Embark on an extraordinary journey with our The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Quiz. Dive into the captivating world of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, where love, class, and the American Dream collide.
This comprehensive quiz will guide you through the intricacies of Chapter 7, exploring the complex characters, profound symbolism, and enduring themes that have made this novel a timeless classic.
Character Analysis: Tom Buchanan
Tom Buchanan is a complex and deeply flawed character. He is arrogant, entitled, and often cruel. However, he is also a product of his time and upbringing. He comes from a wealthy family and has always been accustomed to getting what he wants.
This has led him to develop a sense of superiority that he often flaunts. Despite his flaws, Tom is not entirely unlikable. He can be charming and charismatic when he wants to be. He is also fiercely loyal to those he loves, even if he does not always show it in the best way.
Arrogance and Entitlement
Tom’s arrogance and entitlement are evident in many of his actions and words. He believes that he is better than everyone else and that he deserves to have whatever he wants. This attitude is often expressed in his relationships with women.
He treats Daisy with disdain and contempt, and he sees Myrtle as nothing more than a plaything. Tom’s arrogance also leads him to make rash decisions, such as when he decides to drive drunk after the party. This decision ultimately leads to the death of Myrtle and the destruction of his marriage.
Relationship with Daisy and Myrtle
Tom’s relationship with Daisy is complex and dysfunctional. He loves Daisy, but he does not respect her. He is constantly belittling her and making her feel inferior. Daisy, for her part, is attracted to Tom’s wealth and power, but she is also aware of his flaws.
She often finds herself torn between her love for Tom and her desire for a more fulfilling life. Tom’s relationship with Myrtle is even more destructive. Myrtle is a working-class woman who is desperate for Tom’s attention. Tom, however, sees her as nothing more than a plaything.
He uses her to satisfy his own desires, and he has no regard for her feelings. Myrtle’s love for Tom ultimately leads to her death.
Symbolism: The Valley of Ashes
The Valley of Ashes, a desolate wasteland between West Egg and New York City, serves as a stark symbol of the decay and poverty that exists amidst the opulence of the Roaring Twenties. This barren landscape, filled with ash heaps and industrial waste, represents the underbelly of the American Dream, a harsh reality hidden from the glittering facade of wealth and privilege.
Characters Who Live in the Valley of Ashes
The Valley of Ashes is home to a diverse group of characters who embody the struggles and disillusionment of the American Dream. These include:
- George Wilson: The proprietor of a dilapidated gas station, Wilson is a hardworking man trapped in a loveless marriage and consumed by despair.
- Myrtle Wilson: Wilson’s restless and unfulfilled wife, Myrtle yearns for a glamorous life beyond the confines of the Valley of Ashes.
- Michaelis: A Greek immigrant who owns a small auto repair shop, Michaelis represents the marginalized and exploited working class.
- Catherine: Michaelis’s stoic and weary wife, Catherine reflects the sacrifices and hardships faced by immigrant families.
Setting: The Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel embodies the grandeur and extravagance of the Roaring Twenties. Its opulent interiors, with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and plush furnishings, exude an atmosphere of wealth and luxury. The hotel is a playground for the elite, where they indulge in lavish parties, extravagant shopping, and forbidden affairs.
Characters Who Frequent the Plaza Hotel
The Plaza Hotel attracts a diverse clientele, including:
The Buchanans
Tom and Daisy Buchanan are regulars at the Plaza Hotel, where they enjoy the lavish lifestyle and social connections it offers.
Jordan Baker
A professional golfer and Daisy’s friend, Jordan frequents the Plaza Hotel for its social scene and opportunities to meet wealthy and influential people.
Myrtle Wilson
Tom’s mistress, Myrtle aspires to the same social status as the Buchanans and often visits the Plaza Hotel to experience its opulence.
Gatsby
Despite his humble beginnings, Gatsby strives to fit into the elite world of the Plaza Hotel. He attends parties and lavishly spends money in an attempt to impress Daisy and gain her love.
Conflict: The Love Triangle: The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Quiz
The relationship between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom is complex and full of obstacles. Gatsby is in love with Daisy, but she is married to Tom. Daisy is attracted to Gatsby’s wealth and charm, but she is also afraid of what her husband would do if he found out about their affair.
Tom is a wealthy and powerful man who is used to getting what he wants. He is not going to give up Daisy without a fight.
Social Class
Social class plays a significant role in the relationship between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom. Gatsby is a self-made man who has risen to wealth and prominence. Tom, on the other hand, comes from a wealthy and aristocratic family. Daisy is also from a wealthy family, but she is attracted to Gatsby’s self-made status.
She sees him as a symbol of the American Dream.
Theme: The American Dream
The American Dream is a powerful ideal that has shaped the aspirations of countless individuals throughout history. It is the belief that anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.
Characters’ Experiences
In The Great Gatsby, the characters’ experiences both challenge and support the American Dream. Gatsby himself is a self-made millionaire who embodies the rags-to-riches aspect of the dream. However, his wealth and success cannot buy him happiness or true love.
Daisy Buchanan, on the other hand, is a member of the wealthy elite who has everything she could ever want. Yet, she is ultimately unfulfilled and longs for something more.
Role of Money and Materialism
Money and materialism play a significant role in the American Dream. In the novel, characters are often judged by their wealth and possessions. However, Gatsby’s story shows that money cannot buy happiness or true fulfillment.
The American Dream is a complex and elusive ideal. It is a dream that is both inspiring and frustrating, and it is a dream that continues to shape the aspirations of people all over the world.
Literary Devices
Chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby is rich in literary devices, particularly foreshadowing and irony, which enhance the novel’s plot and themes.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing in Chapter 7 hints at upcoming events and outcomes. For instance, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, a symbol of Gatsby’s hope, begins to flicker and dim, foreshadowing the fading of Gatsby’s dream and the impending tragedy.
Another example is Tom’s comment about Myrtle’s recklessness, “She’s so crazy she’ll do anything!” This foreshadows Myrtle’s impulsive behavior and her eventual demise.
Irony
Irony in Chapter 7 adds depth and complexity to the narrative. One example is the contrast between Gatsby’s grand party and the emptiness and superficiality of his guests. This irony highlights the futility of Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream.
Another ironic moment occurs when Tom and Daisy are reunited. Their reunion is full of false pretenses and forced affection, exposing the hollowness of their marriage.
Quotations: Analysis and Interpretation
Chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby features several significant quotations that contribute to the development of themes and characters. These quotations offer insights into the characters’ motivations, relationships, and the nature of the American Dream.
Tom’s Misogyny
“She’s all right. You can’t say that she’s not all right.”
Tom’s dismissive remark about Daisy reveals his misogyny and lack of respect for women. He sees Daisy as an object to be possessed rather than an individual with her own thoughts and feelings.
Daisy’s Illusion
“She’s got an awful lot of money.”
Gatsby’s response to Tom’s comment about Daisy’s wealth highlights his idealized view of her. He is blinded by her material possessions and fails to see her true nature.
The Crumbling of the American Dream, The great gatsby chapter 7 quiz
“Can’t repeat the past? Why of course you can!”
Gatsby’s desperate assertion that he can repeat the past reflects his inability to accept the reality of his situation. He clings to the illusion of the American Dream, even though it is unattainable for him.
Clarifying Questions
What is the significance of the Valley of Ashes?
The Valley of Ashes represents the decay and poverty that exists amidst the opulence of the American Dream.
How does Tom Buchanan’s character contribute to the novel’s exploration of class?
Tom Buchanan embodies the arrogance and entitlement of the upper class, highlighting the social divide that exists in the novel.
What is the role of foreshadowing in Chapter 7?
Foreshadowing elements in Chapter 7 hint at the tragic events that will unfold later in the novel.
