Question

read the following theme: arrogance leads to ones downfall. how is this theme best shown in the great gatsby? a. nick thinks he can make it on the east coast, but he only manages to lose everything. b. gatsby thinks that he can recreate the past, which he seeks to do through illegal and destructive means. c. tom hopes to control both myrtle and daisy, but they end up controlling him in a subtle way. d. jordan hopes to increase her social status by dating nick, but nick breaks up with her.

Explanation:

• Option A: Nick's situation is more about disillusionment with the East Coast lifestyle rather than arrogance.
• Option B: Gatsby's arrogance lies in thinking he can rewrite the past. His illegal activities (bootlegging) and his obsessive pursuit of Daisy, believing he can recreate their past relationship exactly as it was, show his hubris. This arrogance leads to his downfall (his death).
• Option C: Tom's control - seeking behavior is more about his sense of entitlement (due to his wealth and social status) rather than the theme of arrogance leading to downfall in the context of the given theme.
• Option D: Jordan's situation is about social climbing and a failed relationship, not arrogance leading to downfall.

Answer:

B. Gatsby thinks that he can recreate the past, which he seeks to do through illegal and destructive means.