The Great Gatsby Flashcards
Who is the narrator of The Great Gatsby?
Nick Carraway
What time period does The Great Gatsby take place in?
The 1920’s in America
Where was Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald born?
St. Paul, Minnesota
What is Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald best known for?
Writing the “Star Spangled Banner”
What is symbolism?
The creative use of objects, or symbols, to indicate a deeper meaning or to represent something important
What are 2 symbols in The Great Gatsby?
The valley of ashes and the eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg
What does the valley of ashes symbolize?
What do the eyes of Dr TJ Eckleburg symbolize?
God or poverty
(The eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg watch over everything that is happening in the valley of ashes. Because it is an inanimate object, it cannot make judgments, but hovers over as a reminder that the character’s actions are being watched.
It also represents poverty because it is located in the valley of ashes and is run down after the doctor who placed the ad went out of business or moved away)
What is characterization?
The technique by which authors develop characters
Direct characterization:
when the author or narrator tells the reader what the character is like, for example: Jennifer is a good student
Indirect characterization:
when the author gives information about a character and allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions about that character
What are two ways we can learn about a character through indirect characterization?
- A character’s own thoughts, feelings and actions
- Interactions with other characters
Characterization in The Great Gatsby
Since the GG is narrated in the first person by Nick, all direct characterization will also be Nick’s interpretation and opinion
Theme is:
the message the author is trying to deliver to the reader through their story
What are two ways you can find theme?
Characterization and conflicts
