Themes and Symbols in The Great Gatsby

The video explores four major themes in The Great Gatsby: class distinctions, superficiality versus truth, the American Dream, and societal degradation. Class is depicted through geography, contrasting old and new money, and the Midwest versus the East Coast. Superficiality is embodied by Gatsby's facade and the directionless lives of the Buchanans and Jordan Baker. The American Dream is portrayed as a pursuit with harsh realities, as seen in Gatsby's idealized love for Daisy. Finally, societal degradation post-WWI is highlighted through the characters' unrestrained pursuit of wealth and pleasure.

What does East Egg symbolize in 'The Great Gatsby'?

• Middle class

• Old money

• New money

• Lower class

Which location in 'The Great Gatsby' represents the middle and lower classes?

• East Egg

• West Egg

• Midwest

• Valley of Ashes

What is the primary contrast between the Midwest and the East Coast in the novel?

• Both are depicted as having new money

• Both are depicted as having strong ethics

• The Midwest is depicted as new money with strong ethics, while the East Coast is old money elitism

• The Midwest is depicted as old money, while the East Coast is new money

What is the dramatic irony involving Nick, Daisy, and Tom's move?

• They move to the East Coast for a better life but find moral decay

• They move to the Midwest for a simpler life

• They move to the Valley of Ashes for wealth

• They move to East Egg for new money

How is Gatsby's existence described in terms of superficiality?

• He lives a modest life

• He avoids social gatherings

• He is honest about his past

• He throws lavish parties to distract from his true self

What motivates Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and power?

• His desire for social status

• His need for adventure

• His love for Daisy

• His ambition to be a politician

What era is 'The Great Gatsby' set in, which influences the theme of the American Dream?

• The 1940s

• The 1930s

• The 1920s

• The 1910s

What harsh reality does Nick recognize about Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream?

• Gatsby's insecurities and unrealistic idealization of love

• Gatsby's political ambitions

• Gatsby's social skills

• Gatsby's financial success

What societal change is highlighted in the post-World War I era in 'The Great Gatsby'?

• Unrestrained pursuit of wealth and pleasure

• Rise of traditional values

• Increased political stability

• Decline in consumer goods

How does Nick feel about the allure of New York City?

• He is indifferent

• He is repelled by it

• He is swayed by its excitement

• He finds it boring