Novel Study 6

Answer 1

Title: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Summary: The Great Gatsby is a novel set in the Roaring Twenties, following the life of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man who throws extravagant parties in his mansion on Long Island. The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man who moves to West Egg, Long Island, and becomes Gatsby's neighbor. Throughout the novel, Nick gets drawn into the world of wealth and excess, as he witnesses the complicated relationships between Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan. The novel explores themes of love, wealth, class, and the American Dream.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does F. Scott Fitzgerald use symbolism in The Great Gatsby? What are some examples of symbolism in the novel?

2. How does the character of Gatsby represent the American Dream? Do you think he is successful in achieving his version of the American Dream?

3. What role does social class play in the novel? How do characters like Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom navigate their positions in society?

4. Discuss the theme of love in The Great Gatsby. How do the relationships between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom reflect different ideas of love?

5. How does the setting of the novel, the Roaring Twenties, contribute to the themes and plot of The Great Gatsby? How does the time period influence the characters and their actions?

6. What is the significance of Nick Carraway as the narrator of the novel? How does his perspective shape the reader's understanding of the story?

7. Explore the motif of wealth and excess in The Great Gatsby. How do characters like Gatsby and Tom demonstrate their wealth, and how does it affect their relationships with others?

8. Analyze the ending of the novel and its implications for the characters. How does the tragic conclusion reflect the larger themes of the story?

9. In what ways does Gatsby's past shape his present? How does his desire for Daisy drive his actions throughout the novel?

10. How does The Great Gatsby comment on the idea of the American Dream and its attainability? Do you think Fitzgerald presents a hopeful or cynical view of the American Dream?