๐ Topic Summary
In F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*, character development and symbolism are key to understanding the novel's themes. Characters like Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Nick Carraway are complex individuals whose motivations and transformations drive the narrative. Symbols, such as the green light, the Valley of Ashes, and Gatsby's mansion, add layers of meaning, representing unattainable dreams, moral decay, and the illusion of the American Dream. Analyzing these elements is crucial for AP Literature students.
๐ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Supercilious |
A. A state of listless weariness or discontent |
| 2. Ineffable |
B. Impossible to express or describe in words |
| 3. Vacuous |
C. Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy |
| 4. Languid |
D. Empty; lacking ideas or intelligence |
| 5. Nebulous |
E. Hazy, vague, or indistinct |
(Answers: 1-C, 2-B, 3-D, 4-A, 5-E)
โ๏ธ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word from the list: green light, valley of ashes, Gatsby, American Dream, Daisy.
The _______ symbolizes both _______'s hopes and aspirations and the elusive nature of the __________. The __________ represents the moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, while __________ embodies the alluring yet ultimately unattainable object of desire.
(Answers: green light, Gatsby, American Dream, valley of ashes, Daisy)
๐ค Part C: Critical Thinking
To what extent is Jay Gatsby a victim of his own illusions? Support your answer with evidence from the text.