MOTIFS IN THE GREAT GATSBY
Motif: a theme that is developed and repeated in a work of art.
Wealth and/or money being the seed of corruptions is prevalent motif in The Great Gatsby. Not
only does wealth distinguish various characters, but it also blinds them from reality. Examples
of this motif are hinted at below. Find them in the novel and then include a brief explanation
that demonstrates an analytical understanding.
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Pg. 7  The advice Nick receives from his father:
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Pg. 67  Gatsby’s run in with the police:
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pp. 63-64, 87, 94-97  The root of Gatsby’s wealth
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p.89  Gatsby and his sweaters
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p.115  Gatsby’s opinion of Daisy and Nick’s reaction
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p.146  Gatsby’s pool