Gatsby #3

1. Why did Fitzgerald title the book Great Gatsby?
Gatsby, for the most part, was looked upon by others as someone who had made it. Someone who had accumulated wealth and status. Using the word Great in the title probably represents his achieved status but also is probably used to make fun of Gatsby. Because in the end, Gatsby didn't seem that great to anyone except his father and his friend Nick. Even his dear friend Wolfsheim couldn't be bothered with getting involved with Gatsby's death. On page 174 when Fitzgerald is talking about Gatsby's funeral one sentence is simply - "Nobody came." That doesn't seem like the right kind of send off for someone who is considered great.

2. What was the purpose of the eyes in the book?  The sign of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg is mentioned in the very beginning of the book and serves as a sign of things to come. The eyes in the sign are described as really serving no purpose other than to glare down at what is below. Before the tragic scene of the car accident, the eyes become a focus in the story. As Mr. Wilson talks with Tom and Myrtle peers out from the window above, the eyes are watching too. Watching all that is wrong in the world. "...the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil..." page 124.

3. What is the theme of the book? The theme of The Great Gatsby is simple, all that glitters is not gold. Gatsby had spent his life gathering riches and possessions hoping to win the heart of a woman he was not worthy of because of his social status. He was a poor man and she was a rich woman. Gatsby felt if he could only become rich with a lavish home and fancy possessions he would be able to have Daisy. In the end, he had gathered a fantastic wealth but was still unable to have Daisy. So, all of the riches did not make his life complete.

4. What did the green light symbolize? The green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolized the fact that Daisy was so near yet so far from Gatsby. The first time Nick sees Gatsby he is standing in his yard in the dark with his arms outstretched towards a single green light. Even though we don't know what that symbolizes, reading it you knew there was some meaning to the green light. On page 180, when Nick is thinking about the first time Gatsby might have realized the green light was Daisy's dock, he says" He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seem so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it."