The Great Gatsby Study Guide (Chapters 1-9)

How does Nick describes himself at the beginning of the book?

He comes from a upper class family but he learned never to be to be judgmental.

Why has Nick come to the East?

To start a new job. 1922; to get in the bond business.

How does Nick describe Tom Buchanan?

Sturdy, straw haired man. Arrogant and aggressive.

Who is Jordan Baker? What does Nick find appealing about her?

She is a golfer, her chin is raised suggesting that she is stuck up.

How does Daisy react to the phone calls from Tom's woman in New York?

She is upset but she acts but then she follows him when he takes the call.

What is Gatsby doing when Nick first sees him?

He is standing on his dock reaching out to the green light across the bay.

Notice how many times Fitzgerald uses the words hope, or dream. Why does he do this?

He does this to represent views of society and foreshadowing for whats to come.

Nick starts 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 that you've had." Does he reserve judgement in the novel?

He is very honest about his observations. Yes he is reserving it but he is candid to the reader.

Pay attention to time. What is the day and year during the first scene at Daisy's house?

Summer of 1922.

Describe Nick. What facts do you know about him, and what do you infer about him? What kind of a narrator do you think he will be?

He was wealthy growing up. Solemn, not very flashy. Graduate of Yale (1915). He's not a big drinker. More reserved and honest.

What image foes the author use to describe Jordan Baker? What does it mean?

Looked like she was balancing a ball on her chin. Meaning that she is stuck up, confident, and snobby.

How does Nick react to Jordan?

Nervous, he thinks that she is intimidating.

What does Tom's behavior reveal about his character?

He is emotionally abusive, self centered, arrogant, dominant and aggressive.

How does Nick meet Tom's mistress?

Tom took Nick with him to meet her at her husbands auto body shop.

How does Myrtle react Tom's arrival?

She is focused solely on Tom and then she sent her husband George away to go get some chairs.

Describe George Wilson. How does he react to Tom's arrival?

He has blonde hair blue eyes and is slightly handsome. Also he is dull and spiritless. He has no idea about the affair he thinks Tom is there to talk about a car.

How does Myrtle behave as the party progresses?

She acts like she has a lot of money and that this is who she really is.

Why, according to Catherine, Tom not left Daisy to marry Myrtle?

Daisy is Catholic and doesn't believe in divorce.

Why did Tom break Myrtle's nose? How is this consistent with the author's description of him in Chapter 1? Judging by his treatment of Myrtle and his wife Daisy, what seems to be Tom's attitude toward women?

Slaps her. Shows her that he is mean and ruthless. Doesn't treat women well and he is abusive.

Describe the "valley of ashes." What does it look like and what does it represent?

It is dark and dreary. Where poor people live between East and West Egg. Symbolizes: Moral decay.

Describe Mr. Wilson and Myrtle. Do they seem to fit into the setting.

There marriage is dead. George is so in love with her.

What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter (Chapter 2)? Is he similar or different than the people ehe spends his time with?

No, he is more reserved and uncomfortable, would rather be anywhere else.

Why does Gatsby throw huge, expensive parties for people he does not even know?

He is doing it to get Daisy's attention.

Describe the two ways in which Nick differs from the other guests at the party?

He was actually invited to the party by Gatsby and he isn't a person that usually goes to one of these parties.

What does the owl-eyed man find extraordinary about the books in Gatsby's library?

They were all real books.

Why does the owl-eyed man describe Gatsby as a real Belasco?

Belasco- a theatrical producer.

Because he is only putting on a show for the people he is showing his house to.

What is the significance of the owl-eyed man?

He represents wisdom and the thoughts of the guests.

What does the reaction of the drivers of the wrecked automobile suggest about the values of Gatsby's guests?

They didn't really care and they weren't sure what happened.

What does Nick learn about Jordan after he's spent some time with her?

She is a liar.

What is the significance of Jordan's lies?

She lies like Gatsby does.

Pay attention to Nick's judgements? What do they reveal about his character that he does this (especially in relation to his opening comment)?

He tries not to judge people but when he does is mean and real about it.

Describe Gatsby the first time he sees him.

He has a rare reassuring smile that makes you feel good, he is young 31 or 32 and he speaks with eloquence.

What rumors have been told about Gatsby? Why does Fitzgerald reveal the rumors rather than the facts?

That he is a murderer, a german spy, and he went to oxford. He reveals these rumors rather than facts because he wants to show that no one truly knows who Gatsby is.

What does Nick think of Gatsby after meeting him?

That he is elegant, friendly, nice, and kinda suspicious of him because he doesn't know much about him.

How is Gatsby different from his guests?

He isn't drunk or even around.

Why does Nick choose to share his thoughts and feelings with Jordan?

He shares with her because he likes her and because she is dishonest just like his new lifestyle.

Nick thinks he is one of the few honest people he knows, why? Do you think he is honest?

He thinks he is one of the few honest people he knows because most of the people in this book are living lies and have secrets. I believe that he is honest and straightforward.

What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself?

That he came from a wealthy mid-west family (San Francisco). He went to Oxford. He was in the war but not only in the war was also a war hero. His family is wealthy. His parents collected jewels in Europe but are now deceased.

What accomplishments of Meyer Wolfsheim's does Gatsby describe to Nick? How does Nick react?

He is a gambler and that he fixed the 1919 World Series. Nick is baffled and shocked.

According to Jordan, what did Daisy do on her wedding day? Why? What does this reveal about Daisy?

She got outrageously drunk and didn't want to go and get married to Tom. She did all of this because she received a letter from Gatsby. This showed that she was still in love with Gatsby.

Why does Gatsby want to have tea with Daisy at Nick's house? Why doesn't Gatsby ask Nick for the favor himself? Why did Gatsby want Daisy to see his house?

He wants it to not be awkward. He didn't know Nick that well and he had Jordan ask Nick because ehe thought Nick would say yes to her because he was interested in Jordan. Gatsby bring Daisy over to his house because he wants her to see that he now has money and that his isn't poor.

What does Tom do when he and Daisy return from there honeymoon?

He got into a car accident with one of his mistresses.

What does Gatsby's friendship with Meyer Wolfsheim imply about his own background?

It implies that he is in some sort of shady business.

List all of the rumors told about Gatsby.

-He is a German spy.

-He went to Oxford.

-He is a murderer.

-He is involved in European Trade.

Why does Fitzgerald list all of Gatsby's party guests?

To she that they weren't Gatsby's friends and he really didn't know any of them.

Why does Gatsby tell Nick about his life? Do you believe Gatsby? Does Nick?

He wants Nick to trust him. No do not believe Gatsby because he is affiliated with shady people and shady business which makes him a shady person also. Nick is skeptical about all of it.

What role does Meyer Wolfsheim play in the novel? Why is there so much focus on his nose and what does this tell you about Fitzgerald?

Meyer adds more mystery to Gatsby on what he does and who he is. There is so much focus on his nose suggesting that he is Jewish. It shows that Fitzgerald is racist.

Nick says, "There are only pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired." What does Nick mean? How does each character in the novel fit into this schema?

He means that there are people that are being looked for. people looking, people working and people that are struggling.

Daisy=pursued

Tom and Gatsby=pursuing

Nick=busy

Wilson=tired

What does Gatsby offer Nick in return for Nick cooperation in inviting Daisy over?

He offers him a business job or a side job because he is not making a lot of money in the bond business.

What is the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy like initially?

Initially it is awkward, nervous, and tense.

How are Daisy and Gatsby different when Nick returns to the house after a half an hour?

They realize that they both still have feelings for each other. There is no more tension.

What are Gatsby's feelings by the end of the chapter?

He was hopeful and he was in love with Daisy.

What does Gatsby reply when Nick asks him how he makes his money? Why does Nick find that significant?

He is very jumpy and then is in turn short with his explanation of what he doesn and is feisty about it. This is significant to Nick because that means that Gatsby has something that his hiding or doesn't want people to find out about what is going on.

Why do you think Daisy sobs when Gatsby shows her his shirts?

She sobs because now she realizes that he has money and that they could be together but she married Tom.

What is the weather like in this chapter? How does thus reflect the emotional climate of Gatsby and Daisy?

Int eh beginning of the chapter it is bad weather raining. By the end of the chapter it is sunny and bright. This is effecting the emotional climate because it shows the changed of the moods in the characters.

In this chapter (chapter 5), Gatsby's dreams seem to be fulfilled. What indications are there that reality cannot satisfy his dream?

She's married, it is lower than his expectations. She is annoying and she is a gold digger.

Why does Gatsby deliver so many goods and services to Nick's house?

He wants everything to be perfect for her.

Describe the effect of rain on the plot?

Sad; something bad or bad things are going to happen.

Why does Gatsby offer Nick work? How does Nick feel about this?

He offered him work because Nick doesn't make a lot of money and he wants to repay him.

Explain the significance of the green light?

Shows the Daisy is still there symbolizing his hopes and dreams. The color green symbolizes: money, envy.

Why does Gatsby get so many phone calls? What does this say about him?

He talks to a lot of people. He is a bootlegger and is in a shady person.

When does Jay Gatz change his name? Why?

When he met Dan Cody, he was 17 and he thought that it sounded more glamorous

What is Daisy's real response to the party, according to Nick?

Acted impressed, but really she was only happy when she was with Gatsby.

What does Gatsby tell Nick he wants Daisy to do?

Gatsby wants Daisy to leave Tom and tell him that she never loved him.

Plato held that reality was an imperfect reflection of an ideal, permanent realism. With that in mind, what would you say Nick means when he says, "Jay Gatsby sprang from his Platonic conception of himself."

Gatsby is creating a new idea of himself.

What is ironic about Dan Cody?

He died because of a women and then she took all of his money.

What parallel is suggested by the fact that Gatsby never gets the inheritance bequeathed to him by Cody?

Hope and dreams.

How truthful was Gatsby when he relayed the story of his life to Nick? Why does Fitzgerald tell the truth of Jay Gatz now?

He made his past up. His power to make his dreams come true is what makes him great.

Describe the meeting of Tom and Gatsby. What does this meeting reveal about them?

The meeting is tense. They are being competitive. At one point in the conversation Gatsby says to Tom "I know your wife." to make him jealous.

Why did Daisy and Tom find Gatsby's party loathsome?

They find it loathsome because they are old money and feel that the party is very flashy.

How did Gatsby measure the success of his party?

He measured it by if Daisy liked it and had a good time or not.

When Nick told Gatsby that "you can't repeat the past" , Gatsby replied "Why of course you can!" Do you agree with Nick or Gatsby?

I agree with Nick because you can't repeat the past exactly you can only have similar memories or do the same things but it will never be the same.

Why does Gatsby stop giving parties?

He stops throwing parties because the only reason that he was throwing them was to get Daisy's attention but now that they are together he doesn't need to throw them anymore.

when does Tom first realize that Daisy loves Gatsby?

They made eye contract going into New York

Why is Myrtle Wilson upset when she sees Tom and Jordan?

She is upset because she mistakes Jordan for Daisy because she has never seen Daisy before.

Why does Gatsby view Daisy's child with surprise?

He didn't believe that she existed or that the last five years existed.

Why does Gatsby object to letting Tom drive his car?

He doesn't trust him. He uses the excuse that his car is low on gas.

What ironic situation is occurring on the drive to town?

Wilson is with Myrtle. All of the affairs are expose and all the wives are living secret lives.

What is the significance of "blocks" Biloxi?

He was always there in unhappy times: The wedding and the death of Daisy's father.

Why is Nick pleased with Gatsby's honesty about Oxford?

Nick's glad that Gatsby isn't lying about it.

What has increased Tom's hatred of Gatsby?

His hatred for him increases because he is with Daisy and because Daisy is sticking up for Gatsby.

Why does Tom;s defense go family life amuse Nick?

It amuses Nick because Tom is a hypocrite. Tom has many mistresses and never acts like he loves Daisy at all.

What is the significance of Nick's thirtieth birthday?

He forgets that it was his birthday at all because he is so caught up in everybody's business that he forgets about himself.

Why does Tom insist that Daisy and Gatsby drive home together?

He is confident and feels as though he has won the argument and that he won Daisy back.

Why does Nick change his feelings toward Jordan?

After the accident Nick groups her in with the Buchanan's. He doesn't want to see all of the lying and cheating or even be apart of there drama and there life.

What is Nick's attitude toward Gatsby?

Nick starts to trust him more because he is being more honest. He is rooting for Gatsby until the car accident because Nick thought that he was driving the car that killed Myrtle. Nick believes that Gatsby is wasting his time on Daisy and Nick is irritated with him.

Why are Tom and Daisy reconciled?

Tom tells Daisy that Gatsby is a gangster and that she should stay with him. They reconciled over the death of Myrtle and moved away because Daisy was guilty.

Who is Trimachio? Explain how this describes Gatsby.

He is a character from a Roman novel. He comes from a poor modest background and he gains power and wealth and that is why he correlates with Gatsby.

Describe Daisy and Gatsby's new relationship.

They loved each other and didn't care.

Compare George Wilson and Tom. What did each man learn about his wife and how did they each react?

George was sad and felt sick when he found out that he was having an affair. Tom was gets angry and tried to find out everything wrong with Gatsby.

If Daisy says she's never loved Tom, is there someone whom she thinks she loves?

She loved both of them at one point.

Describe the fight between Gatsby and Tom. What do these men think of each other? How are they similar and how are they different?

Gatsby doesn't like tom because he doesn't treat Daisy well. Tom looks down on Gatsby because he is new money. They are similar because they both love and want her. They are both competitive, rich and cocky. They are different because Gatsby worked for his money and Tom was born into his money. Tom is quick to anger. Tom drinks and Gatsby doesn't

What do you think Tom and Daisy were saying to each other in the kitchen? Do you think the Tom knew Daisy

They were making that plan to run away. She probably told Tom because that is her husband and she knew if she told him that she could run away with him.

At this point, how would you end the novel? (Chapter 7)

Daisy leaving with Tom and Gatsby moving on with his life. (opinion question)

How does Fitzgerald achieve a melancholic moos in the beginning of this chapter?

He matches it to the characters feelings and the event that happened in the novel. The description of his adjective used in the novel.

How are seasons used in constructing this novel?

In the beginning of the novel it starts off in summer: happy, fun, and playful times. Fall starts to get colder darker and the saddest time in the novel.

Who is Dan Cody and what is his significance in Gatsby's life?

He is the reason Gatsby lives the life he lives. He is inspired by him to be this made up person.

How does T.J Eckleberg affect Mr. Wilson?

He assurers him that God is watching everyone. He goes out and looks for a yellow car, goes to Gatsby's house to kill him.

How does Nick's statement "You're worth the whole bunch put together" show a change in Nick?.. from the beginning of the novel?

It was the first compliment that he gave to Gatsby. He judges all the people besides Gatsby.

What is the significance of Nick's taking charge of Gatsby's funeral arrangements?

He was Gatsby's only friend that cared about him . He was the only one who truly appreciates the real Gatsby.