Questions and Answers
What stages does Gatsby go through as he waits for and then meets with Daisy?
He is anxious, nervous, impatient, and fumbly. He almost drops a clock and falls down a flight of stairs.
How does Daisy react to the meeting with Gatsby?
She's all over the place, scared and nervous, then ecstatic, then crying over 'shirts', and taking him lovingly by the arm. She's very emotional.
Why does Gatsby respond with, 'That's my affair' when Nick asks him about his business?
His mind was elsewhere, and he snapped at Nick when caught off guard. He's used to covering up his illegal affairs.
Why does Gatsby throw all his shirts on the table?
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What does Fitzgerald mean by, 'Compared to the great distance between Gatsby and Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her'?
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What does Fitzgerald mean by, 'Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one'?
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What does Nick mean in Chapter 5 when he says, 'even that afternoon Daisy tumbled short of his dreams--not through her own fault...'?
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Study Notes
Gatsby's Emotions Before Meeting Daisy
- Gatsby experiences a whirlwind of emotions while waiting for Daisy; he is anxious, nervous, and impatient.
- He fumbles with a clock, symbolizing his tension and the weight of time lost between them.
- His nervousness is further highlighted when he nearly falls down a flight of stairs.
Daisy's Reaction to the Meeting
- Daisy displays a range of emotions during their meeting; she feels scared and nervous but quickly shifts to ecstasy.
- Tears are shed over Gatsby's expensive shirts, showcasing her surprise at his wealth and the depth of his feelings.
- Her affection is evident as she takes Gatsby lovingly by the arm, highlighting their emotional connection.
Gatsby's Response to Nick's Inquiry
- Gatsby's response, "That's my affair," reflects his preoccupation with his past and illegal dealings, catching him off guard.
- This reaction is inappropriate as it conveys suspicion and rudeness to Nick, who has been supportive and helped facilitate the meeting.
- The response demonstrates Gatsby’s struggle to balance his secretive nature with his need for genuine friendship.
Significance of Gatsby's Shirts
- Gatsby throws his shirts onto the table to impress Daisy, showcasing wealth and a desire to flaunt his newfound status.
- This act signifies a characteristic behavior of "new money" individuals, eager to show off material possessions to win affection.
Symbolism of the Green Light
- The green light, previously a distant symbol of hope and aspiration for Gatsby, is now just a light when Daisy is physically present.
- This transformation indicates that once unattainable desires can become mundane when achieved, diminishing their significance.
Unrealized Dreams
- Nick observes that Daisy fails to meet Gatsby's idealized vision of her due to the passage of time and personal change.
- Gatsby’s fantasies have built up expectations over five years, making it impossible for reality, including Daisy, to match that vision.
- This disillusionment showcases the conflict between dreams and reality, central to Gatsby's character arc.
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Description
This quiz focuses on key events and character emotions in Chapter 5 of 'The Great Gatsby'. Explore Gatsby's nervousness and Daisy's complex reactions during their meeting. Test your understanding of the chapter's pivotal moments and emotional landscapes.
