Are you a fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby”? Have you recently completed a webquest based on the book and are looking for the answer key? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with the answers to the questions and activities from “The Great Gatsby” webquest, enabling you to check your understanding and ensure accuracy.
The webquest explored various aspects of the novel, such as its historical context, literary techniques, and character analysis. By answering the questions and completing the activities, you were able to deepen your knowledge and gain a greater appreciation for Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.
In this answer key, we will provide detailed explanations and insights into each question and activity, allowing you to better understand the themes, symbols, and motifs present in “The Great Gatsby.” We will also highlight key literary devices used by Fitzgerald, such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony, and explain their significance in the novel.
Whether you are a student studying “The Great Gatsby” or a literature enthusiast looking to enhance your understanding of this iconic work, this answer key will serve as a valuable resource. So grab a copy of the webquest, get ready to dive into the world of Jay Gatsby and the Roaring Twenties, and let’s begin our exploration of “The Great Gatsby” together!
The Great Gatsby Webquest Answer Key
In the webquest on The Great Gatsby, students explored various aspects of the novel, including its themes, characters, and historical context. Here is the answer key for the webquest questions:
1. What is the main theme of The Great Gatsby?
The main theme of The Great Gatsby is the American Dream and the corrupting influence of wealth and privilege. The novel explores the pursuit of wealth and social status, and the emptiness and moral decay that can result from it.
2. Who is the narrator of the story?
The narrator of the story is Nick Carraway. He is a young man from the Midwest who moves to New York and becomes involved with the wealthy elite of Long Island.
3. Who is Jay Gatsby?
Jay Gatsby is the central character of the novel. He is a wealthy and mysterious man who hosts extravagant parties at his mansion in the hope of attracting the attention of his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.
4. What is the symbolism of the green light?
The green light represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams, specifically his desire to be reunited with Daisy. It is also a symbol of the elusive and unattainable nature of the American Dream.
5. What is the significance of the Valley of Ashes?
The Valley of Ashes is a desolate and barren wasteland between West Egg and New York City. It symbolizes the moral and social decay beneath the surface of the wealthy and glamorous world of the 1920s.
6. How does the novel depict the Jazz Age?
The novel depicts the Jazz Age as a period of material excess, moral decay, and superficiality. It portrays the hedonism and extravagance of the wealthy, as well as the disillusionment and emptiness that lies beneath the surface.
7. What is the significance of the character of Tom Buchanan?
Tom Buchanan represents the old, established upper class and embodies its values of power, wealth, and entitlement. He is also a symbol of the destructive and careless nature of the wealthy elite.
8. What is the final fate of Gatsby?
Gatsby is tragically killed by George Wilson, who mistakenly believes that he is responsible for the death of his wife, Myrtle. His death represents the destruction of dreams and the hollowness of the American Dream.
9. What is the overall message or critique of the novel?
The overall message of the novel is that the pursuit of wealth and social status can lead to emptiness, moral decay, and the destruction of dreams. It critiques the materialism and superficiality of the Jazz Age, and questions the true value and meaning of the American Dream.
These are the key answers to the questions from the webquest on The Great Gatsby. By exploring the themes, characters, and symbols of the novel, students can gain a deeper understanding of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s critique of the American Dream and the Jazz Age.
The Great Gatsby Webquest: Overview
In this webquest, you will explore the classic novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This novel is set in the 1920s and portrays the decadence and corruption of the Jazz Age in America. Through a series of activities and research, you will delve into the themes, characters, and historical context of the novel, gaining a deeper understanding of its significance.
The webquest is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the novel. In the first section, you will explore the background and history of the 1920s, also known as the Roaring Twenties. You will learn about the cultural, political, and social changes that characterized this era, setting the stage for the events of “The Great Gatsby”.
Activities:
- Research and analyze primary and secondary sources to understand the historical context of the novel
- Create a timeline of significant events in the 1920s
- Examine the impact of the Prohibition era on American society
In the next section of the webquest, you will dive into the characters of “The Great Gatsby” and explore their motivations, relationships, and symbolism. You will analyze the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, as well as other key characters such as Daisy Buchanan and Tom Buchanan. Through close reading and textual analysis, you will uncover the complexities of these characters and the roles they play in the story.
Activities:
- Create character profiles with quotations and evidence from the novel
- Analyze the themes of love, money, and class through the characters’ actions and interactions
- Explore the symbolism of the green light, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, and other recurring motifs
Finally, in the last section of the webquest, you will examine the themes and symbolism of “The Great Gatsby” in a broader context. You will explore the notion of the American Dream and its portrayal in the novel, as well as the critique of the pursuit of wealth and success. Through critical thinking and reflection, you will consider the lasting impact of the novel and its relevance to society today.
Activities:
- Write an essay analyzing the themes and symbolism of “The Great Gatsby” and their significance
- Discuss the relevance of the novel’s themes to contemporary society
- Reflect on the portrayal of the American Dream in the novel and its implications
The Roaring Twenties
The Roaring Twenties, also known as the Jazz Age, was a period of great cultural and social change in the United States. Following the end of World War I, the country experienced a period of economic prosperity and a sense of freedom and optimism. This decade was characterized by a boom in industry and technology, as well as the emergence of new forms of entertainment, such as jazz music and cinema.
One of the key features of the Roaring Twenties was the rise of consumer culture. With the increase in disposable income, people began to spend more on consumer goods, such as cars, radios, and appliances. This consumer-driven economy fueled the growth of industries and created new job opportunities.
The 1920s was also a time of significant social change, particularly with regards to women’s rights. The passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 granted women the right to vote, marking a major milestone in the fight for gender equality. Women of this era, known as flappers, defied traditional gender roles by wearing shorter skirts, bobbing their hair, and embracing a more independent and carefree lifestyle.
However, the Roaring Twenties was not without its flaws. Despite the economic prosperity, there was a growing divide between the rich and the poor. The effects of the Great Depression would be felt in the coming decade, as the stock market crash of 1929 led to widespread unemployment and economic hardship.
- Jazz music became popular during this period, with legendary musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington gaining fame.
- The 1920s also saw the rise of organized crime, with gangsters such as Al Capone becoming household names.
- The Prohibition era, when the production and sale of alcohol was banned, resulted in the rise of speakeasies and illegal alcohol consumption.
- The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is considered one of the quintessential novels of the Roaring Twenties, capturing the glamour and decadence of the era.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American writer and novelist, best known for his novel “The Great Gatsby”. He was born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fitzgerald was a prominent figure of the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity and cultural revolution in the United States.
From a young age, Fitzgerald showed a talent for writing and storytelling. He attended Princeton University but dropped out before graduating to enlist in the military during World War I. After the war, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in writing.
Fitzgerald’s most famous work, “The Great Gatsby”, was published in 1925 and is considered a classic of American literature. The novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream, set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest American novels ever written.
In addition to “The Great Gatsby”, Fitzgerald wrote several other novels, including “This Side of Paradise” and “Tender is the Night”. He was known for his elegant and poetic writing style, as well as his vivid portrayal of the decadence and excesses of the time.
Despite his literary success, Fitzgerald struggled with personal and financial difficulties throughout his life. He and his wife, Zelda Fitzgerald, were known for their extravagant lifestyle and partying. Fitzgerald’s career declined in the 1930s, and he struggled with alcoholism and depression. He died on December 21, 1940, at the age of 44.
The Great Gatsby Plot Summary
The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a story set in the 1920s that explores the themes of wealth, love, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The protagonist, Jay Gatsby, is a wealthy and mysterious man who throws extravagant parties at his mansion in West Egg, Long Island. The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man who becomes caught up in the lives of Gatsby and his social circle.
The plot of The Great Gatsby revolves around Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy Buchanan, a married woman he was in love with years ago. Gatsby goes to great lengths to try and win Daisy back, believing that with enough money and lavish displays of wealth, he can recreate the past and make Daisy leave her husband, Tom Buchanan.
Gatsby’s parties attract the attention of many people, including Nick’s cousin Daisy and her husband Tom. As Nick becomes more acquainted with Gatsby, he learns about Gatsby’s mysterious origins and his obsession with Daisy. Gatsby even reveals that he bought his mansion in West Egg solely for the purpose of being across the bay from Daisy’s home.
Throughout the story, Gatsby’s dreams of happy reunion with Daisy are shattered by the reality of her marriage and her own desires. The novel explores the themes of the emptiness of the American Dream and the materialism of the wealthy elite. Ultimately, Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy leads to tragedy and his untimely death.
The Great Gatsby is a classic American novel that provides a glimpse into the decadence and disillusionment of the Roaring Twenties. It is a story of unrequited love, the pursuit of wealth, and the fragility of dreams. Fitzgerald’s masterful portrayal of the characters and setting immerses the reader in the opulence and despair of the era, making The Great Gatsby a timeless and thought-provoking work of literature.
Themes and Symbols in The Great Gatsby
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, several themes and symbols are explored, providing deeper layers of meaning to the story. One prominent theme in the novel is the pursuit of the American Dream. The characters in the novel all strive for wealth, success, and happiness, but the novel ultimately portrays the American Dream as elusive and unattainable. This theme is depicted through the lavish parties and extravagant lifestyles of the characters, as well as the character of Jay Gatsby himself, who is endlessly pursuing the dream of reuniting with his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.
Another important theme in The Great Gatsby is the corruption and decay of the American Dream. Despite the superficial glamour and wealth portrayed in the novel, Fitzgerald reveals the dark underbelly of the 1920s American society, showing the emptiness and moral decline that accompany the pursuit of wealth and materialism. This theme is symbolized through the desolate and decaying state of the Valley of Ashes, a symbol of the wasteful and destructive nature of the American Dream.
Symbolism plays a significant role in The Great Gatsby, adding depth and complexity to the story. One of the most prominent symbols is the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock, which represents Gatsby’s aspirations and dreams. It serves as a constant reminder of his love for Daisy and his pursuit of the American Dream. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, painted on a billboard in the Valley of Ashes, symbolize the moral and spiritual decay of society, as well as the loss of traditional American values. The wealth and luxury portrayed through the extravagant parties and opulent lifestyles of the characters symbolize the superficiality and materialism of the 1920s society.
The themes and symbols explored in The Great Gatsby contribute to a greater understanding of the characters and their motivations, as well as the underlying critique of American society during the Roaring Twenties. Fitzgerald’s use of these themes and symbols adds depth and richness to the novel, making it a timeless exploration of the human condition and the illusions of the American Dream.
The American Dream in The Great Gatsby
The American Dream is a recurring theme in the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It represents the ideal of achieving success, wealth, and happiness through hard work and determination. Throughout the story, Fitzgerald explores the corrupting influence of the American Dream and its ultimate failure.
In the novel, Jay Gatsby is the embodiment of the American Dream. He is a self-made man who comes from humble beginnings and amasses a vast fortune through illegal activities. Gatsby believes that wealth and success will win him the love of Daisy Buchanan, the woman he has idealized for years. However, despite his extravagant lifestyle and luxurious parties, Gatsby is unable to attain true happiness or win the love of Daisy. This highlights the hollowness of the American Dream, as it is ultimately unattainable and leads to disappointment.
Fitzgerald also critiques the materialism and shallowness of the American Dream through the character of Daisy Buchanan. Daisy is a symbol of the wealthy elite who value money and social status above all else. She is married to Tom Buchanan, a man of wealth and privilege, but finds herself torn between him and Gatsby. Ultimately, Daisy chooses to stay with Tom because he represents stability and social acceptance, rather than following her heart and pursuing true happiness.
The Great Gatsby also explores the theme of the decline of the American Dream during the Jazz Age. This era, characterized by excessive partying, superficiality, and moral decadence, reflects the disillusionment and emptiness of the American Dream. Despite the booming economy and apparent prosperity of the time, Fitzgerald portrays a society that is morally bankrupt and lacking in genuine human connections.
- The novel The Great Gatsby serves as a cautionary tale about the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth and success at any cost. Fitzgerald suggests that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found through material possessions or the achievement of societal expectations. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of love, integrity, and authentic human connections.
- The characters in the novel, particularly Gatsby and Daisy, exemplify the dangers of placing too much value on external validation and the pursuit of wealth. Their tragic stories serve as a reminder that the American Dream, when pursued blindly, can lead to unhappiness and loss.
- Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the decline of the American Dream during the Jazz Age highlights the emptiness and moral bankruptcy of a society that values materialism and superficiality above all else. He suggests that true fulfillment can only be found through genuine human connection and the pursuit of personal passion and purpose.