The Great GatsbyData Sheet

Basic Information

Author: Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald

First publication date: April 10, 1925

Genre: Fiction, Novel

Author Information:

1. Fitzgerald grew up in a devout Irish Catholic family. Likewise, Daisy used her

Catholicism as an excuse for not divorcing Tom.

2. Fitzgerald’s father was fired in 1908 from Procter & Gamble. Fitzgerald resolved that he

would never be a failure like his father. Gatsby also resolved to become rich and

successful despite his family’s financial struggles.

3. Fitzgerald attended Princeton but dropped out of college his junior year. He never

graduated. Similarly, Gatsby claims he attended Oxford for five months before dropping

out.

4. Fitzgerald proposed to Zelda Sayre at a country club, but she broke off the engagement

due to worries that he could not support her. Myrtle also cheats on her husband Wilson,

who struggles to fund her lavish lifestyle, with the rich Tom Buchanan.

5. Fitzgerald struggled with a drinking problem throughout college, which parallels Owl-

Eyes and the majority of Gatsby’s other guests, who are heavy partiers. This foils Nick,

who confesses to only being drunk twice in his life.

Author Information

1. Fitzgerald fell in love with a woman named Ginevra, but her father would not allow them to

marry due to Fitzgerald’s poor status.

a. Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship ends because Gatsby does not have the money to

support her lavish lifestyle.

2. Fitzgerald and Zelda became engaged but she broke off the engagement when Fitzgerald’s

business did not do well. After he wrote a novel and became wealthy and famous, they

quickly married.

a. Gatsby and Daisy end their relationship because Gatsby remains poor while Daisy

continues to want a wealthy life. However, after Gatsby return to New York as a

rich man, they rekindle their relationship.

3. Fitzgerald’s mom sent him to a wealthy boarding school where he felt like he did not belong.

a. Gatsby’s family does not have much money and he feels like he does not fit into

Daisy’s world when they first meet, due to her wealth. While he becomes

extremely wealthy later, he still acts like an outcast.

4. Fitzgerald drank often and became an alcoholic.

a. During the 1920s, prohibition continued but people still drank heavily,

particularly at Gatsby’s parties, where Gatsby remains the sole person who does

not drink.

5. The author fought in World War I.

a. Gatsby also fought in World War I.

Setting

1. Jay Gatsby’s mansion in West Egg

a. Extravagant destination for party goers with no relation to their host, Gatsby.

b. Site of the murder-suicide of Jay Gatsby and George Wilson.

c. A hydroplane, outdoor pool, servants and pristine grounds bordering the Long Island

Sound of the estate depict Gatsby’s wealth and achievement.

2. George Wilson’s garage in the “valley of ashes”

a. Garage provides a veil over the poor living style of the Wilson couple.

b. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg overlook the lives of the Wilsons and those who

reside in the ash-heaps.

c. The unsuccessful business reflects the economic distress of the poverty stricken

people versus the glamorously prosperous lifestyles of those bordering the ash-heaps.

3. Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s house in East Egg

a. Located in the more fashionable of the two eggs; their Georgian Colonial mansion

overlooks the bay.

b. Provides a symbol of Buchanan’s prosperity complete with a stable, cars, gardens,

and beach-side lawn.

c. Serves as Nick’s initial impression of the East.

Larger Occasion

1. In the 1920s the divorce rate stood at 13.4%. This outlines a developing feminist moment,

especially due to suffrage the year before. Daisy tells Tom of her decision to leave him for

Gatsby, even though she runs away with Tom.

2. The 1920s marked an extreme concern for individualism, after the sacrifices of the nation due

to World War I. Gatsby’s party goers’ exhibit individualism as they selfishly indulge themselves

off of Gatsby’s wealth.

3. In their strive for material happiness, citizens bought on credit, resulting in the 1929 stock

market crash. Tom exhibits needless spending when he buys Myrtle a puppy as an effort to fulfill

his mistress’ desires.

4. Rate for hit and run accidents in 1920 stood at a mere 9%. Myrtle Wilson’s death from the hit

and run by Daisy and Gatsby comes as an utter shock. The unexpected tragedy shows the 1920s

belief of closing out unhappiness in order to obtain, at times, a false sense of happiness.

5. Pre-World War II. The 1920s US came out of WWI which forced many families to give up

material possessions and limit their spending. However with the ending of the Great War the

yearn for spending and taking advantage of wealth played a key role in the snobbish personalities

of Tom and Daisy Buchanan as well as Gatsby.

Larger Occasion

1. In 1925, New York City became the largest city in the world.

For Gatsby, Nick and company, New York City acts as their playground. The most

important moments in the novel, like the confrontation between Daisy, Tom and

Gatsby, and the car accident with Myrtle, take place in New York City.

2. During the 1920s, many Americans had extra money to spend on consumer goods like ready-

to-wear clothing and home appliances.

Gatsby impresses Daisy with all the expensive commodities in his home. Also, Daisy

and Tom flaunt their wealth through their consumer goods.

3. In 1924, the low price of cars and the availability of credit allowed many Americans to own

cars and go wherever they pleased.

Daisy and Gatsby hit Myrtle in a yellow car. Also, Owl Eyes has a car accident after

leaving Gatsby’s party.

4. On January 16, 1920, the federal Volstead Act closed every bar, tavern and saloon in the

United States.

    Gatsby makes his fortune by illegally selling alcohol during prohibition. In addition, he has

extravagant parties full of alcohol, despite the Volstead Act.

5. During the Roaring 20s, the Jazz Age exploded throughout the United States, replacing

classical music.

    At many of Gatsby’s parties, he has jazz music playing, which sets the tone of rebellion and

chaos for the party as well as Gatsby’s life.

Narration

Type of narration: First-person (Nick Carraway)

1. “I’m inclined to reserve all judgments” (1)

Nick’s disclosure about his reluctance to openly judge others foreshadows future

reticence to intervene in the personal affairs of troubled characters.

Promotes ethos by indirectly characterizing Nick as impartial, furthering the reliability of

the narration.

Even though Nick does not frequently vocalize his perceptions to other characters, the

reader’s access to the thoughts of the narrator creates situational irony.

Emphasizes the inability of the narrator to know the personal histories of other characters

in detail.

The willingness of Nick to share his personality characteristics indirectly characterizes

him as straightforward, which enhances the lucid and sequential style narration.

2. “he had lost that part of it” (153)

Indirectly characterizes Gatsby as distraught, proving capacity of Nick to provide

individual character analyses.

As Nick demonstrates repeated contact with Gatsby, this rapport constructs pathos by

evoking a sentiment of pity from persons who recently lost contact with their lover.

Sympathetic tone through the sensitive diction of “lost” confirms the aptitude of the

narrator to alter perceptions of characters.

Nick’s inside perspective and close association with Gatsby pushes the implication that

friendship makes reading emotion less difficult.

3. “half in love with her” (177)

Legitimacy of commentary comes into question when Nick reveals strong feelings for

Jordan Baker, as strong feelings can skew characterization.

The data of “love” helps to make the claim that Nick cannot stop thinking about Jordan

Baker and thus devotes considerable narration towards her.

Spurs pathos by pulling the emotion of sadness from individuals involved in a one-sided

relationship.

The internal conflict of questionable love indirectly characterizes Nick as confused,

showing that the narrator cannot make full sense of the novel’s plot.

Stylistic Techniques:

1. Synecdoche

a. While illustrating Daisy’s life as a newlywed, Nick describes her as “young and rich and wild” (77).

Daisy’s direct characterization as “rich” and “wild” allows her to serve as a synecdoche for the women of

the 1920’s who lived lucrative and exciting lifestyles. Fitzgerald uses Daisy’s character to claim that the

novel’s characters surrounded themselves with glamour and wealth.

b. Gatsby discusses with Nick the burdens of his past, which he admits “‘I am trying to forget”’ (67).

Gatsby serves as a synecdoche for those who attempt, unsuccessfully, to forget their history. His indirect

characterization as remorseful allows Fitzgerald to assert that in order to free themselves from past guilt,

humans must accept their wrongdoings and forgive themselves.

2. Direct Characterization

a. While visiting the Buchanans, Nick observes “Tom’s arrogant eyes” (104). Tom’s direct

characterization as “arrogant” reveals the narrator’s contempt towards Daisy’s egotistic husband.

Fitzgerald’s claim that Tom possesses a haughty nature develops his role as an antagonist within the

novel.

b. After a conversation with Jordan Baker, Nick admits “she was incurably dishonest” (123). Carraway’s

direct characterization of Jordan as “incurably dishonest” highlights the static presence of Jordan’s

untruthfulness, which parallels that of Daisy and Tom. Serving as a synecdoche for those who lack

integrity, Jordan foreshadows future acts of trickery within the novel.

3. Simile

a. Nick boldly criticizes Gatsby for “‘acting like a little boy”’ in the presence of Daisy (88). The simile

comparing Gatsby to the juvenile character of a young boy highlights his immature approach towards

gaining Daisy’s affection. Gatsby’s naivety within this moment foils his seemingly-powerful nature,

allowing Fitzgerald to assert the blinding and disabling effects of love.

b. After attending one of Gatsby’s famous parties, Nick witnesses Jordan Baker “as drunk as a monkey”

(96). The simile comparing Jordan to the foolish and savage nature of a “monkey” reveals the negative

effect of alcohol on her well-being and discretion. Fitzgerald uses Jordan’s inebriation, similar to that of

an animal, to parallel the novel’s other characters and claim that they live a wild, carefree lifestyle.

Quotes

1. “‘A beautiful little fool” (17)

Speaker: Daisy Buchanon

Spoken to: Nick Carraway

Analysis:

• When discussing the future of her daughter, Daisy expresses her wish for her to become a “fool.” The

situational irony of a mother’s aspirations for her daughter to become a “fool,” indirectly

characterize her an advocate for ignorance (17).

• This behavior surfaces the implication that Daisy experienced a traumatic incident that fostered her

notion of preferring “foolishness” over sensibility.

• The implication ultimately foreshadows the revelation of the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy,

which serves as the prominent conflict of the novel.

2. “‘Neither of them can stand the person they’re married to’” (33)

Speaker: Catherine

Spoken to: Nick Carraway

Analysis:

• Catherine’s matter-of-fact diction of “neither of them” creates an observant tone that indirectly

characterizes her as judgemental of the affair between Myrtle and Tom (33).

• Fitzgerald illustrates a situationally ironic circumstance through the extramarital affair between Myrtle

and Tom, who both remain with their spouses despite their supposed hatred for their partners.

• Fitzgerald depicts the pair as immoral in order to assert that people become victims of their own selfish

complacency. The overall negative portrayal of the couple foreshadows the eventual collapse of

the relationships illustrated in the novel.

3. “‘I’m Gatsby’” (48)

Speaker: Jay Gatsby

Spoken to: Nick Carraway

Analysis:

• The envious, insignificant party-goers refer to him by his last name, paralleling him to those people

whose names hold connotations of respect and authority such as Obama,  Bono and Madonna.

• Jay Gatsby introduced himself to Nick as “Gatsby,” instead of using his full name. By utilizing the

nickname associated with his own elite rank, Gatsby acquires a haughty tone, indirectly

characterizing himself as overly confident (48).

• Gatsby’s cockiness surfaces the implication that he lacks effective social skills, foreshadowing his

struggles in personal relationships with Nick and Daisy.

4. “‘It takes two to make an accident’” (58)

Speaker: Jordan Baker

Spoken to: Nick Carraway

Analysis:

• Jordan refers to her own reckless driving to Nick, however, represents Fitzgerald’s assertion that it

takes two people to fight by highlighting the fault of the hypothetical driver who she would get

into an accident with.

• She justifies her hypothetical accident with defensive diction of “It takes two,” indirectly characterizing

her as self-justifying and painting her as a synecdoche to those who seek to remove blame and

place it upon others (58).

• The referral to an “accident” foreshadows Daisy’s hit-and-run that left Myrtle dead (58). Their

circumstance parallels Jordan’s quote  Myrtle contributed to the accident by having an affair with

Daisy’s husband, while Daisy actually committed the crime.

5. “‘You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together’” (154)

Speaker: Nick Carraway

Spoken to: Jay Gatsby

Analysis:

• Nick compliments Gatsby following Myrtle’s murder. His commendatory diction of “you’re worth,”

leads to Nick’s flattering tone towards Gatsby, indirectly characterizing him as approving of

Gatsby’s actions (154).

• The supportive behavior towards Gatsby proves situationally ironic due to Nick’s previous hatred

towards the socialite.

Nick’s indecisiveness regarding the validity of his relationship with Gatsby highlights Fitzgerald’s

assertion that one can never fully understand another person

Quotes

1. ‘“You can’t live forever”’ (36)

Speaker: Myrtle Wilson

Spoken to: Nick Carraway

i. Fitzgerald makes the assertion that the brevity of human life makes people want to take

risks in love. Myrtle’s decision to take a chance on Tom stems from the desire to taste the

many heterogeneous experiences of life. With a finite and uncertain life span on earth,

humans should take chances and seek diversity in order to evolve and feel and content.

ii. Fitzgerald indirectly characterizes Myrtle as knowledgeable. Her mature understanding of

death shows that people should prioritize happiness and personal fulfillment over routine

and monotony.

iii. Myrtle’s exuberant tone through the forceful diction of ‘“forever”’ proliferates a mood of

certainty and confidence. Self-belief serves as an important prerequisite for initiating

changes in static relationships.

2. ‘“You can’t repeat the past’” (110)

Speaker: Nick Carraway

Spoken to: Jay Gatsby

i. Fitzgerald builds pathos by evoking distrust from individuals who realized they spent too

much time trying to recapture the past instead of focusing on the present. Memories,

although not tangible, can act as an effective deterrent for moving onwards.

ii. Nick’s fiery tone through the demanding diction of ‘“can’t”’ indirectly characterizes him as

irrational. Nick’s commitment to protect Gatsby from emotional harm prompts him to state

a weak argument. The past does indeed repeat itself, as Gatsby and Daisy fail once again

to stay together. Learning from the past holds the key to changing the future.

iii. The attempt of Gatsby to replicate specific portions of his past and to obscure other

portions prompts situational irony. Certainly, a fine line exists between reminiscence and

delusion.

3. ‘“Life starts... again when... in the fall”’ (118)

Speaker: Jordan Baker

Spoken to: Daisy Buchanan

i. The image of ‘“fall”’ serves as a symbol for the recurring essence of life. Like the seasons,

life shifts from light to dark, from warm to cold, periodically just as life will eventually

give way to a new climate augments hope and optimism.

ii. Jordan’s didactic tone through the contemplative diction of ‘“life”’ demonstrates how

words can have a sedative effect on others. Even though the scorching weather bothers

Daisy, knowing that the weather will change calms the mind.

iii. Fitzgerald indirectly characterizes Jordan as philosophical. She uses clear, although

sometimes detached, logic to determine what she says and how she interacts with others.

Thinking a problem through before taking action prevents haste from making the problem

worse.

4. “‘sad... never seen... such beautiful shirts’” (92)

Speaker: Daisy Buchanan

Spoken to: Jay Gatsby

i. Daisy speaks with an astonished tone through the overwhelmed diction of “‘never seen.’”

This moment represents a tone shift from her initial hesitant encounter with Gatsby himself

to her bewilderment and fascination with his material things.

ii. Daisy directly characterizes herself as “‘sad’” creating situational irony as the beauty of the

shirts causes her lament. Daisy’s sadness shows her regret for ever leaving Gatsby,

especially now that she has missed out on the beautiful riches he possess as a new man.

iii. Fitzgerald juxtaposes the beauty of the shirts to Daisy’s sadness to highlight her obvious

flaws as a superficial and money-hungry woman. The beautiful shirts compare to Daisy’s

beauty while also contrasting her ugly personality, enforcing Fitzgerald’s assertion that

one’s physical beauty only goes skin deep.

5. “‘tell... truth... you never loved him’” (132)

Speaker: Jay Gatsby

Spoken to: Daisy Buchanan

i. Gatsby’s demanding diction of “‘tell’” creates a forceful tone as Fitzgerald indirectly

characterizes Gatsby as desperate, grasping for hope that Daisy shared his undying love

during their separation of five years.

ii. Gatsby’s forceful tone creates juxtaposition between Tom and him as he begins to acquire

Tom’s power-hungry traits. The juxtaposition shows the power that love has over Gatsby

and his personality, altering under the fight for Daisy.

iii. Fitzgerald uses Gatsby to directly characterize Daisy as having “‘never loved [Tom].’”

Although Daisy never speaks those words herself, Gatsby shows confidence in her love for

him, creating sympathy from the reader as one realizes that Daisy will never leave Tom for

Gatsby.

Characters

1. Nick Carraway

a. Main character of the novel and its narrator.

b. He serves as the novel’s protagonist and a moral man who criticizes the wealth’s

extravagant lifestyles. He foils the rest of the characters who enjoy parties and

focus on social status.

2. Daisy Buchanan

a. Nick’s second cousin once removed.

b. She creates external conflict between Gatsby and Tom. She also serves as a

synecdoche for people who let themselves become spoiled by wealth.

3. Tom Buchanan

a. The husband of Nick’s cousin, Daisy.

b. He acts as a synecdoche for people who cannot find the same happiness they

experienced in their youth, and as a result become bitter.

4. Jordan Baker

a. She acts as Nick’s girlfriend.

b. She serves as a synecdoche for people who follow others rather than make their

own decisions.

5. Jay Gatsby

a. Nick’s neighbor, friend, and the man having an affair with Nick’s cousin.

b. Fitzgerald uses Gatsby to invoke pathos, targeting people who cannot move on

from past loves to instill empathy in them.

6. George Wilson

a. George Wilson’s wife and Nick’s cousin-in-law have an affair. Wilson also kills

Gatsby, Nick’s friend.

b. Wilson allows Fitzgerald to create pathos to target people whose spouses have

affairs in order to instill anger in them.

7. Myrtle Wilson

a. She has an affair with Nick’s cousin-in-law.

b. Myrtle creates external conflict, as she causes Tom to become unfaithful to his

wife. Her affair and death cause her husband to become mentally unhinged and

kill Gatsby and himself.

Characters:

1. Meyer Wolfsheim is a friend and business associate to Gatsby. He acts as a synecdoche

for mystery, as he does much of his business underground and Fitzgerald does not reveal

much detail about him. He parallels many of the characters in the novel, who hold secrets

under their well-composed exterior.

2. Pammy Buchanan is the daughter of Daisy, Gatsby’s love interest. She serves as a source

of pathos in the story due to the fact that she only appears once in the novel, when Daisy tries

to impress Gatsby and Nick. Fitzgerald induces compassion from parents through her,

highlighting Daisy’s lacking parenting skills.

3. Catherine attends Gatsby’s parties and is Myrtle’s sister. She stands as a synecdoche for

gossip because she constantly spreads rumors and lies about other characters. She also exists

as the main source of information on Tom and Myrtle’s affair.

4. Owl Eyes attends Gatsby’s parties and funeral. He foils all of Gatsby’s supposed friends

because he showed up to the funeral when nobody else besides Henry and Nick did. He

showed appreciation and respect for all that Gatsby had offered him, while characters such as

Wolfsheim and Daisy retreated into their wealth to escape any controversy.

5. Henry Gatz is Gatsby’s father. He acts as a synecdoche for true love, as he forgives his

son for leaving home and believes in Gatsby’s good character. He traveled halfway across

the country to attend his son’s funeral, and brought with him a book that Gatsby wrote on

about self-improvement. He overlooks any of his son’s wrongdoings and sees him as a

generous, thoughtful man.

6. Michaelis is the only witness to the hit and run and unknowingly implies that Gatsby kills

Myrtle. He creates external conflict between George Wilson and Gatsby, which eventually

results in both of their deaths. After he talks to Wilson about the death of his wife, Wilson

believes the man Myrtle has an affair with also killed her, and he seeks to find the man. He

learns that Gatsby owns the car and journeys to his mansion, where he shoots both himself

and his wife’s alleged killer.

7. Dan Cody is young Gatsby’s mentor who took Gatsby with him on his yacht. Fitzgerald

uses him as a synecdoche for wealth and the luxurious lifestyle that Gatsby created for

himself. Gatsby’s time with Dan Cody stood as a turning point in his life when he left his

family and poverty behind and dedicated himself to becoming wealthy. He inspired Gatsby

to work hard to become successful and to earn money.

Opening Chapter:

Description: Nick Carraway discusses his character, particularly his choice to not judge others,

and his affluent roots in the Midwest. As Nick feels restless upon returning home from college,

he decides to move to New York City to pursue a career in the bond business. He settles next

door to the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby in West Egg, an affluent area across the bay from

East Egg, where his cousin Daisy and her husband, Tom Buchanan live. Nick visits Daisy and

meets her husband and their friend, Jordan Baker, a professional golfer. During his visit, Nick

discovers that Tom cheats on his wife, and that the Buchanans revel in their sophistication and

wealth. Following the dinner, Nick returns home and observes Gatsby trembling while staring at

a green light across the bay from his house.

1. Foreshadowing

“wake of his[Gatsby’s] dreams” (2).

-Fitzgerald foreshadows that Gatsby, a dreamer, will suffer because when his dream dies, he

loses his purpose and drive.

-Fitzgerald creates a desolate tone through the empty diction of “wake,” thereby indirectly

characterizing Gatsby as suffering.  Thus, the author evokes pathos by appealing to the pity of

dreamers to remind them to continue to live and dream even after loss, so they do not suffer a

loss of purpose.

2. Symbolism

“single green light, minute and far away” (21).

-As the color green represents harmony, Fitzgerald emphasizes that although Gatsby lives a

seemingly perfect life, he has not reached peace as he has not achieved his dream of reuniting

with Daisy.

-Fitzgerald emphasizes the distant diction of “far away” to foreshadow that Gatsby’s dream will

elude him.

-Fitzgerald asserts that material possessions and wealth do not fully satisfy the American dream.

3. Hyperbole

Tom exclaims to Nick during their meeting, “‘Civilization’s going to pieces’”(12).

-Fitzgerald indirectly characterizes Tom as fearful that the rise in new wealth will cause a change

in the aristocratic social construct that he, as an individual of old wealth, enjoys.

-The author mocks this opinion of Tom’s as his and Daisy’s frivolity and carelessness cause

incredible destruction, such the death of Myrtle Wilson.

-Fitzgerald claims that due to the strong aristocracy in East Egg, America has departed from and

destroyed the original American dream of a civilization without nobility.

Closing Chapter:

Description: Two years have passed, and narrator Nick Carraway reflects on the events immediately

following Gatsby’s death. Nick releases the information of Gatsby’s murder to the residents of West Egg

and Gatsby’s many acquaintences, such as Meyer Wolsheim, and the lack of responses or genuine

condolences that he receives renders him astonished. Owl Eyes, one of Gatsby’s most distant

acquaintances, appears as the sole attendant of his funeral aside from Nick. After reflecting on the

differences between the midwest and the east, Nick approaches his past lover, Jordan Baker, where he

discovers her supposed engagement and finally closes the door on their lingering relationship. Nick also

reconnects with Tom Buchanan, where he discovers that Tom provided the information that caused

Gatsby’s murder. However, the two appear to make amends. Carraway closes the story with a reflection

on the beauty of Gatsby’s empty house and the symbol of the green light, which drove Gatsby’s ambition.

Significance:

1) Symbol

“believed in the green light” (180)

The green light symbolizes Gatsby’s steadfast ambition, particularly in his endeavors to woo his lover,

Daisy, away from her husband. Fitzgerald mentions the light several times in the novel, which

emphasizes Gatsby’s fixation with Daisy, so much so that it leads to his death. Fitzgerald ends the novel

with the mention of the light in an effort to assert that a person’s passions, if pursued with intensity, can

continue on their legacy and memory after death.

2) Situational Irony

“half in love with her” (177)

The the fact that Nick remains “half” loving Jordan after his final encounter with her creates situational

irony. After Gatsby’s death, Nick begins to disconnect with his connections in the exciting East. His

remaining love for Jordan asserts that when a person attempts to disconnect from a place or a group a

people, at least one memory or remaining infatuation will always keep them attached in some capacity.

3) Juxtaposition

“the East excited me” “bored...swollen towns” (176)

Carraway juxtaposes the fast-paced East to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere in the midwest during

Christmastime. He remarks on the fact that all of the main characters hail from the West, and equates

their downfall to their inability to keep up with the pace of the East. This juxtaposition asserts that all

people remain true to their family and geographic origins, despite their ventures to new towns or

relationships.

Symbols

1. The green light

Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald utilizes the green light at the end of the Buchanan’s

dock as a symbol of the American Dream and unobtainable goals.

Nick Carraway’s first siting of Gatsby comes in the first chapter, and he describes the

great man’s “stretched out… arms” and “trembling” body (21). The direct

characterization of Gatsby as “trembling” reveals his deep longing to reach the green

light and, consequently, Daisy. As well, the positioning of the green light directly

across from Gatsby’s house exposes Fitzgerald’s claim that goals often remain

tauntingly out of reach.

At the tale’s end, Nick remarks “Gatsby believed in the green light” (180). By

employing Gatsby as a synecdoche of those reaching for the American Dream,

Fitzgerald exposes the insistent optimism expressed by American hopefuls.

Moreover, the use of short syntax reflects the simplicity and vitality of Gatsby’s

dream to his existence, and, upon losing this dream, Gatsby loses himself.

2. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg

Fitzgerald uses the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg to convey to conflicting role of religion

in 1920s society.

In Chapter Seven, Nick notes that the eyes “kept their vigil” (124). The use of the

religious diction of “vigil” reveals Eckleburg’s Godlike role. Furthermore, Fitzgerald

portrays the eyes as unwavering, creating the claim that God is always watching.

While looking at the enormous eyes, Wilson notes the omnipresence of God, to which

Michaelis replies with “’That’s an advertisement’” (160). His vague statement could

refer to both the billboard and the mantra of God sees all. This purposeful vagueness

reveals Fitzgerald’s critical tone towards the religion of the era; he feels materialism

has replaced true religion. Rather than including any true religious emblem,

Fitzgerald only depicts the billboard of Eckleburg’s eyes to create the claim that 20s

society had no true religious attachments.

Symbols

1. Green light : dreams

“a green light that burns all night” (92)

During his time at West Egg, Gatsby looks to the green light across the bay at the end of

the Buchanan’s dock to remind himself of Daisy’s presence and the proximity of his

greatest desire. This green light symbolizes dreams and the long road that accompanies

their achievement; Fitzgerald mentions that the light “burns all night” to imply that

Gatsby’s dreams do not fade time or the darkness of failure. Fitzgerald also uses the light

to assert that humans tend to build up their expectations to a point to which reality can

never compare. He employs pathos to elicit both longing and determination in those who

continue to chase their dreams.

2. Beautiful shirts : materialism

“never seen such…beautiful shirts” (92)

When Gatsby shows Daisy his house, she cries into a pile of expensive shirts that he

throws around the room. These shirts symbolize materialism and its destructive effects on

society. Fitzgerald uses the shirts and Daisy’s actions to claim that material possessions

and wealth cannot bring the kind of happiness that satisfies a person. He creates

situational irony by using beautiful objects to evoke emotions of loss and despair, and he

implies that the wealthy characters of The Great Gatsby feel an emptiness that their

money cannot counter.

3. Cold fried chicken : loveless relationships

“cold fried chicken between them” (145)

When Tom and Daisy return home after their confrontation with Gatsby and the death of

Myrtle Wilson, they eat a meal of cold fried chicken. The chicken represents the loveless

relationship that Tom and Daisy share, and Fitzgerald describes the chicken between

Tom and Daisy as “cold” to symbolize the dead feelings that make up their life. He

claims that lies will destroy the peace of a marriage and asserts that humans prefer to

force happiness and ignore their problems. He uses pathos to evoke pity from those who

have experienced similarly loveless relationships.

Allusions

1. Gatsby refers to his colleague, Meyer Wolfsheim, when he alludes to the “’World Series

of 1919’” (73).

Many refer to the events of this series as the “Black Sox Scandal” due to the

conspiracy of Chicago franchisers with gamblers to intentionally throw World

Series games.

Encompasses the claim that people of the 1920s strived to “get rich quick,” by

manipulating game formats as well as the outcome of the game itself.

Meyer Wolfsheim’s strategy of obtaining wealth parallels Gatsby’s mysterious

business with Dan Cody and furthermore foils Nick’s determination to obtain

affluence the traditional way.

2. Nick admires Gatsby’s mansion and describes it as an “imitation of some Hotel de Ville

in Normandy” (5).

The Hotel de Ville Normandy lies in the province of Normandy in the French city

of Caen. It stands today as an immaculate structure that the French have

preserved since 1552.

The Hotel de Ville parallels to Gatsby’s mansion through juxtaposing qualities,

such as the “tower on one side”, “marble swimming pool” and “acres of lawn”(5).

The allusion to the Hotel de Ville furthers the contrast between Gatsby’s

excessive abode to the other homes of West Egg, like Nick’s bungalow.

3. Nick alludes to the image of “a copy of Town Tattle”, when he displays the lower income

party he attends at Myrtle and Tom’s apartment (37).

The Town Tattle, a 1920s gossip rag, the People or US magazine of the decade.

The Town Tattle magazine symbolizes Myrtle’s desire to rise from her own

misfortune and acquire the lifestyle of the people whom she reads about.

Nick’s acknowledgement of the magazine portrays his judgmental attitude

towards Myrtle and furthermore indirectly characterizes him as condescending

through his opinion of right and wrong.

Audiences and Purposes

1. Wealthy socialites

a. To illustrate that wealth does not bring a person true happiness

2. Those who party carelessly

To warn them of the negative repercussions of such a lifestyle, such as not having any

true friends

3. Those who wish to live like the residents of East Egg

To highlight that none of the socialites have true happiness in life

4. Those hopelessly in love

To teach them that time makes love fade and forcing love never works

5.  Those stuck in the past

To persuade them to acknowledge their past, but to live in the present

Audiences and Purposes

1. Audience- those whose lover requires them to change

a)Purpose- to encourage people to not make any changes to themselves and instead find

someone who loves them as they are

2. Audience- those who prioritize wealth and materialistic objects over emotions and

relationships

a)Purpose- to encourage them to change their priorities and show how money does not

buy happiness

3. Audience- those caught on moments of their past

a)Purpose- to advocate that they find a way to move on and live in the present, or they

will remain dissatisfied with their lives

4. Audience- those experiencing the traumatic loss of a loved one

a)Purpose- to disprove that violent retaliation will ease their feelings of anger and sadness

at their loss

5. Audience- outsiders in a new environment

a)Purpose- to encourage that they find like people to spend their time with and learn from

the differences of those around them