Modernism and the Great Gatsby

What is the significance of "The Turtle" from The Grapes of Wrath?

The turtle’s slow, determined journey across the road symbolizes the resilience of migrants during the Dust Bowl. Its perseverance mirrors the Joad family's struggle for survival and hope in the face of adversity.

What themes are explored in “A Rose for Emily”?

The story explores themes of decay (both physical and societal), isolation, resistance to change, and the impact of time on the human psyche. Emily represents the Old South, and her home reflects the decay of outdated traditions.

What are the characteristics of Imagist poetry?

Imagist poems emphasize precision, clear imagery, and economy of language. They avoid abstract ideas and instead present vivid sensory impressions.

What is the meaning of “In the Station of a Metro” by Ezra Pound?

The poem captures a fleeting moment of modern life, comparing faces in a crowd to petals on a branch. It reflects the Imagist goal of presenting a vivid, singular image.

What is the message of “The Red Wheelbarrow”?

It emphasizes the beauty in ordinary objects and the idea that small, simple things (like a wheelbarrow) can hold great significance.

What is the tone of “This is Just to Say”?

The tone is playful and ironic; it mimics a casual apology while subtly enjoying the pleasure of eating the plums.

What imagery is used in “The Great Figure”?

The poem captures the dynamic movement and noise of a firetruck moving through a city. The "great figure" refers to the number 5 on the truck, symbolizing urgency and modern urban life.

What is Imagism?

A literary movement that focused on clear, sharp language, vivid imagery, and precise word choice. It sought to capture a moment or object directly and vividly.

What is Expressionism in literature?

A style where writers express emotional experiences rather than physical reality. Often uses exaggeration or distortion to reflect inner turmoil or social critique.

What is Surrealism?

A movement that blends dreams and reality, often presenting bizarre, illogical scenes to tap into the unconscious mind.

What is direct characterization?

When the author explicitly describes a character’s traits (e.g., "She was kind and generous").

What is indirect characterization?

When the character’s personality is revealed through actions, dialogue, thoughts, appearance, or other characters’ reactions.

What is the difference between round and flat characters?

Round characters are complex and undergo development; flat characters are simple, often stereotypical, and don’t change much.

What is an allegory?

A story where characters, events, and settings symbolically represent abstract ideas or moral qualities (e.g., Animal Farm).

What is theme in literature?

The central idea, message, or insight into life revealed through a literary work.

What is a symbol?

An object, character, or event that represents a deeper meaning beyond its literal sense.

Who is Jay Gatsby?

A wealthy, mysterious man known for his lavish parties. His real name is James Gatz, and he is driven by his love for Daisy and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Who is Nick Carraway?

The novel’s narrator. A Yale graduate from the Midwest, Nick is Gatsby’s neighbor and cousin to Daisy. He represents a moral center and observes the corruption around him.

Who is Daisy Buchanan?

Gatsby’s former lover, now married to Tom. She’s charming but shallow, and she chooses comfort and wealth over love.

Who is Tom Buchanan?

Daisy’s wealthy, aggressive, and racist husband. He represents old money and patriarchal privilege.

Who is Jordan Baker?

A cynical and dishonest golf player and Daisy’s friend. She represents the modern woman—independent but morally ambiguous.

Who is Myrtle Wilson?

Tom’s mistress. She is desperate to escape her lower-class life but ends up a tragic victim of the elite's recklessness.

Who is George Wilson?

Myrtle’s husband. A poor mechanic who becomes emotionally devastated and ultimately kills Gatsby.

Who is Meyer Wolfsheim?

A shady businessman who helped Gatsby gain his wealth. Based on real-life gangster Arnold Rothstein.

Who is Owl Eyes?

A mysterious man who is amazed by Gatsby’s library. He later attends Gatsby’s funeral, symbolizing genuine insight and moral recognition.

Who is Ewing Klipspringer?

A boarder in Gatsby’s house who takes advantage of Gatsby’s hospitality and refuses to attend his funeral.

Who is Dan Cody?

A wealthy copper magnate who mentored a young Gatsby. Gatsby learned about wealth and ambition from him.

Who is Henry Gatz?

Gatsby’s father. He shows Gatsby’s humble origins and genuine potential, contrasting with Gatsby’s false identity.

Who is Pammy Buchanan?

Daisy and Tom’s daughter, who represents the permanence of Daisy’s life with Tom and the reality Gatsby wants to ignore.

Who is Michaelis?

George Wilson’s neighbor and witness to the aftermath of Myrtle’s death.

Who is Catherine?

Myrtle’s sister, who appears during the party in the apartment and helps build the social context of the affair.

How is the theme of the Roaring Twenties shown in The Great Gatsby?

Through lavish parties, fast cars, jazz music, and moral recklessness. The novel reflects the era’s materialism and hedonism.

How is the American Dream portrayed in The Great Gatsby?

It is shown as corrupted and unattainable. Gatsby’s dream is based on illusion and material success rather than true happiness or love.

What does the novel say about class differences?

It contrasts old money (Tom, Daisy) with new money (Gatsby) and no money (Myrtle, George), showing how wealth does not equal social acceptance.

What is the significance of the past and future in Gatsby’s story?

Gatsby is obsessed with recreating the past with Daisy, ignoring the present and future. His failure symbolizes the danger of living in illusions.

What does the green light symbolize?

Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future, especially his desire for Daisy. It also represents the unreachable American Dream.

What do the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg symbolize?

A symbol of moral and spiritual decay. They may represent the eyes of God watching over a corrupt society.

What does the Valley of Ashes represent?

The moral and social decay from the pursuit of wealth. It is where the working class lives, and where dreams die.

What is the significance of East and West Egg?

East Egg represents old money, tradition, and social status. West Egg represents new money, ambition, and the lack of refinement.

What does Gatsby’s mansion symbolize?

His excessive wealth and desire to impress Daisy. It is also a symbol of his illusion—grand on the outside, but empty inside

Who was F. Scott Fitzgerald?

A Jazz Age author known for his exploration of wealth, youth, and disillusionment. The Great Gatsby is his most famous work, reflecting his concerns about the American Dream.

How does Modernism apply to The Great Gatsby?

The novel reflects Modernist themes like alienation, loss of faith in traditional values, fragmented identity, and disillusionment with the American Dream.