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The Great Gatsby
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Who is the narrator of this story? | Nick Carraway |
| Describe the setting(s) of the Great Gatsby | East Egg - those who inherited money live here West Egg - those who earned money from working hard Valley of Ashes - run down area with many industrial buildings (lower to middle class) |
| How have the characters changed throughout the book? | Nick - taught to not judge others to judging everyone once he moves to the Egg Gatsby - goes from being a mysterious man to a desperate man that had to accept his dream wouldn't come true George - went from being well-mannered man to a devastated and cr |
| How have the characters changed throughout the book? (Myrtle + Wolfsheim) | Myrtle - poor woman to George to a greedy woman with Tom OR a woman trapped my her husband's lack of money to a woman physically trapped by her husband Wolfshiem - acts like a friend when met then turns cold when asked to show at funeral |
| How is Gatsby introduced to us? What are we told at first meeting? What do we learn about his past? | When Jordan talks about a Gatsby in the West Egg/physically seen reaching for a green light. Told - cousin of Kaiser Wilheim, killed a man, and german spy. Learned - son of wealthy (dead) from San Fran (mid west) and educated at Oxford. |
| Why did Daisy marry Tom? | pressure, wanting someone by her side, and stability |
| How does the story end? | Barely anyone shows to Gatsby's funeral, Nick doesnt want to stay in the egg anymore, reflects on Gatsby's life before leaving to go back to the midwest. |
| Theme | A main theme would be the American Dream. As seen by Gatsby's undying affection for Daisy, the American Dream—once a symbol of prosperity and hope—becomes contaminated, highlighting the twisted character of the ideal. |
| Green Light symbolism | Symbolizes Gatsby love for Daisy and inability to get it since the light goes out at the end after he dies |
| T.J. Eckelburg | Symbolizes God looking over the society |
| wealth | symbolizes the inability for true love and beauty. Old money (East Egg) look down on those with new money (East Egg). Those poor are ignored by the wealthy. |
| Valley of Ashes | symbolizes poverty and hopelessness |
| Chapter 5 weather | starts off rainy during first half of meeting; then turns sunny; rain = gloomy since neither were comfortable in the first half; sunny = calmness since both were comfortable in the situation |
| Chapter 7 weather | it was very hot throughout the chapter cause everyone to be agitated hence the big fight between Gatsby + Tom |
| How was Tom and Daisy's relationship representative of gender roles during the 1920's? | Tom's upbringing in the 1920s, when women were viewed as objects and subordinate to males, shaped his opinions. |
| How did Prohibition have a dramatic effect on the lives of the book's characters? | this period hints on how Gatsby became really rich really fast. |
| Chapter 1 Questions | |
| Nick stats the novel by relaying his father's advice "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages you've had." Explain what kind of impact this advice has had on Nick and how he fol | Positive impact since he doesn't judge others |
| Where does Nick live? | West Egg District of Long Island |
| What is the difference between East Egg and West Egg? | West Egg - new rich vs East Egg - inherited rich |
| Where was Nick from originally from and why? | Midwest and moved to NY for the bond business |
| Who is Tom Buchanan? | Husband of Daisy (cousin of Nick) + Nick knows him from college |
| How does Nick characterize Tom? | A powerful man + sucks life out of rooms he enters |
| In the first chapter, how does Nick characterize Daisy? | charming, elegant, and beautiful woman that needs to leave her husband with the kid (refuses because of the money) |
| What do we learn about Tom's personal life through the quote, "... was able utterly to put this fifth's guest's shrill metallic urgency out of mind"? | His mistress is calling him during dinnertime showing he doesn't care about Daisy. Two things learned out him: racial superiority - thinks his race is superior and cheating on Daisy with Myrtle |
| Explain the importance in Daisy saying, ""and I hope she'll be a fool- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful fool."" (Who is she talking about? Why does she want her to be a fool?) | She is talking about her daughter. She wants her to be a fool in order for her to be blissfully unaware so she is happy |
| Make a prediction: What does the green light symbolize? | Gatsby's inability to reach Daisy and for her in order to love him |
| Chapter 2 Questions | |
| Describe the "valley of ashes." What does it look like and what does it represent? | The valley of ashes is a wonderful farm where the ashes turned into buildings, chimneys, smoke, crumbling men in the powdered air, expanding like wheat into hills, ridges, and gardens. This valley represents poverty and is for the lower to maybe middle |
| Explain the eyes of Dr, T.J. Eckleburg. What do they represent? What do these eyes look over? | Blue, gigantic irises that are 1 yd high and look through yellow glasses. Represent God looking down on society, and look over the "valley of ashes" |
| Describe Mr. Wilson and Myrtle. Do they seem to fit into the setting? | Mr. Wilson - blond and faintly handsome with light blue eyes Myrtle - thick, mid-thirties, and wearing a spotted dress Yes |
| How does Myrtle change throughout the evening? | She goes from this poor lady to a greedy lady |
| What does Wilson's car symbolize? | The type of people who live in the valley |
| What is the first rumor the reader hears about Gatsby? | Cousin/nephew of Kaiser Wilhelm |
| Tom tells Myrtle the reason he cannot get divorced is because Daisy is catholic (not true). Why would Tom tell Myrtle this? What might this suggest abt their relationshi? | He doesn't want to be divorced from Daisy This is more of a fun relationship rather than a serious one |
| How does Daisy differ from Myrtle? | Daisy is more of a bubbly character |
| Describe the violent act Tom committed against Myrtle. What does this reveal about him? | He breaks her nose He seems to care more about Daisy vs Myrtle |
| Why does Tom get mad at Myrtle for saying Daisy's name? | She is taunting him considering the fact that he is cheating on her with Myrtle |
| Chapter 3 questions | |
| Describe two ways in which Nick differs from the other guests at Gatsby's party | Personally invited by Gatsby Got to physically meet Gatsby |
| What does Nick think of Gatsby when he first meets him? | All the rumors that he was told including but not limited to cousin/nephew of Kaiser Wilhelm, killing a man, and a german spy |
| What was NOT an impression Nick had of Gatsby when they first meet? | his formal speech being elaborate and effortless |
| Describe the events and atmosphere of the party | Everyone is having fun, dancing, being wild and gossiping |
| What does the owl-eyed man in the library find extraordinary about Gatsby's library? | The books are real showing that Gatsby isn't putting forth a mask |
| What does Nick learn about Jordan Baker after he has spent some time with her? | cheats in golf and is incurably dishonest (doesn't like that) |
| What does Nick think of Gatsby after meeting him? | He isn't old |
| How is Gatsby different from his guests? | Alone + stands at the top of the stairs observing everyone (watching = eyes of the doctor) |
| After the party, what does alcohol lead to? | Recklessness |
| Chapter 4 questions | |
| What kind of people did Nick think those that attended Gatsby's party were? | fancy/famous people who act like children when ingesting alcohol |
| What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself? | Son of wealthy people in Middle West (dead) (San Fran) educated at Oxford |
| What accomplishment of Meyer Wolfsheim's does Gatsby describe to Nick? How does Nick react? | Fixed World Series (1919) shocked |
| According to Jordan. what did Daisy do on her wedding day? Why? | Gets drunk/sobbing mess a letter from Gatsby |
| Why does Gatsby want to have tea with Daisy in Nick's house? Why doesn't Gatsby ask Nick for this favor himself? | Wants to reunite with Daisy will come if Nick asks and is scared to ask him directly |
| What does Tom do when he and Daisy return from their honeymoon? | Car accident w/ a woman from the hotel (that they married at) (cheating on daisy) who got a broken arm |
| Interpreting Meanings (Chapter 4) | |
| Aside from the improbability of his story, what other evidence is there that Gatsby is lying when he tells Nick about his background? | "He hurried the phrase "educated at Oxford," or swallowed it... with this doubt his whole statement fell to pieces..." |
| What does Gatsby's friendship with Meyer Wolfsheim imply about his own background? | Makes money illegally |
| What does Wolfsheim represent? | The connection between Gatsby's two distinct worlds is symbolized by Wolfsheim. Gatsby's extravagant parties demonstrate his enjoyment of high society, yet he can only afford it because of his connections to organized criminal group and bootlegging. |
| How does Daisy behave after Gatsby goes overseas? What does her behavior show about her feelings for Gatsby? | Soon after Gatsby departed for the war, Daisy made the decision to wed Tom. Before her wedding, she had drunk herself into insanity after receiving a letter from him. She loved him, but her emotions were unstable. |
| What does Gatsby do to prove that he still loves Daisy? | moves to house across the Sound, throws parties to get her attention. and takes the blame for Myrtle's death |
| After Jordan tells Nick the story of Gatsby and Daisy, Nick says that Gatsby "came alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor." How does the metaphor of birth help explain what Gatsby's behavior had meant to Nick up to then? | Daisy was his true purpose all along |
| With Jordan in his arms, Nick thinks of a phrase: "There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired." How do you think this phrase reflects on the events of the novel so far? | pursued/tired = Daisy pursuing = Gatsby busy = Tom |
| Chapter 5 questions | |
| What does Gatsby offer in return for Nick's cooperation in inviting Daisy to his house? | Job on one of his sidelines selling bonds OR cutting his grass |
| What is the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy like initially? | awkward but happy to see one another |
| How are Daisy and Gatsby different when Nick returns to the house after half an hour? | happy and comfortable with one another |
| What are Gatsby's feelings by the end of the chapter? (chapter 5) | happy + hopeful |
| What does Gatsby reply when Nick asks him how he makes his money? Why does Nick find that significant? | tells him took awhile to get enough for house (at first) then says inherited but lost most during war. Significant since he thinks Gatsby is lying |
| Interpreting Meanings (Chapter 5) | |
| Why do you thin Daisy sobs when Gatsby shows her his shirts? | Overwhelmed since he just appears back in her life with all this money |
| In this chapter, Gatsby's dream seems to be fulfilled. What indications are there, though, that reality cannot satisfy his dream? | Nick tells which the two seem content as well as lost. Understands that Daisy irl is not worth Gatsby's "status" in his mind. 5 yrs, yet the love don't translate to reality. The Daisy in mind vs Daisy irl completely dif. Seems hope shattered like clock |
| Why does Gatsby want to show off his house? Do you think Gatsby is telling the truth about his fortune? Why or why not? | Show off in order for Daisy to be impressed by his lifestyle and success. No, since he keeps changing his stories |
| Chapter 6 questions | |
| When does James Gatz change his name? Why? | He changed it at the age of 17 to symbolized he moved on from his past life in North Dakota |
| What does Gatsby tell Nick he wants Daisy to do? | Leave Tom, get together and marry |
| How truthful was Gatsby when he relayed the story of his life to Nick? Why does Fitzgerald tell the story of Jay Gatz now? | Not truthful at all so we know true story/background |
| How did Gatsby measure the success of his party By this measure, was it a success? | By whether or not Daisy enjoyed it No |
| Interpreting Meanings (Chapter 6) | |
| Plato held that reality was an imperfect reflection of an ideal, permanent realm. With this in mind, what would you say Nick means when he says that "Jay Gatsby sprang from his Platonic conception of himself"? | Gatsby modeled himself on an idealized version of who he really is |
| What is Gatsby's view of the past? When Nick says that Gatsby "wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy," what do you think he means? | He just wants the two of them together the way he thought it'd be with not Tom or big amount of money |
| At the end of the chapter, Nick describes Gatsby kissing Daisy in Louisville 5 yrs ago. What is Gatsby giving up when he kisses her? Why? | The illusion since the girl he wants is only a memory now |
| Chapter 7 questions | |
| Why does Gatsby stop giving parties? | Daisy has been coming to his house often in the afternoons |
| Why is Myrtle Wilson upset when she sees Tom and Jordan? | Thinks Jordan is Daisy |
| Why is Nick pleased with Gatsby's honesty about Oxford? Bases on his narration, does Nick seem to take a side during this exchange? | Because he wants to believe in Gatsby considering the amount of other times he was not truthful |
| Why does Tom's defense of family life amuse Nick? What literacy device is at play? | He's a hypocrite and is having an affair |
| What is the significance of Nick's thirtieth birthday? | It is said once people hit a certain age they would be considered old and need to settle down. Nick knows as he's going into the world of loneliness and hair thinning |
| Why does Tom insist that Daisy and Gatsby drive home together? | He knows that eventually Daisy will come back because of Gatsby's status |
| Why does Nick change his feelings toward Jordan? | She turns out to be like Tom and Daisy after the incident with the car |
| Who is Trimalchio? Explain how this describes Gatsby | Trimalchio is someone who throws big parties to impress his guests. Gatsby is like that in a way but instead of trying to impress all his guests he is just trying to impress Daisy. |
| Describe the fight between Gatsby and Tom | Tom gets mad at Gatsby when he calls him "old sport" and explodes, revealing Gatsby's source of income. Daisy feels as though Gatsby is forcing her to deny ever loving Tom. First acts this way but then takes it back. |
| What do Gatsby and Tom think of each other? How are they similar and different? | The two men despise each other. Similarities - wealth, determination, tendency to lie, and love for Daisy Difference - Gatsby knows what he did was bad and conceals it but Tom doesn't think he has ever done anything wrong |
| Interpretating Meanings (Chapter 7) | |
| How does Gatsby character Daisy's voice? What do you think he means by this? | Her voice is full of money since she has always lived a privileged life She represents what he has aspired for in his youth |
| Why does Gatsby lose Daisy during the confrontation at the Plaza? | Loses her when Tom tells her how he gets his money (shady deals) |
| At the end of the chapter, Gatsby is standing alone, looking out at Daisy's house. When else in the novel does he do this? How is this different? | At the end of chapter one Different 'cause in chapter one he is reaching for her but now he has accepted he lost her |
| Chapter 8 questions | |
| Describe the mood at the beginning of the chapter. How is setting and diction used to set the mood? (chapter 8) | Gloomy mood shows a dark and dusty Gatsby house |
| How are the seasons used in constructing this novel? | Foreshadows the mood that the characters are going to be in |
| How did Dan Cody impact gatsby's life? | Dan took him in and taught him how to live as a person of status and wealth |
| How did Nick's statement "You're worth the whole bunch put together" show a change in Nick from the beginning of the novel? | Shows how his view on people changed from just the appearance |
| What do the eyes of the doctor symbolize to George? What is the significance of this symbol? | Symbolize the eyes of God; victim of the carelessness of the rich |
| How did Wilson piece together that his wife was having an affair? | The dog leash |
| What would you say is the principal reason for Daisy's appeal to Gatsby? | beauty |
| How does Nick characterize Gatsby's state in this chapter? | Ghostly since he is without Daisy |
| Chapter 9 questions | |
| What is the motive publicly given for the murder Wilson committed? | Deranged by grief |
| Where are Tom and Daisy in this chapter? Why? | Out of town because they want to dodge all the issues |
| What does Klipspringer request of Nick on the phone? What is Nick's reaction? | To bring down his tennis shoes by a butler Hangs up the phone |
| What is the significance of Mr. Gatz arrival? | Gatsby was lying when he said his parents were dead |
| What is the irony of Mr. Gatz's admiration of the house? | proud of all the achievements his son made |
| What two emotions are pulling Mr. Gatz? | Grief and pride |
| What is the irony of Mr. Gatz comment about James J. Hill? | James was going to build up a country while Gatsby was building up a business |
| How is Jay Gatz described as a child? How is this related? | Very smart kid that always set schedules for himself (focused/self-determined) Still hardworking + determined |
| Who attended the last event at Gatsby's? Why is this significant? | Mr. Gatz, Owl-Eye, postman, couple of servants, and Nick It shows who saw him as a being and cared for him not just someone who threw big parties |
| What is the purpose of Nick's last meeting with Jordan? | He's had enough of the NY life and wants to forget meaning he had to break it off before moving back to the Midwest |
| At the end of the book, Nick imagines what the continent must have been like when it was first seen by Dutch sailors. How does this contrast with the environment described in the novel? | The environment is described as flawless + green. Within it talks about "eggs" and "valley" . Eggs represent greed, false desire and disappointment. Valley in middle (sailors believed no hope for island) lives in island are as corrupt as those in valle |
| How does Nick characterize Tom and Daisy at the end of the book? What has each of the "smashed" over the course of the novel? | Shallow + selfish (lack idea of true love, compassion, and are careless) Gatsby's heart, Gatsby's car, Gatsby's life, Nick's innocence, and Myrtle Wilson. Like to hide behind money to solve the issues |
| What does the green light symbolize at the end of the novel? | Gatsby's dreams coming to a tragic end |
| Who is Klipspringer? | a guest at Gatsby's parties who tends to stay there for weeks |
| Why doesn't Daisy go to the funeral? | Left town to escape issues |
| Why doesn't Wolfsheim not show? | Doesn't want it to affect him/doesn't want to get involved |
| Why doesn't Klipspringer show? | Out of town |
| What is the American Dream? | every person has the freedom and opportunity to succeed and attain a better life |
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