1. Final Test Review
The Great Gatsby

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. Good Luck!