Literary Analysis Questions

Nick Carraway's decision to move to West Egg primarily reflects his:

• Desire to establish himself as a writer

• Pragmatic pursuit of financial stability

• Yearning to escape rigid social conventions

• Unconscious attraction to the decadent allure

Tom Buchanan's physical presence and demeanor, as described by Nick, serve to emphasize:

• His vulnerable sensitivity

• The fragility of the 'American Dream'

• His embodiment of raw, aggressive power

• The subtle anxieties beneath his confidence

Daisy's utterance, 'I'm paralyzed with happiness,' should be interpreted as:

• An expression of her contentment

• A calculated performance to conceal malaise

• A fleeting moment of genuine joy

• An ironic commentary on her privileged existence

The Valley of Ashes, as a symbolic setting, primarily represents:

• The decay of the natural world

• The moral and spiritual wasteland

• The contrast between rural simplicity and urban complexity

• The social stratification of the economic system

The relationship between Tom, Myrtle, and George Wilson highlights:

• Romantic idealism in degraded environments

• The destructive consequences of social exploitation

• The tragic inevitability of class conflict

• The redemptive power of love

The atmosphere at Gatsby's parties primarily functions as:

• A celebration of genuine camaraderie

• A facade concealing Gatsby's loneliness

• A social experiment testing human indulgence

• A reflection of optimistic belief in wealth

Nick's initial impression of Gatsby's smile suggests:

• Warmth and sincerity, tinged with melancholy

• Naive belief in the power of charm

• Underlying insecurity and vulnerability

• A calculated attempt to manipulate

The rumors surrounding Gatsby's wealth primarily serve to:

• Reinforce the novel's critique of corruption

• Heighten the sense of mystery

• Undermine the narrator's credibility

• Establish Gatsby as a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit.

Nick's observations of the guests' behavior underscore:

• The enduring power of social conventions

• The liberating effect of wealth

• The moral ambiguity of unchecked hedonism

• The innocence of the Jazz Age generation.

Owl-Eyes's discovery of the real books in Gatsby's library primarily suggests:

• Commentary on intellectual pursuits

• The artifice of Gatsby's persona

• A satirical critique of superficial appearances

• A symbolic representation of unfulfilled desire.