The Great Gatsby: Chapters 1-3 Flashcard

Front

What is the significance of the green light in The Great Gatsby?

Back

The green light represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future, particularly his desire for Daisy and the American Dream.

Front

Describe the character of Tom Buchanan.

Back

Tom is portrayed as an arrogant, aggressive, and wealthy man who embodies old-money privilege and racism.

Front

What does Daisy mean when she hopes her daughter will be a 'beautiful little fool'?

Back

Daisy expresses her belief that ignorance is bliss for women in a patriarchal society, suggesting that being a fool is preferable to being aware of the harsh realities of life.

Front

Who is Nick Carraway and what is his role in the story?

Back

Nick is the narrator of the story, a Yale graduate and a World War I veteran who moves to West Egg and becomes involved in Gatsby's world.

Front

What does Gatsby's party symbolize in the novel?

Back

Gatsby's parties symbolize the excess and decadence of the Jazz Age, as well as Gatsby's desire to attract Daisy's attention.

Front

How does Nick describe Gatsby when he first sees him?

Back

Nick describes Gatsby as having a mysterious aura, standing alone and reaching out towards the green light across the bay.

Front

What is the relationship between Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson?

Back

Tom is having an affair with Myrtle, who is married to George Wilson, showcasing Tom's disregard for the feelings of others.

Front

What does the Valley of Ashes represent in the novel?

Back

The Valley of Ashes symbolizes the moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, contrasting with the opulence of East and West Egg.

Front

How does Fitzgerald use symbolism in The Great Gatsby?

Back

Fitzgerald uses symbols like the green light, the Valley of Ashes, and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg to convey themes of hope, decay, and the American Dream.

Front

What is the significance of the setting in The Great Gatsby?

Back

The setting contrasts the wealthy areas of East and West Egg with the desolate Valley of Ashes, highlighting the disparity between social classes.