The+Great+Gatsby

Symbols(5): 1. Gatsby is a symbol for all of the midwesterners lost in the east. 2. The green light on the end of Daisy's dock is a symbol for desires and goals. 3. Gatsby's pool is a symbol for simple people living complex lives. 4. Daisy's daughter and Daisy's feelings for her are a symbol for the consequences of insincere actions. 5. Gatsby's house is a symbol for the wealth he has spent his life trying to procure.

Themes(10): 1. Love- Gatsby and Daisy, Jordan and tom 2. Jealousy-Tom against Gatsby, vice versa 3. Lies- Tom manipulates Wilson, Gatsby tells Tom his "life story" 4. Secrets- Gatsby's living, Gatsby's love for Daisy 5. Insincere Self-Portrayals- Tom tries to act smart, Daisy pretends to be care-free 6. Suspicions- tom suspect Daisy and Gatsby, everyone suspects Gatsby of something terrible 7. Anger- Mr. Wilson after Mrs. Wilson's death, Tom's discovery of Daisy and Gatsby 8. Awkward/Stressful Situations- The NYC trip with the whole crew and Gatsby, Tom's visit to Wilson's store 9. Wealth- Gatsby and the Buchanans 10. Need to be in control- Tom, Gatsby when he meets Daisy

Motif(3): recurring structures or objects that appear in the novel 1. in-depth looks into personalities 2. shallow/simple people 3. heartache

Discussion Question: Do Wilson’s actions against Gatsby make him the antagonist of the story?

What is your original opinion of Gatsby? Do his mysteries cast doubt on his character?

There is obviously tension between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy, yet Gatsby does not refrain from throwing himself into the fire. Is he simply clueless to the tension or does his love for Daisy make him disregard it? Why do you think so?


 * What is Mr. Wilson's signifigence in the book? All in all, the largest part Wilson plays is to kill Gatsby. Other than that, he is simply another weak person in the plot.
 * Why does Nick feel like he doesn't belong apart of the rich lifestyle? The main reason, i imagine, is because Nick isn't rich.
 * Why has Gatsby waited this long to meet Daisy? First, he had to build up this wealth so they could marry. Secondly, he wanted the meeting to be an "accident".