The Great Gatsby Multiple Choice Test Review

What is the first thing Daisy says in the novel? In what different ways could you interpret her comment?

• The first thing she says is a comment about her daughter, expressing a kind of worry mixed with pride

• A sign that she truly cares about her daughter and wants her to be admired

Explain the context and the meaning of Nick’s comment about Tom Buchanan: “Something was making him nibble at the edge of state ideas as if his sturdy physical egotism no longer nourished his peremptory heart.”

Context: Nick says this about Tom Buchanan after seeing how ruthless and dissatisfied Tom seems during a conversation (often when Tom feels challenged or uncomfortable).

Meaning: Nick is saying that something is causing Tom to question or poke at him own beliefs and rigid sense of self. Normally Tom’s confidence and ego make him dominant and sure of himself, but here Nick notices a strain as if his strong physical presence and arrogance aren’t enough to soothe or justify what’s in his heart.

On the first page of Chapter 1, Nick States that he has been “unjustly accused of being a politician, because I was privy to the secret griefs of wild, unknown men.” How does this foreshadow the events of the novel? Do you think Nick Acts like a politician? Why or why not?

Nick says he’s “privy to the secret griefs of wild unknown men” to show he observes people’s private struggles, foreshadowing the secrets and betrayals in the novel. He doesn’t act like a politician because he reports rather than controls events.

List the three most effective images which Wilson’s character is established. With which character is he in direct contrast? Why?

Wilson is shown as lifeless, surrounded by gray ashes, and morally earnest. He contrasts with Tom Buchanan, who is rich, powerful, and careless, highlighting social and more differences.

How does Nick’s following comment give the reader insight into Fitzgerald’s handling of point of view in the novel? “I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.”

Nick feels both part of and apart from the world around him, showing Fitzgerald’s first-person point of view that lets readers see events while knowing Nick’s personal judgments.

The billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg’s eyes are first mentioned in chapter two. Nick discusses the billboard’s literal objective, and we as a class have discussed its metaphorical objective. How does irony play a role between the literal and metaphorical purpose of the billboard?

Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes literally watch the valley of ashes but metaphorically symbolize more judgment. The irony is that a faded billboard is treated as a God-like observer, showing the emptiness of moral guidance.

Explain the meaning and purpose of this sentence: “It was testimony to the romantic speculation he inspired that there were whispers about him from those who as found little that it was necessary to whisper about in his world.”

Gatsby inspires rumors and fascination because of his mystery. The sentence shows how people romanticize him, emphasizing his allure and the secrecy around his life.

Explain the point of Owl-Eye’s admiration for Gatsby’s library.

Owl-Eye’s admires Gatsby’s library because all the books her real. This shows Gatby’s effort to seem authentic in a world full of superficial appearances.

From chapter three, pick one or two sentences you really like, write them, and describe Fitzgerald’s style.

“People were not invited they went there.” Fitzgerald’s style is concise and ironic, showing the careless, chaotic nature of Gatsby’s parties.

Explain the significance of Wolfsheim’s cuff buttons.

Wolfsheim’s cuff buttons are made of human molars. This shows he is criminal and morally corrupt, highlighting the dark side of wealth in Gatsby’s world.

What is the purpose of Gatsby having Jordan tell Nick about Gatsby’s history with Daisy?

Jordan tells Nick about Gatsby and Daisy so the story unfolds through Nick’s perspective. It also builds mystery and shows Gatsby’s romantic obsession.

Considering chapter four, what is meant by this comment by Nick: “Then it had not been merely the stars to which he has aspired on the June night. He came alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor.”?

Nick sees Gatsby come alive when he learns about his past dreams. Gatsby’s wealth seemed empty until his love for Daisy gives his life purpose.