Motif Examples in 'The Great Gatsby': Wealth, Illusion, and the American Dream

📚 Quick Study Guide

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• Wealth: The extravagant parties, Gatsby's mansion, and the stark contrast between "old money" (Tom and Daisy) and "new money" (Gatsby).
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• Illusion vs. Reality: Gatsby's carefully constructed persona, the green light representing unattainable dreams, and the superficiality of the Roaring Twenties.
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• The American Dream: Gatsby's pursuit of success and Daisy, reflecting the promise and the corruption of the American Dream.
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• Time: Gatsby's obsession with repeating the past and recreating his relationship with Daisy.
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• Eyes: The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize a loss of spiritual values in America and serve as a constant, judging presence.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best represents the motif of wealth in 'The Great Gatsby'?
   1. Gatsby's humble beginnings.
   2. The Valley of Ashes.
   3. The lavish parties at Gatsby's mansion.
   4. Nick's modest cottage.
2. The green light across the bay most clearly symbolizes which motif?
   1. Gatsby's wealth.
   2. The American Dream.
   3. Daisy's love for Tom.
   4. The passage of time.
3. What does the contrast between East Egg and West Egg primarily represent?
   1. Different social classes and values.
   2. Varying climates.
   3. Different architectural styles.
   4. The geographical divide of Long Island.
4. How does Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy relate to the motif of the American Dream?
   1. It shows the ease of achieving the American Dream.
   2. It demonstrates the corruption and illusion inherent in the pursuit of the American Dream.
   3. It highlights the importance of family connections.
   4. It emphasizes the value of education.
5. What do the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize?
   1. Gatsby's watchful presence.
   2. The moral decay of society.
   3. Nick's judgment of the other characters.
   4. The beauty of the natural world.
6. Which character embodies the "old money" archetype in the novel?
   1. Jay Gatsby.
   2. Myrtle Wilson.
   3. George Wilson.
   4. Tom Buchanan.
7. How does Gatsby attempt to manipulate the motif of time?
   1. By ignoring the past.
   2. By trying to recreate the past with Daisy.
   3. By focusing solely on the future.
   4. By accepting the present moment.