The Great Gatsby quotes meanings will help you understand the novel more deeply.
The Great Gatsby is a classic famous for its timeless themes and intricate characters.
The words of Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Nick Carraway, and other characters have become some of the most memorable quotes in literature.
Each quote carries an important lesson that we can apply to our lives. This blog post will explore some of the most meaningful quotes from The Great Gatsby. And discuss their importance and relevance for today.
85 The Great Gatsby Quotes With Page Numbers
Table of Contents
The Great Gatsby is a classic novel about passion, ambition, and pursuing the American dream in the Jazz Age. It explores themes of idealism, excess, and social class divides.
It is a stark reminder of the destructive power of wealth and greed. Gain a deeper understanding of these The Great Gatsby important quotes with explanations.
1. “So we beat on, boats against the current.” Meaning and Page Number
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 9, Page 110
Meaning: This well-known quote is a metaphor for the struggle to maintain hope in the face of inevitable change. It suggests that although life is full of challenges, we must continue striving toward our goals and progress despite the odds.
The quote also suggests that past experiences, memories, and choices shape our circumstances. By acknowledging and accepting this fact, we can better understand our current situation and make more informed choices for the future.
How Does The Great Gatsby End In The Book?
2. “I hope she’ll be a fool.” Meaning and Page Number
“I hope she’ll be a fool — that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Daisy Buchanan), Chapter 1, Page 16
Meaning: In this quotation, Daisy Buchanan wants her daughter to remain naive and childlike. She suggests that innocence and ignorance are preferable to knowledge and awareness in the world she has grown up in.
Daisy is attempting to protect her daughter from the harsh realities of their social class and the challenges she may face as a young woman in that world.
20 Daisy Quotes From the Great Gatsby
3. “Angry, and half in love with her.” Meaning and Page Number
“Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 9, Page 109
Meaning: In this quote, the speaker expresses a complex set of emotions – anger, love, and sorrow – all at once. It is as if the speaker is at a crossroads, torn between conflicting feelings. He or she knows the situation is hopeless, yet there is still some lingering affection, regret, and sadness.
Ultimately, Nick turns away from the situation, likely out of a sense of duty or obligation. This quote is a powerful reminder of how difficult it can be to make the right decision in emotionally charged situations.
It also reminds us that staying away from something or someone can sometimes be the most loving thing we can do.
Nick Carraway Quotes With Page Numbers
4. “And I like large parties. They’re so intimate.” Meaning and Page Number
“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Jordan Baker), Chapter 3, Page 34
Meaning: This quote from Jordan is a humorous observation that speaks to the irony of large parties versus small ones.
Although a large party seems like it would provide more privacy, the opposite is often true; in a crowded space, conversations are overheard, movements are noted, and secrets can be revealed.
On the other hand, small parties provide a more intimate, private atmosphere where conversations and interactions can occur without fear of prying eyes. The quote reminds us that sometimes we can find more privacy in large gatherings than we think.
5. “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” Meaning and Page Number
“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.”
~Fitzgerald F. Scott, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick as the narrator), Chapter 2, Page 26
Meaning: This quote is generally interpreted to mean that one can be both captivated and overwhelmed by the sheer diversity of life. It speaks to a wonderment from encountering all the different kinds of people, places, and experiences in life.
It can also indicate the difficulty of making sense of so much complexity and chaos. The quote implies that life is mysterious, unpredictable, and worth exploring. Ultimately, it encourages us to appreciate life’s infinite beauty and boundless potential.
The Great Gatsby Character Analysis
6. “I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” Meaning and Page Number
“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 1, Page 8
Meaning: The quote is meant to show the power of summertime and the feeling of possibilities that it can bring for a new beginning. It speaks to the hope and possibility of renewal that anything can be possible with the start of a new season.
It speaks to the idea of turning the page and starting anew that a fresh start comes with a new chance to make things right. The feeling of renewal is something that we all have experienced in some form, and this quote captures it perfectly.
The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Quotes With Page Numbers
7. “I wasn’t actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity.” Meaning and Page Number
“I wasn’t actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 3, Page 38
Meaning: This quote is a reflection on the complexity of human emotions. It speaks to the idea that we can still feel tender curiosity toward someone even when we are not in love.
This can be interpreted as a sort of admiration separate from romantic love, suggesting that there can be a strong emotional connection without physical contact.
This notion of an emotional connection resonates with many readers and is a subtle but powerful part of the book. It speaks to the depth of emotions present in The Great Gatsby.
8. “It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it.” Meaning and Page Number
“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 eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as 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.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 3, Page 33
Meaning: This quote captures the enigmatic quality of Jay Gatsby’s smile and speaks to its profound power. It suggests that his smile had a magical, mysterious quality that could reach out and touch people in profound ways.
In essence, Gatsby’s smile was an expression of understanding and assurance.
It invited those around him to trust in him and believe in themselves. At the same time, it seemed capable of conveying an understanding of the other person that was both deep and intuitive – one that exceeded ordinary understanding.
Ultimately, Gatsby’s smile symbolizes his beguiling charm and mysterious nature, reminding him how he could captivate those around him.
20 Jay Gatsby Quotes and Page Numbers
9. “Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive.” Meaning and Page Number
“Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Mr. Wolfshiem), Chapter 9, Page 105
Meaning: This quote is a moral lesson about showing appreciation for others while they are still alive. Fitzgerald suggests that it is too late to show friendship for someone after they are gone and encourages us to be mindful of showing appreciation for those around us.
He reminds us that life is fleeting, and we should take advantage of every opportunity to show our love, respect, and admiration for those we care about.
We can create lasting relationships rooted in mutual respect and appreciation by expressing our gratitude and friendship to others while they are still alive. In this way, Fitzgerald’s message encourages us to be kinder to the people in our lives.
How Does Jay Gatsby Die?
10. “I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad things that happened to me” Meaning and Page Number
“You see I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad things that happened to me.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Jay Gatsby), Chapter 4, Page 43
Meaning: This quote from Jay Gatsby indicates his loneliness and longing for a more meaningful life. It suggests that he seeks solace in unfamiliar places because he has endured traumatic events that deeply affect him.
He is looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance, but he cannot find it, leading him to drift from place to place. This dialogue reflects the psychological impact of Gatsby’s life experiences and reminds us how powerful our pasts can be in shaping our present selves.
11. “There are only the pursued, the pursuing.” Meaning and Page Number
“There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 4, Page 50
Meaning: This quote speaks to the idea that everyone in life is either pursuing something or being pursued by something—whether it be a goal, a passion, an ideal, or another person. Additionally, these pursuits can sometimes make people feel busy and exhausted as they strive to achieve them.
The quote speaks to the idea that even in a world of people seemingly all striving for something. There is still a commonality between us: we are all either pursuing or being pursued.
This realization can be both humbling and inspiring. It reminds us that while our pursuits may differ, they ultimately have the same goal: to achieve something we are passionate about.
12. “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” Meaning and Page Number
“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.
“Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 1, Page 7
Meaning: This quote expresses the importance of having empathy and understanding toward others. Despite differences in life experiences, everyone deserves equal respect.
By sympathetic understanding of other people’s challenges, we can be more understanding and accepting of one another.
This quote reminds us to think about our privilege when forming opinions and judgments of others. When we are more conscious of the inequalities that exist in our society, we can strive to make it a better place for everyone.
13. “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” Meaning and Page Number
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Jordan Baker), Chapter 7, Page 74
Meaning: This quote from Jordan speaks to renewal and hope. It conveys that despite the difficult circumstances life can bring, there is always the potential for a fresh start.
The idea of “crispness” in the air can be interpreted as a metaphor for opportunity and possibility.
The quote suggests that when life becomes too much to bear, it is possible to find strength and joy again in the new season. It encourages readers to look towards the future with optimism and to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.
Jordan Baker Quotes And Page Numbers
14. “Reserving judgements is a matter of infinite hope.” Meaning and Page Number
“Reserving judgements is a matter of infinite hope.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 1, Page 7
Meaning: The quote reminds us that we should strive to remain open-minded and not judge people too quickly. Reserving judgment requires a certain level of optimism, believing that even those who seem untrustworthy or unreliable may have hidden potentials waiting to be unleashed if given the right opportunities.
It implies that we should remain hopeful even in uncertainty, believing in the possibility of a better outcome. By reserving judgment, we allow others to prove themselves and make us reconsider our initial impressions.
This quote reminds us that hope is essential for successful relationships, as it allows us to keep an open mind while navigating difficult situations.
15. “Can’t repeat the past?…Why of course you can!” Meaning and Page Number
“Can’t repeat the past?…Why of course you can!”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Jay Gatsby), Chapter 6, Page 69
Meaning: In this quote, Jay Gatsby reflects on reliving past experiences. He implies that a person can never truly recreate the past, despite their best efforts.
The quote suggests that memories and experiences can never be fully re-experienced or duplicated, but instead, one must look to the future and make new memories.
The quote speaks to Gatsby’s hope of being reunited with his lost love, Daisy, even though he knows it cannot be as it once was. The quote serves as a reminder to make the most of each moment and to look forward rather than trying to cling to memories and experiences.
16. “You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” Meaning and Page Number
“They’re a rotten crowd’, I shouted across the lawn. ‘You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway), Chapter 8, Page 95
Meaning: This quote highlights the differences between Jay Gatsby and his social circle. It implies that despite Jay Gatsby’s wealth, he is a morally superior person in comparison to those around him.
The quote also foreshadows the eventual downfall of Gatsby’s dream and the people around him, as they are all driven by greed and selfishness. Ultimately, this quote emphasizes the corruption and decadence of the upper-class society in which Jay Gatsby moves.
The quote is a testament to the character’s power over wealth and serves as a reminder of the consequences of living a life of excess.
17. “In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings” Meaning and Page Numbers
“In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 3, Page 28
Meaning: This quote is meant to evoke a sense of an idyllic and luxurious atmosphere, suggesting that men and women in this world were free to come and go as they please, surrounded by lavish luxuries such as champagne and stars in an enchanting environment.
It draws attention to the carefree and exclusive lifestyle of the characters in this story, many of whom are upper-class members.
It also emphasizes the contrast between Gatsby’s extravagant world and the practical world of his working-class neighbor Nick Carraway, which provides a further juxtaposition for readers to consider.
Ultimately, it is a reminder that life can be beautiful and full of possibilities, even amid tragedy.
18. “I couldn’t forgive him or like him” Meaning and Page Number
“I couldn’t forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified. It was all very careless and confused. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 9, Page 109
Meaning: This quote captures Tom and Daisy’s careless and callous behavior. F. Scott Fitzgerald paints a picture of two people unconcerned with the consequences of their actions, focusing solely on themselves and their relationship.
Despite this, the narrator can still empathize with them, understanding that their actions are justified in their minds. This quote warns the reader to be mindful of their actions and how they may affect others.
It is a reminder that our choices have consequences, and we should strive to make decisions with care and consideration for everyone involved.
The Great Gatsby Tom Buchanan Quotes
19. “No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.” Meaning and Page Number
“There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams — not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion, adding to it all the time, decking it out with every bright feather that drifted his way. No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 5, Page 60
Meaning: This quote speaks to the power of illusion and how it can overwhelm even the best intentions. In this case, Daisy Buchanan cannot meet Jay Gatsby’s expectations despite her efforts.
This highlights the futility of trying to satisfy an unrealistic ideal. It also suggests that no effort or enthusiasm can match the power of illusion.
Gatsby has stored an idealized version of Daisy in his heart; no amount of reality can compare to it. This quote reminds us that we must be careful not to build up unrealistic expectations, as they may never be met.
20. “It’s a great advantage not to drink among hard-drinking people.” Meaning and Page Number
“It’s a great advantage not to drink among hard-drinking people.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 4, Page 49
Meaning: This quote recognizes the power of self-control and restraint. It suggests that remaining sober in an environment with those who are not can be beneficial.
This could mean abstaining from alcohol consumption among a group of people drinking or simply avoiding participating in activities that don’t align with one’s values or goals.
It’s a reminder to stay focused on what is important and to prioritize that above anything else to experience the desired outcome. Ultimately, this quote encourages us to make decisions with intention and thoughtfulness to protect our well-being.
21. ‘You can’t live forever; you can’t live forever.” Meaning and Page Number
“All I kept thinking about, over and over, was ‘You can’t live forever; you can’t live forever.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Myrtle Wilson), Chapter 2, Page 26
Meaning: This quote reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and how even the most beautiful things can come to an end. It refers to the idea that it is impossible to live forever; therefore, we must make the best of all our moments while we have them.
This quote resonates with the novel’s themes of mortality and impermanence, where characters struggle to find meaning despite knowing they will inevitably die. It serves as a reminder to make each day count and not to take life for granted.
Ultimately, Fitzgerald suggests that it is vital to make the most of life and appreciate its beauty.
22. “So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight.” Meaning and Page Number
“So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 7, Page 84
Meaning: This quote reflects that life is fleeting and death inevitable. In this quote, the narrator describes a journey to an unknown destination with a sense of foreboding as they pass through the cooling twilight.
This emphasizes the inevitability of death and also highlights the fragility of life.
The quotation reminds us to cherish every moment, as we never know when it might be our last. It warns us not to take life for granted or waste time on trivialities. The quote is an invitation to make the most of each day and appreciates all life offers.
23. “I felt a haunting loneliness sometimes” Meaning and Page Number
“I felt a haunting loneliness sometimes, and felt it in others–young clerks in the dusk, wasting the most poignant moments of night and life.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 3, Page 38
Meaning: The quote speaks to a deep sense of loneliness. It conveys that people can feel alone, even when surrounded by others. This feeling is especially prevalent in youth, who often go through life without the support and love they need to thrive.
It suggests that moments of beauty are going to waste due to this pervasive sense of alienation and emptiness. It speaks to the emotional struggles that so many young people face and how it can be difficult for them to connect with other people or even themselves.
24. “He waited, listening for a moment longer to the tuning fork that had been struck upon a star.” Meaning and Page Number
“His heart beat faster and faster as Daisy’s white face came up to his own. He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God. So he waited, listening for a moment longer to the tuning fork that had been struck upon a star. Then he kissed her. At his lips’ touch she blossomed like a flower and the incarnation was complete.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Carraway as the narrator), Chapter 6, Page 70
Meaning: This quote captures the moment Gatsby finally achieves his dream of being with Daisy. It emphasizes the power of love and its ability to transform one’s life in an instant.
On a deeper level, it conveys how, at that moment, Gatsby transcends his mortal limitations and feels something akin to divine energy. He knows that from this moment on, his life will never be the same, and he is filled with a sense of awe as he realizes that love is greater than any dream or desire.
The quote highlights how Gatsby’s kiss brings him joy and completes Daisy’s transformation into something beautiful and ethereal.
25. “He looked at her the way all women want to be looked at by a man.” Meaning and Page Number
“He looked at her the way all women want to be looked at by a man.”
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, (Character: Nick Craraway as the narrator)
Meaning: This quote from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald speaks to the power of a single look. It suggests that when a man looks at a woman with admiration and appreciation, it can be more significant than any words or actions he may offer her. It reminds us of simple gestures’ power and respecting those around us.
By looking at another person with genuine appreciation and admiration, we can tell them they are valued and worthy of our attention. This quote is a beautiful reminder of the power of kindness and its impact on others.
Summary Of The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that tells the story of Jay Gatsby, an enigmatic millionaire who attempts to recapture the love of his past and a quest for the American Dream in 1920s Long Island. The novel explores ambition, class differences, appearances versus reality, and nostalgia. Ultimately, it reveals how pursuing wealth can lead to tragedy and offers insight into society.
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The Great Gatsby American Dream Analysis
FAQs
What is the most important quote in The Great Gatsby? ›
"Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!" He looked around him wildly, as if the past were lurking here in the shadow of his house, just out of reach of his hand. This is probably Gatsby's single most famous quote.
What are some quotes from the book The Great Gatsby about money? ›“Her voice is full of money,” [Gatsby] said suddenly. That was it. I'd never understood before. It was full of money—that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals' song of it.
What are some important quotes from The Great Gatsby by Jay Gatsby? ›- “There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams -- not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. ...
- “His heart beat faster and faster as Daisy's white face came up to his own. ...
- “Can't repeat the past?…
Chapter 1: "A beautiful little fool"
I hope she'll be a fool—that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool. Daisy speaks these words in Chapter 1 as she describes to Nick and Jordan her hopes for her infant daughter.
One of the great American novels, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is especially famous for its final line: "And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."
What is the most important quote in Chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby? ›'Every one suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known. '
What is the quote about Gatsby inherit money? ›"I thought you inherited your money." "I did, old sport," he said automatically, "but I lost most of it in the big panic—the panic of the war."
What is the quote of Gatsby saying how he got his money? ›ii)He is involved in dodgy dealings as this is how he has made his money “I found out what your drugstores were… sold grain alcohol over the counter… I picked him for a bootlegger the first time I saw him.” Tom reveals who Gatsby really is and destroys his relationship with daisy and his whole world.
How did Gatsby make his money quotes? ›We are told that Gatsby came up from essentially nothing, and that the first time he met Daisy Buchanan, he was “a penniless young man.” His fortune, we are told, was the result of a bootlegging business – he “bought up a lot of side-street drug-stores here and in Chicago” and sold illegal alcohol over the counter.
What are 3 great quotes from The Great Gatsby? ›“All I kept thinking about, over and over, was 'You can't live forever; you can't live forever.” “No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.” “It takes two to make an accident.” “He looked at her the way all women want to be looked at by a man.”
What was Gatsby's dream quote? ›
“A new world, material without being real, where poor ghosts, breathing dreams like air, drifted fortuitously about.”
What quotes show Gatsby's obsession with Daisy? ›And Gatsby describes his love for Daisy himself in this quote: “And what's more, I love Daisy too. Once in a while I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but I always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time.” Why is Gatsby in love with Daisy?
What are important quotes from Chapter 4 of The Great Gatsby? ›' Over the great bridge, with the sunlight through the girders making a constant flicker upon the moving cars. . . . The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world.
What is an important quote from Chapter 1 2 of The Great Gatsby? ›"Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." "Don't look at me, I've been trying to get you to New York all afternoon."
What are some quotes in Chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby? ›- Then she remembered the heat and sat down guiltily on the couch just as a freshly laundered nurse leading a little girl came into the room. ...
- "What'll we do with ourselves this afternoon," cried Daisy, "and the day after that, and the next thirty years?" ...
- "She's got an indiscreet voice," I remarked. "
I found myself on Gatsby's side, and alone . . . as he lay in his house and didn't move or breathe or speak, hour upon hour, it grew upon me that I was responsible, because no one else was interested—interested, I mean, with that intense personal interest to which every one has some vague right at the end.
What is the last sentence of The Great Gatsby quotes? ›The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald
"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."
“And I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy.” “I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.”
What is a meaningful quote from Chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby? ›I stared at him and then at Tom, who had made a parallel discovery less than an hour before—and it occurred to me that there was no difference between men, in intelligence or race, so profound as the difference between the sick and the well.
What are 3 significant quotes from Chapter 8 The Great Gatsby? ›- "He was clutching at some last hope and I couldn't bear to shake him free." ...
- Jay Gatsby had broken up like glass against Tom's hard malice, and the long secret extravaganza was played out. ...
- Daisy lived there, it was as casual a thing to her as his tent out at camp was to him.
What is Chapter 3 quotes from The Great Gatsby about the American dream? ›
Chapter 3 Quotes
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.
Underneath all the sparkle, glitz and glamour, lies a lost and lonely man who uses his wealth to chase his dreams of finding fulfillment and love. But as the age-old saying goes, money can't buy you happiness, and that's what this book is all about.
What is the quote about gold in The Great Gatsby? ›“Then wear the gold hat, if that will move her; If you can bounce high, bounce for her too, Till she cry "Lover, gold-hatted, high-bouncing lover, I must have you!”
Why is Gatsby obsessed with money? ›According to Lewis Gatsby's pursuit of money is a substitute for love and Gatsby even sees that his own attraction toward wealth is closely bound to his love for Daisy. His money and his love, both have to be self-made which gives his description of her authority and depth.
What does full of money mean in The Great Gatsby? ›The metaphor “her voice is full of money” represents Gatsby's desire to obtain Daisy's love. Wealth is posed as a significant attraction for all characters of the novel. And Gatsby sees both values as equal.
What two businesses does Gatsby say he was in to earn money? ›Then, Nick asks Gatsby what type of business he is involved with, to which Gatsby replies, “That's my affair.” (Here is another hint that Gatsby must be involved in some sort of illegal or shady business) ■ Gatsby quickly corrects himself and tells Nick, “I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business.
How is Gatsby greedy for money? ›In an attempt to win Daisy back from her lifestyle of “Old Money”, Gatsby becomes excessively greedy with his money. While he himself may not care about wealth, he knows Daisy does. Therefore, when Daisy comes to his mansion, he flaunts his expensive shirts.
How does The Great Gatsby show that money can t buy happiness? ›F. Scott Fitzgerald in the novel, The Great Gatsby, implies that money cannot buy happiness. Gatsby has all the money yet he is not happy when he throws gigantic parties at his house. Daisy, the one he tried to lure in with his parties, never cared to show up.
What are 3 direct quotes from Nick Carraway? ›- “Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away.” ...
- “So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight.” ...
- “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.”
- 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.
- Daisy Buchanan : All the bright precious things fade so fast... and they don't come back.
- Daisy Buchanan : [after a long pause] Well, I'm certainly glad to see you again.
What is a good sentence in The Great Gatsby? ›
1. "I wasn't actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity." 2. "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."
Who found Gatsby's body? ›Wilson shoots Gatsby, killing him instantly, then shoots himself. Nick hurries back to West Egg and finds Gatsby floating dead in his pool.
What is Gatsby's real dream in Chapter 6? ›In this chapter, it becomes clear that his most powerfully realized dream is his own identity, his sense of self. It is important to realize, in addition, that Gatsby's conception of Daisy is itself a dream.
How was Gatsby's dream destroyed? ›Obsessed with the idea of having Daisy's love back unconditionally, he forgot to pay attention to the moral and social principles. Instead of being a noble wealthy man, he became more like Tom and Daisy, careless people. The representations of parties, automobiles and houses resulted in the failure of Gatsby's dream.
What is the quote about Tom and Daisy? ›“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy – they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.”
Did Daisy really love Gatsby? ›Although Daisy may have loved Gatsby once, she does not love him more than the wealth, status, and freedom that she has with Tom.
Did Gatsby get rich for Daisy? ›Though Gatsby has always wanted to be rich, his main motivation in acquiring his fortune was his love for Daisy Buchanan, whom he met as a young military officer in Louisville before leaving to fight in World War I in 1917.
What are important quotes in Chapter 5 The Great Gatsby? ›"They're such beautiful shirts. It makes me sad because I've never seen such--such beautiful shirts before." "If it wasn't for the mist we could see your home across the bay. You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock."
What did Gatsby tell Nick about his past quotes? ›“Can't repeat the past? Why, of course you can!” Jay Gatsby, the protagonist of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, said this to his friend Nick Carraway in order to convince both himself and Nick that he could recapture Daisy Buchanan, his former love.
What are two quotes from Chapter 4 Great Gatsby? ›"His name was Jay Gatsby, and I didn't lay eyes on him again for over four years--even after I'd met him on Long Island I didn't realize it was the same man." "'Gratulate me. Never had a drink before, but oh how I do enjoy it." "Take 'em downstairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to.
What is the most important quote in The Great Gatsby Chapter 2? ›
I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.
What are 2 quotes from Chapter 8 The Great Gatsby? ›Just before I reached the hedge I remembered something . . . 'They're a rotten crowd,' I shouted . . . 'You're worth the whole damn bunch put together. ' I've always been glad I said that. It was the only compliment I ever gave him, because I disapproved of him from beginning to end.
What is a notable quote Chapter 2 Great Gatsby? ›- "a valley of ashes - a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat" ...
- "his eyes [Dr Eckleburg's] dimmed a little by many paintless days, under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground [the valley of times]."
The straw seats of the car hovered on the edge of combustion; the woman next to me perspired delicately for a while into her white shirtwaist, and then, as her newspaper dampened under her fingers, lapsed despairingly into deep heat with a desolate cry… “Hot!” said the conductor to familiar faces.
What are some quotes about money in Chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby? ›'Her voice is full of money,' he said suddenly. That was it. I'd never understood it before. It was full of money—that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals' song of it. . . .
What happens in Chapter 8 of The Great Gatsby? ›Wilson shoots Gatsby, killing him instantly, then shoots himself. Nick hurries back to West Egg and finds Gatsby floating dead in his pool. Nick imagines Gatsby's final thoughts, and pictures him disillusioned by the meaninglessness and emptiness of life without Daisy, without his dream.
What is the motto of The Great Gatsby? ›Gatsby's unbelievable fidelity (he even has the motto “ever faithful” in Latin above his castle gate) will surely fuel the dreams young female moviegoers, many of which were in the theater with me. And, as in the book, Nick remarks on Gatsby's tremendous capacity for hope.
What is a passion quote from The Great Gatsby? ›"There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams — not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion. It had gone beyond her, beyond everything. He had thrown himself into it with a creative passion."
What is Gatsby's dream quotes? ›“A new world, material without being real, where poor ghosts, breathing dreams like air, drifted fortuitously about.”
What quotes prove Gatsby loves Daisy? ›And Gatsby describes his love for Daisy himself in this quote: “And what's more, I love Daisy too. Once in a while I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but I always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time.”
What are 3 quotes from Nick in The Great Gatsby? ›
“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” “I wasn't actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity.” “Reserving judgements is a matter of infinite hope.” “There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.”
What is Gatsby's real name quote? ›Nick Carraway: Gatsby's real name was James Gatz. His parents were dirt-poor farmers from North Dakota, but he never accepted them as his parents at all. In his own imagination, he was a son of God, destined for future glory.
What is a beautiful quote from The Great Gatsby? ›1. "I wasn't actually in love, but I felt a sort of tender curiosity." 2. "And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer."
What is the quote Great Gatsby light? ›“You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.” Gatsby speaks to Daisy during their first meeting as he shows her around his house. This statement is the first time Gatsby explicitly states that the green light belongs to Daisy's house, revealing why Nick has seen him reaching out for it.
What are some quotes about prejudice in The Great Gatsby? ›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 as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself.
What was Gatsby's message? ›The moral of The Great Gatsby is that the American Dream is ultimately unattainable. Jay Gatsby had attained great wealth and status as a socialite; however, Gatsby's dream was to have a future with his one true love, Daisy.
What does The Great Gatsby say about love? ›Modern love in The Great Gatsby is a symbol of impossible love. Impossible for being too late, or at the wrong time, with the wrong person, or because of the restrictions placed by society on who it is suitable or appropriate to have a relationship with.
How is Daisy described in The Great Gatsby quotes? ›Daisy was young and her artificial world was redolent of orchids and pleasant, cheerful snobbery and orchestras which set the rhythm of the year, summing up the sadness and suggestiveness of life in new tunes.
What are 3 quotes from Daisy in The Great Gatsby? ›- 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.
- Daisy Buchanan : All the bright precious things fade so fast... and they don't come back.
- Daisy Buchanan : [after a long pause] Well, I'm certainly glad to see you again.
Although Daisy may have loved Gatsby once, she does not love him more than the wealth, status, and freedom that she has with Tom.
Is Nick in love with Gatsby? ›
This is at the very end of the novel. Of the late Gatsby, Tom says, “That fellow had it coming to him. He threw dust in your eyes just like he did in Daisy's….” And that's why it matters that Nick is gay and in love with Gatsby: because Tom's assessment is spot-on, but Nick will never admit it.