Analyze Fitzgerald's conception of the American Dream. Does he view it as totally dead, or is it possible to revive it?
2
Is Nick a reliable narrator? How does his point of view color the reality of the novel, and what facts or occurences would he have a vested interest in obscuring?
3
Trace the use of the color white in the novel. When does it falsify a sense of innocence? When does it symbolize true innocence?
4
Do a close reading of the description of the "valley of ashes." How does Fitzgerald use religious imagery in this section of the novel?
5
What does the green light symbolize to Gatsby? To Nick?
6
How does Fitzgerald juxtapose the different regions of America? Does he write more positively about the East or the Midwest?
7
What is the distinction between East and West Egg? How does one bridge the gap between the two?
8
In what ways are Wilson and Gatsby similar? Disimilar? Who is Nick more sympathetic to?
9
How does Fitzgerald treat New York City? What is permissable in the urban space that is taboo on the Eggs?
10
Is Tom most responsible for Gatsby's death? Daisy? Myrtle? Gatsby himself? Give reasons why or why not each character is implicated in the murder.
The Great Gatsby Questions and Answers
The Question and Answer section for The Great Gatsby is a great
resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.
I suppose you could consider George and Myrtle Wilson. They exist on the flip side of the American dream. They are poor and covet the lifestyle of the filthy rich. They want a piece of the dream even though they are excluded from it.
The Great Gatsby is typically considered F. Scott Fitzgerald's greatest novel. The Great Gatsby study guide contains a biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.
The Great Gatsby essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.