American Studies
The Great Gatsby
End of Novel Discussion Questions
These are questions to think about as you reflect on the novel. Read them over and feel free to provide some
comments to them. Your responses will be useful in preparation for the test and the first literature tutorial.
1. Discuss the use of writing style as it applies to the various settings and characters. How does Fitzgerald‟s writing
enhance the depictions of setting and characters? Provide specific support to aid in your claims.
2. What does Daisy mean to Gatsby? Analyze the pages 155 and 157 that begin with “She was the first „nice‟ girl he
had ever known.” Explain Gatsby‟s comment about Daisy‟s love for Tom: “In any case, it was just personal”
(160).
3. What does Gatsby mean to Daisy? Extensively refer to the dramatic scene in the Plaza Hotel. “You look so cool,
like the man in the advertisement.”
4. If the story is told from Nick‟s perspective, how does Fitzgerald manage to account for the scenes Nick wasn‟t
involved in? For example, how do we find out what happens with George Wilson and Tom‟s role in Gatsby‟s
death? What do you think of this method?
5. Interpret the various use of color throughout the novel. What is the significance of the use of color?
6. What is the meaning of the billboard of TJ Eckleburg? Explain Wilson‟s remark: “God sees everything,” and
Michaelis‟ response, “That‟s an advertisement.”
7. Interpret the last page of the book.
8. After all, what is the dream that Gatsby is pursuing? Relate this to pages 101 and 102 of Chapter 5 and the
schedule inside of Hopalong Cassidy.
9. In the end, how alike or different are Gatsby and Nick Carraway? Consider Nick‟s nostalgic flashback on pages
183 to 185: “I see now that this had been the story of the West, after all ...”
10. Explain the theme of “bad drivers.” Discuss Nick‟s relationship with Jordan Baker and their conversation on page
186. Is Nick compromising his values to shake Tom‟s hand?
11. What is the comment on America? What is the moral of the novel?
12. Why don‟t Gatsby‟s “close friends” attend his funeral? What is Wolfsheim‟s rationale? What about Klipspringer?
What does this tell you about Gatsby‟s relationships?
13. Is Gatsby a hero or a fraud? A tragic figure? Deal with the climactic conversation inside the Plaza Hotel. In the
end is Gatsby a tragic figure?
Test Details
Format: Character identification, quote identification, true/false, and multiple choice
Character ID – characters to know:
Jay Gatsby
Nick Carraway
Tom Buchanan
Daisy Buchanan
Jordan Baker
Myrtle Wilson
George Wilson
Catherine
James Gatz
Klipspringer
Michaelis
TJ Eckleburg
Owl-Eyes
Meyer Wolfsheim
McKee
Dan Cody
Ella Kaye
Henry Gatz