Untitled Flashcards Set

The American Dream

The idea that wealth and success lead to happiness, critiqued in the novel through Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy.

Social Class & Wealth

Distinction between 'old money' (Tom, Daisy) and 'new money' (Gatsby), highlighting societal divisions.

Love & Obsession

Gatsby's idealized and obsessive love for Daisy demonstrates the impossibility of recreating the past.

Moral Decay & Materialism

Characters' actions reflect greed and selfishness, emphasizing a loss of values.

Illusion vs. Reality

Gatsby's persona is built on lies, illustrating self-deception and deception of others.

Jay Gatsby

A wealthy but mysterious man obsessed with Daisy, representing the corrupt American Dream.

Nick Carraway

The narrator who observes and critiques the moral decay of the wealthy.

Daisy Buchanan

Gatsby's former lover, beautiful but shallow, representing unattainable dreams.

Tom Buchanan

Daisy's wealthy and arrogant husband, known for his infidelity and racism.

Jordan Baker

A dishonest professional golfer and Nick's love interest.

Myrtle Wilson

Tom's mistress, who seeks wealth and status but tragically dies.

George Wilson

Myrtle's husband who represents the working class, owner of a garage.

The Green Light

Symbolizes Gatsby’s hope and dreams for Daisy.

The Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg

Billboard that symbolizes moral decay and God’s judgment.

The Valley of Ashes

Symbolizes moral and social decay in society.

Gatsby’s Mansion & Parties

Represent excess and the illusion of happiness.

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

Reflects the theme of striving for an unattainable dream.

“Can’t repeat the past?… Why of course you can!”

Gatsby’s delusion regarding the possibility of recreating the past.

“I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”

Highlights gender roles and societal expectations.

“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money.”

Criticizes the irresponsibility of the wealthy elite.

Plot Summary of Chapter 1

Nick moves to West Egg, meets Gatsby, and visits Tom & Daisy.

Plot Summary of Chapter 2

Revelation of Tom’s affair with Myrtle.

Plot Summary of Chapter 3

Gatsby throws lavish parties; Nick finally meets him.

Plot Summary of Chapter 4

Gatsby confesses his love for Daisy.

Plot Summary of Chapter 5

Reunion of Gatsby and Daisy at Nick's house.

Plot Summary of Chapter 6

Gatsby's past is explored; Tom becomes suspicious.

Plot Summary of Chapter 7

The climax with arguments between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom, leading to Myrtle's death.

Plot Summary of Chapter 8

Gatsby is killed by George Wilson.

Plot Summary of Chapter 9

Nick reflects on Gatsby’s life and the loneliness of his funeral.

AP Lang Analysis Tips

Focus on imagery, symbolism, literary devices, and narrative perspective of Nick as an unreliable narrator.