Final Test Review The Great Gatsby

Why is Gatsby unable to change or develop throughout the novel? Though he is a self-made man, Gatsby’s entire life revolved around recapturing his past w/Daisy All his parties, money, house—everything he does is for her He defines himself based on this dream—without the dream, there is no Gatsby He cannot admit that the dream is over/ “shattered”—his death is fitting b/c Gatsby could never live without the dream of Daisy

How does Nick change by the end of the novel? Beginning—he sees himself as honest and free from judgment Middle—as the story progresses, we realize that to reserve judgment is in itself a judgment Nick is disgusted by the actions of the characters around him (Tom, Daisy, Jordan) He rejects them all when he leaves the East End—He is the only character with a strong moral sense which comes across after Gatsby’s death

What kind of people are Tom and Daisy? How do they treat others? They bring harm and destruction without any thought to others Careless, self-absorbed, heartless They both “killed” someone—Tom (Gatsby) and Daisy (Myrtle)—because these people are lower class and don’t matter They run away from their problems b/c they never clean up the mess

Why do Tom and Daisy dislike Gatsby’s party Why do Tom and Daisy dislike Gatsby’s party? What does this say about class distinctions of the time? They found it vulgar and frivolous, like Gatsby himself—they dislike new money b/c they are not refined or well-mannered Class was defined much more strictly than just having money—it did not grant social entry

In what way do dreams play a role in the novel In what way do dreams play a role in the novel? Whose dreams are important? Whose dreams are shattered? Why? Nick—dreamed of becoming a success in the East as a bond man, but he gave up after seeing the destruction of Gatsby and the corruption of others Myrtle—dreamed of marrying Tom, aspired to the wealth and social status he provided Gatsby—the ultimate dreamer, the dreamer in us all; he had the undying dream of Daisy; the achievement of the American Dream

Why can Gatsby never become a part of East Egg? What sets him apart? He is new money and he works for a living He had a lower class upbringing—never had the refinement and taste of old money Gatsby never understood the rules of conduct of the upper class

George claims that the eyes of God are always watching—T. J. Eckleburg How is morality important in the novel? Are any characters conscious of their behavior? Who (or what) reminds them of their guilt? Lack of morality is prevalent in the novel—Daisy and Tom’s affairs, Jordan cheating at golf, Myrtle’s affair, Gatsby’s affair and illegal business Nick is the moral stronghold of the story—he rejects all but Gatsby, who he sees as a victim George claims that the eyes of God are always watching—T. J. Eckleburg God watches but does nothing—no judgment or consequences, no guilt

The past can never be brought back b/c things and people change Why can’t we recreate the past? Why is the past/time so important for Gatsby? The past can never be brought back b/c things and people change Gatsby feels that he was “better” in the past with Daisy—he spends his life trying to bring that feeling back He defines himself based on that time with Daisy—the status and wealth that she represented

How does the theme of the American Dream apply to Gatsby? Gatsby raised himself from a poor background into a very wealthy man. However, he does this illegally and suffers the consequences. His dream is “superficial success”—only based on Daisy. The anti-American Dream—no one attends the funeral; the ultimate irony of the novel.

Review the major symbols from the story. Dr. T.J. Eckleburg—Eyes of God, consciousness of guilt, Nick’s eyes watching all East vs. West—Corruption vs. Moral stronghold, class distinctions Green Light—Dreams and hope, color of money, re-birth Valley of Ashes—Waste, decay of morality, sinful acts happen there, no consequences Gatsby’s shirts—Excess, materialism, American Dream Parties and guests—Excess, superficiality, careless—no one comes to the funeral Library and books—No depth, all surface, lack of education Weather—Ch. 5 Rain: foreshadows destruction of dream, Ch. 7 Heat: tension between Tom and Gatsby, Ch. 8 Cooler, Fall-like: end of Gatsby’s dream, Ch. 9 Rain: funeral, sadness, end of an era

Good Luck!