SETTINGS: The Plaza Hotel

Question 1

“The prolonged and tumultuous argument that ended by herding us into that room eludes me” - CH7

Answer 1

• “herded” - animalistic, perhaps a criticism on their behaviour. “Herd” also alludes to sheep, known for following and their stupidity; this perhaps alludes to this idea of them following the conventions of their classes even if they wouldn’t exactly like to (such as with Daisy).
• The “room” is almost described as a pen when paired with the verb “herded”. Perhaps this creates a feel of entrapment.

Question 2

“The room was large and stifling, and though it was already four o’clock, opening the windows emitted only a gust of hot shrubbery from the Park.” - CH7

Answer 2

• “large and stifling” - the antithesis of each other. You would expect a large room to be freeing and relaxed, but instead it is suffocating. Perhaps this suggests that even though everyone here is wealthy in some way, this situation is far from comfort. You can’t escape the consequences of your actions even if you’re wealthy.
• “Four o’clock” - important motif
• “Stifling” - connotations of heat, naturally building tension and adding to this use of heat by Fitzgerald in this chapter. Also has connotations of suffocating and not being able to breathe. Foreshadowing of how this will lead to Gatsby’s death in the end?