The Great Gatsby
Data 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 OwlEyes 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 readyto-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