Name:_____________________________________________
The Great Gatsby Graded Discussion. Be prepared to discuss the following questions on Monday 5/7 and
Tuesday 5/8.
1. Discuss the title of the book. Is the title appropriate and effective?
Other titles Fitzgerald considered: Gatsby; Among Ash-Heaps and Millionaires / On the Road to West
Egg / Under the Red, White, and Blue / The High-Bouncing Lover
2. How does Fitzgerald use Gatsby’s parties to present a satirical portrait of the 1920s?
3. Describe the general revelation of Gatsby’s character. What do we learn about him and when? Why is this
an appropriate way of learning about him?
4. Some critics suggest that Gatsby’s tragedy is that he chooses the wrong dream (Daisy). Has he been
corrupted by society? Or is his choice an indication that he is part of the corruption?
5. Nick says that Gatsby “represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn,” and yet he also says
that Gatsby “turned out all right in the end.” How do you explain Nick’s change of opinion?
6. Analyze Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism in the novel (cars, weather, green light, etc). How does this use of
symbolism help advance Fitzgerald’s thematic interests?
7. In chapter 1, Nick says, “reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope.” In your opinion, does Nick
reserve judgments throughout the book?
8. At one point in the book, Nick describes himself as “one of the few honest people” he’s ever known. Do
you find Nick to be a truly honest narrator?
9. Explain how F. Scott Fitzgerald uses minor characters—Owl Eyes, Mr. Wolfsheim, Pammy, Michaelis, and
Wilson in the novel. What does each character add to the story?
10. What was the importance of Myrtle’s death? How would the story have changed if Myrtle had not been
killed?
11. Suppose this novel had been written from Gatsby’s point of view. How would the story have changed?
12. What themes can be crafted from the following ideas? What is Fitzgerald trying to communicate about
these ideas?
The American Dream
Wealth and social class
The power of suggestion, gossip, and rumors
Success and Failure