Gatsby Quote Analysis Flashcards
(12 cards)
‘What foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short winded elations of men.’
metaphor highlights how Gatsby’s dreams (mainly his idealized love for Daisy and his aspiration for social status) leave behind a trail of corruption and moral decay
foul connotes moral decay perhaps discussing G’s illegal income.
dust symbolises intangible or insubstantial suggesting G’s dreams aren’t solid or achievable.
The fallout from Gatsby’s dreams makes Nick temporarily lose interest in the everyday struggles and fleeting joys of ordinary people.
The phrase “abortive sorrows” hints at failed ambitions or hopes, while “short-winded elations” suggests brief, superficial happiness
The quote sets the tone for the novel, contrasting Gatsby’s grand aspirations with the fleeting, insubstantial nature of most people’s lives.
It foreshadows the tragic ending, suggesting that Gatsby’s dreams, though seemingly noble, are ultimately destructive.
It also reveals Nick’s ambivalence, as he admires Gatsby’s dream but also sees the moral ambiguity and tragedy intertwined with it.
‘remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages you’ve had.’
Nick’s father’s advice.
Awareness of privilege and may suggest dad is trying to instil some humility.
foreshadows Nick’s role as a non-judgmental observer
contrasts T+D as they use their privilege without reflection or responsibility
critique the American class system and the illusion of equal opportunity
‘A valley of ashes’
ashes symbolize destruction, decay, and moral corruption. They are the by products of industrialization and excess—the waste generated by the pursuit of wealth and luxury
symbolizes the forgotten underclass—the people whose labour and suffering enable the glittering lifestyles of the wealthy but are discarded and overlooked, much like the ash itself.
consequences of capitalism and the pursuit of the American Dream - cost of indulgence
Overlooking the valley of ashes are the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, a decaying billboard of an oculist. These eyes are often interpreted as a symbol of God watching over a corrupt society, observing the moral decay that festers amid wealth and waste.
‘“Can’t repeat the past?” he cried incredulously. “Why of course I can!”’
unwavering faith in the power of wealth and determination to reverse time
critique of the American Dream
Gatsby’s refusal to accept change shows his emotional stagnation
inevitable disillusionment that comes from chasing illusions. No matter how grand his wealth or how extravagant his lifestyle, he cannot force reality to match his dream.
‘He stretched out his arms towards the dark water in a curious way… I glanced seaward - and distinguished nothing except a single green light’
green light is a central symbol in the novel, representing Gatsby’s hopes and dreams, particularly his longing for Daisy and the life he envisions with her.
Green traditionally symbolizes hope and renewal, but in this context, it also represents unattainable aspirations. Despite its visibility, the light is out of reach, symbolizing the distance (both literal and metaphorical) between Gatsby and Daisy.
stretching out his arms is almost ritualistic, illustrating both yearning and desperation
inevitable disillusionment Gatsby will face. His dreams are symbolized by something ethereal and distant, hinting that his pursuit is doomed to end in disappointment.
‘There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams… because of the colossal vitality of his illusions’
the real Daisy, no matter how enchanting, could never live up to the perfect image Gatsby had constructed over the years
His memories of Daisy have been polished and intensified by years of longing, to the point where she has become almost mythical in his mind.
“colossal vitality” to describe the sheer intensity and grandeur of Gatsby’s illusions.
vitality is what drives Gatsby’s every action—the lavish parties, the accumulation of wealth, and his single-minded pursuit of Daisy.
Gatsby’s dream is rooted in nostalgia and fantasy, while Daisy is a real, flawed person who can’t possibly match the vision he’s clung to
‘He kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath.’
kiss represents the moment when Gatsby’s idealized dreams are tied irrevocably to Daisy
“unutterable” suggests that Gatsby’s dreams are so grand and transcendent that they cannot be fully expressed—almost mystical in their scale
Gatsby’s idealism is bound to something as ephemeral as breath—a transient, fragile symbol of life
foreshadows the doomed nature of his pursuit, as he tries to immortalize a moment that was never meant to last.
encapsulates Gatsby’s romantic idealism—his belief that with enough passion and will, he can freeze time and recreate the past
“I did love him once - but I loved you too.”
a moment of stark honesty and vulnerability
disrupts Gatsby’s belief that her love for Tom was merely an illusion, something that could be wiped away to restore their perfect past
confession is a devastating blow to Gatsby, whose entire pursuit has been based on the idea that Daisy’s love for him was singular and exclusive
Daisy is torn between Gatsby’s passionate idealism and Tom’s security and social stability
underscores Daisy’s fear of instability—her desire for Gatsby’s romantic vision clashes with her comfort in Tom’s established world
‘they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness.’
destructive impact of Tom and Daisy’s carelessness
Myrtle Wilson is literally killed as a consequence of their behaviour, while Gatsby’s dreams and even his life are figuratively destroyed
immunity that wealth provides
social status and privilege as a barrier against accountability. They move on without facing the consequences of their selfishness, protected by their financial security
inequality of consequence: Gatsby and Wilson suffer for the ambitions and mistakes of others, while Tom and Daisy escape unscathed
‘that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool’
bittersweet acknowledgment of the expectations placed on women in her society
beauty and ignorance are advantageous for women because they are shielded from the harsh realities of their limited opportunities and lack of autonomy
“fool” is almost a form of protection; awareness would only bring pain and frustration in a patriarchal society that values women primarily for their looks and charm
she’s trapped in a gilded cage of wealth and appearances, and she wishes a simpler, less conscious life for her daughter
critique the gender inequalities of the 1920s, where women were often expected to be ornamental and subservient
‘She carried her flesh sensuously as some women can.’
Myrtle is highly aware of her body and how it affects those around her
Myrtle’s sexuality is not just about her physical appearance but also how she consciously presents herself in a way that is meant to attract attention
Myrtle’s sensuality can be seen as a reflection of her desire for upward mobility. Her awareness of her body as a tool for attracting Tom suggests that she sees her physical beauty as the only form of power available to her in her social position
objectifies her—she is more about how she appears to others than any deeper characteristics. Fitzgerald’s use of language invites readers to see her not as a fully realized character but as a symbol of lust and ambition
‘took her because he had no real right to touch her hand.’
power imbalance between Tom and Myrtle. While Tom may not have any formal or social “right” to her, he feels entitled to assert control over her, which speaks to his arrogance and sense of superiority.
someone whose value is primarily sexual and physical. Tom takes her hand, not out of love or respect, but out of ownership and control, further objectifying her
Tom’s actions reflect the privilege of the old-money class, where wealth and status enable them to disregard both social expectations and human decency
