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THE GREAT GATSBY – F - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
THE GREAT GATSBY – F. Scott Fitzgerald Answer all of the questions. (a) Describe the relationship between Daisy Buchanan and Nick Carraway. Support your answer wit... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:THE GREAT GATSBY – F - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
Describe the relationship between Daisy Buchanan and Nick Carraway.
Answer
Daisy Buchanan and Nick Carraway have a complicated familial and social relationship. They are cousins, with Nick coming from the Midwest and Daisy residing in the opulent world of West Egg and East Egg. While their bond is anchored in blood, it is also influenced by the broader societal distinctions between their social circles. Throughout the novel, Nick’s observations of Daisy reveal a deep sense of affection mixed with critical awareness of her flaws. Their relationship illustrates the disconnect between the American ideal of family loyalty and the harsh realities of their social world, as Nick often finds himself caught between admiration for Daisy's charm and disapproval of her moral choices.
Step 2
Explain why you do or do not admire Daisy Buchanan.
Answer
I find it challenging to admire Daisy Buchanan. While she embodies beauty and allure, her character is overshadowed by a lack of integrity and responsibility. Daisy's carefree attitude often leads to harmful consequences for those around her, particularly in her treatment of Gatsby and her husband, Tom. She retreats into her wealth and privilege instead of confronting her problems, which reflects a deeply flawed moral compass. Despite her entertaining nature, her choices betray a sense of selfishness that diminishes my admiration for her.
Step 3
Identify one episode or incident in the novel, The Great Gatsby, which you find shocking or surprising.
Answer
One particularly shocking incident in The Great Gatsby occurs when Myrtle Wilson is killed by Gatsby's car. This event encapsulates the recklessness of the characters' lives and serves as a turning point in the narrative, revealing the tragic consequences of the characters' actions. Myrtle's death is not just shocking due to its violence, but it also symbolizes the destructive nature of the American Dream, highlighting how the pursuit of wealth and status leads to devastation. The way it is handled by Tom and Daisy, who quickly seek to cover it up, adds an additional layer of moral outrage.
Step 4
Imagine you are a journalist writing about Jay Gatsby.
Answer
As a journalist interviewing Jay Gatsby, I would describe him as a mysterious figure, embodying the extravagance and allure of the Jazz Age. Gatsby's lavish parties are known throughout West Egg, filled with luxury and opulence, yet they are also marked by an underlying loneliness. In the article, I would explore Gatsby's past, detailing his rise from humble beginnings to immense wealth. His obsessive love for Daisy and his desperate attempts to recapture the past depict his tragic pursuit of the American Dream. The juxtaposition of his grandiose lifestyle with his emotional vulnerability would emphasize the complexity of his character and the hollow nature of his pursuits.