The Great Gatsby explores themes such as The American Dream, class, and the struggle with the past and ______.
The Great Gatsby explores themes such as The American Dream, class, and the struggle with the past and ______.
Match the following literary influences with their connection to The Great Gatsby:
Match the following literary influences with their connection to The Great Gatsby:
What is the primary conflict that drives Gatsby's actions throughout the novel?
What is the primary conflict that drives Gatsby's actions throughout the novel?
The Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby is directly inspired by John Keats’s poetry.
The Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby is directly inspired by John Keats’s poetry.
How does the introduction of the telephone in the scene with Daisy and the nightingale relate to the conflict between science and nature in The Great Gatsby?
How does the introduction of the telephone in the scene with Daisy and the nightingale relate to the conflict between science and nature in The Great Gatsby?
What does Daisy Buchanan hope her daughter grows up to be?
What does Daisy Buchanan hope her daughter grows up to be?
Jordan Baker is portrayed as inherently honest throughout the novel.
Jordan Baker is portrayed as inherently honest throughout the novel.
What symbolizes moral decay and the plight of the lower class in the novel?
What symbolizes moral decay and the plight of the lower class in the novel?
What rumor does Catherine spread about Gatsby?
What rumor does Catherine spread about Gatsby?
Nick immediately trusts and admires Jordan Baker upon getting to know her.
Nick immediately trusts and admires Jordan Baker upon getting to know her.
Tom Buchanan's 'old money' status barely veils that he is a misogynistic, ______, self-serving and violent monster of a man.
Tom Buchanan's 'old money' status barely veils that he is a misogynistic, ______, self-serving and violent monster of a man.
Match the character with their corresponding description:
Match the character with their corresponding description:
What does Gatsby show Nick to try to prove the stories about his past are true?
What does Gatsby show Nick to try to prove the stories about his past are true?
Gatsby hosts lavish parties every ______ night at his mansion.
Gatsby hosts lavish parties every ______ night at his mansion.
What is Nick Carraway's initial opinion of Gatsby?
What is Nick Carraway's initial opinion of Gatsby?
Match the character to the detail that best describes them:
Match the character to the detail that best describes them:
West Egg represents the established aristocracy of 'old money'.
West Egg represents the established aristocracy of 'old money'.
What illegal activity is Meyer Wolfsheim known for?
What illegal activity is Meyer Wolfsheim known for?
What is Nick's impression of Gatsby after their initial conversation at the party?
What is Nick's impression of Gatsby after their initial conversation at the party?
Gatsby inherited his wealth from his parents.
Gatsby inherited his wealth from his parents.
Owl Eyes is found in Gatsby's library surprised to discover that the books are ______ rather than cardboard.
Owl Eyes is found in Gatsby's library surprised to discover that the books are ______ rather than cardboard.
What is the name of the deeply racist book that Tom Buchanan tries to promote?
What is the name of the deeply racist book that Tom Buchanan tries to promote?
What does Tom do to Myrtle when she repeats Daisy's name?
What does Tom do to Myrtle when she repeats Daisy's name?
Klipspringer attends Gatsby's funeral.
Klipspringer attends Gatsby's funeral.
Nick describes Gatsby's smile as having a quality of eternal ______.
Nick describes Gatsby's smile as having a quality of eternal ______.
Why did Gatsby buy his mansion in West Egg?
Why did Gatsby buy his mansion in West Egg?
Who is Tom Buchanan's mistress?
Who is Tom Buchanan's mistress?
What does the green light that Gatsby stares at symbolize?
What does the green light that Gatsby stares at symbolize?
Daisy remained faithful to Tom throughout their marriage.
Daisy remained faithful to Tom throughout their marriage.
Where does Jordan tell Nick the story of Gatsby and Daisy's past?
Where does Jordan tell Nick the story of Gatsby and Daisy's past?
Dan Cody left Gatsby twenty-five thousand dollars after he died but Gatsby couldn’t receive it because of a ______ complication.
Dan Cody left Gatsby twenty-five thousand dollars after he died but Gatsby couldn’t receive it because of a ______ complication.
Which literary device does Fitzgerald employ to critique the excessive lifestyle of 1920s America in 'The Great Gatsby'?
Which literary device does Fitzgerald employ to critique the excessive lifestyle of 1920s America in 'The Great Gatsby'?
What are the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg meant to symbolize?
What are the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg meant to symbolize?
The main topic of conversation at Gatsby's parties are ______ about Gatsby.
The main topic of conversation at Gatsby's parties are ______ about Gatsby.
In 'The Great Gatsby', characters from all social classes, including the 'Old Money,' 'New Money,' and 'No Money' classes, meet tragic ends.
In 'The Great Gatsby', characters from all social classes, including the 'Old Money,' 'New Money,' and 'No Money' classes, meet tragic ends.
What illegal activity is Meyer Wolfsheim known for?
What illegal activity is Meyer Wolfsheim known for?
What is the primary reason Nick Carraway's narration is considered unreliable in 'The Great Gatsby'?
What is the primary reason Nick Carraway's narration is considered unreliable in 'The Great Gatsby'?
What does the green light symbolize for Gatsby?
What does the green light symbolize for Gatsby?
The post-World War I era, characterized by economic prosperity, lavish parties, and changing social norms, is referred to as the ______ Age.
The post-World War I era, characterized by economic prosperity, lavish parties, and changing social norms, is referred to as the ______ Age.
Match the location with the events that occur there:
Match the location with the events that occur there:
According to Nick, Gatsby's world revolves around money and material possessions.
According to Nick, Gatsby's world revolves around money and material possessions.
Match each character from 'The Great Gatsby' to the social class they primarily represent:
Match each character from 'The Great Gatsby' to the social class they primarily represent:
What societal shift is reflected in the novel through the portrayal of flappers?
What societal shift is reflected in the novel through the portrayal of flappers?
Which illegal activity significantly contributed to the wealth of some characters during the 1920s, as depicted in 'The Great Gatsby'?
Which illegal activity significantly contributed to the wealth of some characters during the 1920s, as depicted in 'The Great Gatsby'?
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are located in the ______.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are located in the ______.
The Immigration Act of 1924 encouraged increased immigration from all countries to the United States.
The Immigration Act of 1924 encouraged increased immigration from all countries to the United States.
What geographical shift in economic focus occurred in the United States after World War I, as suggested by the context of 'The Great Gatsby'?
What geographical shift in economic focus occurred in the United States after World War I, as suggested by the context of 'The Great Gatsby'?
Match the following characters with their symbolic representation in The Great Gatsby:
Match the following characters with their symbolic representation in The Great Gatsby:
What does the clock symbolize when Gatsby leans on it?
What does the clock symbolize when Gatsby leans on it?
The concept that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination, though often shown to be corrupted in 'The Great Gatsby,' is known as the American ______.
The concept that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination, though often shown to be corrupted in 'The Great Gatsby,' is known as the American ______.
According to Nick Carraway, the events in The Great Gatsby are primarily driven by economic factors and wealth disparity.
According to Nick Carraway, the events in The Great Gatsby are primarily driven by economic factors and wealth disparity.
Which element of the American Dream does Gatsby achieve, though it ultimately leads to his downfall?
Which element of the American Dream does Gatsby achieve, though it ultimately leads to his downfall?
In 'The Great Gatsby', Nick Carraway openly and honestly shares all of his personal shortcomings with the reader.
In 'The Great Gatsby', Nick Carraway openly and honestly shares all of his personal shortcomings with the reader.
What is one way cars symbolize status in the novel?
What is one way cars symbolize status in the novel?
The road between West Egg and New York City is known as the ______.
The road between West Egg and New York City is known as the ______.
What specific geographical feature is metaphorically represented as a wasteland of moral and social decay in 'The Great Gatsby'?
What specific geographical feature is metaphorically represented as a wasteland of moral and social decay in 'The Great Gatsby'?
Which of the following themes is most evident in the depiction of Gatsby's lavish parties?
Which of the following themes is most evident in the depiction of Gatsby's lavish parties?
Gatsby's attempt to win back Daisy represents a broader theme in the novel related to the manipulation and recapture of the ______.
Gatsby's attempt to win back Daisy represents a broader theme in the novel related to the manipulation and recapture of the ______.
Tom Buchanan's character demonstrates that misogyny was completely absent in 1920s America.
Tom Buchanan's character demonstrates that misogyny was completely absent in 1920s America.
How does the chronological structuring of 'The Great Gatsby' differ from the actual sequence of events in Gatsby's life?
How does the chronological structuring of 'The Great Gatsby' differ from the actual sequence of events in Gatsby's life?
How does Myrtle Wilson attempt to improve her social standing?
How does Myrtle Wilson attempt to improve her social standing?
Connect each element with its significance in 'The Great Gatsby':
Connect each element with its significance in 'The Great Gatsby':
Gatsby is described as a 'new money' man due to his involvement in ______ during the Prohibition era.
Gatsby is described as a 'new money' man due to his involvement in ______ during the Prohibition era.
What does Nick Carraway's role as the narrator suggest about his perspective on the events of the novel?
What does Nick Carraway's role as the narrator suggest about his perspective on the events of the novel?
The traditional nuclear family structure is a central theme and prominently featured in the relationships within The Great Gatsby.
The traditional nuclear family structure is a central theme and prominently featured in the relationships within The Great Gatsby.
Why does Gatsby request that Nick invite Daisy over for tea?
Why does Gatsby request that Nick invite Daisy over for tea?
Gatsby receives the $25,000 left to him in Dan Cody's will.
Gatsby receives the $25,000 left to him in Dan Cody's will.
What is James Gatz's motivation for changing his name to Jay Gatsby?
What is James Gatz's motivation for changing his name to Jay Gatsby?
Gatsby replaced his servants with Wolfsheim's men to prevent ______ about his relationship with Daisy.
Gatsby replaced his servants with Wolfsheim's men to prevent ______ about his relationship with Daisy.
Match the characters with their roles in the narrative:
Match the characters with their roles in the narrative:
What is Gatsby's initial demeanor when he and Daisy reunite at Nick's?
What is Gatsby's initial demeanor when he and Daisy reunite at Nick's?
Nick wholeheartedly approves of Gatsby's idealized vision of Daisy.
Nick wholeheartedly approves of Gatsby's idealized vision of Daisy.
What is Nick's opinion of the party at Gatsby's home that Tom and Daisy attend?
What is Nick's opinion of the party at Gatsby's home that Tom and Daisy attend?
According to Daisy, Gatsby made his money from ______ he owns.
According to Daisy, Gatsby made his money from ______ he owns.
What is Nick's reaction to Gatsby's assertion that he can repeat the past?
What is Nick's reaction to Gatsby's assertion that he can repeat the past?
Tom is completely oblivious to the romantic tension between Gatsby and Daisy during lunch at the Buchanan's home.
Tom is completely oblivious to the romantic tension between Gatsby and Daisy during lunch at the Buchanan's home.
What observation does Gatsby make regarding Daisy's voice?
What observation does Gatsby make regarding Daisy's voice?
Dan Cody was a multi-millionaire expert in the mining of ______.
Dan Cody was a multi-millionaire expert in the mining of ______.
What startles Nick when he visits Gatsby's house one Sunday afternoon?
What startles Nick when he visits Gatsby's house one Sunday afternoon?
Match the following events with the corresponding chapter:
Match the following events with the corresponding chapter:
Why does Wolfsheim refuse to attend Gatsby's funeral?
Why does Wolfsheim refuse to attend Gatsby's funeral?
Nick believes Jordan Baker's claim that she is engaged to another man.
Nick believes Jordan Baker's claim that she is engaged to another man.
What does Nick learn about Tom Buchanan's involvement in Gatsby's death when they meet in New York?
What does Nick learn about Tom Buchanan's involvement in Gatsby's death when they meet in New York?
Nick describes the Buchanans as living in 'vast ______' and then retreating to their money.
Nick describes the Buchanans as living in 'vast ______' and then retreating to their money.
Match the following characters with their associated socio-economic status:
Match the following characters with their associated socio-economic status:
What is symbolic about East Egg and West Egg?
What is symbolic about East Egg and West Egg?
Tom's riding clothes are used to subtly undermine his 'old money' status.
Tom's riding clothes are used to subtly undermine his 'old money' status.
What does Nick admire most about Gatsby?
What does Nick admire most about Gatsby?
Nick describes Gatsby as a believer in the ______, a man of promise and faith.
Nick describes Gatsby as a believer in the ______, a man of promise and faith.
Which character does Nick describe as embodying hyper-masculinity?
Which character does Nick describe as embodying hyper-masculinity?
Why does Wilson want to buy Tom's car?
Why does Wilson want to buy Tom's car?
Nick believes that Wilson is aware of Tom's affair with Myrtle.
Nick believes that Wilson is aware of Tom's affair with Myrtle.
Owl Eyes does not attend Gatsby's funeral.
Owl Eyes does not attend Gatsby's funeral.
What does Klipspringer request from Nick after Gatsby's death?
What does Klipspringer request from Nick after Gatsby's death?
What accusation does Tom level against Gatsby at the Plaza Hotel, aiming to discredit him in front of Daisy?
What accusation does Tom level against Gatsby at the Plaza Hotel, aiming to discredit him in front of Daisy?
As they drive, Nick describes the car journey after the Plaza Hotel confrontation as driving towards ______.
As they drive, Nick describes the car journey after the Plaza Hotel confrontation as driving towards ______.
What does Nick compare to Gatsby's wonder at the green light?
What does Nick compare to Gatsby's wonder at the green light?
Match the character with their emotional state or primary concern following Myrtle's death:
Match the character with their emotional state or primary concern following Myrtle's death:
Gatsby became undone by the '______' of the Roaring Twenties.
Gatsby became undone by the '______' of the Roaring Twenties.
What does Gatsby reveal to Nick about his past with Daisy the morning after Myrtle's death?
What does Gatsby reveal to Nick about his past with Daisy the morning after Myrtle's death?
Match each character with corresponding description
Match each character with corresponding description
Despite Nick's advice, Gatsby is willing to leave Long Island to avoid potential police questioning after Myrtle's death.
Despite Nick's advice, Gatsby is willing to leave Long Island to avoid potential police questioning after Myrtle's death.
What compliment does Nick give to Gatsby before leaving him on the day of Gatsby's death?
What compliment does Nick give to Gatsby before leaving him on the day of Gatsby's death?
Wilson speaks to Michaelis about how Myrtle was 'sinning in the eyes of God' whilst staring into the eyes of ______.
Wilson speaks to Michaelis about how Myrtle was 'sinning in the eyes of God' whilst staring into the eyes of ______.
What is Gatsby doing when he is found dead?
What is Gatsby doing when he is found dead?
After Gatsby's death, Daisy takes responsibility for driving the car that killed Myrtle
After Gatsby's death, Daisy takes responsibility for driving the car that killed Myrtle
Who arrives at Gatsby's mansion for the funeral?
Who arrives at Gatsby's mansion for the funeral?
Nick becomes the main contact for all matters relating to Gatsby because nobody else ______ to be.
Nick becomes the main contact for all matters relating to Gatsby because nobody else ______ to be.
What is the significance of Gatsby asking the gardener to wait before draining the pool?
What is the significance of Gatsby asking the gardener to wait before draining the pool?
Match the character involved in Gatsby's funeral to their degree of involvement or reason for absence:
Match the character involved in Gatsby's funeral to their degree of involvement or reason for absence:
What does Daisy hope her daughter Pammy will be?
What does Daisy hope her daughter Pammy will be?
Tom's wealth and social status are presented as secondary to his personal qualities in attracting Daisy.
Tom's wealth and social status are presented as secondary to his personal qualities in attracting Daisy.
What is the significance of the green light in relation to Gatsby's desires?
What is the significance of the green light in relation to Gatsby's desires?
Gatsby refers to Daisy's voice as being 'full of ______'.
Gatsby refers to Daisy's voice as being 'full of ______'.
What does the 'valley of ashes' primarily symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
What does the 'valley of ashes' primarily symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
Myrtle's relationship with George Wilson is portrayed as one of mutual respect and emotional fulfillment.
Myrtle's relationship with George Wilson is portrayed as one of mutual respect and emotional fulfillment.
In what way is Myrtle exploited by Tom?
In what way is Myrtle exploited by Tom?
The apartment in the city is depicted as a place of ______ and immorality.
The apartment in the city is depicted as a place of ______ and immorality.
Match the following sins with their representation in the apartment scene:
Match the following sins with their representation in the apartment scene:
What does Fitzgerald imply about Gatsby's wealth in relation to the Prohibition Act of 1919?
What does Fitzgerald imply about Gatsby's wealth in relation to the Prohibition Act of 1919?
Gatsby's reinvention as 'Jay Gatsby' is solely driven by his desire to impress Daisy.
Gatsby's reinvention as 'Jay Gatsby' is solely driven by his desire to impress Daisy.
What is one sacrifice Gatsby makes in pursuit of the American Dream?
What is one sacrifice Gatsby makes in pursuit of the American Dream?
Gatsby's failure to win Daisy back ultimately corrupts him, and she becomes the embodiment of the corrupted American ______.
Gatsby's failure to win Daisy back ultimately corrupts him, and she becomes the embodiment of the corrupted American ______.
What is a central characteristic that defines Tom Buchanan's character from the beginning of the novel?
What is a central characteristic that defines Tom Buchanan's character from the beginning of the novel?
Match the character with how they relate to 'old money':
Match the character with how they relate to 'old money':
In 'The Great Gatsby', what does the valley of ashes symbolize?
In 'The Great Gatsby', what does the valley of ashes symbolize?
Tom Buchanan genuinely cares about Myrtle's well-being and social mobility.
Tom Buchanan genuinely cares about Myrtle's well-being and social mobility.
How does Fitzgerald use Nick's perspective to comment on the wealthy society of West Egg and East Egg?
How does Fitzgerald use Nick's perspective to comment on the wealthy society of West Egg and East Egg?
The phrase 'vast ______' is used to describe Tom Buchanan's disregard for the consequences of his actions.
The phrase 'vast ______' is used to describe Tom Buchanan's disregard for the consequences of his actions.
Match the character with their primary trait or role in the novel:
Match the character with their primary trait or role in the novel:
What is significant about Catherine's lie about Daisy being Catholic?
What is significant about Catherine's lie about Daisy being Catholic?
What does Gatsby sacrifice in his pursuit of the American Dream?
What does Gatsby sacrifice in his pursuit of the American Dream?
Gatsby's parties are portrayed as intimate gatherings of close friends and family.
Gatsby's parties are portrayed as intimate gatherings of close friends and family.
Gatsby's careless driving is a metaphor for his careful and cautious approach to life.
Gatsby's careless driving is a metaphor for his careful and cautious approach to life.
Explain how Myrtle's death contributes to the tragic downfall of Gatsby.
Explain how Myrtle's death contributes to the tragic downfall of Gatsby.
Tom's act of breaking Myrtle's nose highlights his ______ and abuse of power.
Tom's act of breaking Myrtle's nose highlights his ______ and abuse of power.
Tom's dismissal of Gatsby as 'Mr. Nobody from Nowhere' highlights his disregard for Gatsby's ___________ status.
Tom's dismissal of Gatsby as 'Mr. Nobody from Nowhere' highlights his disregard for Gatsby's ___________ status.
What does the description of Myrtle carrying her 'flesh sensuously' suggest about her character?
What does the description of Myrtle carrying her 'flesh sensuously' suggest about her character?
Fitzgerald uses polysyndeton in the description of the valley of ashes to speed up the pace and create a sense of excitement.
Fitzgerald uses polysyndeton in the description of the valley of ashes to speed up the pace and create a sense of excitement.
Match the character with their symbolic representation in The Great Gatsby:
Match the character with their symbolic representation in The Great Gatsby:
In what way does Tom's wealth allow him to 'get away' with hurting others?
In what way does Tom's wealth allow him to 'get away' with hurting others?
What is suggested by Wolfsheim's mispronunciation of 'Oxford'?
What is suggested by Wolfsheim's mispronunciation of 'Oxford'?
Gatsby's parties were primarily for celebrating his achievements with his close friends and family.
Gatsby's parties were primarily for celebrating his achievements with his close friends and family.
Nick describes himself as being 'within and without', highlighting his ______ role as both participant and observer.
Nick describes himself as being 'within and without', highlighting his ______ role as both participant and observer.
What motivates Gatsby to give Nick Carraway money for setting up a meeting with Daisy?
What motivates Gatsby to give Nick Carraway money for setting up a meeting with Daisy?
What literary device is used in the phrase 'ashes grow like wheat'?
What literary device is used in the phrase 'ashes grow like wheat'?
Match the quote to the character who speaks it:
Match the quote to the character who speaks it:
Gatsby’s efforts to create an image for himself are an attempt to encourage his wish to be considered _____________, due to the positive connotations attached to this in his society.
Gatsby’s efforts to create an image for himself are an attempt to encourage his wish to be considered _____________, due to the positive connotations attached to this in his society.
What does Nick mean when he says 'Even Gatsby could happen, without any particular wonder'?
What does Nick mean when he says 'Even Gatsby could happen, without any particular wonder'?
Daisy ultimately chooses Gatsby over Tom because of Gatsby's wealth and social status.
Daisy ultimately chooses Gatsby over Tom because of Gatsby's wealth and social status.
Why is Gatsby's story considered mythical despite being mostly false?
Why is Gatsby's story considered mythical despite being mostly false?
Wolfsheim’s character is based on the real Arnold Rothstein - a notorious Jewish gangster who lived in New York and was involved in __________.
Wolfsheim’s character is based on the real Arnold Rothstein - a notorious Jewish gangster who lived in New York and was involved in __________.
What is the significance of the 'human molars' that Wolfsheim wears as cuff buttons?
What is the significance of the 'human molars' that Wolfsheim wears as cuff buttons?
What does the reduction of 'oranges and lemons' to 'pulpless halves' symbolize in the context of the era?
What does the reduction of 'oranges and lemons' to 'pulpless halves' symbolize in the context of the era?
Gatsby's primary motivation for amassing wealth was purely for personal enjoyment and luxury.
Gatsby's primary motivation for amassing wealth was purely for personal enjoyment and luxury.
Gatsby's guests genuinely care about him and attend his parties out of friendship.
Gatsby's guests genuinely care about him and attend his parties out of friendship.
What does Nick's discomfort at Gatsby’s parties suggest about his perception of the American Dream during the Jazz Age?
What does Nick's discomfort at Gatsby’s parties suggest about his perception of the American Dream during the Jazz Age?
Owl Eyes' admiration for the 'realism' of the books in Gatsby's library highlights the ______ between reality and the illusion of the Jazz Age.
Owl Eyes' admiration for the 'realism' of the books in Gatsby's library highlights the ______ between reality and the illusion of the Jazz Age.
What is symbolized by Owl Eyes' car accident?
What is symbolized by Owl Eyes' car accident?
Owl Eyes was driving the car during the accident.
Owl Eyes was driving the car during the accident.
What does Owl Eyes' statement about the library collapsing if a brick is removed reveal about Gatsby's illusion?
What does Owl Eyes' statement about the library collapsing if a brick is removed reveal about Gatsby's illusion?
Nick's discomfort with the 'easy money and hypocritical loose morals' of the Roaring Twenties mirrors the ______'s discomfort.
Nick's discomfort with the 'easy money and hypocritical loose morals' of the Roaring Twenties mirrors the ______'s discomfort.
What does Nick's claim that he is 'the most honest person' he knows cause the reader to do?
What does Nick's claim that he is 'the most honest person' he knows cause the reader to do?
Match the quote to its thematic element
Match the quote to its thematic element
What does the color 'blue' in Gatsby's gardens suggest?
What does the color 'blue' in Gatsby's gardens suggest?
Nick immediately trusts and admires Gatsby, without any reservations.
Nick immediately trusts and admires Gatsby, without any reservations.
What does Fitzgerald's comparison of Gatsby to Jesus suggest?
What does Fitzgerald's comparison of Gatsby to Jesus suggest?
Gatsby's primary goal is for Daisy to acknowledge that she never loved Tom.
Gatsby's primary goal is for Daisy to acknowledge that she never loved Tom.
What does the simile of 'moths' suggest about Gatsby's guests?
What does the simile of 'moths' suggest about Gatsby's guests?
What does Gatsby's insistence that the past can be repeated reveal about his character?
What does Gatsby's insistence that the past can be repeated reveal about his character?
Jordan's name connects her to two makes of ______, emphasizing her materialistic and modern character.
Jordan's name connects her to two makes of ______, emphasizing her materialistic and modern character.
Nick describes Gatsby's love for Daisy as an 'appalling ______' because it has made Daisy into a symbol of perfection.
Nick describes Gatsby's love for Daisy as an 'appalling ______' because it has made Daisy into a symbol of perfection.
What does the phrase 'erect carriage' and 'hard jaunty body' suggest about Jordan's character?
What does the phrase 'erect carriage' and 'hard jaunty body' suggest about Jordan's character?
Match the character with their defining characteristic or desire:
Match the character with their defining characteristic or desire:
What symbolic meaning can be derived from Daisy's daughter?
What symbolic meaning can be derived from Daisy's daughter?
Daisy feels remorse for betraying either Tom or Gatsby.
Daisy feels remorse for betraying either Tom or Gatsby.
In Chapter 7, what event triggers Tom's realization that he is losing Daisy?
In Chapter 7, what event triggers Tom's realization that he is losing Daisy?
Tom insults Gatsby by calling him 'Mr. ______ from ______', highlighting Gatsby's struggle to overcome his past.
Tom insults Gatsby by calling him 'Mr. ______ from ______', highlighting Gatsby's struggle to overcome his past.
What does Gatsby's corruption to win Daisy's heart ultimately lead to?
What does Gatsby's corruption to win Daisy's heart ultimately lead to?
The car swap involving Gatsby and Tom has no significant impact on the plot.
The car swap involving Gatsby and Tom has no significant impact on the plot.
What does Nick perceive as the fundamental similarity between Tom and Wilson, besides their circumstances?
What does Nick perceive as the fundamental similarity between Tom and Wilson, besides their circumstances?
Gatsby views Daisy's past as solely the one ______ they spent together, neglecting her life since then.
Gatsby views Daisy's past as solely the one ______ they spent together, neglecting her life since then.
What does Daisy's comparison of Gatsby to a man in an advertisement reveal about her?
What does Daisy's comparison of Gatsby to a man in an advertisement reveal about her?
Gatsby quits the parties after getting Daisy, symbolizing the changing nature of the 'new money' lifestyle.
Gatsby quits the parties after getting Daisy, symbolizing the changing nature of the 'new money' lifestyle.
What does Nick's premonition about the car foreshadow in the novel?
What does Nick's premonition about the car foreshadow in the novel?
Gatsby is deeply affected by Myrtle's death, which causes him to re-evaluate his priorities.
Gatsby is deeply affected by Myrtle's death, which causes him to re-evaluate his priorities.
In the context of the novel, what does Daisy choose over Gatsby's love?
In the context of the novel, what does Daisy choose over Gatsby's love?
Despite Daisy’s ultimate choice, Gatsby remains _____ to their love.
Despite Daisy’s ultimate choice, Gatsby remains _____ to their love.
What does Daisy's bold display of affection towards Gatsby signify before she ultimately chooses Tom?
What does Daisy's bold display of affection towards Gatsby signify before she ultimately chooses Tom?
Daisy's love is portrayed primarily as a profound emotional connection rather than a focus on material gain.
Daisy's love is portrayed primarily as a profound emotional connection rather than a focus on material gain.
Whose eyes are synonymous with God in the novel, also highlighting the effects of consumer culture?
Whose eyes are synonymous with God in the novel, also highlighting the effects of consumer culture?
Daisy shatters Gatsby’s dreams by placing him as ________, prioritizing Tom’s money over Gatsby’s earnestness.
Daisy shatters Gatsby’s dreams by placing him as ________, prioritizing Tom’s money over Gatsby’s earnestness.
What does the graphic description of Myrtle's death emphasize about her character's portrayal in the novel?
What does the graphic description of Myrtle's death emphasize about her character's portrayal in the novel?
Myrtle's death primarily affects only her immediate family, having little to no impact on the other characters' relationships or dreams.
Myrtle's death primarily affects only her immediate family, having little to no impact on the other characters' relationships or dreams.
What does Gatsby believe he can preserve through Daisy's love?
What does Gatsby believe he can preserve through Daisy's love?
Why does George Wilson kill Gatsby?
Why does George Wilson kill Gatsby?
The conflict between old and new money destroys Wilson, and renders him unable to distinguish an __________ from God.
The conflict between old and new money destroys Wilson, and renders him unable to distinguish an __________ from God.
Gatsby successfully transcends social class divides through his love for Daisy.
Gatsby successfully transcends social class divides through his love for Daisy.
What does Nick mean when he says Gatsby is 'worth the whole damn bunch put together'?
What does Nick mean when he says Gatsby is 'worth the whole damn bunch put together'?
What does Nick's description of Gatsby as “a son of God” emphasize about Gatsby?
What does Nick's description of Gatsby as “a son of God” emphasize about Gatsby?
The hedonistic recklessness of the Jazz Age strengthens relationships, leading to greater understanding and commitment among characters.
The hedonistic recklessness of the Jazz Age strengthens relationships, leading to greater understanding and commitment among characters.
Tom and Daisy are described as 'careless people' who 'smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back to their ______'.
Tom and Daisy are described as 'careless people' who 'smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back to their ______'.
Match the character with what the text shows about their dreams:
Match the character with what the text shows about their dreams:
Match the following characters with their defining characteristics:
Match the following characters with their defining characteristics:
Tom Buchanan is aware that Daisy was driving the car that killed Myrtle.
Tom Buchanan is aware that Daisy was driving the car that killed Myrtle.
How does Nick connect Gatsby's dream to the original American Dream?
How does Nick connect Gatsby's dream to the original American Dream?
The quote 'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the ______' emphasizes the struggle against the past.
The quote 'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the ______' emphasizes the struggle against the past.
What is the significance of Gatsby's real name, James Gatz?
What is the significance of Gatsby's real name, James Gatz?
In what way does the weather during Gatsby and Daisy's reunion contribute to the scene's atmosphere?
In what way does the weather during Gatsby and Daisy's reunion contribute to the scene's atmosphere?
Daisy takes full responsibility for killing Myrtle Wilson.
Daisy takes full responsibility for killing Myrtle Wilson.
The green light gains even more significance after Gatsby is reunited with Daisy, symbolizing his enhanced connection to his dream.
The green light gains even more significance after Gatsby is reunited with Daisy, symbolizing his enhanced connection to his dream.
What might Daisy's emotional outburst over Gatsby's shirts reveal about her internal conflict and values?
What might Daisy's emotional outburst over Gatsby's shirts reveal about her internal conflict and values?
What does Nick mean when he says 'The holocaust was complete' after Gatsby's death?
What does Nick mean when he says 'The holocaust was complete' after Gatsby's death?
According to Edwin Clark, Fitzgerald discloses 'in these people a meanness of spirit, carelessness and absence of ______'.
According to Edwin Clark, Fitzgerald discloses 'in these people a meanness of spirit, carelessness and absence of ______'.
Gatsby's act of knocking over the defunct mantelpiece clock can be interpreted as a symbol of his attempt to ______.
Gatsby's act of knocking over the defunct mantelpiece clock can be interpreted as a symbol of his attempt to ______.
Match the following elements from the reunion scene with their symbolic representation:
Match the following elements from the reunion scene with their symbolic representation:
According to Jonathan Yardley, which of the following themes are explored in The Great Gatsby?
According to Jonathan Yardley, which of the following themes are explored in The Great Gatsby?
Wolfsheim values genuine human connection over monetary wealth.
Wolfsheim values genuine human connection over monetary wealth.
What does Nick's observation that Daisy 'tumbled short of his dreams' suggest about Gatsby's perception of her?
What does Nick's observation that Daisy 'tumbled short of his dreams' suggest about Gatsby's perception of her?
Gatsby's wealth was accumulated primarily to fulfill personal desires, with Daisy being a secondary consideration.
Gatsby's wealth was accumulated primarily to fulfill personal desires, with Daisy being a secondary consideration.
What does Gatsby's failure to notice changes in Daisy suggest about his pursuit of the American Dream?
What does Gatsby's failure to notice changes in Daisy suggest about his pursuit of the American Dream?
The contrast between Gatsby's 'new money' and the 'old money' of characters like Tom highlights the theme of ______ in the novel.
The contrast between Gatsby's 'new money' and the 'old money' of characters like Tom highlights the theme of ______ in the novel.
How does Fitzgerald use Daisy's voice as a symbol in the novel?
How does Fitzgerald use Daisy's voice as a symbol in the novel?
Gatsby's love for Daisy is portrayed as purely selfless, with no personal gain or ambition involved.
Gatsby's love for Daisy is portrayed as purely selfless, with no personal gain or ambition involved.
What is the significance of Gatsby revaluing everything in his house based on Daisy's reactions?
What is the significance of Gatsby revaluing everything in his house based on Daisy's reactions?
Gatsby's story is presented as a common narrative of the 'rags-to-riches' class, making him a representative of the ______.
Gatsby's story is presented as a common narrative of the 'rags-to-riches' class, making him a representative of the ______.
Match the following characters with their symbolic representation in relation to the American Dream:
Match the following characters with their symbolic representation in relation to the American Dream:
Why does Gatsby misinterpret the 'old money' manner of insincere politeness from characters like Tom Buchanan?
Why does Gatsby misinterpret the 'old money' manner of insincere politeness from characters like Tom Buchanan?
Which character does H.L. Mencken suggest is the only genuinely living character in The Great Gatsby?
Which character does H.L. Mencken suggest is the only genuinely living character in The Great Gatsby?
According to A.E. Dyson, Gatsby's belief in himself and his illusions is a weakness that ultimately leads to his downfall.
According to A.E. Dyson, Gatsby's belief in himself and his illusions is a weakness that ultimately leads to his downfall.
R.W. Stallman characterizes Gatsby as a modern ______, alluding to his tragic ambition.
R.W. Stallman characterizes Gatsby as a modern ______, alluding to his tragic ambition.
Marius Bewley argues that Gatsby's critical mistake lies in:
Marius Bewley argues that Gatsby's critical mistake lies in:
According to Judith Fetterley, what is the 'prize' in the power struggle depicted in The Great Gatsby?
According to Judith Fetterley, what is the 'prize' in the power struggle depicted in The Great Gatsby?
Thomas Flanagan describes Gatsby as living in a world of:
Thomas Flanagan describes Gatsby as living in a world of:
Jacqueline Lance argues that Gatsby's core dream is becoming Tom Buchanan.
Jacqueline Lance argues that Gatsby's core dream is becoming Tom Buchanan.
According to A License, Gatsby is a martyr of a ______ society.
According to A License, Gatsby is a martyr of a ______ society.
Lev Grossman characterizes The Great Gatsby as laying bare the:
Lev Grossman characterizes The Great Gatsby as laying bare the:
Paul Staveley compares Gatsby's aspirations to what larger entity, suggesting a parallel between personal and national ambition?
Paul Staveley compares Gatsby's aspirations to what larger entity, suggesting a parallel between personal and national ambition?
According to Claire Stocks, Nick Carraway:
According to Claire Stocks, Nick Carraway:
Alfred Kazin views Daisy as a deeply sympathetic and moral character.
Alfred Kazin views Daisy as a deeply sympathetic and moral character.
According to Sarah Beede Fryer, Daisy's wish for her daughter to be a 'fool' is a desire to protect her from experiencing ______.
According to Sarah Beede Fryer, Daisy's wish for her daughter to be a 'fool' is a desire to protect her from experiencing ______.
Match the critic with their interpretation of Tom Buchanan:
Match the critic with their interpretation of Tom Buchanan:
Harold Bloom suggests Myrtle’s vitality:
Harold Bloom suggests Myrtle’s vitality:
Flashcards
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, set in 1922 New York, exploring themes of the American Dream and class.
Nick Carraway
Nick Carraway
Narrator of The Great Gatsby; recalls his memories of Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan.
Jay Gatsby
Jay Gatsby
Millionaire obsessed with winning back Daisy Buchanan; throws lavish parties to impress her.
Daisy Buchanan
Daisy Buchanan
Married woman whom Gatsby is trying to win; she is married to Tom Buchanan.
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Tom Buchanan
Tom Buchanan
Daisy's cruel and wealthy husband; represents the established elite.
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The Green Light
The Green Light
Symbol of Gatsby's hopes and dreams about Daisy, always just out of reach.
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Valley of Ashes
Valley of Ashes
Represents moral and social decay resulting from the pursuit of wealth.
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The Jazz Age
The Jazz Age
Era that Fitzgerald named, characterized by excitement, wealth, and moral decay.
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Daisy's wish for her daughter
Daisy's wish for her daughter
Daisy hopes her daughter will be naive and beautiful, so she is less likely to realize her unhappiness in marriage and society.
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Jordan Baker
Jordan Baker
Nick's love interest; she is beautiful but Nick finds her to be fundamentally dishonest, especially regarding her cheating in golf.
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Myrtle Wilson
Myrtle Wilson
Tom's mistress and George's wife. She seeks a better life but is ultimately exploited and meets a tragic end.
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George Wilson
George Wilson
Myrtle's husband who owns a garage in the Valley of Ashes. He is devastated by his wife's affair and death.
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Meyer Wolfsheim
Meyer Wolfsheim
Gatsby's friend and business partner. He is a gambler involved in organized crime.
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Owl Eyes
Owl Eyes
A drunken man Nick finds in Gatsby's library, impressed by the real books.
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Ewing Klipspringer
Ewing Klipspringer
A freeloader who takes advantage of Gatsby's generosity and doesn't attend his funeral.
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Dan Cody
Dan Cody
Gatsby's mentor who left him money, but Gatsby never received it due to a legal issue
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Nick Carraway's role
Nick Carraway's role
Nick narrates the story, reflecting on events from the previous summer.
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Nick's view of Gatsby
Nick's view of Gatsby
Nick views Gatsby as a victim of the corrupting influence of wealth and societal decay.
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East Egg
East Egg
Represents established wealth and social status, valuing tradition and refinement.
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West Egg
West Egg
Represents new money, often characterized by ostentatious displays of wealth lacking in social grace.
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Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
A billboard in the Valley of Ashes symbolizing a loss of spiritual values and moral oversight in a materialistic society.
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Gatsby's Romantic Readiness
Gatsby's Romantic Readiness
Gatsby's pursuit of an idealized past with Daisy, ignoring the present and future.
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Religion and Morality in Gatsby
Religion and Morality in Gatsby
Characters seek new values, replacing religion with consumerism and pleasure.
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Realism in "The Great Gatsby"
Realism in "The Great Gatsby"
A literary movement emphasizing accurate portrayal of life. "The Great Gatsby" uses recognizable locations and factual details.
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Gender and Sexuality in The Great Gatsby
Gender and Sexuality in The Great Gatsby
The novel reflects changing gender roles, misogyny, and the use of sexuality for power.
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Love and Relationships in Gatsby
Love and Relationships in Gatsby
Idealized love (Gatsby's) contrasts with shallow, materialistic relationships that end in conflict.
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Social Satire
Social Satire
Using irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize society's flaws. In "The Great Gatsby", it mocks the hedonism of the 1920s.
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Nick Carraway's Unreliable Narration
Nick Carraway's Unreliable Narration
Nick's narration is subjective and not fully reliable. He idealizes Gatsby, and reveals information out of order.
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Appearances vs. Reality
Appearances vs. Reality
Gatsby's fame is built on a constructed myth, highlighting the deceptive nature of appearances.
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Jazz Age
Jazz Age
The period after World War I characterized by economic prosperity, lavish parties, and changing social norms. It's known as the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age.
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East vs. West Egg
East vs. West Egg
Symbolizes the clash between traditional values and the new, morally loose society, fueled by class differences.
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1919 Prohibition Act
1919 Prohibition Act
A law that led to the rise of bootlegging and speakeasies.
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1924 Immigration Act
1924 Immigration Act
This act restricted immigration, especially from Southern and Eastern Europe and Asia. It reflects prejudice against ethnic minorities.
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Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
Symbolize a loss of spiritual values and moral oversight in a materialistic society.
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"Old Money"
"Old Money"
Wealth acquired through inheritance or family legacy. Characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan represent this class.
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Clocks
Clocks
Symbolizes Gatsby's attempt to recapture the past and the futility of trying to stop or reverse time.
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"New Money"
"New Money"
Wealth recently acquired, often through business or other ventures. Gatsby represents this social class struggling for acceptance.
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"No Money"
"No Money"
Social class lacking substantial wealth. The Wilsons represent this, and suffer greatly because of their economic status.
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Cars
Cars
Represent modernity and status but also destruction and recklessness. Highlights social status.
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The American Dream
The American Dream
The ideal that through hard work and determination, anyone can achieve success and climb the social ladder in America. Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is linked to this.
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Money and Class
Money and Class
Money and social standing are closely linked. The novel explores how wealth influences relationships, opportunities, and ultimately, fates of characters.
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Repeating the Past
Repeating the Past
Gatsby's desire to repeat the past with Daisy is a central aspect of his character and the novel's plot. It symbolizes the impossibility of recreating a bygone era.
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Land of opportunity
Land of opportunity
The idea that America offers opportunities for advancement to everyone.
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East Coast
East Coast
The East coast was reputed for its fast living, financial gain and corrupt businessmen.
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Speakeasies
Speakeasies
A secret bar during the Prohibition era
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Gatsby's Plan
Gatsby's Plan
Gatsby positions Nick to invite Daisy to Nick's house for tea, under the guise that Gatsby will 'happen' to show up.
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Gatsby's Preparations
Gatsby's Preparations
To make a good impression on Daisy before their meeting, Gatsby has Nick's lawn mowed and sends flowers to Nicks house.
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Gatsby's Nerves
Gatsby's Nerves
Gatsby knocks over Nick's clock and is a nervous wreck before Daisy arrives.
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Daisy's Emotional Reaction
Daisy's Emotional Reaction
Daisy cries as Gatsby shows her his shirts and mentions his admiration for the green light at the end of her dock across the bay.
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Nick's Doubts
Nick's Doubts
Nick expresses his doubts about Daisy fulfilling Gatsby’s idealised vision due to her marriage, which was motivated by money rather than love.
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Gatsby's Real Name
Gatsby's Real Name
Gatsby was born James Gatz on a farm in North Dakota around 1900.
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Name Change
Name Change
At age 17, James Gatz changed his name to Jay Gatsby.
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Gatsby's Mentor
Gatsby's Mentor
Dan Cody takes Gatsby under his wing at Lake Superior and makes him his assistant for 5 years aboard his yacht.
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Lost Inheritance
Lost Inheritance
Cody's mistress prevents Gatsby from claiming his inheritance of $25,000.
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Tom's Disdain
Tom's Disdain
Tom is rude to Gatsby and is contemptuous of Gatsby’s lack of social grace.
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Daisy's Jealousy
Daisy's Jealousy
Daisy remarks about a girl at Gatsby's party that she is common but pretty and offers her gold pencil in case Tom wants to take down an address.
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Gatsby's Idealism
Gatsby's Idealism
After the party, Gatsby is sad because Daisy didn’t enjoy herself, but Nick reminds him that he can’t "repeat the past”.
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Gatsby's Dream
Gatsby's Dream
Gatsby’s dream is effectively over when he kisses Daisy because she becomes an idealised dream and the centre of his life.
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Servant Replacement
Servant Replacement
Gatsby fires all his servants and replaced them with Wolfsheim’s men so no one can gossip about his and Daisy’s relationship.
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Open Confession
Open Confession
Daisy tells Gatsby she loves him in front of her husband Tom.
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Morningside Heights Apartment
Morningside Heights Apartment
Location in New York City where Tom keeps an apartment for his affair.
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Catherine's Gatsby Rumor
Catherine's Gatsby Rumor
Rumor said she claimed Gatsby was related to the German emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm.
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Tom's Violence
Tom's Violence
Tom physically abuses Myrtle after she repeats Daisy's name, breaking her nose.
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Gatsby's Parties
Gatsby's Parties
Parties thrown every Saturday night at Gatsby's mansion, filled with uninvited guests.
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Gatsby's Rumors
Gatsby's Rumors
Rumors spread at Gatsby's parties, ranging from Gatsby being a German spy to having killed a man.
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"Old Sport"
"Old Sport"
Gatsby's catchphrase when talking to people.
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Jordan's 'Amazing' Story
Jordan's 'Amazing' Story
Jordan tells Nick she heard the most amazing story from Gatsby, heightening the mystery around him.
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Nick's Honesty
Nick's Honesty
Nick's assessment of himself. He considers himself more honest than most people he knows.
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Gatsby's Past
Gatsby's Past
Gatsby claims he is the son of wealthy parents from San Francisco, graduated from Oxford, and was a war hero.
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Daisy Fay
Daisy Fay
Gatsby's love before the war.
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Gatsby's Location
Gatsby's Location
Gatsby bought his mansion in West Egg to be across the bay from Daisy in East Egg, showing his dedication to her.
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How did Gatsby meet Daisy?
How did Gatsby meet Daisy?
Gatsby met Daisy when he become a Lieutenant, in Louisville.
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The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel
The hotel where tensions escalate between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy.
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Bootlegging
Bootlegging
Organized crime activities that contributed to Gatsby's wealth.
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Nick's Thirtieth Birthday
Nick's Thirtieth Birthday
Nick's age as the climax of the drama unfolds.
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Driving Towards Death
Driving Towards Death
Nick's description of the car journey after the Plaza Hotel confrontation.
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Five Years Ago
Five Years Ago
Gatsby's love for Daisy, fixated on the past.
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"Worth more than the rotten crowd"
"Worth more than the rotten crowd"
Nick's remark to Gatsby affirming his moral superiority.
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Swimming Pool
Swimming Pool
Gatsby's final act; symbolic of his dream.
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Wilson
Wilson
Gatsby's killer, avenging Myrtle's death.
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Henry C. Gatz
Henry C. Gatz
Gatsby's father, arrives for the funeral.
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Klipspringer
Klipspringer
Gatsby's shallow acquaintance, calls for tennis shoes.
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Shot in his pool
Shot in his pool
The manner of Gatsby's death.
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Klipspringer's Request
Klipspringer's Request
Gatsby's acquaintance who is unwilling to attend the funeral but wants his tennis shoes back.
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Wolfsheim's Refusal
Wolfsheim's Refusal
Wolfsheim refuses to attend Gatsby's funeral, despite claiming to have 'made' Gatsby.
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Gatsby's Funeral Attendees
Gatsby's Funeral Attendees
Attendees: Nick, Henry Gatz (Gatsby's father), and Owl Eyes.
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Owl Eyes' Pity
Owl Eyes' Pity
Owl Eyes acknowledges the tragedy of Gatsby's life.
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Characters' Western Origins
Characters' Western Origins
Characters from the Mid-West (West Egg)
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Nick and Jordan's Breakup
Nick and Jordan's Breakup
Nick breaks up with Jordan Baker at her house.
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Tom's Revelation to Wilson
Tom's Revelation to Wilson
Tom revealed Gatsby ran over Myrtle, leading to Gatsby's murder.
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The Buchanans' Retreat
The Buchanans' Retreat
Tom's Wealth
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Nick's Reflection on the Green Light
Nick's Reflection on the Green Light
Imagines initial wonder, links to Gatsby's longing for Daisy.
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Gatsby's Belief
Gatsby's Belief
Nick describes Gatsby's hope and faith in the future.
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Nick's 'Old Money'
Nick's 'Old Money'
Nick's Privilege
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East's Haunting Effect
East's Haunting Effect
The east is haunted for Nick, highlights the judgemental culture and class dynamics of the Roaring Twenties.
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East Egg vs. West Egg
East Egg vs. West Egg
Symbolizes class rivalries
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Tom's Body
Tom's Body
Tom's physique represents hyper-masculinity and brute force.
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Nick's Admiration of Gatsby
Nick's Admiration of Gatsby
Homoerotic undertones in Nick's admiration for Gatsby.
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Tom Buchanan's Character
Tom Buchanan's Character
Antagonistic character in 'The Great Gatsby', known for cruelty and masculinity.
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Daisy's 'fool' remark
Daisy's 'fool' remark
Daisy expresses a cynical view, suggesting that ignorance is bliss for women in her society.
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Gatsby and the Green Light
Gatsby and the Green Light
Gatsby reaches towards a green light, symbolizing his longing for Daisy and the American Dream.
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Valley of Ashes Symbolism
Valley of Ashes Symbolism
The valley symbolizes the moral and social decay caused by materialism.
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Valley of Ashes Population
Valley of Ashes Population
Represents those excluded from the prosperity of the Roaring Twenties.
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Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's Eyes
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's Eyes
Highlights the rise of media and the power of advertising in society.
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Myrtle's Character
Myrtle's Character
Myrtle is trapped and exploited, seeking escape through materialism and affairs.
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The Apartment's Symbolism
The Apartment's Symbolism
Place of immorality, symbolizing the sin and hedonism of the wealthy.
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Prohibition Act Irony
Prohibition Act Irony
Highlights the hypocrisy of laws during the Roaring Twenties.
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Gatsby's American Dream
Gatsby's American Dream
Gatsby's pursuit and achievement of wealth exposes the corruption of the American Dream.
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Daisy as the American Dream
Daisy as the American Dream
Symbolizes the unattainable nature of the American Dream through his pursuit of Daisy.
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Gatsby's Reinvention
Gatsby's Reinvention
Gatsby changed his name to distance himself from his past and to fit into a higher social class.
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Gatsby's attraction to Daisy
Gatsby's attraction to Daisy
Gatsby's initial draw to Daisy was based on her wealth and social status.
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Gatsby's Trembling
Gatsby's Trembling
Highlights his intense desire and emotional vulnerability towards Daisy.
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Ashes Growing Like Wheat
Ashes Growing Like Wheat
Symbolic of beauty being destroyed and the spread of immorality in 1920s America.
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Gender Roles in the 1920s
Gender Roles in the 1920s
Highlights double standards; men are perceived as attractive for having mistresses unlike women.
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The Lie About Daisy
The Lie About Daisy
False rumor spread by Catherine to explain Tom's unwillingness to divorce Daisy.
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Nick's Internal Conflict
Nick's Internal Conflict
Nick's simultaneous attraction to and repulsion from the wealthy's lifestyle.
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Tom Breaking Myrtle's Nose
Tom Breaking Myrtle's Nose
Tom's arrogant and violent nature of exerting power when he doesn't get his way.
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Fitzgerald's Description of Gatsby's Parties
Fitzgerald's Description of Gatsby's Parties
Creates magical atmosphere through poetic language appealing to the reader's five senses.
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Function of Gatsby's Parties
Function of Gatsby's Parties
Illustrates the depravity and hedonism of the wealthy in 1920s America.
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Gatsby's Crumbled Ideal
Gatsby's Crumbled Ideal
Gatsby's idealized version of Daisy cannot be attained in reality, signaling the impossibility of recreating the past.
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Tom's Carelessness
Tom's Carelessness
Tom's capacity for hurting others without guilt, marking him as the antagonist.
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Myrtle's Downfall
Myrtle's Downfall
Highlights the tragic consequences of Myrtle's attempt to climb the social ladder through sex.
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Tom's Exploitation
Tom's Exploitation
Tom's calculated exploitation of women for personal satisfaction.
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Nick's Journey of discovery
Nick's Journey of discovery
An important turning point for Nick, making important judgement about the American dream.
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Gatsby as a Tragic Hero
Gatsby as a Tragic Hero
Gatsby's persistent pursuit of an unattainable dream ultimately leading to his tragic end.
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Pulpless Halves
Pulpless Halves
Symbolizes the emptiness of the Jazz Age, reflecting the decline and waste of the era's excesses.
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Gatsby's Guests
Gatsby's Guests
Guests exploit Gatsby's parties for luxury, showcasing the superficiality of relationships during the Jazz Age.
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Realism of Books
Realism of Books
Symbolizes the superficiality of wealth in the Jazz Age; appearances can be deceiving.
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Owl Eyes' Car Accident
Owl Eyes' Car Accident
Highlights the reckless and indifferent nature of the Roaring Twenties, foreshadowing tragedy.
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Gatsby's Futile Illusion
Gatsby's Futile Illusion
Reveals the fragility of Gatsby's constructed identity; if one part fails, the entire illusion collapses.
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Nick's Discomfort
Nick's Discomfort
Mirrors the reader's unease with the morals of the Roaring Twenties, calling into question Nick's reliability as a narrator.
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Blue gardens
Blue gardens
Creates a fantasy-like atmosphere, highlighting Gatsby's enchanting illusion.
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Gatsby Smile
Gatsby Smile
Symbolizes Gatsby's attempt to convey desperation and the need for acceptance, masking his constructed persona.
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Incurably Dishonest
Incurably Dishonest
Exposes the underlying misogyny of the 1920s, revealing a dismissive view of women like Jordan.
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Jordan Baker's car
Jordan Baker's car
Links her to cars, emphasizing her materialistic and modern character, subverting traditional gender roles.
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Jordan's character
Jordan's character
Suggests a progressive or subversive portrayal of women, challenging traditional roles.
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Moths Among Whisperings
Moths Among Whisperings
Emphasizes the superficiality and constant activity of the Roaring Twenties.
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Eternal Reassurance
Eternal Reassurance
Gatsby seeks reassurance for his dream, while others desperately seek assurance and meaning in their own lives.
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Nick's Woman
Nick's Woman
Nick views women with the same careless misogyny as Tom, showcasing a troubling moral perspective.
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Femme Fatale
Femme Fatale
Suggests that women used their allure and independence in a dangerous, manipulative way.
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Darkness Beneath Lavishness
Darkness Beneath Lavishness
Highlights the contrast between outward luxury and underlying moral decay.
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Gatsby's Reinvented Identity
Gatsby's Reinvented Identity
Gatsby creates a new persona after gaining wealth, reflecting 'new money' culture.
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Gatsby's Careless Driving
Gatsby's Careless Driving
Driving fast symbolizes recklessness in his lifestyle and relentless optimism.
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Wolfsheim's Connection
Wolfsheim's Connection
Symbolizes the corruption linked to achieving the American Dream during the Jazz Age.
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Tom and Gatsby's Meeting
Tom and Gatsby's Meeting
Foreshadows the conflict between 'old money' (Tom) and 'new money' (Gatsby).
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Gatsby's Real Purpose
Gatsby's Real Purpose
achieving wealth to win back Daisy, representing a distorted form of the American Dream.
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The Green Light Symbolism
The Green Light Symbolism
Gatsby's attempts to recreate the past with Daisy and the allure of wealth.
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"Some Nobody"
"Some Nobody"
Gatsby's desire to be seen as worthy, fueled by resentment of his past.
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Gatsby's Plausible Myth
Gatsby's Plausible Myth
Exemplifies Gatsby's limitless capacity to dream and reinvent himself.
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Daisy's Desire
Daisy's Desire
Highlights the superficial desires of young women, exemplified by Daisy.
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Gatsby's Obsession
Gatsby's Obsession
Gatsby's entire life is centered around his obsession and attempt to win back Daisy.
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Gatsby's Corruption
Gatsby's Corruption
Shows Gatsby's corruption as he tries to use money to facilitate his love with Daisy.
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Daisy's Choice
Daisy's Choice
Daisy choosing security and wealth over love with Gatsby.
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Pathetic Fallacy
Pathetic Fallacy
Suggests the tragic nature of Gatsby and Daisy's reunion using weather as a reflection.
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Rain Symbolism
Rain Symbolism
The rain in the novel often symbolizes sadness, tears, or cleansing of the past, setting a melancholic tone.
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Defunct Clock
Defunct Clock
Represents Gatsby's stalled progress and inability to recapture the past perfectly with Daisy.
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Daisy's Shirts
Daisy's Shirts
Daisy is overwhelmed by the display of wealth, realizing what she could have had, or just reaffirming her love for money.
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Gatsby's Revaluation
Gatsby's Revaluation
Gatsby re-evaluates his possessions based on Daisy's reaction, showing lengths he goes to for her.
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Daisy's Materialism
Daisy's Materialism
Daisy's materialistic nature and shallow values, prioritizing wealth over genuine sentiment.
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Gatsby's Illusion
Gatsby's Illusion
Gatsby's dream is unattainable and built upon illusion due to Daisy's change and human limitations.
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Gatsby's Creation
Gatsby's Creation
Gatsby created his persona to pursue the American Dream, aiming to attain wealth and win back Daisy.
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Daisy's Symbolism
Daisy's Symbolism
Represents the wealth and social status Gatsby aspires to achieve through Daisy.
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Money Conflict
Money Conflict
Illustrates the clash between new and old money, and Gatsby's misunderstanding of the insincere politeness of the established elite.
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Time is up
Time is up
Suggests that time is running out for Gatsby to achieve his dream with Daisy.
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Idealized Daisy
Idealized Daisy
Romanticized and idealized view of Daisy, highlighting her significance to Gatsby.
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American Dream
American Dream
The unreachable and corrupted American Dream.
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Gatsby's lengths
Gatsby's lengths
The length Gatsby will go to win back Daisy
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Nick's Wariness
Nick's Wariness
Nick's apprehension foreshadows future tragedy & the end of the Roaring Twenties.
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Myrtle's Death
Myrtle's Death
Myrtle's death symbolizes shattered dreams & the impossibility of transcending social class.
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Gatsby's Loyalty
Gatsby's Loyalty
Gatsby remains devoted to Daisy, even after her betrayal, highlighting his unwavering idealism.
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Daisy's Boldness
Daisy's Boldness
Active display of love towards Gatsby, highlighting her fickle nature and willingness to betray.
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Daisy Breaks Gatsby
Daisy Breaks Gatsby
Daisy shatters Gatsby's dream by admitting she loved both him and Tom, yet choosing Tom's wealth.
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Myrtle's Dehumanization
Myrtle's Dehumanization
Myrtle's dehumanizing death underscores her marginalized status as a woman and lower-class individual.
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Death's Ripple Effect
Death's Ripple Effect
The death signifies the end of multiple relationships and dreams, impacting nearly all characters.
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Gatsby's Purpose
Gatsby's Purpose
Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy gave him purpose, legitimizing his 'new money' identity.
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Wilson's Despair
Wilson's Despair
Wilson is devastated, and unable to distinguish an advertisement from God due to the Roaring Twenties.
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Incomplete Accounts
Incomplete Accounts
Fitzgerald uses it to create suspense, culminating in Gatsby's death and tragic outcome.
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Gatsby as a Christ Figure
Gatsby as a Christ Figure
Gatsby's death is portrayed like a crucifixion, emphasizing his genuine intentions and innocence.
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Hedonism's Destruction
Hedonism's Destruction
The unrestrained recklessness destroys relationships, but 'old money' survives through sacrifice.
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Gatsby's Unshakable Hope
Gatsby's Unshakable Hope
Nick recognizes Gatsby's unwavering hope for Daisy, despite the impossibility.
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Nick's Alignment with Gatsby
Nick's Alignment with Gatsby
Nick's pity and siding with Gatsby reveals a shared judgment of others' superficiality.
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Gatsby's belief in money
Gatsby's belief in money
Gatsby's belief that money can buy the future and the American Dream.
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Gatsby's Idealization of Daisy
Gatsby's Idealization of Daisy
Nick's remark on Gatsby's 'appalling sentimentality': idealizing Daisy to a point of sacrifice.
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Gatsby's desire to repeat the past
Gatsby's desire to repeat the past
Gatsby's insistence on repeating the past highlights his desire to reclaim lost love.
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Gatsby as a 'Son of God'
Gatsby as a 'Son of God'
Gatsby's devotion to Daisy mirrors Jesus's mission, signifying genuine earnestness.
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Gatsby's Expectation of Daisy
Gatsby's Expectation of Daisy
Gatsby's desire for Daisy to say she never loved Tom exemplifies his unrealistic expectations.
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Gatsby's 'Extraordinary Gift for Hope'
Gatsby's 'Extraordinary Gift for Hope'
Gatsby's unwavering hope despite the impossibility of repeating the past.
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Gatsby's Need for Validation
Gatsby's Need for Validation
Gatsby wants to validate his lifestyle and dream through Daisy.
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Gatsby's Tragic Love
Gatsby's Tragic Love
Gatsby's romantic, tragic love is contrasted with the corruption of the American Dream.
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Daisy's daughter symbolizes
Daisy's daughter symbolizes
Symbolizes a connection and shared history between Daisy and Tom that Gatsby cannot erase.
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Daisy compared to an advertisement
Daisy compared to an advertisement
Illustrates Daisy's corruption by the media and consumer culture, revealing her inner emptiness.
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Tom and Wilson similarity
Tom and Wilson similarity
Highlights their fundamental similarity, differing only in wealth and social status.
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Gatsby forgets to live in the
Gatsby forgets to live in the
Forgetting to live in the present by placing all his hopes in recreating that month they spent together five years ago.
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Mr Nobody from Nowhere
Mr Nobody from Nowhere
Insulting to Gatsby since he fought hard to prove to everyone he wasn’t just some “nobody”.
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Daisy's double betraying life
Daisy's double betraying life
She finds it acceptable to lead a double betraying life. She feels no remorse for betraying either Tom or Gatsby.
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Daisy's Responsibility
Daisy's Responsibility
Daisy allows Gatsby to take responsibility for Myrtle's death, shielding herself.
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Class Divides as Fate
Class Divides as Fate
Gatsby's dream is destroyed by social class, represented as a force beyond his control.
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"The holocaust was complete"
"The holocaust was complete"
Nick suggests Gatsby can finally rest, possibly alluding to unjust suffering.
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Gatsby's Funeral
Gatsby's Funeral
Gatsby's funeral shows the moral emptiness and abandonment of genuine connection.
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Shallow Friendships
Shallow Friendships
Gatsby's friends care mostly about his wealth, revealing their superficiality.
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Tom's Ignorance
Tom's Ignorance
Tom is completely unaware that Daisy was driving showing his old money ignorance.
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American Dream Parallel
American Dream Parallel
Gatsby's dream mirrors early settlers' dreams, both noble but ultimately complex and dangerous.
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Tom and Daisy's Carelessness
Tom and Daisy's Carelessness
Tom and Daisy are irresponsible, using their wealth to avoid consequences.
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Daisy's Corruption
Daisy's Corruption
Daisy is just as corrupt as Tom and abandons Gatsby's feelings.
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Beating against the Current
Beating against the Current
Life involves a continuous struggle between past, present, and future.
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Charm of a Reckless World
Charm of a Reckless World
The novel reflects the glamour, wonder, and recklessness of youth.
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Wealth and Leisure
Wealth and Leisure
Fitzgerald focuses on the lives of the wealthy and their excessive leisure.
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Central American Ideas
Central American Ideas
Meditation on American ideals, quest for new life, class preoccupation, hunger for riches.
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Insightful Flat Characters
Insightful Flat Characters
Insightful from flat characters. Part of makes it so insightful.
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Simplicity in Gatsby
Simplicity in Gatsby
Rothman characterizes characters in Gatsby as portraying a simpler version of themselves than reality.
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Gatsby's Authenticity
Gatsby's Authenticity
Mencken suggests Gatsby is the only authentic character, while others are mere puppets.
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Gatsby as Icarus
Gatsby as Icarus
Stallman labels Gatsby a 'modern Icarus,' suggesting he flies too close to the sun.
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Gatsby's Misguided Idealization
Gatsby's Misguided Idealization
Judith Fetterley views Gatsby's idealization of Daisy as admirable yet misguided.
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Gatsby's Romantic V vagueness
Gatsby's Romantic V vagueness
Flanagan describes Gatsby inhabiting a world of romantic energy but remaining somewhat vague.
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Wealth Corrupts Gatsby's dream
Wealth Corrupts Gatsby's dream
Lance argues Gatsby's dream of gaining Daisy's love is ruined by his obsession with wealth.
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Gatsby as Martyr
Gatsby as Martyr
License describes Gatsby as a victim of a materialistic society. A martyr.
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Tragedy of Self-Made Man
Tragedy of Self-Made Man
Grossman reveals that Gatsby exposes the tragic void at the core of the self-made man.
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Gatsby and the American Ideal
Gatsby and the American Ideal
Staveley compares Gatsby's pursuits to America's striving for an impossible ideal.
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Nick's Bias
Nick's Bias
Stocks argues Nick aims to portray Gatsby favorably and downplays anything that might damage that view.
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Dream Distortions
Dream Distortions
Heying suggests Nick's infatuation colors his judgment and increases susceptibility to the illusions of the American Dream.
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Daisy's Inhumanity
Daisy's Inhumanity
Kazin criticizes Daisy as coarse and lacking humanity.
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Daisy as an Idea
Daisy as an Idea
Eble claims Daisy transitions from real person in Gatsby's mind to an abstract idea.
Signup and view all the flashcardsStudy Notes
- The Great Gatsby is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, written in 1925, set in the summer of 1922 in New York.
- The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, an unreliable narrator, and focuses on his memories of Jay Gatsby and Gatsby's love for the married Daisy Buchanan.
- Gatsby hosts lavish parties to impress Daisy, but his dream of winning her back is challenged by her husband, Tom Buchanan.
- The novel explores themes of the Roaring Twenties, the American Dream, class divisions, and the conflict between the past and future.
Genre and Structure
- Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby in the Modernist period, reflecting rapid technological change and a shift towards modernity.
- Fitzgerald's writing is also influenced by the Romantic age, with poetic language evoking Romantic inspiration.
- Some critics suggest Fitzgerald was influenced by John Keats, particularly his "Ode to a Nightingale", where the speaker is torn between the allure of death and the uncertainty of life.
- T.S. Eliot also influenced Fitzgerald, with the "Valley of Ashes" referencing Eliot's poem "The Waste Land", both works critique modernity and its destruction of nature.
- The Great Gatsby is considered a 20th-century tragedy.
- It is a Realist novel with landmarks like the Plaza Hotel and Central Park which depict a recognizable New York; Great Neck and Manhasset Neck transformed into East and West Eggs.
- The use of factual figures, historical dates like the 1919 World Series, and themes of sex and adultery further ground the novel in realism.
- It is also a social satire, using irony, exaggeration, and ridicule to expose the hedonism of 1920s America.
- The novel uses an unreliable narrator, Nick Carraway, to present Gatsby's story.
- Nick's subjective perspective idealizes Gatsby, but he also withholds information and is dishonest about his own faults.
- The story unfolds through Nick's memories and the narratives of other characters, such as Jordan Baker and Meyer Wolfsheim, resulting in a non-chronological structure.
Context
Jazz Age
- The inter-war period was known as The Roaring Twenties, the Golden Years, and the Jazz Age.
- American industries faced pressure due to the war, leading to increased job creation and economic booms.
1920s America
- It was a decade of consumption marked by advertising, and people were influenced by advertisements.
- High consumption led to personal debt.
Illegal activities
- The 1919 Prohibition Act led to bootlegging selling alcohol for profit.
- Gambling and violence became prevalent.
Immigration
- The 1924 Immigration Act restricted immigration from southern and eastern Europe and banned Asian immigration.
- Prejudice against ethnic minorities was widespread
Economic booms
- The West coast was known for physical work, while the East coast was known for finance and corruption.
- Post-World War I, Americans moved east to profit from the banking boom.
Key Themes
The Roaring Twenties
- Post-World War I, America experienced economic prosperity, resulting in lavish parties, fashion, and liquor consumption.
- Fitzgerald highlights the superficiality underlying this hedonism.
The American Dream
- The American Dream emphasizes upward mobility through hard work.
- Gatsby's pursuit of winning back Daisy reveals both the corrupted (callousness towards lower classes) and uncorrupted (pure love and hope) aspects of this dream.
- While Gatsby achieves the money aspect of the American Dream, his dream of winning back Daisy costs him his life.
Money and Class
- Class is largely dictated by money.
- Old Money: Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Nick Carraway, and Jordan Baker, largely live in the East Egg
- New Money: Gatsby, lives in the West Egg with Nick
- No Money: George and Myrtle Wilson.
- Myrtle's attempt to escape her class leads to her death, and George's dream of moving west dies with her.
Past, Present and Future
- Gatsby attempts to "repeat the past" by winning Daisy back, clashing with Tom.
- He dismisses the present and obliterates the future in his pursuit of love.
- Nick recognizes Gatsby is stuck in the past.
Religion and Morality
- Characters seek new values and beliefs.
- Gatsby sees Daisy as his religion.
- George Wilson believes the billboard of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg is God.
- Consumerism and pleasure replace religion, corrupting morality.
Gender and Sexuality
- The 1920s redefine gender roles, giving rise to flappers and challenging stereotypes of women.
- Women were no longer confined to the private sphere.
- Jordan Baker is considered lesbian because of her subversive role as a woman.
- Myrtle conforms to traditional female sexuality to climb socially.
- Sexuality is linked to power and autonomy, as demonstrated by Tom's use of his sexuality to get what he wants.
- There are hints that Nick may be gay.
Love and Relationships
- Gatsby's idealized love for Daisy contrasts with the material love of other characters.
- Relationships end in conflict, and friendships are shallow.
Appearances and Reality
- Gatsby's fame stems from the myth he created.
- Even the books in Gatsby's library reflect the conflict between appearances and reality.
Key Symbols
The Green Light
- It is a symbol of hope linked to Gatsby's dreams.
- Green symbolizes money.
- It colors Gatsby's view of the world.
East and West
- The conflict between East and West kills Gatsby.
- The East and West Eggs symbolize class struggle.
Valley of Ashes
- It is located between New York City and West Egg symbolizing the corruption of the Jazz Age.
- Housing those of the ‘no money’ class, like the Wilsons.
Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg
- They watch corruption as a symbol for the corruption of the Roaring Twenties, but also God.
- George views the advertisement as God overseeing the corrupt society.
Clocks
- The "defunct mantelpiece clock" symbolizes time, relied on by Gatsby to "repeat the past".
- It also symbolizes the destruction of time, as Gatsby's time to win back Daisy is up.
Cars
- They symbolize modernity, status, and destruction
- Cars highlight modernity with their presence as hallmarks of progress in civilization
- Cars equal stature as only Tom, Gatbsy and Jordan own one.
- For Gatsby, his car completes image as a self-made man.
- It, ultimately, kills Myrtle
Characters
- Jay Gatsby: Nick's rich neighbor known for his lavish parties.
- Self-made man named James Gatz who made money through bootlegging. Represents the tragic lover of the Jazz Age.
- Nick Carraway: The unreliable narrator who retells Gatsby's story.
- Claims to be "one of the few honest people" he has ever known.
- Represents the romantic critic of 1920s America.
- Daisy Buchanan: Gatsby's former love interest and Nick's cousin.
- Values material and superficial objects over people.
- Contributes to Gatsby's downfall by staying loyal to her husband.
- Exposes the lust for money in 1920s America.
- Jordan Baker: Nick's love interest who he deems "incurably dishonest" for cheating at golf.
- Tom Buchanan: Daisy's husband and the antagonist.
- Possesses "old money" and is portrayed as misogynistic, racist, self-serving, and violent.
- Myrtle Wilson: George's wife and Tom's mistress.
- Seeks a better life but is exploited and ultimately dies.
- Represents the lower class, which is barred from social ascension.
- George Wilson: Myrtle's husband who owns a garage in the Valley of Ashes.
- Loves his wife but becomes violent after learning of the affair which leads to his mental instability after her death.
- Meyer Wolfsheim: Gatsby's friend and business partner.
- A gambler involved in organized crime, he fixed the 1919 World Series.
- Owl Eyes: A drunken man who Nick encounters in Gatsby's library and is intrigued by the realism of the unread books.
- Ewing Klipspringer: A freeloader at Gatsby's mansion who only cares about his sneakers after Gatsby's death.
- Dan Cody: Gatsby's mentor and best friend who leaves Gatsby money that he never actually collects because of a legal complication.
- Henry Gatz: Gatsby's father who firmly holds the belief that his son was destined for great things.
- Pammy Buchanan: The young daughter of Tom and Daisy Buchanan.
- Michaelis: A Greek man who owns a coffee shop near George Wilson's garage.
- Catherine: Myrtle's sister, who is familiar with Myrtle's affair with Tom Buchanan.
Chapter Summary
Chapter 1
- Nick recounts past summer memories, remembering Gatsby's personality and gift for hope.
- Nick moves to New York to become a bond salesman and rents a house in West Egg.
- Nick visits his cousin Daisy and her family in East Egg, where he meets Tom and Jordan.
- Tom shows his racist views from a book, and Jordan tells Nick Tom is having an affair
- As he arrives home, he sees Gatsby reaching for something but only sees a green light
Chapter 2
- Nick describes Valley of Ashes between West and NYC
- Sees the eyes of T. J. Eckleburg
- Tom and Nick visit George and Myrtle Wilson's auto garage located in Valley of Ashes and Tom tells Myrtle to meet them at the train station.
- Tom, Nick and Myrtle go to the Morningside Heights apartment Tom keeps in New York City to conduct his affair.
- Catherine shows up and so does another couple.
- Nick finds out that people think Gatsby is related to Kaiser Wilhelm
- Myrtle starts talking about Tom's Wife, Daisy. Tom warns her about mentioning Daisy's name.
- She repeats Daisy's name as a way to taunt Tom and he punches her nose, as a result.
- The party ends and Nick takes the train home alone.
Chapter 3
- One night, Nick decides to accept Gatsby's invite to his party. He mentions the party is filled with party crashers, but is nonetheless luxurious
- As he seeks who Gatsby is, he meets a short, drunken man who Nick refers to as Owl Eyes because of his glasses. Owl Eyes is there as a result of his intrigue by the vastness and “realism” of Gatsby’s unread book collection.
- He meets Gatsby, who refers to them as "old sport" and has a dazzling smile
- Later the Butler tells Jordan, Gatsby wants to meet her. She comes out saying it was the "most amazing story"
- As Nick nears his come sees a drunk Owl Eyes had crashed his can in a ditch
- He casually dates a woman named, Jordan Baker who he soon comes to not like because finds her dishonest, but claims he is one of few honest people he's ever known
Chapter 4
- Nick overhears some drunken women talking about Gatsby's mysterious identity.
- Nick recounts to the reader about the time he accompanies Gatsby to NYC -Gatsby tells Nick about his past, when they ride together
- Gatsby tells him that he graduated from Oxford, was a hero in the war and is from San Francisco
- Gatsby exceeds the speed limit, however, the policeman apologises and lets him go because Gatsby shows him a white card.
- Nick sees Gatsby with Meyer Wolfshiem one of Gatsby's business partners, with shady business/underground connections fixed the 1919 World Series
- Tom and Gatsby meet and Gatsby takes off without and goodbye
- Jordan tells Nick that Gatsby's purpose is that as a young man; Gatsby had a passionate romance with Daisy Fay while he was stationed as a Lieutenant Louisville.
- Because her family did not want her to leave, Daisy marries Tom Buchanan and had a three-month honeymoon to the South Seas. Drunk, Daisy almost didn't go through with the honeymoon after receiving a letter from Gatsby.
- Now Jordan adds Gatsby moved to West Egg because that is where Daisey Lives and ask Nick to invite Daisy over
Chapter 5
- Gatsby asks if Nick would like to take a swim in his front pool as Nick thinks of Gatsby and Daisy
- On the day of the meeting, Gatsby sends a many to take care of Nicks grass, even though it’s raining. However, Gatsby disappears when Daisy comes
- Once inside, Nick leaves them and when he returns find, Gatsby is still a nervous wreck and the start crying to the state Gatsby is and the green light that represents her life at the dock.
- Nick voices doubts that Daisy could fulfil Gatsby's dream of her. But, realizing he is in the way leaves to walk alone in the rain
Chapter 6
- Gatsby gets an interview with a reporter
- Nick the tells the truth about Gatsby. -He was born James Gatz around 1900 as attended college at St Olaf but left because he couldn’t stand the janitorial work he had to do to pay for the tuition fees
- Met Dan Cody, 50 year old multimillionaire expert in the mining of precious metals. The two formed a partnership, where Dan Cody takes Jay Gatsby took him and made him his assistant for 5 years aboard his yacht. Egotistically when Cody dies, he leaves Gatsby $25,000.
- For a few weeks, Nick doesn’t see Gatsby. Then, one Sunday afternoon, Nick visits Gatsby’s home
- Gatsby awkwardly tells Tom that he knows his wife, and invites Tom and his friends to stay for dinner. They apologise but invite Gatsby to dinner. Gatsby accepts, not realizing that their invite was purely rhetorical to be polite. This makes Tom contemptuous of Gatsby"
- Daisy and Gatsby dance at one of his party - Tom is disdainful, Nick does not enjoy the party
- Nick finds out Tom suspects Gatsby to have gotten all his money through bootlegging, Daisy rebukes the claim, and Tom thinks Daisy did not enjoy herself. Nick comforts him by saying " You can't repeat the past! To which Gatsby replies back "Why of course you can't.
Chapter 7
- Gatsby stops parties, and Nick finds out he replaced all his servants with Wolfshiem's men
- Daisy calls Nick and Gatsby for Lunch
- Pammy walks into the picture as Daisy and Gatsby lock eyes
- Headed towards NYC. Nick and Gatsby recognize Daisy is quite loud and agrees her voice can be heard through all the sound, and comments she's "full of money".
- Tom and Gatsby switch car drivers: Tom Insists that Daisy drives with Gatsby, and George needs to raise money to go West
Chapter 8
- Nick goes to see Gatsby for breakfast the next morning with the intentions of talking him out of his obsession.
- Tells Nick about the love between him and Daisy five years ago
- -One night they slept together, and he felt he had married her. Then he left for World War I.
- Daisy did then marry Tom, the point from Nick's point of view that Daisy and Gatsby's relationship would not happen
- Gatsby doesn't listen and leaves under the words Nick says under his breath "Worth more that the whole damn bunch put together"
- At the office, Nick hears back from Jordan, they break up
- Nick finds out Wilson spoke to Michaelis about how his wife was having an affair.
- The group discover Gatsby at the pool being shot by Wilson who then discovered that Gatsby had been the one responsible
Chapter 9
- Two years later, Nick remembers the two days after Gatsby’s death which include rumors about Gatsby and Myrtle
- With no answers, Nick becomes the main contact for all things for relating to Gatsby
- Henry C Gatz arrives in person at Gatsby’s mansion to say Gatsby had a destiny for great things
- Klipspringer calls to say that has to and just wants his sneakers from Gatsby’s mansion to ship
- Funeral arrives and only, Nick, Henry Gatz and Owl Eyes show up in Gatsby funeral
Key Critics
Critics on novel
- William Rose Bennet (1925): ‘The queer charm, colour, wonder and drama of a young and reckless world'
- Edwin Clark (1925): Fitzgerald discloses they are dumb in their insensate selfishness
- Jonathan Yardley (2007): Fitzgerald offers a meditation on how the quest for a new life and that it is important on how someone can get more money.
Critics on Gatsby
- HL Mencken (1925): Lives and breathes
- AE Dyson (1925): He really believes in him self and his illusions
- Jacqueline Lance (2000): dream of winning Daisy's love is what ruined what Gatsby was fighting for in her respect
- Paul Staveley (2014): Gatsby, like America, creates a certain place.
Critics on Nick
- William Troy (1945): Nick's moral is what changed him by the end Monty J Heying (2018):Nick and Gatsby make him more vulnerable to the American Dream
Critics on Daisy
- Alfred Kazin (1946): Daisy is vulgar and inhuman
- Kathleen Parkinson (1987): Daisy exists only in the images men create her.
- Sarah Beede Fryer (1989): Daisy desires to be a fool so her daughter will.
Critics on Tom
- Christine Ramos (2013): Tom can be dangerous to everyone.
Critics on Myrtle
- Harold Bloom (2010): Myrtle's vitality bursts forth in violence, destroying her
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