The Great Gatsby Chapters 1-4

Chapter 1

1. Who is the narrator of The Great Gatsby?

Nick Carraway

2. Where does Nick live?

West Egg, Long Island

3. Who is Nick’s wealthy neighbor?

Jay Gatsby

4. Where do Tom and Daisy Buchanan live?

East Egg, Long Island

5. What is the significance of the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock?

It symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future.

6. Who is Jordan Baker, and what does she do?

She is a professional golfer and a friend of Daisy’s.

7. What does Tom Buchanan believe about race?

He believes in white supremacy and refers to a book called The Rise of the Colored Empires.

8. What does Daisy say she hopes her daughter will be?

A beautiful little fool

9. How does Nick describe Gatsby when he first sees him?

Gatsby is reaching for the green light across the bay.

10. What does Nick say about reserving judgment?

He claims to reserve judgment, which is ironic because he frequently critiques others.

Chapter 2

1. What is the Valley of Ashes?

A desolate, gray industrial area between West Egg and New York City.

2. Who is George Wilson?

The owner of a run-down auto shop in the Valley of Ashes and Myrtle’s husband.

3. Who is Myrtle Wilson?

Tom Buchanan’s mistress.

4. What is the significance of the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg?

A faded billboard that symbolizes moral decay and the loss of spiritual values.

5. Where do Tom and Myrtle take Nick in New York City?

• To an apartment Tom keeps for his affair with Myrtle.

6. What lie does Myrtle believe about Daisy?

That Daisy is Catholic, and that’s why Tom won’t divorce her.

7. What happens when Myrtle taunts Tom by mentioning Daisy’s name?

Tom breaks her nose.

8. How does the party at Myrtle’s apartment contrast with Tom and Daisy’s life?

It is chaotic and vulgar compared to the elegance of East Egg.

9. What does Catherine, Myrtle’s sister, say about Gatsby?

That he is rumored to be related to Kaiser Wilhelm.

10. What does this chapter reveal about Nick’s character?

He is passive and goes along with others’ actions, even questionable ones.

Chapter 3

1. What is different about Gatsby's parties from those of other wealthy people?

Anyone can attend without an invitation.

2. How does Nick get invited to Gatsby’s party?

Gatsby personally sends him an invitation.

3. What rumors about Gatsby are spread at the party?

That he killed a man and that he was a German spy.

4. Who does Nick meet at Gatsby’s party that he later realizes is Gatsby himself?

Jay Gatsby, who is surprisingly reserved and friendly.

5. What phrase does Gatsby frequently use when addressing people?

Old sport

6. What illegal activity does Gatsbys business partner, Wolfsheim, allegedly engage in?

Rigging the 1919 World Series.

7. What impression does Gatsby leave on Nick?

He is charming and mysterious but also seems lonely.

8. What accident occurs as the party ends?

A drunken guest crashes a car into a ditch.

9. What does Nick realize about Jordan Baker?

She is dishonest and cheated in a golf tournament.

10. What decision does Nick make at the end of the chapter?

He begins a romantic relationship with Jordan.

Chapter 4

1. What does Gatsby tell Nick about his past?

That he is from a wealthy family, was educated at Oxford, and traveled extensively.

2. What evidence does Gatsby provide to support his story?

A medal from the war and a photograph from Oxford.

3. Who is Meyer Wolfsheim?

A shady businessman who allegedly fixed the 1919 World Series.

4. How does Gatsby react when he sees Tom Buchanan at a restaurant?

He becomes uncomfortable and quickly leaves.

5. What does Jordan reveal to Nick about Gatsby and Daisy’s past?

Gatsby and Daisy were in love before she married Tom.

6. Why did Daisy marry Tom instead of waiting for Gatsby?

Gatsby was poor, and Tom had wealth and status.

7. How does Gatsby plan to see Daisy again?

By arranging a meeting at Nick’s house.

8. What does Jordans retelling of Gatsby and Daisys past suggest about Gatsbys dream?

Gatsby has been obsessed with recreating the past.

9. What is the significance of Gatsby’s wealth in relation to Daisy?

He believes he needs wealth to win her back.

10. What does Nick realize about Gatsby’s love for Daisy?

It is based on an idealized memory rather than reality.