By character

Jay Gatsby

"Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can!"

This quote reveals Gatsby's obsession with the past and his belief that he can recreate it. Gatsby is so fixated on his romanticized past with Daisy that he is willing to go to great lengths to try to relive it, even if it means deceiving himself and others.

This quote also reflects Gatsby's naivete and idealism. He believes that he can recreate the past simply by accumulating wealth and status, which is an illusion that ultimately leads to his downfall. Gatsby's attempt to relive the past with Daisy ultimately fails because he is unable to fully let go of his obsession with the past and embrace the present.

Furthermore, this quote can also be seen as a commentary on the American Dream. The American Dream is the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. Gatsby embodies this idea, as he is able to transform himself from a poor soldier to a wealthy socialite. However, his pursuit of the American Dream is misguided, as he believes that wealth and status will bring him happiness and fulfill his desires.

"He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced – or seemed to face – the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just so far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey."

This quote from Nick Carraway's description of Jay Gatsby's smile highlights the charismatic and charming nature of the titular character. The smile is described as having a quality of "eternal reassurance" and a belief in the person being smiled at that they may not even have in themselves. This aligns with Gatsby's role as a symbol of the American Dream and the idea that through hard work and determination, one can achieve anything.

"He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night."

This quote from the end of Chapter 1 highlights Gatsby's ambition and relentless pursuit of his dream. It is also a metaphor for the American Dream, which is always just out of reach but continues to drive individuals to pursue it. The phrase "vast obscurity beyond the city" also alludes to the emptiness and loneliness that Gatsby may have felt in his pursuit of his dream.

"If personality is an unbroken series of successful gestures, then there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away."

This quote, spoken by Nick Carraway, offers a deep insight into the character of Jay Gatsby. Nick's comment about Gatsby's personality being an "unbroken series of successful gestures" emphasizes his charismatic nature and the effortless way he moves through life, always impressing those around him. The phrase "something gorgeous about him" further reinforces Gatsby's allure and charm, highlighting how people are drawn to him.

The latter half of the quote compares Gatsby to "one of those intricate machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away," a metaphor that emphasizes Gatsby's sensitivity to the world around him. This metaphorical machine implies that Gatsby has a heightened ability to perceive things that others might miss, and that he is attuned to the tremors of the world, always on the lookout for new opportunities.

Moreover, the phrase "the promises of life" conveys the idea that Gatsby is a dreamer who believes that anything is possible. He has an unwavering optimism about the future, and this idealism fuels his relentless pursuit of his goals. This quote, therefore, encapsulates Gatsby's enduring appeal, which lies in his ability to embody the American Dream.

"It was testimony to the romantic speculation [Gatsby] inspired that there were whispers about him from those who had found little that it was necessary to whisper about in this world."

This quote is a reflection of the mystery and intrigue that surround Jay Gatsby. It highlights how Gatsby is viewed by others, particularly by those who are not familiar with his true identity and background. The phrase "romantic speculation" suggests that people are drawn to Gatsby's mysterious and alluring persona. He is seen as a figure who is shrouded in mystery and whose past is shrouded in obscurity.

The use of the word "testimony" implies that Gatsby's enigmatic presence has a significant impact on those around him. The whispers mentioned in the quote reveal how people are fascinated by Gatsby, and this fascination is rooted in a sense of romantic longing and idealization. People view Gatsby as a symbol of hope and possibility, someone who represents the possibility of a better life and a brighter future.

Moreover, the quote suggests that Gatsby is different from those around him. The phrase "those who had found little that it was necessary to whisper about in this world" implies that Gatsby is a figure who stands out from the crowd. He is not just another member of high society; he is a unique and extraordinary individual who captures people's imagination.

"I was looking at an elegant young roughneck, a year or two over thirty, whose elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd."

This quote is Nick Carraway's description of Jay Gatsby, highlighting the apparent dichotomy between Gatsby's refined manners and his rough, criminal past. The phrase "elegant young roughneck" seems paradoxical, but it captures Gatsby's unique persona, which blends aristocratic grace and criminal toughness. Gatsby has cultivated a persona of refinement, which Nick perceives as "elaborate formality of speech." However, Nick also senses that Gatsby's refinement is a veneer that masks something rougher, suggesting that he is not entirely genuine in his speech.

The phrase "a year or two over thirty" indicates that Gatsby has already lived a substantial part of his life, but his formality of speech betrays a sense of insecurity, hinting at a deeper psychological struggle. Gatsby's speech is not merely a superficial affectation; it reveals his desire to be accepted by high society, which he views as the key to winning Daisy's heart. The phrase "just missed being absurd" suggests that Gatsby's formality is excessive, hinting at his social awkwardness and his insecurity. Gatsby's manners are almost comical, but they also indicate the lengths to which he has gone to become the kind of person he thinks he needs to be to win Daisy's love.

"He hurried the phrase “educated at Oxford,” or swallowed it, or choked on it, as though it had bothered him now. And with this doubt, his whole statement fell to pieces, and I wondered if there wasn’t something a little sinister about him, after all."

In this quote, Nick is describing a conversation he has with Tom Buchanan about Jay Gatsby. Tom is trying to discredit Gatsby and reveals that Gatsby is not who he claims to be. When Tom mentions that Gatsby is "educated at Oxford," Nick notices that Gatsby seems to have a negative reaction to this information. This reaction leads Nick to question Gatsby's character and wonder if there is something sinister about him.

The mention of Gatsby being educated at Oxford is important because it speaks to his desire to escape his past and become part of the upper class. By claiming to be educated at such a prestigious institution, Gatsby is trying to elevate his social status and fit in with the elite. However, his reaction to this information suggests that he may be hiding something, which adds to the mystery surrounding his character.

The phrase "hurried the phrase" suggests that Gatsby is uncomfortable with the mention of Oxford and wants to move past it quickly. He either swallows or chokes on the words, which further emphasizes his discomfort. Nick's observation that Gatsby's "whole statement fell to pieces" suggests that Gatsby is not as confident or polished as he appears to be.

Nick Carraway

"I am still a little afraid of missing something if I forget that, as my father snobbishly suggested, and I snobbishly repeat, a sense of the fundamental decencies is parcelled out unequally at birth."

In this quote from The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway reflects on the idea of social privilege and the unequal distribution of basic morality. He mentions his father's suggestion that some people are born with a greater sense of decency than others, implying that this is a snobbish and elitist belief. However, Nick admits that he himself is afraid of missing out on something important if he forgets this idea.

This quote reveals Nick's complex relationship with social class and his own position within it. On one hand, he is critical of those who believe in inherent superiority based on birth or wealth. On the other hand, he recognizes that his own upbringing and education have given him a certain level of privilege and access to opportunities that others may not have.

By acknowledging the unequal distribution of moral values, Nick also highlights the corrupting influence of wealth and social status. He recognizes that those who are born into privilege may not have the same sense of responsibility or accountability as others, and that this can lead to a lack of empathy or consideration for those less fortunate.

"I see now that this has been a story of the West, after all – Tom and Gatsby, Daisy and Jordan and I, were all Westerners, and perhaps we possessed some deficiency in common which made us subtly unadaptable to Eastern life."

In this quote, Nick Carraway reflects on the nature of the characters in The Great Gatsby, recognizing that they are all from the West and may share a common deficiency that makes them unadaptable to Eastern life. The quote highlights the East-West divide that is a major theme in the novel, with the East representing wealth, excess, and decadence, while the West represents simplicity, honesty, and a more rugged individualism.

By framing the story as "a story of the West," Nick suggests that the characters' origins in the West may have shaped their behavior and their ability to adapt to the fast-paced, materialistic culture of the East. He implies that their deficiencies may stem from a lack of exposure to the culture of the East, which is vastly different from the culture of their homeland. This quote suggests that the characters are struggling to reconcile their own values with the values of the society they find themselves in.

Furthermore, Nick's use of the word "subtly" implies that the deficiency he sees is not readily apparent, but is instead a subtle, underlying issue that manifests itself in their behavior and actions. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the hollowness and superficiality of the East, and how it corrupts those who are not equipped to deal with it.

"I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life."

This quote encapsulates Nick Carraway's experience in the world. It highlights the duality of his perception of life, where he is both mesmerized and disgusted by the people and events he encounters.

The phrase "within and without" suggests that Nick is both an observer and a participant in the world, suggesting a sense of detachment and objectivity in his observations. This detachment allows him to take in the diverse aspects of life, from the parties of the wealthy elite to the poverty and struggle of the working class.

The use of the word "enchantment" implies that Nick is captivated by the glamour and excess of the lifestyle he witnesses, while the word "repelled" suggests that he is also disturbed by the corruption and superficiality he encounters. This duality reflects the contradictory nature of the society in which Nick lives, where the pursuit of wealth and pleasure is celebrated, but ultimately leads to emptiness and disillusionment.

Moreover, the phrase "inexhaustible variety of life" suggests that Nick recognizes the infinite complexity of human experience. This complexity, with all its joys and sorrows, is a central theme of the novel. Nick is fascinated by the human drama he observes and is drawn into the lives of the characters he encounters, but he is also aware of the dark underbelly of their world.

"Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope."

This quote is a reflection of Nick Carraway's philosophy and his approach to life. Nick is the narrator of the story, and throughout the novel, he presents himself as an objective observer who tries to be non-judgmental towards the people he encounters. In this quote, Nick suggests that by holding back his opinions and assessments, he is able to maintain an optimistic outlook on life.

By "reserving judgments," Nick is implying that he refrains from passing harsh or negative assessments of people, situations or experiences, which could otherwise impact his perception of the world. Instead, he chooses to look at things with an open mind and hopes for the best possible outcome. This approach allows him to maintain an infinite amount of hope and possibility.

Furthermore, the phrase "a matter of infinite hope" suggests that Nick believes that by holding back judgments, one can maintain an infinite amount of optimism and positivity in life. The word "infinite" emphasizes that this hope is limitless and unbounded, and can bring about endless possibilities and opportunities.

However, this quote also highlights Nick's internal struggle, as it is not always easy to hold back judgments, especially when it comes to his close acquaintances. Throughout the novel, he grapples with his personal biases and moral conflicts, which at times make it difficult for him to maintain his non-judgmental stance.

"I wanted no more riotous excursions with privileged glimpses into the human heart."

This quote is spoken by the narrator, Nick Carraway, in Chapter 9 of The Great Gatsby. It is a reflection on the events of the novel and the consequences of his involvement with the wealthy and extravagant people he has encountered in East and West Egg.

Throughout the novel, Nick has been drawn into the world of the wealthy, particularly through his relationship with Gatsby. He has attended extravagant parties, witnessed scandalous behavior, and become embroiled in the love affairs of those around him. However, as the novel progresses, Nick becomes increasingly disillusioned with the wealthy elite and their superficiality. He realizes that the people he has been associating with are not the sophisticated and cultured individuals he once believed them to be, but rather shallow and self-centered.

This quote represents Nick's desire to distance himself from this world and return to a simpler way of life. He has become jaded by the excess and superficiality of the wealthy and is no longer interested in being a part of their world. He wants to focus on more meaningful pursuits and avoid the "riotous excursions" that have dominated his life.

Furthermore, the use of the phrase "privileged glimpses into the human heart" suggests that Nick has come to see the wealthy elite as lacking in depth and true emotion. He no longer wants to be part of a world that is focused on appearance and materialism, but rather seeks something more authentic and genuine.

Daisy Buchanan

"I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."

This famous quote by Daisy Buchanan highlights the restricted opportunities for women in the early 20th century. Daisy, like many other women of her time, has been raised to prioritize beauty over intelligence and is painfully aware of the limitations that society has placed upon her gender.

Daisy's wish for her daughter to be "a beautiful little fool" stems from her own disillusionment with the world. As a wealthy and privileged woman, Daisy has experienced the freedom that money and status can provide, but she has also been trapped by the expectations placed on her by society. She has been pushed into a loveless marriage with Tom Buchanan, a man who cheats on her openly, but who represents the security and social standing that she craves.

Daisy's desire for her daughter to be a "fool" is a reflection of her own experiences. She believes that if her daughter is ignorant of the harsh realities of the world, she may be happier and better able to navigate her way through life. However, Daisy's hope for her daughter to be a "beautiful" fool suggests that she still values the superficial qualities that society has deemed important for women, despite her own struggles.

This quote also reveals Daisy's resignation to the patriarchal society in which she lives. Instead of fighting against the limitations placed upon her gender, she encourages her daughter to accept them and find happiness within them. This acceptance highlights the powerlessness that women of Daisy's time faced.

"I love you now - isn't that enough? I can't help what's past."

This quote is spoken by Daisy to Gatsby in chapter 7, during a confrontation between the two of them and Tom Buchanan. Gatsby is trying to convince Daisy to leave Tom and be with him instead, but she is hesitant and conflicted. In this moment, she expresses her love for Gatsby but also seems to be trying to distance herself from their past relationship and the events that led up to their current situation.

Daisy's statement "I can't help what's past" suggests that she is aware of the mistakes she has made in the past, particularly in regards to her relationship with Gatsby. She may be acknowledging that she cannot change what has already happened, and that it is up to her to move forward and make the best of the situation she is currently in. However, this statement can also be interpreted as an attempt to absolve herself of any responsibility for her past actions, which have contributed to the complicated and difficult situation she finds herself in.

At the same time, Daisy's declaration of love for Gatsby is significant because it suggests that she does have feelings for him and is not simply using him as a means of escaping her unhappy marriage to Tom. However, her use of the word "now" implies that her feelings may be temporary or conditional, and that she may not be entirely committed to Gatsby in the long term.

"I've been everywhere and seen everything and done everything. Sophisticated – God, I'm sophisticated!"

In this quote, Daisy is boasting about her sophistication and worldliness. She is attempting to present herself as a sophisticated woman who has seen and done it all. However, her tone suggests that she is somewhat jaded by her experiences, and that she may not actually feel as fulfilled as she is trying to make herself out to be.

This quote is significant because it highlights one of the major themes of the novel: the emptiness of the wealthy elite. Daisy's assertion that she has "been everywhere and seen everything and done everything" suggests that she has experienced all that life has to offer, yet she still seems to be unfulfilled. This sense of emptiness is echoed throughout the novel, particularly in the lives of the wealthy characters who seem to be constantly searching for something to fill the void in their lives.

Daisy's use of the word "sophisticated" is also noteworthy. She seems to be using it as a sort of shield, a way of protecting herself from criticism and judgment. By presenting herself as a sophisticated woman, she is attempting to convince others that she is worldly and knowledgeable, and therefore deserving of respect and admiration.

However, it is worth noting that Daisy's use of the word "sophisticated" may also be a sign of her own insecurities. By emphasizing her sophistication, she may be trying to compensate for a perceived lack of intelligence or education. This idea is reinforced by her later comment that she is "a beautiful little fool," which suggests that she may feel limited by her gender and social status.

"They're such beautiful shirts," she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. "It makes me sad because I've never seen such – such beautiful shirts before."

This quote reflects Daisy's obsession with materialism and how it has affected her life.

The shirts are a symbol of Gatsby's wealth and success, which is the main reason why Daisy is so impressed by them. This shows how she is attracted to material possessions and wealth, which is a common theme in the novel. The fact that she has never seen such beautiful shirts before also shows her sheltered and privileged upbringing, as well as her ignorance of the outside world.

The use of the word "sad" is also significant, as it suggests that Daisy is not truly happy, despite her wealth and social status. She may be envious of Gatsby's success and wealth, as well as his ability to achieve the American Dream. This quote also suggests that Daisy is capable of feeling emotions beyond superficiality and materialism.

The use of the word "sobbed" is also significant, as it shows the depth of Daisy's emotions and how they can overwhelm her. This suggests that she is not as shallow as she may seem at first, and that she may be capable of deeper emotional connections.

“I’m p-paralyzed with happiness."

This quote is a poignant example of how emotions can overwhelm an individual to the point of physical paralysis. The scene occurs when Daisy is reunited with Jay Gatsby after many years of separation. As she looks upon him, she is filled with a sense of longing, happiness, and perhaps even regret for what might have been.

The stutter in Daisy's speech is indicative of her emotional state. She is so overcome with feelings that her words cannot come out smoothly. The use of the word "paralyzed" suggests that her happiness is so intense that it has left her unable to move or act. This is a powerful image, as it conveys the idea that Daisy's happiness has taken control of her in a physical way.

Additionally, the use of the phrase "with happiness" emphasizes that it is not just any emotion that has caused her paralysis, but specifically joy. This highlights the power of happiness to influence our behavior and reactions.

However, it is also worth noting that Daisy's happiness may be short-lived. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that her relationship with Gatsby is not as idyllic as it may seem. She is torn between her love for him and her desire for security and social status, which leads her to ultimately betray him.

In this way, Daisy's quote can also be interpreted as a foreshadowing of the tragic events that will unfold. She is temporarily paralyzed by happiness, but this happiness will ultimately be fleeting.

Tom Buchanan

"Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they'll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white."

Tom Buchanan is a character who represents the upper class and its values, particularly its inherent racism and white supremacy. This quote showcases his beliefs and the way he thinks about social issues. He suggests that people who challenge traditional family structures are on a slippery slope towards promoting interracial marriage. This reveals his own prejudices and the underlying fear that he has about losing power and control over the status quo.

"I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Well, if that's the idea you can count me out... Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions and next thing you know they'll be throwing everything overboard and having intermarriage between black and white."

This quote further emphasizes Tom's beliefs about the sanctity of marriage and traditional family structures. He is threatened by the idea of someone from a lower class, such as Gatsby, making advances towards his wife. This reveals his possessiveness and his belief that he has ownership over Daisy, which is a common trait among wealthy men of the time.

"Civilization's going to pieces... I've gotten to be a terrible pessimist about things. Have you read 'The Rise of the Colored Empires' by this man Goddard?"

This quote showcases Tom's fear and anxiety about the changing world around him. He is concerned about the perceived threat to white supremacy and the potential for people of color to gain power and influence. His reference to the book by Goddard reveals his belief in eugenics and the superiority of the white race, which was a common belief among wealthy people at the time.

"I've got a nice place here," he said, his eyes flashing about restlessly."

This quote reveals Tom's materialism and his desire for status and power. He takes pride in his wealth and the luxurious lifestyle it affords him. His restless eyes suggest that he is never satisfied with what he has and is always seeking more, which is a common trait among wealthy people of the time.

Jordan Baker

"I hate careless people. That's why I like you."

Jordan Baker's statement reflects her attitude towards people who are careless, which suggests that she values a certain level of precision and intentionality in her own life. She admires Nick because he is not careless, and she sees in him a kindred spirit who values the same things she does. This also indicates that Jordan is not particularly fond of Gatsby or Daisy, who are both characterized by their carelessness.

"It takes two to make an accident."

This quote shows Jordan's lack of personal responsibility and her tendency to shift blame onto others. She argues that accidents are not caused by one person alone, but by a combination of factors, suggesting that she is unwilling to take full responsibility for her actions. This attitude is also reflected in her tendency to cheat in golf, which shows that she is willing to bend the rules in order to get what she wants.

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."

Jordan's statement reflects her belief in the cyclical nature of life, and the idea that change is a natural and necessary part of the human experience. She sees the changing of the seasons as a metaphor for the changes that occur in people's lives, and embraces this idea with a sense of optimism and enthusiasm.

“You said a bad driver was only safe until she met another bad driver? Well, I met another bad driver, didn’t I? I mean it was careless of me to make such a wrong guess. I thought you were rather an honest, straightforward person. I thought it was your secret pride.”

This quote is spoken by Jordan Baker to Nick Carraway, expressing her disappointment in his behavior towards her. She uses the metaphor of two bad drivers meeting to describe the situation where she believed Nick to be a person of integrity, but he ended up betraying her trust. Jordan's words highlight the theme of deception and dishonesty that runs throughout the novel. She believed that Nick was a person who shared her values and would keep her secrets, but his actions prove otherwise. The quote also reveals Jordan's own arrogance and self-importance, as she believed that her secrets were something to be proud of and that Nick should have felt honored to be entrusted with them.

Myrtle Wilson

"I married him because I thought he was a gentleman," Myrtle said finally. "I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe."

In this quote, Myrtle expresses her dissatisfaction with her husband and her class status. She married him because she thought he was a gentleman and could provide her with a life of luxury, but she is disappointed in him and his lack of social status. Myrtle is obsessed with the idea of moving up in society and believes that class can be obtained through breeding rather than earned through hard work.

"I want to get one of those dogs," she said, "I want to get one for the apartment. They're nice to have — a dog."

Myrtle's desire for a dog represents her longing for a domestic and refined lifestyle. She believes that having a dog will increase her status and make her life more sophisticated, as she imagines the dogs as symbols of wealth and class.

"[Myrtle] was in the middle thirties, and faintly stout, but she carried her surplus flesh sensuously as some women can. Her face, above a spotted dress of dark blue crêpe-de-chine, contained no facet or gleam of beauty, but there was an immediately perceptible vitality about her as if the nerves of her body were continually smouldering."

This quote presents a physical description of Myrtle Wilson. The language used portrays Myrtle as a woman who is not conventionally beautiful but has a certain allure nonetheless. The use of words like "surplus flesh" and "stout" suggest that Myrtle is not a thin woman, but she carries herself in a way that is sensual and attractive. This description sets her apart from the other female characters in the novel who are portrayed as conventionally beautiful. The reference to the "smouldering nerves" suggests that Myrtle is a woman of passion and that this passion is evident in her physical appearance. The use of the word "vitality" suggests that Myrtle is a woman who is full of life and energy, which is further emphasized by her sensuous carriage. 

By theme

The American Dream

"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter - tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther...And one fine morning - So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." (Chapter 9)

Among all quotes from the Great Gatsby about the American Dream, this quote is arguably the most famous and significant passage in the entire novel, encapsulating the central theme of the American Dream and the disillusionment that inevitably follows. The green light represents the unattainable dreams and desires that Gatsby strives to reach, symbolizing his pursuit of the American Dream. The idea of the "orgastic future" is the dream that Gatsby is chasing, a future where he can finally have the love and happiness he has been seeking.

However, the phrase "year by year recedes before us" suggests that the dream is continually moving away from him, no matter how fast he tries to catch up. The phrase "borne back ceaselessly into the past" highlights the impossibility of escaping the past and how it inevitably affects the present and future. Gatsby's obsession with his past love, Daisy, ultimately leads to his downfall, emphasizing the idea that the American Dream is ultimately unattainable.

The final sentence, "So we beat on, boats against the current," suggests that despite the inevitability of failure and the impossibility of achieving the American Dream, humans continue to strive and struggle against the current. This quote serves as a powerful statement on the nature of human ambition and the human condition, encapsulating the novel's central themes in a few poignant lines.

"I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life." (Chapter 1)

This quote, spoken by the novel's narrator Nick Carraway, reflects a central theme of The Great Gatsby: the tension between fascination and disillusionment with the excess and glamour of the 1920s. The phrase "within and without" suggests a state of ambivalence or duality, as if Nick is both a part of and separate from the world he's describing. The words "enchantment" and "repelled" suggest that Nick is both drawn to and disturbed by the lavish lifestyle he observes in his wealthy neighbors.

The phrase "inexhaustible variety of life" highlights the seemingly endless opportunities for pleasure, excitement, and indulgence that are available to the characters in the novel. However, the word "repelled" suggests that Nick recognizes the emptiness and moral decay that can come with such excess. This ambivalent attitude towards the "inexhaustible variety of life" is a key aspect of the novel's commentary on the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth and status.

"He stretched out his arms toward the dark water. . . . I . . . distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far way. . . . When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished. . . ."

The quote highlights the recurring motif of the green light, which represents Gatsby's unattainable dream of being reunited with his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.

The green light, situated at the end of Daisy's dock, represents Gatsby's aspirations and hopes for a better life, symbolizing the American Dream. However, as the light is "minute and far away," it emphasizes that the dream is unattainable and ultimately unfulfilled. The green light also reflects the idea of the past haunting the present, as Gatsby is forever chasing a dream that he can never truly realize.

Furthermore, Gatsby's reaching out his arms towards the green light emphasizes his yearning for his dream, while also highlighting his inability to grasp it. The imagery of the dark water also emphasizes the obscure and murky nature of Gatsby's longing, and how it remains unfulfilled even as he tries to reach out to it. The disappearance of Gatsby also reflects the fragility and ephemeral nature of dreams, as well as the inevitability of the past catching up with the present.

"Anything can happen now that we’ve slid over this bridge,’ I thought; ‘anything at all. . . .’ Even Gatsby could happen, without any particular wonder."

This quote captures the sense of possibility and unpredictability that permeates The Great Gatsby, while also underscoring the theme of illusion and deception that underlies the characters' pursuit of the American Dream.

The bridge, as a physical object, symbolizes a threshold, a point of no return, a gateway to new opportunities and adventures. The idea of "sliding" over the bridge also suggests a sense of ease and smoothness, a seamless transition into a new world. The narrator's thoughts reveal a sense of excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead, as he acknowledges that "anything at all" could happen.

Furthermore, the mention of Gatsby in this context is significant. It implies that even someone as mysterious and elusive as Gatsby could enter into this realm of possibility, without causing any particular wonder or surprise. This reflects the notion that in this world of the rich and powerful, anything is possible, and even someone like Gatsby, who has amassed great wealth and status through dubious means, can become a part of it.

However, this quote can also be seen as ironic, as it comes shortly after the death of Myrtle and the unraveling of Gatsby's world. It suggests that the possibility of anything happening includes both the good and the bad, and that the narrator's excitement for what lies ahead is not always grounded in reality. It also highlights the theme of illusion and deception in the novel, as the characters' desires and aspirations are often built on false dreams and misguided beliefs.

Class and Money

"The rich get richer and the poor get - children." (Chapter 2)

This quote by Myrtle Wilson represents the harsh reality of social mobility in America. Despite the American Dream's promise of upward mobility and success, it is often limited to the wealthy and privileged, leaving the poor and working-class struggling to survive.

"Her voice is full of money." (Chapter 7)

This quote is said by Gatsby in reference to Daisy's voice. It represents the idea that social class is not just about wealth and possessions, but also about the way one speaks and presents themselves. Daisy is from a wealthy and upper-class background, and her voice reflects this privilege. The emphasis on her voice being "full of money" highlights the importance of status and class in the society depicted in the novel.

"I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife. Well, if that's the idea you can count me out. . . . Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they'll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white." (Chapter 1)

This quote is spoken by Tom Buchanan and reveals his fear of losing his social status and privilege. He is threatened by Gatsby, who is "Mr. Nobody from Nowhere," because Gatsby has acquired wealth and is now able to enter the upper-class world of the Buchanans. Tom's comment about "intermarriage between black and white" also reveals his racism and reinforces the idea that social class and race are intertwined in the novel.

"I was so excited that when I got into a taxi with him I didn't hardly know I wasn't getting into a subway train." (Chapter 2)

This quote is spoken by Myrtle Wilson and highlights the desire for upward social mobility through money. Myrtle is having an affair with Tom Buchanan and sees him as a ticket to a higher social status. Her comment about the taxi and subway train suggests that she is not used to luxury and is dazzled by the material possessions that come with wealth. This quote reinforces the idea that money and social class are closely linked in the novel and that the pursuit of wealth is often seen as a means of attaining higher social status.

"There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired."

This quote is Nick's observation of the social hierarchy in the novel that reflects the theme of social class. Those who are "pursued" are often seen as desirable and sought-after due to their wealth or social standing, while those who are "pursuing" are seeking to climb the social ladder and gain access to greater wealth and power. The "busy" are often those who are already at the top of the social ladder, while the "tired" are the lower classes who are unable to advance their social status.

Love and Marriage

"I love you now - isn't that enough? I can't help what's past." (Chapter 7)

In this quote, Daisy is speaking to Gatsby, who is trying to convince her to leave Tom and be with him instead. This quote represents the theme of love because it shows the complicated nature of relationships and how the past can often come back to haunt them. Daisy's statement that she "can't help what's past" suggests that she still has feelings for Gatsby, but her history with Tom and the societal expectations of their class make it difficult for her to fully commit to him. Additionally, her use of the word "now" implies that her feelings may not be as strong as Gatsby's and that she may be conflicted about what she truly wants.

“For a while I lost sight of Jordan Baker, and then in midsummer I found her again . . . . I wasn’t actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity."

This quote reveals the narrator's ambiguous feelings towards Jordan Baker. He admits that he is not in love with her, but he still feels drawn to her. The phrase "tender curiosity" suggests a mix of emotions, including fondness, fascination, and a desire to know more about her. This suggests that the narrator is not entirely sure about his feelings towards Jordan, and that he may be exploring his emotions as he gets to know her better.

"Neither of them can stand the person they’re married to…. What I say is, why go on living with them if they can’t stand them? If I was them I’d get a divorce and get married to each other right away."

This quote, spoken by Myrtle Wilson in Chapter 2, reveals the dissatisfaction and discontent that exists within her marriage and in her perception of the Buchanans' marriage. Myrtle, who is married to George Wilson, is having an affair with Tom Buchanan, and sees in their relationship a solution to her marital problems. She believes that if Tom were to divorce Daisy and marry her, they could both finally be happy.

This quote highlights the theme of the breakdown of traditional marriage values in the 1920s, as well as the social and economic pressures that contribute to it. Myrtle's desire to leave her husband and marry Tom for financial and social gain reflects the values of the time period, where status and money often took precedence over love and commitment in marriage.