The Great Gatsby
What does Fitzgerald's physical description of Tom Buchanan on p. 7 foreshadow?
"Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face" implies that he will try to control situations and that he is a "scary" guy. When Fitzgerald describes Buchanan as having a "cruel body," he implies that he is capable of doing evil. These descriptions foreshadow what Buchanan does when Mrs. Wilson keeps on repeating Daisy's name. Buchanan gets very angry and ends up breaking Mrs. Wilson's nose. Also, in the beginning chapters, when Nick goes to visit Daisy and Tom for the first time, Daisy mentions how Tom hurt her finger. She described Tom as being a "brute of a man, a great, big, hulking physical specimen."
On p. 17, Daisy makes a comment about her daughter. What facet of her marital situation precipitates this comment and why? What is the tone^ of Daisy's comment: "Sophisticated—God, I'm sophisticated"? What comment is Fitzgerald making about class in using this tone?
-Daisy's comment regarding her daughter, that the best thing a girl ought to be is a fool, comes as a reflection of Tom and her marriage. Daisy is aware of the extent of Tom's fidelity and knowing the truth is making her life and marriage unpleasant. She believes that by being a fool, her daughter can avoid being in a situation similar to her's, where knowing to much leads to sorrow
What is suggested by the following exchange on p. 11? "You must know Gatsby." "Gatsby," demanded Daisy. "What Gatsby?"
-It is suggested that daisy had some encounter with Mr. Gatsby. For some odd reason the mention of Mr. Gatsby's name causes turmoil in daisy's normal behavior. I can only conclude that they have some sort of past, that has yet to be acknowledged in the book. -The way Daisy reacts towards Gatsby's name when having a conversation with Nick and Jordan, it makes it seem like she has had a past with Gatsby, and she feels uncomfortable with people knowing about it.
What does Fitzgerald foreshadow by having Tom drive Gatsby's car to Wilson's gas station?
By having Tom drive the Gatsby's car to the gas station, Fitzgerald is foreshadowing the chain of events that occurs when Gatsby and Daisy are driving home and kill Myrtle. He foreshadows to Wilson's misconception about the man his disloyal wife was having an affair with. By driving the car, it shows that Tom got everything he ever wanted seemlessly (without even being a suspect when he shows up to his mistress's house) and Gatsby tries so hard but never gets what he wants.
Explain the last sentence on p. 180 in the context of the novel.
-The last sentence is a metaphor for the acquisition of the American dream for those who weren't born into the old money elite. The old money elite are the metaphoric waves, pushing back the people trying to get ahead in society. -So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."The social classes are fighting and will continue to fight. The waves represent the upper class pushing things to be traditional. A person born into the lower class, immigrants, minorities, are all people who will try to row and advance themselves into society, but the people from the old money elite will try to shove them back, because he likes the way things are. -This is a metaphor for how society is trying to push forward, away from the social classes, and the hierarchy of the past, but the old money elite represented by the waves, are trying to keep things the same and push things back to the way they were.
What does #3 explain about the dissolution of Nick's relationship with Jordan on p. 177?
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Given what Tom has just discovered about Gatsby and Daisy, what is the metaphorical significance of the fact the he agrees to sell Gatsby's car to Wilson?
After discovering the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy, Tom tries to spite Gatsby by selling Gatsby's car to Wilson as if it belonged to him. This is similar to how Gatsby is stealing Daisy from Tom. This is a metaphor for either of the two men treating the other's "possession" as his own. Prior to trying to sell Gatsby's car, he emasculated and destroyed Gatsby in front of Daisy. This would emasculate him even more because cars are in a way a manly object, and selling his car would break him once and for all.
6. On pp. 12-13, Tom Buchanan makes some overtly racist comments. Based on the overview of the Roaring '20s, what might have sparked Tom's bigotry?
Along with many other Americans at the time, Tom's overt racism originated way back when the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendment were passed in the 1860's. Blacks were finally freed, but they were soon submitted to the Jim Crow laws, segregating them from whites. Whites didn't want to see them as their equals. The contemporary Great Migration was likely an even bigger contributor to Tom's racism. Many whites felt invaded and feared such an influx of blacks would threaten white culture and stature. Tom's racism was most influenced by the events of the Great Migration, following the events sixty years prior. This also applied to Jews Eastern Europenas nad the Irish.
Catalog Gatsby's lies and half-truths revealed in chapter
At the age of seventeen, James Gatz reinvented himself into Jay Gatsby. He hadn't always had money. He wasn't born into it like most people. It wasn't inherited, even though it was supposed to be. He made the decision to become a successful man. There are a lot of half truths to Gatsby, such as him being an Oxford man even though he was only there for a short time, him being from San Francisco, etc.
On p. 41, it is revealed that Gatsby's soirees teem with party crashers. As all are members of Long Island's "upper crust," what commentary is Fitzgerald making about the wealthy?
At the ideal of all the party-crashers being from New York's "upper crust", Gatsby is making the insinuation that people of wealth have leisure full lives, with a fabricated sense of "belonging and privilege" They feel as if they have earned the right to go to any fancy party without an invitation. This is ironic because we know that Gatsby earned his money (we don't know HOW to earn his money) but he created a financially stable environment to gather Daisy back. Gatsby is saying how flimsy and superficial people with money can be. Underscoring the hypocrisy of the old money elite.
Pp. 74-78 feature what is called a "frame narrative." Look up the term and speculate as to why Fitzgerald chose to disrupt the linear flow of the novel at this point
At this point in the story, there is a lot of mystery and suspense regarding Gatsby's past and the favor that he needs from Nick. With Gatsby disappearing from the restaurant, the story in at a good point for Jordan to begin telling Daisy and Gatsby's past. The author avoids using dialogue in this part and instead presents the reader with a "story within a story."
Fitzgerald's biographers note that he carried on a love/hate relationship with the wealthy (aristocratic father/working class mother), seeking their approval and company while simultaneously being aware of and critical of (in his writing) their materialism and condescension toward those less advantaged. How does this explain Carraway's initial description of Gatsby on p. 2
Because of the author's relationship with wealthy people in his past, he gives Carraway a similar relationship, one that is modeled after his own experiences. Nick says that he didn't hate Gatsby as a person, he just hated some of the ideas that Gatsby had, just like how Fitzgerald liked the rich, but hated their attitudes. Nick's reaction is extremely positive but at the same time Gatsby's personality is somewhat flawed. Fitzgerald does that because he is distancing from the criticism of the rich people only because he has many rich friends and doesn't want to offend them. He uses Nick as a narrator so that he can write such a critique without directly offending his wealthy friends.
Given your answer to #9 above, why does Daisy weep when she sees Gatsby's "beautiful shirts"?
Daisy weeps because she realizes all she could have had with Gatsby. She feels like she made the wrong decision by being with Tom and knows she could have had the love of her life and a lot of money by marrying Gatsby. Gatsby glows in front of Daisy because he's proud of being rich and tries to flaunt his wealth in front of Daisy. He also knows he has impressed Daisy, knows he is good enough for her and believes he is be the best decision Daisy can make.
On p. 45 Owl Eyes calls Gatsby "a regular Belasco." Why does Fitzgerald make this allusion?*
David Belasco was a play writer. He started writing when he was twelve years old and wrote 400 plays throughout his writing career. Since Belasco wrote so much, Fitzgerald decides to call Gatsby a "great Belasco." This was done to show how Gatsby owned so many books just as Belasco wrote so many.
In the middle of page 40, Carraway shifts from past to present tense and then back again four paragraphs later. Speculate as to why he does this.
Fitzgerald does this because he shows the different perspectives that Nick himself sees. In the past tense he gives us a description of the party and in the present tense Nick places himself within the party .The party was so significant that Nick remembered every detail. This was Nick's first party were he isn't the observer, but is actually there and was one of the few guests who had been invited, which is why he remembers every detail. In the past tense the details were fuzzy and unclear; however, as he switches to present he goes into excruciating details. We get a sense of Nick's personality because he rubs elbows with the rich. He is completely captivated by the rich. It makes Nick somewhat like Fitzgerald, which may also be a reason why he switches to present tense.
7. Based on the Roaring '20s overview, what does Fitzgerald foreshadow by making Nick Carraway a bond trader?
Fitzgerald making Nick Carraway a bond trader is foreshadowing how Nick being a bond trader, while having poor living conditions, shows how the stock market will eventually crash if it keeps going down the same path. The bonds trader character being a narrator for a story that has everything getting people killed, it foreshadows that the same thing will happen to the stock market if things continue to go in the same direction.
On p. 86, what is the metaphorical significance of the stopped clock that Gatsby almost breaks? What statement by Gatsby in Chapter 6 reinforces this metaphor?
Gatbsy's nervousness about the past and present how Daisy's attitude toward him may have changed causes him to knock over Nick's clock, symbolizing the clumsiness of his attempt to stop time and retrieve the past.
What is revealed by the following exchange on p. 87? (G) "We haven't met for many years," said Daisy, her voice as matter-of-fact as it could be. "Five years next November." (Gatsby speaking)
Gatsby has been counting the days and nows exactly when their time ended, while Daisy is being indefinite about their situation. Which indicts that Gatsby had more interest in their relationship.
What does Gatsby mean by the odd statement on p. 152 that Daisy's relationship with Tom was "just personal"?
Gatsby is clearly in denial throughout this chapter. The paragraph before Gatsby makes the audacious argument that Daisy was never in love with Tom. When Nick argues this, saying that she had to have loved him for a small moment, Gatsby does not believe it. Marriage is a big step, she had to have done it for some reason including some kind of love and affection. That's when Gatsby argues that it was "just personal" because Daisy loved him but married Tom strategically, for the money and the rich lifestyle she had become accustomed to. Gatsby is saying that Daisy really loves him, but her marriage to Tom was simply a set-deal for a well cultured future.
(Before answering #13, revisit GDQ #5(On p. 47, Gatsby says that he recognizes Nick from the war. Do you think this is true or just a good guess? (Note: 28,000 men fought in the Third Artillery Division.) If it is true, what is revealed about Gatsby? If it is a guess, what is revealed?) , Ch. 1-2 in light of the revelations of pp. 74-78.) Why does Gatsby live in West Egg instead of the more prestigious and "chi-chi" East Egg?
Gatsby lives in West Egg because people who live in East Egg come from old money. Gatsby is new money and so he didn't have family ties or inheritance. The people of East Egg would look down on him because he's an interloper. Also, it gives him direct access across the bay to Daisy's house.
How does the fact that Gatsby displays his shirts made in England (pp. 92-93) underscore Fitzgerald's critique of American society?
Gatsby realizes at some point in the novel, that money alone is not going to be sufficient enough for him to win Daisy back, which is why he invites those people from East Egg to his party. To get the "right kind of wealth," he imports his shirts from England --it is his way of telling the old money elite that he is one of them and agrees with the social stratification as with the Europe social stratification. He needs to sell out to the old money elite and be like them to get Daisy back. To be validated by American society he needs to do things the old way.
. What does Gatsby's childhood schedule on p. 173 explain about how he ended up as he did?
Gatsby's childhood schedule is significant because it reflected Gatsby's mindset and how he ended up later in his life. He was not content with this childhood position (poor farm boy) and evidently did whatever he could to try to improve himself and what status he would have as an adult. For example, he resolved to "practice elocution, poise, and how to attain it" for an hour each day, showing that he was an ambitious young individual who was determined to make something of himself. According to his father, "Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had some resolves like this or something. Do you notice what he's got about improving his mind? He was always great for that" (Fitzgerald 173). Gatsby's schedule also reflects that he is an obsessive person. Even at this young age it was apparent. He was obsessed with perfection and self improvement. Later in his life, he was equally obsessive but with Daisy. This eventually leads to his downfall because he revolves every aspect of his life around her.
What does the fact that Nick has such a hard time getting people to attend Gatsby's funeral reveal about the American upper class?
Gatsby's friends were never really true friends. They were just interested in the objects and opportunities he could offer to them. Gatsby must have felt so proud and grateful to have all the "friends" he did, when really they weren't thinking the same. This reveals that the American upper class takes advantage of people so they can get what they want.
The party at Gatsby's house in chapter 6 underscores the difference between East and West Egg, between "old money" and "nouveau-riche." Based on this chapter, with which group do you think Fitzgerald identifies and why?
In Chapter 6, the party that is held at Gatsby's house represents how the East Egg's citizens only come to Gatsby's parties for his wealth, not him. During the party, they talk behind his back and start crazy rumors about him which shows that East Egg residents aren't very sympathetic to their host. This shows how Fitzgerald is not related to the people of East Egg and fits in with the people of West Egg instead.
Explain "Jordan's Paradox" on p. 49: "I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy."
In Jordan's Paradox, she was saying that when there's a large group of people, you are able to have a more private conversation with an individual or a select group of people. In a large group, not everyone's attention is focused on one person. Since Jordan is a golf star, everyone knows who she is. She has a better opportunity to blend in with a large group of people than with a smaller group of people. Big parties force you to break up into smaller groups for more intimate conversation.
On pp. 23-24, Fitzgerald introduces the three symbols of the novel: the green light at the end of Daisy's dock, the "valley of ashes" between the Eggs and New York City, and the billboard with the giant eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. Critics suggest that the valley of ashes is a reference to T.S. Elliot's poem "The Wasteland"* and that the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg represent the omniscience of God. Based on your reading of the Roaring '20s overview, what commentary do you think that Fitzgerald is making about the Roaring '20s by placing the first instance of each the three symbols in such close proximity?
In T.S. Elliot's "Wasteland, Elliot believes that community lacked a common center or spiritual unity. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes Gatsby's desire for the love he lost in her. He bought the house on the other side of bay purposefully with Daisy's proximity in mind. We know that during the Roaring Twenties that women has little rights. They were homemakers who married whom could provide best for their lifestyle. He could not give her the lifestyle she was accustomed to when they were in a relationship, so the green light symbolizes his desire to create a wealth that would satisfy Daisy to get her back. The "valley of the ashes" which is derived from the River Stix, which was the passageway into the land of Hades in Greek Mythology is depicted in Elliot's ideology of humans being isolated. How the Eggs and New York were different social classes of wealth and prosperity and how crossing the sections and mingling could be dangerous. The eyes of T.J. Eckleburg represent the omniscience of God because in "The Wasteland" Eliot alludes to various ancient religions,finding in them the common thread of the mythic cycle of the death and resurrection of gods. The Roaring Twenties was a time of rich prosperity in the wake of World War I and before the devastation of the Great Depression in 1929. The Eye's on the billboard could represent the watchful eye of God during a joyous time, but how God is awaiting return during difficult times that were to follow. The Eye's could foreshadow to a terrible ending in which God would have to resurrect, like Eliot's idea.
On p. 24, in his description of the valley of ashes, Fitzgerald mentions the fact that the valley is "bounded on one side by a small foul river, and when the drawbridge is up to let the barges through, the passengers on waiting trains can stare at the dismal scene for as long as a half an hour." To what is this description a literary allusion and what does that allusion suggest about the life that Tom leads?
In page 24, everyone passes a river and have to stare at a dismal scene for a long period of time. This symbolizes a literary allusion because it's similar to the river Styx in Greek mythology. It was the river of hate that was formed between Earth and it winds around hell, or the underworld. These two rivers are similar to each other because they both have a dismal scene while going across it. This allusion suggests that the life that Tom leads is to an underworld type of setting. Things that happen in his area are depressing.
Fitzgerald employs a rather unusual narrative technique in the novel: his first person narrator is not the protagonist but a secondary character. This technique purposefully limits the amount of omniscience the narrator can employ. What might be some reasons why an author would choose to employ this technique?
It distances the author from the narrator because he wants to keep himself he in good terms with his wealthy friends. Fitzgerald had many wealthy friends and to keep himself in good terms with his friends he created Nick as the narrator. He paints the wealthy in a negative light and if they say anything about the book, he can say it's not my opinion, it's Nicks'.
You will not be able to answer this question at this point in the novel, but make note of the passage and answer this question at a later date: in what way is Owl Eyes' statement (p. 54) regarding the auto wreck ("I wasn't driving; there's another man in the car") a foreshadowing?
It foreshadows how Daisy was driving the car when she hit Myrtle, and how Wilson made the mistake of thinking Gatsby was the driver
Keeping in mind the publication date of the novel, what is revealed by the fact that Wolfsheim's company is called "The Swastika Holding Company."
It predicts WWII and the fall of the US economy. The swastika had a positive connotation until WWII
On pp. 92-93, Fitzgerald provides two more installments in the "green light" symbol. With three installments (see 1-3 #14), speculate as to what the green light represents.
It's a metaphor for Gatsby's undying love for Daisy. Something that he can't have, the light is always shining this alludes to Gatsby's inability to get Daisy back. The lights greenness refers to money that Gatsby is using to win Daisy back.
In Chapter 6, Nick decides to tell jump ahead and tell Gatsby's "real" story because of the visit from the newspaper reporter, but the actual revelation comes after the death of Myrtle Wilson in Chapter 8. Why does Gatsby decide to tell the truth to Nick at this point?
It's makes more sense to stop the narration
On p. 61, the reader gets his/her first sense of how the mysterious Gatsby made all his money and why he seems to have sprung from nowhere. What is the rumor and why would it be easy to believe?
It's said that Gatsby was a bootlegger and that he made all his money transporting alcohol from the south to the north. Possibly because nobody knows anything about Gatsby, so when they hear these rumors, they think it's true. They think that all of Gatsby's money comes from illegal means. The means were illegal because there was a prohibition at that time ,and no one could buy alcohol legally.
Among those who do not come to the wake is Meyer Wolfsheim. Why does he refuse to come?
Meyer Wolfsheim is invited to Gatsby's wake several times by Nick; however, he refuses to go because going to Gatsby's wake would draw attention to him, increasing his criminal profile. Wolfsheim is a gambler and is rumored to be the on who orchestrated the White Sox scandal in the 1919 Worl Series. Since he was orchestrator of the scandal, he can't be seen with anyone suspicious. That is way he doesn't attend Gatsby's funeral. He doesn't want anyone to "put the pieces together."
What is the irony of Myrtle Wilson's death
Myrtle Wilson's death is ironic because although Gatsby received his wealth from criminal acts, he has a sincere heart. He takes the blame for Myrtle's death which is really Daisy's doing because Myrtle tries to escape her abusive husband, and she runs towards Tom's car, which she belives that Tom is driving; however, Daisy is the one driving the car.
What does the purposeful use of incorrect grammar on p. 31 ("when she gave me the bill, you'd of thought she had my appendicitis out") suggest about Myrtle?
Myrtle using incorrect grammar, proves that she is an uneducated women. Also, a women who is not wealthy. Tom on the other hand is a sophisticated and rich man. Knowing that Tom's wife is an educated and rich women herself, why would Tom leave her for Myrtle? For a more physical relationship.
Contrast Fitzgerald's first physical descriptions of Daisy Buchanan (pp. 8-10) and Myrtle Wilson (pp. 25-27). What does the contrast suggest about Tom's attitude toward his wife and his mistress?
Myrtle was described in less of an affectionate way than Daisy. This proves to use that she is truly only being used for sex. Daisy is shown as more of a dainty spirited woman. While Myrtle is shown as a thicker, less attractive, on edge woman. Myrtle is stocky, desperate, obnoxious. While Daisy is beautiful and charming.
On p. 34, Myrtle makes two bigoted comments. Combined with her comment about her husband on p. 35, what do the two statements suggest about her attraction to Tom Buchanan?
Myrtle's attraction to Tom is not based on love or affection. Rather, Tom represents something that Myrtle has never had: endless wealth. Myrtle is a member of the lower class, obviously she is seeing Tom because she wants to transcend her lower class roots and distinguish herself from other sets of individuals; such as, Jews, African Americans, etc. She makes disparaging comments about them to ingratiate herself with Tom.
What is Nick implying when he asks Daisy if "gasoline affects [Ferdie the chauffeur's] nose
Nick asks Daisy if the gasoline affects Ferdie's nose because Nick could obviously tell if Ferdie is smelling something unpleasant. Daisy replies a no and is confused by Nick's question. By that response, Ferdie wasn't actually smelling something to begin with; he is just making a face. Before this scene, Ferdie drops Daisy off at Gatsby's house. The expression is made by Ferdie because he's confused about the fact Daisy wants to see Gatsby while she is married to Tom. The whole confusion about Ferdie smelling something is not true. In reality, Ferdie is giving a response on how he feels about Daisy and Gatsby seeing each other.
On p. 58, Nick has an epiphany about Jordan. Given that she is obviously set up as his foil (see GDQ #16, Chapters 1-2), why does Fitzgerald take pains to establish this aspect of Jordan's character?
Nick begins to put some pieces together and realizes that Jordan is a very dishonest woman. Under numerous circumstances, he catches her in the midst of doing something many would consider dishonorable. Nick talks about how Jordan left a car she had borrowed in the rain with the top down and lied about about it, and how she is rumored to have moved a ball in a golf tournament's semi-finals. Despite this, she continues to remain cool and bold. As Nick's foil, Jordan needs to contrast his personality and actions. So far in the novel, Nick has presented himself as an obedient gentleman. Therefore, being his counterpart, she is established as a clever and devious woman who isn't "able to endure being at a disadvantage."
. In light of the revelations of #1 above, what commentary is Fitzgerald making about the American upper class when Nick says of Tom, Daisy, et al., "They're a rotten crowd. You're worth the whole damn bunch put together."
Nick is saying that even though they all have money, their personalities are so bad that not only do they turn Nick off but Nick feels that Gatsby himself is better than all of them put together. Although Gatsby has money, his persona is much different than the rest.
Up to this point, the reader knows only that Nick is a detached narrator. The reader does not know how reliable he is. On p. 83, how does Nick's response to Gatsby's offer provide insight into Nick's character and credibility?
Nick's denial of Gatsby's offer to join him in a presumably illegal business venture shows that he a man of integrity and morals since he won't do something against the law to advance himself in life
A common literary device is the author's use of a "foil," a diametrically opposing character whose presence provides a counterpoint to the protagonist or narrator. Who is Nick's foil and how so?
Nick's foil is Jordan Baker because the two of them have essential similarities; such as, the same age, same socio economic group. While Nick is an honest person, Jordan goes around lying all the time. Nick and Jordan are both equal in class and society; however, Jordan is dishonest and Nick is not, making Jordon Nick's foil.
On p. 154, Nick reflects on his summer, particularly the first time he went to a party at Gatsby's. He recalls "the lawn and drive had been crowded with the faces of those who guessed at his corruption—and he had stood on those steps concealing his incorruptible dream." What is his corruption and what is his incorruptible dream and what is the paradoxical relationship between these?
On p. 154, Nick reflects on his summer, particularly the first time he went to a party at Gatsby's. He recalls "the lawn and drive had been crowded with the faces of those who guessed at his corruption—and he had stood on those steps concealing his incorruptible dream." What is his corruption and what is his incorruptible dream and what is the paradoxical relationship between these?
On p. 45, "Owl Eyes" is shocked that Gatsby's books are real. What does this reveal about the general consensus of guests about Gatsby?
On p. 45, "Owl Eyes" is shocked that Gatsby's books are real. What does this reveal about the general consensus of guests about Gatsby? (Y) The General Consensus is that since Gatsby is new money, he's not sophisticated. They believed that he must have gotten his money ileegaly and therefore is not an educated respectable man. Because of his lack of sophistication, Gatsby can't possible have real books, simply putting the spine of books on the shelf to make himself look smarter.
What does Gatsby mean on p. 120 when he says of Daisy, "Her voice is full of money?" What does this foreshadow?
On page 120, Daisy and Jordan go smoke a cigarette and get ready to go out with everyone else. Meanwhile, Nick remarks that Daisy has an indiscreet voice; she gives too much information away. Gatsby replies that she has a voice full if money. That illustrates how Daisy is a wealthy woman and always talks about her affluence. This foreshadows how hard Gatsby is trying to impress Daisy. He has all of these parties full of wealthy guests from East egg to make her be fond of him. This show's how hard Gatsby will try and emphasize how wealthy he is just for a good impression from Daisy.
What is revealed on p. 89 when Nick returns to find Daisy's face "streaked with tears" and Gatsby "literally glow[ing]"?
On page 89, it is revealed that Gatsby's hopes have finally come true. One can assume that he and Daisy have talked and caught up on events that have occurred over the past few years. It appears that they have fallen in love all over again. At this realization, Daisy becomes so emotional that she cries and Gatsby is so overjoyed that he glows. Jay Gatsby no longer has to stare out over the water at Daisy's flashing green light with regret, wishing they were together and wondering what might have been.
What does Carraway mean when he says that Jay Gatsby sprang from the "Platonic conception" of James Gatz?
Platonic conception refers to Plato and his idea of the real and ideal world. James Gatz wanted to create an ideal person for who he wanted to be, a successful, rich man. As articulated in Republic.
Michaelis replies on p. 159 that the billboard of Eckleburg is "just an advertisement." Considering #8 and #9 together, what commentary is Fitzgerald making about the perversion of the American Dream in the 1920s?
The American dream was not founded on the values of religion and good morals but instead on greed, power, and fame. Some people simply did not care about old values and the American Dream is simply "'an advertisement'" that does not really hold the value it once had.
How does the allusion on p. 85 further influence the reader's assessment of Nick's narration?
The allusion refers to the Rackrent Castle, its significance is that Rackrent castle is about men who couldn't handle their money. This is a allusion to Gatsby's time and Nick's view on the rich peoples way of spending money. From Nick Carraway's point of view, Fitzgerald can express his unsettled questions and opinions about the Americas that he saw changing around him. The short novel, Castle Rackrent by Maria Edgeworth is an allusion of Nick Carraway's recognition that the "society" still holds some sort of power over its citizens.
How does #1 above (Fitzgerald employs a rather unusual narrative technique in the novel: his first person narrator is not the protagonist but a secondary character. This technique purposefully limits the amount of omniscience the narrator can employ. What might be some reasons why an author would choose to employ this technique?) explain Nick Carraway's disclaimer on pp. 1-2?
The fact that he suggests in the beginning of the novel that he is trying to give a balanced view of who Gatsby is and because he uses a detached narrator to distance himself from the story was the authors way to not defend his wealthy friends so he could critic the society without offending anyone
On p. 180, Fitgerald/Carraway specifically articulates the meaning behind the light at the end of the dock. What is never answered is: why is it green? Speculate.
The green light on the dock represents the jealousy that Gatsby feels towards Tom. The light represents the unattainable goal that Gatsby has: to win Daisy back. The light could also represent goal of fulfilling the American dream. The fact that the color was green symbolizes how most people used money and wealth as a way to reach this American Dream.
What happens at Gatsby's house? Catalog all the ironic elements of this "holocaust" as Nick calls it on p. 162.
The holocaust refers to Mr. Wilson finally killing Gatsby. Wilson then commits suicide.
On pp. 156 and 159, there are two more examples of the "wasteland" imagery. Given that both are in the context of Nick's relating of the events of the evening after Myrtle's death, what is the significance of two installments of the symbol in such a short time span? (See GDQs 1-2, #14:On p. 24, in his description of the valley of ashes, Fitzgerald mentions the fact that the valley is "bounded on one side by a small foul river, and when the drawbridge is up to let the barges through, the passengers on waiting trains can stare at the dismal scene for as long as a half an hour." To what is this description a literary allusion and what does that allusion suggest about the life that Tom leads?)
The imagery is a symbol of the old money trying to keep the others down and the "new money's" willingness to resort to unsavory business practices
What is ironic about the tune that Klipspringer plays on p. 95?
The irony of the song on page 95 is in the song "Ain't we Got Fun" he sings all about how even though they might not be the richest people in the world they still manage to have a good life. When Gatsby pictures him and Daisy he remembers all the good times they had together when they were in love and neither of them had all this money, but they still found ways to get around that. They still enjoyed the time they had together because they didn't need all that money they just needed each other. Now he realizes what he hoped for and thought would help, money, is the thing that is tearing his and Daisy's relationship apart. The lyrics are ironic because it says love can transcend money, however they aren't together because Gatsby didn't have enough money and when they were finally together he didn't have the right kind of money.
The novel is viewed by critics as a commentary on the evolution of social classes in the U.S., a society founded on eradicating such divisions. How does Daisy's marriage to Tom reinforce this theme
The novel is viewed by critics as a commentary on the evolution of social classes in the U.S., a society founded on eradicating such divisions. How does Daisy's marriage to Tom reinforce this theme? (Y) Daisy's marriage to Tom shows the social inequality between men and women. If Daisy were to divorce Tom, she would be left on the street with little job skills and forced to go back to Louisville with her parents. Therefore Tom is free to do what he wishes and all that Daisy can do it grumble to herself.
Why does Gatsby fire all his domestics
The old domestics had gossiped and could be bought, while the new ones can not be bought and don't gossip. This is a result of Daisy's frequent visits to his house. People think that Daisy might be in love with Gatsby and since she likes money, they don't understand why she hangs around by a West Egger more than a East Egger, more often. This is why Gatsby fired his domestics, because they gossip.
ow does #15 above explain why Gatsby wants to meet Daisy at Nick's house
The reason that Gatsby wants to meet Daisy at Nick's house is so that he can show her how much money he actually has. Because Nick lives so close to him, Gatsby can casually invite Daisy over to check out his home. If Gatsby invited Daisy for dinner at a restaurant, for example, it would seem random to just invite her over out of nowhere. Also, by meeting at Nick's house, Gatsby's house looks so much better compared to Nick's house. By going from worse to better, Daisy can realize how much money Gatsby actually has. Gatsby's intentions are to re-impress her, and meeting at Nick's house helps him do that
What is ironic about Meyer Wolfsheim's comment on p. 72: "Yeah, Gatsby's very careful about women. He would never so much as look at a friend's wife"?
The statement "Yeah, Gatsby's very careful about women. He would never so much as look at a friend's wife" made by Meyer Wolfsheim is ironic because this is exactly Gatsby's situation. He is hopelessly and madly in love with his friend Tom's wife, Daisy. This statement shows the trust that Gatsby has in his close friends and the ignorance of the people who think they know Gatsby well enough to judge the type of person he is and he things that he would or would not do.
Pp. 69-73 feature some disturbing racist and anti-Semitic statements by Nick. Speculate as to whether these sentiments are those of Fitzgerald or just those of Nick. (See GDQ #1, Ch. 1-2 for reference.)
The statements that have been made by Nick are statements that are actually by him as a character. These statements greatly oppose the views of Fitzgerald himself. He portrays, through Nick, the common stereotype of anti-Semitic people that includes that Jews will generally be shady people in matters of business transactions. Nick has a reason for being anti-semitic because of the fact that Jews are direct competition for him in his business as a bonds tradesman; Jews are most commonly known for their influence on the finance industry. He also uses the common stereotype about the description of Jews with the long nose and weird hair.
Given #5 above(On p. 86, what is the metaphorical significance of the stopped clock that Gatsby almost breaks? What statement by Gatsby in Chapter 6 reinforces this metaphor? ), what is the significance of the fact that the symbol appears once again on p. 124 when Tom finds out that Wilson is taking his wife away?
The stopped clock, that Gatsby almost breaks, has a symbolic meaning when brought up on p. 124 because it symbolizes an end to the relationship between Tom and Myrtle for Mr. Wilson is taking her away. When Gatsby almost knocked the clock down, the clock symbolized his efforts to stop time and bring back the past. For Nick, just as the clock stopped ticking, his relationship with Myrtle ended.
Nick catches Gatsby in an obvious lie on p. 90. Nick previously caught Tom Buchanan in a lie (see 1-2 #13). What is Fitzgerald suggesting with this symmetry?(
The symmetry shows that Tom and Gatsby are alike in some way. Throughout the novel they both lie their way into making a good impression on others. Gatsby lies about his inherited money to make him look like a self-made rich man. Tom lies about Daisy's religion to prevent a divorce from her. This illustrates how Tom and Gatsby both are lying their way into being closer to Daisy. 6 their is no two difference, toms birth gives him an advantage over gatsbys american social system is the same as europena system
Given what we know about Fitzgerald's critique of American society and given the automobile imagery of the chapter (see ICE chapter 7), what is the significance of Tom's statement on p. 119: "I've heard of making a garage out of a stable, but I'm the first man who ever made a stable out of a garage."
Times are changing a lot during this period. Technology is advancing rapidly, especially with the invention and distribution of the automobile. Because of this technological advance and the changing mindsets of Americans, people are gaining more rights. Tom strongly opposes this. He wishes that he could go back to the old times where rich, white men like him were far superior to anyone else. Now days, people have an equal oppurtunity to earn money, rather than in the old times when you inherited your money and from owning land. Tom wishes he were still in a time where you inherited your social class and were 'pure'. Tom fears the success of the African Americans, immigrants, and the Jews because technology is the reason they came to America. He sees them as a threat to him. This explains the significance of his quote because instead of moving with technology and make a car garage out of a stable, he is technologically moving backwards and making a stable out of a garage
Why did Fitzgerald include the catalog of partygoers at the beginning of chapter 4? (Hint: look up the term "social register.")*
To show that only the wealthiest of people are allowed into these parties. It shows the class and exclusiveness that represents Gatsby and his parties. He surrounds himself with these types of people to build himself up in front of Dasiy so she will be impressed. He wants to get her back by showing her how well he ended up doing. The list of the wealthy people is called a "social register" and they pretty much represent the upper crust of the area. The people that go to Gatsby's parties are on the "social register."
What is Fitzgerald suggesting on p. 122 by juxtaposing Tom's unmasking of Gatsby's half-truths ("An Oxford man...Oxford, New Mexico") with the reappearance of the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg?
Tom is implying that Gatsby is not as highly educated as the rest of the people that live in East West. He imply's that Gatsby never went to Oxford in england. He's trying in underscore that everyone is corrupt, that's why he refers to T.J. Eckleburg's eyes
Why and how does Tom win Daisy back and what commentary does his victory make about American society in the '20s (i.e. how does this scenario fit into Fitzgerald's criticism of American society)?
Tom was very suspicious of Gatsby and how he came to such wealth. His suspicion lead to him investigating Gatsby's past and he learned that Gatsby had been involved in some shady business. He also brings into the discussion Gatsby's time at Oxford. Tom gets Daisy to say that she doesn't love Gatsby by by making Gatsby look criminal-like and by making Daisy feel guilty about loving him while she is with Tom. Fitzgerald shows the American society in the 20's to be very extravagant and booming. Tom's victory indicates that the old money elite has a strangle hold on society because they can exclude anybody they want to, regardless of their monetary worth. At this particular time in American society, America was stratified to Europe's social system.
On p. 33, Nick catches Tom in a lie. What does this lie tell the reader about Tom's relationship with Myrtle?
Tom's lie about Daisy being Catholic shows he does not want a full-time relationship with Myrtle. He uses Daisy's religion as an excuse for not getting divorced and marrying Mytle.
On p. 47, Gatsby says that he recognizes Nick from the war. Do you think this is true or just a good guess? (Note: 28,000 men fought in the Third Artillery Division.) If it is true, what is revealed about Gatsby? If it is a guess, what is revealed?
We believe that Gatsby was guessing that Nick was in the Third Division. This reveals that Gatsby probably was in the army but, did not participate in the war. The fact that gastby could identify Nick's division is such an extraodinary claim because there were to many people in one division to guess it correctly.
What does Nick mean when he says on p. 130 that Tom's "transition from libertine to prig was so complete"?
What Nick is saying when he says that Tom has "transitioned from Libertine to Prig was complete" is that before Gatsby was involved, all Tom wanted was sex, but now that Gatsby has interrupted his life, all Tom can do is point out the little things about Gatsby and how wrong they are in his point of view. Tom starts making all of these pronouncements how deprave it is that someone is hitting on his wife. His transition was complete because hes married but he's also cheating with Myril. Even if he's doing that, he believes that it's still wrong for someone to hit on his whole wife, even if hes sort of doing the same thing.
Speculate as to why, on p. 85, Gatsby says, "Nobody's coming to tea" when only Daisy is expected?
When Gatsby says no one he should be referring to a group of people, but in this case he is only referring to Daisy. From this we can conclude that Daisy is his everything, and if she doesn't show its as if no one else matters.
Given his earlier, bigoted pronouncements (see GDQs 1-2, #6), what is the significance of the fact that Tom compares Daisy and Gatsby's adultery to "intermarriage between black and white" on p. 130?
When Tom describes Gatsby's and Daisy's adultery as an "intermarriage between black and white" he is saying that they are both complete opposites, they act and are two different people and yet they are able to "marry" each other. By making a statement that . We already know tom is racist the fact that hes making that analogy suggests that hes also a classist, he sees there are clear-cut distinguish between old money and new money and he regards those exactly the same way as he regards the marriage between racist.
What is implied by Tom's comment on p. 121 that "You can buy anything at the drug store nowadays"?
When Tom says that "you can buy anything at a drug store nowadays" he is implying that with a great social status and wealth, you can purchase whatever and whoever you please. When he says "you can buy anything at a drug store nowadays" he indirectly implies to Gatsby that his wealth has is diminished because he acquired it through entrepreneurship and illegal means. People who get their income from means other than the old elite way of doing things are corrupt and depraved and their social status is not earned. He knows that Gatsby has been involved with the chain of drug stores and that he's a bootlegger
Who is the only person other than Gatsby's father and Carraway to come to the funeral? Why is his appropriate?
Who is the only person other than Gatsby's father and Carraway to come to the funeral? Why is his appropriate? (Y) The only other person that comes to Gatsby's funeral is Owl Eyes. He is the only other person in the book that sees Gatsby for who he truly is; not just nouveau riche who pretended to be sophisticated. During one of Gatsby's parties he saw that Gatsby actually had academic books that weren't just spines, instead was filled with sophistication and credibility, much like Gatsby himself.
On. p. 159, there is another installment in the "eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg" symbol. What notion does Wilson articulate that we have speculated upon earlier (see GDQs 1-2 #14)?
Wilson attributes the eyes with God. He believes that god is watching over everyone.
Although everyone else seems to think it is an accident, what does Wilson believe about Myrtle's death and why?
Wilson believes that Gatsby is Myrtle's murderer because Tom told Wilson that Gatsby was the owner of the yellow car that hit Myrtle. Automatically Wilson concluded that it was Gatsby that was having an affair with Myrtle and just didn't want to talk to her at the time she ran out in the street to stop the car.
In chapter 6, Fitzgerald once again deviates from the linear narrative, this time by providing a flashback on pp. 97-101. How does the reporter's arrival on p. 97 elicit the flashback?
With the Arrival of the reporter on page 97, the reporter had heard rumors and stories about Gatsby and began asking him to make some sort of statement of his life in which Gatsby doesn't know about. This begins a flashback of who Gatsby is because no one really knows anything about his past life.
