Great Gatsby Flashcards
Gatsby quote and why
“Can’t recreate the past? Why of course you can” shows Gatsby desire for the past, to rekindle with daisy.
Nick quote and why
“They are careless people, who smash things and creatures then retreat behind their money” talking about Tom and Daisy. They don’t care who they hurt and use their money as a shield. Said in chapter nine after they left.
Daisy quote and why
“It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such beautiful shirts before” shows her superficiality how she only deems things with value that look nice. Nick says “her voice was filled with money” now even Daisy’s appearance depended on money. That wealth was in her veins
Nick boats quote
“So we beat on, like boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past” this shows the struggle of trying to reach the American dream suggests difficultly moving forward. Implies strong influence of history.
Nick quite about Jazz age
“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life” Nick describes his feelings at gatsby’s party. How he was both happy and disgusted by the excesses and superficiality of the jazz age.
George Wilson quote
“You may fool me but you can’t fool god” says this to Myrtle In front of eyes. Shows his relationship to the eyes, that he views them as god watching and judging.
Daisy quote 2
“l hope she’ll be a fool, it’s the best thing to be in this world, a pretty little fool”Expressing a cynical view of the limited roles available to women In the 1920s. Also reflects the idea that ignorance is bliss in a society that places value on surface appearance and Materialism.
Gatsby about green light.
“You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock”
Emphasizes Gatsby’s constant focus
on the green light, suggesting it’s symbolic signifigance
representing his dreams and aspirations particularly his desire for Daisy.
American Dream theme
The American Dream traditionally represents the idea that through hard work and determination
anyone can achieve success. This was the dream of original settlers. Whereas in the 1920’s in the success of wall st every man flocked to New York in the hopes of getting rich quick. Gatsby’s dream symbolises both the good and bad. His love for Daisy is pure he will do anything he can to win her back. But his materialistic and unattainable nature show the corruption of the dream.
Green light shows that American dream is unrealistic and unattainable. Great Gatsby explores how the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to moral decay and unfulfilment.
Wealth and status
Novel contrasts characters with Old Money and new money. Tom and Daisy represent the old money elite, having Inherited their wealth. Gatsby and nick are new money. Tension between these two classes reflects societal changes. How wealth and status is valued above other aspects. Shows now society puts wealthy on a pedestal.
Moral decay
Tom Buchanan rich and married but affair.
Gatsby illegal schemes.
Valley of Ashes
Rich don’t care about consequences.
eyes of Dr tj eccleburg -get ignored
shows they don’t take accountability. Gatsby and myrtle death
Settings
East egg, west egg, valley of ashes, Gatsby house, apartment, Wilson home.
Green light symbol
Situated at end of Daisys east egg dock. Represents Gatsbys hopes and dreams. Gatsby associates it with Daisy. He reaches towards it. Gatsby quest for Daisy is associated with American dream. Nick compares green light to America Rising out of the ocean.
Valley of ashes
valley between West& East egg. Represents moral and social decay that results from the inhibited pursuit of wealth. Symbolises the poor. Who are nothing but pawns in the Riches game.
Eyes of Dr tj eckleburg
May represent God. Connection is only in George Wilsons mind.God looking down and judging American society.
