Chapter Novel as a Whole: Gatsby Study Questions and Vocabulary Packet

GATSBY STUDY QUESTIONS and VOCABULARY PACKET The following questions are a combination of comprehension/knowledge level questions and interpretive level questions. Answering them will help prepare you for class discussion, quizzes, and the final test for the unit. NOVEL AS A WHOLE 1. Discuss Nick Carraway’s character. How reliable is he as a narrator? What aspects of his character make him an effective narrator? Nick Carraway is the narrator of The Great Gatsby and serves as a reliable narrator for the most part. He is observant, honest, and reflective, providing readers with insights into the characters and events of the story. However, Nick's reliability as a narrator is called into question at times, particularly due to his personal biases and subjective interpretations of events. Despite this, his moral integrity and selfawareness make him an effective narrator who guides readers through the complexities of the narrative with insight and empathy 2. Why is first-person narrative an effective and appropriate way of telling this story? The first-person narrative allows readers to experience the events of the story through Nick Carraway's perspective, providing a sense of immediacy and intimacy. This narrative style also allows for deeper exploration of Nick's character and his personal involvement in the events surrounding Gatsby and Daisy. Additionally, the first-person narrative lends authenticity to the portrayal of the Jazz Age and the moral ambiguity of the characters 3. Discuss the title of the book. In what way is Gatsby “great”? The title of the book, The Great Gatsby, refers to Jay Gatsby's larger-than-life persona and his aspirations for greatness. Gatsby is "great" in the sense that he embodies the American Dream and pursues his goals with determination and passion. However, his greatness is ultimately undercut by his flaws and his inability to attain the happiness and fulfillment he seeks 4. An epigraph is a quotation at the beginning of a work that reflects on that work. How does the epigraph to The Great Gatsby reflect on Gatsby’s story? The epigraph, "Then wear the gold hat, if that will move her; / If you can bounce high, bounce for her too, / Till she cry 'Lover, gold-hatted, high-bouncing lover, / I must have you!'" reflects on Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy and his belief that material wealth and social status will win her love. It foreshadows the themes of love, ambition, and the corrupting influence of wealth that are central to Gatsby's story 5. How does Fitzgerald use Gatsby’s parties to present a satirical portrait of the Roaring Twenties? Fitzgerald uses Gatsby's parties to satirize the excesses and superficiality of the Roaring Twenties, portraying them as extravagant spectacles fueled by alcohol, wealth, and social status. The parties serve as a backdrop for the shallow and hedonistic behavior of the guests, highlighting the emptiness and moral decay of the Jazz Age 6. Compare and contrast the character of Daisy and Myrtle Wilson. Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson are both women entangled in relationships with wealthy men, but they differ in their social backgrounds and motivations. Daisy represents the upper class, epitomizing beauty, grace, and sophistication. However, she is also shallow, self-absorbed, and ultimately unable to commit to Gatsby due to her privileged lifestyle. In contrast, Myrtle is from a lower social class and desires to escape her unhappy marriage with George Wilson. She is ambitious and materialistic, seeking fulfillment through her affair with Tom Buchanan. Both women are ultimately trapped by societal expectations and the limitations of their gender and class 7. Discuss the relationship between Nick and Jordan Baker. How does it reflect, if at all, on the story of Gatsby and Daisy? Nick's relationship with Jordan Baker reflects the superficiality and moral ambiguity of the world inhabited by Gatsby and Daisy. Like Daisy and Gatsby, Nick and Jordan are involved in a romantic relationship characterized by ambiguity and insincerity. Jordan represents the modern, independent woman of the 1920s, mirroring Daisy's desire for freedom and autonomy. However, their relationship ultimately lacks depth and meaning, highlighting the emptiness of the relationships in the novel 8. Discuss Fitzgerald’s use of the automobile in this novel. What do you think might have made the automobile an appealing symbol to Fitzgerald in the early 1920s? Fitzgerald uses the automobile as a symbol of wealth, status, and freedom in the novel. The rise of the automobile industry in the 1920s symbolized progress and modernity, reflecting the changing social and cultural landscape of the time. The automobile also represents the newfound mobility and independence of the Jazz Age, allowing characters to escape the constraints of their social backgrounds and pursue their desires 9. Contrast the setting of the valley of ashes with that of East Egg and West Egg. The valley of ashes represents the moral decay and social inequality of the American Dream, serving as a stark contrast to the wealth and glamour of East Egg and West Egg. East Egg and West Egg symbolize the old money aristocracy and the nouveau riche, respectively, with East Egg representing tradition and refinement, and West Egg representing ambition and ostentation. The valley of ashes, located between the Eggs, serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of life and the consequences of the pursuit of wealth and success 10. Describe the gradual revelation of Gatsby’s character. What do we learn about him and when? Why is this an appropriate way of learning about him? The gradual revelation of Gatsby's character allows readers to piece together his identity and motivations over the course of the novel. Initially, Gatsby is portrayed as a mysterious and enigmatic figure, with rumors and speculation surrounding his background and wealth. As the story unfolds, readers learn more about Gatsby's past through Nick's interactions with him and through flashbacks and revelations from other characters. This gradual revelation builds suspense and intrigue, leading to a deeper understanding of Gatsby's complex personality and tragic fate 11. Gatsby’s tragedy is that he chooses the wrong dream (Daisy). Has he been corrupted by society? Or is his choice an indication that he is part of the corruption? Gatsby's tragedy stems from his pursuit of an unattainable ideal and his belief that material wealth and social status will bring him happiness. While society certainly plays a role in shaping Gatsby's aspirations and desires, his choice to pursue Daisy as the embodiment of his dream ultimately leads to his downfall. Gatsby becomes ensnared in the corrupting influence of wealth and privilege, sacrificing his integrity and morality in pursuit of his idealized vision of love and success. However, his choice also reflects his individual agency and personal flaws, making him both a victim and a perpetrator of the corruption inherent in the society depicted in the novel