Worksheet on The Great Gatsby - Symbolism
English
Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
This worksheet explores the use of symbolism in The Great Gatsby through exam-style questions designed for Grade 8 students.
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Worksheet on The Great Gatsby - Symbolism
Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Grade 8
A
Understanding Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
Scene Summary and Context Guide: The Great Gatsby is set in the 1920s, a period marked by prosperity and social change in America. The novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Symbols such as the green light, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, and the valley of ashes are central to understanding the deeper meanings behind the characters' pursuits and societal critique. In this excerpt, the green light appears as a distant beacon across the bay, symbolizing Gatsby’s eternal hope and longing for Daisy. The description of the valley of ashes offers a stark contrast, representing the moral decay behind the glittering façade of wealth. Students should consider how Fitzgerald uses these symbols to critique the American Dream and the moral landscape of the time. Phrases like 'the green light that burns at the end of West Egg' and 'the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, which overlook the valley' highlight key symbolic elements.
1.
Identify one symbol discussed in the passage and explain its significance in the novel.
[2 marks]2.
What contrast does Fitzgerald create between the green light and the valley of ashes?
[3 marks]3.
Analyze how Fitzgerald’s use of color in describing the green light enhances its symbolism.
[4 marks]4.
Describe the significance of the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg in the context of the novel's themes.
[3 marks]5.
Identify and explain one literary device Fitzgerald uses to emphasize the symbolism of the green light.
[2 marks]Aa) Metaphor
Bb) Simile
Cc) Personification
Dd) Alliteration
6.
How does Fitzgerald use setting to reinforce the symbolism of the green light and the valley of ashes?
[3 marks]7.
Discuss the role of symbolism in shaping the novel’s critique of the American Dream.
[4 marks]8.
Create a brief poetic description of the green light, capturing its symbolic meaning.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet