h. english - the great gatsby

What is the setting of the novel?

It's set in 1922 on West and East Egg, NY.

What advice did Nick's father give him?

Not everyone is as fortunate as he is.

How does this advice make Nick a good narrator?

It made him more understanding of other people.

What is Nick's social class background?

He is upper-class in the Midwest.

How did Nick's family make money?

They managed a hardware sales business.

Why does Nick decide to go East after returning from war?

He felt anxious staying in the Midwest and it felt like the end of the universe.

How do East Egg and West Egg differ?

East Egg is old money, West Egg is new money.

What does Nick tell the reader about Tom Buchanan before meeting him?

He was a tall, athletic man who played college football.

How is Nick Carraway described?

He is an understanding, honest bond-seller from the Midwest.

How is Tom Buchanan described?

He is a tall, athletic man who likes to bully everyone around him.

What does the book Tom is reading reveal about him?

He is very prejudiced and racist.

How is Daisy Buchanan described?

She is an air-headed, beautiful woman who plays dumb to get an easy life.

How is Jordan Baker described?

She is a typical 'flapper' girl, independent and gossipy.

What does Gatsby represent to Nick?

He represents everything Nick hates about New York.

Why does Nick hate Gatsby?

Gatsby is extravagant, arrogant, flashy, dishonest, and corrupt.

What characteristic is revealed about Jordan when Tom is speaking to another woman?

She is gossipy and cynical.

What does the green light symbolize?

Hope and a future with Daisy.

Why does Fitzgerald emphasize the words hope and dream?

To emphasize the recurring theme of the American Dream.

How is Myrtle Wilson described?

She is loud and materialistic.

How is George Wilson described?

He is tired, hardworking, and vaguely handsome.

How does Nick meet Tom's mistress?

At a party.

What is the 'valley of the ashes' and what does it symbolize?

It's a wasteland between West and East Egg, symbolizing the ugliness hidden beneath the glamor of West and East Egg.

How does Myrtle's temperament change during the gathering?

She starts out acting normal and natural, then becomes more provocative and unrestrained.

Who is Catherine?

Myrtle's sister.

What is Catherine's reason for Tom and Myrtle not being together?

They are Catholic and don't believe in divorce.

Why does Tom strike Myrtle?

He hits her because she jokes too much about his wife.

Does Tom's action align with Nick's characterization of him?

Yes, it aligns with Nick's view of Tom as a violent bully.

Do the Wilsons fit in with the other characters in the story?

This question is open-ended and requires analysis.

Who is Dr. T.J. Eckleburg?

He is the man on the sign at the edge of the valley of ashes.

Why is Dr. T.J. Eckleburg important?

He symbolizes God looking down at NYC and judging its people.

What have you observed about Nick's character?

He is understanding and listens to gossip, but is an unreliable narrator because he judges other characters

How are Gatsby's parties described?

They are lavish, extravagant, and full.

What is Gatsby's typical phrase?

He calls people 'Old sport.'

Who is Owl Eyes?

A drunk man living in Gatsby's library who thinks he can become sober if surrounded by books.

What does Nick think of Gatsby after meeting him?

He finds Gatsby younger than expected and thinks he is agreeable and charming.

How does Gatsby differ from his guests?

Gatsby isn't drinking or dancing like his guests.

Why does Fitzgerald share rumors rather than the truth?

Because rumors spread faster than the truth.

What does Nick say about honesty?

He claims to be one of the few honest people he knows.

What does Nick learn about Jordan?

He learns that she is very untruthful but continues to date her because he likes her carefree life.

Why does Fitzgerald list every one of Gatsby's party guests?

To show the superficialness of new money and the difference between 'old' and 'new' money.

Why does Gatsby share his backstory with Nick?

To gain his trust and get closer to Daisy; Nick finds the story suspicious.

Who is Klipspringer?

A squatter who lives in Gatsby's house and sometimes plays the piano.

Who is Meyer Wolfsheim?

A Chicagoan mafia lord who insinuates Gatsby's money may not be from 'old money.'

When was Prohibition and what is bootlegging?

Prohibition occurred during the 1920s; bootlegging is the illegal sale and transfer of alcohol.

What item does Gatsby show the officer when pulled over for speeding?

A white card.

What does Jordan's story reveal about Daisy?

Daisy and Gatsby were in love, but she chose Tom for his money.

Why does Gatsby want Daisy to see his house?

To show her his wealth and persuade her to leave Tom.

What does Gatsby want Nick to do next?

To invite Daisy over for some tea.

Why does Gatsby have Nick's lawn mowed and flowers delivered to Nick's house?

So that Nick's house can seem more impressionable to Daisy, who was coming over.

What is Nick's one request of Daisy before she comes over to Nick's house?

Don't bring Tom over.

How does the rain affect the plot of the novel in this chapter?

Gatsby is nervous and anxious about meeting Daisy again, and the rain symbolizes the gloom he feels.

How does Nick feel about Gatsby offering him work?

Nick's feelings are not explicitly stated in the notes.

Describe the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy.

It's very awkward, but eventually they get past the awkwardness and properly reunite again.

What is Gatsby wearing and why do you think he chose this?

A silver shirt and a gold tie, because he wanted to show off to Daisy of his wealth.

Why does Daisy break down into tears at the sight of Gatsby's shirt collection?

She is emotional about how extravagant Gatsby has become, since she left him because he wasn't giving her the fancy life she wanted.

What is the significance of the green light?

It symbolized Gatsby's dream to be with Daisy.

What is ironic about the lyrics in the song Klipspringer sings?

The song talks about enjoying the simple things in life, while Gatsby throws elaborate and extravagant parties and the New York old money class are notoriously superficial and materialistic.

What is Gatsby's real name?

James Gatz

Why does Gatsby change his name?

He wanted a break from his past life as a poor farmer's son.

How is Dan Cody involved in shaping Gatsby?

He mentored Gatsby and provided him with a stable job.

How does Tom view Gatsby?

Tom sees Gatsby as a power-hungry, greedy 'new-money' social climber.

How does Tom's presence affect the atmosphere of the party?

Tom is intimidating and kills the mood of the party.

What does Gatsby want Daisy to do?

Leave Tom and run away with him.

Do you agree with Nick's statement, 'You can't repeat the past'?

Yes, because the past cannot always be perfectly replicated.

Why does Gatsby dismiss all of his servants?

So they wouldn't spread gossip when Daisy comes over.

What does Daisy do while Tom is on the phone in the other room?

She kisses Gatsby and tells Jordan to kiss Nick.

What does Gatsby say that Daisy's voice is full of?

Full of money, meaning Daisy’s voice sounds beautiful

What prompts Gatsby to say Daisy's voice is full of money?

Because she sounds captivating and charming, like money to a greedy man.

Why does Wilson suddenly need money?

Because he found out Myrtle was cheating on him and wanted to move to the West.

What does Daisy tell Gatsby that catches him off guard?

She loves both Tom and Gatsby.

What milestone does Nick suddenly remember about himself as they leave the hotel?

That it was his 30th birthday.

Who is 'watching' over the incidents in the Valley of the Ashes?

Dr. TJ Eckleburg.

What happens after everyone leaves the Plaza Hotel?

Daisy accidentally hits Myrtle and indirectly kills her.

How does Tom manipulate George Wilson?

He convinces George that it was Gatsby who was driving the car and killed Myrtle.

How does the weather contribute to this chapter?

It was very hot, making people irritated and annoyed.

How was Daisy affected by the heat during the confrontation at the Plaza?

She was very upset and not in the right state to properly drive.

Why does Nick want Gatsby to leave town?

Because he's scared the police may track the yellow car to Gatsby's car and he's charged for vehicular manslaughter