The Great Gatsby Chapter 4 Flashcard

Front

What do Gatsby's parties symbolize in the novel?

Back

Gatsby's parties symbolize the emptiness of wealth and the superficiality of social connections, as they are attended by people who do not know him personally.

Front

What is the central theme of 'The Great Gatsby'?

Back

The central theme is the corrupting influence of wealth and power, highlighting how the pursuit of material success can lead to moral decay.

Front

How does Gatsby attempt to prove his background to Nick?

Back

Gatsby shows Nick a medal and a picture from his past, claiming to have attended Oxford.

Front

What role do women play in 'The Great Gatsby'?

Back

Women are often portrayed as weak and submissive characters, reflecting the gender dynamics of the 1920s.

Front

What does Gatsby's yellow car represent?

Back

Gatsby's yellow car represents his wealth and extravagance, serving as a status symbol in the novel.

Front

How does Fitzgerald use symbolism in the novel?

Back

Fitzgerald uses symbolism, such as the green light and the valley of ashes, to convey deeper meanings about dreams, hope, and the American Dream.

Front

What is the significance of the green light at the end of Daisy's dock?

Back

The green light symbolizes Gatsby's unattainable dreams and his longing for Daisy, representing hope and the American Dream.

Front

How does Nick Carraway serve as a narrator?

Back

Nick Carraway provides a first-person perspective that offers insight into the characters and events, while also maintaining a level of detachment.

Front

What does the valley of ashes represent in the novel?

Back

The valley of ashes represents the moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, contrasting with the opulence of East Egg.

Front

How does Fitzgerald portray the American Dream in the novel?

Back

Fitzgerald portrays the American Dream as corrupted and unattainable, suggesting that wealth does not equate to happiness or fulfillment.