A Voice Full of Money

At the end of Chapter Five, Nick makes much of the power of Daisy’s voice over Gatsby:  “I
think that voice held him most, with its fluctuating, feverish warmth, because it couldn’t be overdreamed—that voice was a deathless song” (p.96).   Later on, Gatsby observes that “Her voice is
full of money,” and Nick develops the point:   “That was it, I’d never understood before.  It was full
of money—that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals’
song of it.”  Is it possible for characters in Gatsby’s world to separate different kinds of value: In
particular, do the social conventions and self-understandings of the main characters allow them to
separate the material value associated with economic wealth, the value attributed to a human
object of desire, the aesthetic value of a beautiful object, and the moral values by which one
assesses a person’s character?  Why, if it all, does this matter?  

You Can't Repeat the Past

An intriguing exchange between Nick and Gatsby takes place near the end of Chapter Six:  “I 

wouldn’t ask too much of her,” Nick says  “You can’t repeat the past.”  “Can’t repeat the past?” 

Gatsby cries out.  “Why of course you can!”  (p. 110).  How does the past impinge upon the 

present in the lives of both Nick and Gatsby?  Should we see Gatsby as eccentric in his view that 

one can not merely repeat, but change, the past by starting over? Explain your reasoning. 

Gatsby's American Dream

The American dream was originally about discovery, individualism, and the pursuit of happiness. In the 1920s depicted in the novel, however, easy money and relaxed social values have corrupted this dream, especially on the East Coast. What was Gatsby's "American Dream?" What corrupted this dream (what did he have to do to obtain it?)? Did he ever reach his American Dream? Why or why not?

Social Class

Myrtle, with her double life, is a great example of the differences in social classes. Describe the difference between the social classes of East Egg and West Egg. How are both different from people who live in The Valley of the Ashes? How do the people from these different places treat each other? Why?

Color Psychology

There are many colors used throughout The Great Gatsby. These colors may tell us something about the people or objects they are associated with. Give at least three instances where color is used and explain the possible meanings behind it. Why would F. Scott Fitzgerald choose that color over another one? What might it represent, and what are your reasons for thinking so? Please include the quotes and page numbers where you find the colors.

Narrator

What is Nick Carraway's role in the novel? Consider Nick's father's advice in chapter one: "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." Does telling the story from Nick's point of view make it more believable? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.