Class & Wealth

• What role does wealth play in The Great Gatsby?

  It drives all characters in the novel.
• How does Fitzgerald explore wealth in the novel?

  By examining types and acquisition of wealth.
• What does Fitzgerald critique through wealth in the 1920s?

  The flawed money-driven nature of society.
• What does the Valley of Ashes symbolize in the novel?

  Poverty and the consequences of wealth disparity.
• How do East and West Eggers contrast in the novel?

  They represent different lifestyles and wealth types.
• Who represents old money in The Great Gatsby?

  The Buchanans and Nick Carraway.
• What is the significance of Gatsby's wealth?

  It highlights his desire to integrate into society.
• How does Gatsby's car symbolize his wealth?

  It is an emblem of his gilded success.
• What class does Jay Gatsby belong to?

  New Money.
• How does Tom Buchanan's wealth affect his actions?

  It allows him to manipulate and control others.
• What does Myrtle's death symbolize in the novel?

  The tragic consequences of class conflict.
• What are the three distinct classes in The Great Gatsby?

  • Old Money
  • New Money
  • No Money
• What does the term "Old Money" refer to?

  Wealth inherited over generations.
• How do the Buchanans exemplify Old Money?

  They possess inherited wealth and privilege.
• What is the main characteristic of New Money?

  Wealth acquired through self-made success.
• How does Gatsby's attempt to fit in highlight his class status?

  His forced behavior reveals his nouveau riche status.
• What does the struggle between Tom and Gatsby represent?

  The conflict between old money and new money.
• What does the term "No Money" refer to in the novel?

  People unable to acquire wealth or status.
• How does Daisy's character reflect the theme of wealth?

  She embodies the superficiality of the elite class.
• What does Nick's observation about Tom and Daisy reveal?

  They lead empty lives despite their wealth.
• What does Gatsby hope to achieve by buying his mansion?

  To be closer to Daisy.
• How does Fitzgerald use music as a metaphor for Daisy's life?

  It reflects the superficiality and sadness of her existence.
• What does the phrase "just across the bay" symbolize?

  The social barrier between Gatsby and Daisy.
• What are the implications of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby?

  • Wealth creates class divisions.
  • Old money prevails over new money.
  • The pursuit of wealth leads to moral decay.
• How does Marxist literary theory critique Gatsby's character?

  It highlights his class consciousness and moral sacrifice.
• What is Gatsby's fatal flaw in his pursuit of wealth?

  His willingness to sacrifice his morality.
• What is the significance of the epigraph from D’Invilliers’ poem?

  It establishes themes of wealth and love.
• How does consumerism relate to Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy?

  It drives his desire to impress her with wealth.
• What do the colors gold and silver symbolize in the novel?

  Wealth and materialism in society.
• How is Daisy's beauty connected to her social status?

  Her beauty reflects her privileged upbringing.
• How does the Jazz Age impact the characters' lives?

  It fosters a culture of excess and superficiality.
• What does the novel suggest about the relationship between wealth and happiness?

  Wealth does not guarantee true happiness.
• How is the American Dream portrayed in the novel?

  As an unattainable ideal for many characters.
• What are the consequences of class conflict in the novel?

  They lead to tragedy and moral decay.
• How does materialism shape the characters' identities?

  It defines their values and relationships.
• What is the significance of Nick Carraway as a narrator?

  He provides a critical perspective on wealth.
• What does buying the house represent for Gatsby?

  It attempts to cross social boundaries.
• Why does Gatsby's attempt to win Daisy ultimately fail?

  He is forever separated by social class.
• How does Marxist literary theory view Gatsby's wealth acquisition?

  As an attempt to win back Daisy's love.
• What does Gatsby's class consciousness reveal about him?

  He conceals his blue-collar background.