Gatsby Chapters 1-2 Review Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What information does Nick give us about himself in the prologue of Chapter One?

In chapter one, we learn that Nick went to college, was accused of being a politician, served in the Great War, and his dad told him from a young age that he has had advantages others haven't.

What does Nick say is 'gorgeous' about Gatsby?

Gatsby has great optimism.

In your opinion, is it Gatsby or something else that causes disillusionment?

Disillusionment comes from failing at our own expectations.

What is Nick's socio-economic background?

Nick has grown in a family who has done well with a passed down hardware company. Signup and view all the answers

When Nick returns from the war, why does he decide to go East?

Nick decides to go East to live where it's busy, to get a 'thrill'. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs that makes Nick feel that his life is beginning over again?

A man asking him for instructions for West Egg makes him feel he fits in. Signup and view all the answers

How is West Egg different from East Egg?

West Egg is the less fashionable of the two, not as classy, new money. Signup and view all the answers

Before meeting him, what do we learn of Tom Buchanan?

Tom was very wealthy, a football player, inherited his money, arrogant, and peaked at college in arrogance. Signup and view all the answers

Find the words used to describe Daisy's most noticeable feature.

Daisy's most noticeable feature is her voice that the ear follows up and down, as if each speech is an arrangement of notes that will never be played again. Signup and view all the answers

What is your opinion of Daisy?

Daisy is a fussy rich girl who is so rich she's dumb. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think Daisy's tone might have been when she said, 'Tom is getting very profound'?

Daisy's tone was full and expressing sarcasm. Signup and view all the answers

What unflattering feature of Jordan Baker's personality is revealed?

Jordan Baker's unflattering trait is that she's dishonest and gossips. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick say, 'No one was able utterly to put this fifth guest's shrill metallic urgency out of mind'?

Nick emphasizes how everyone instantly paid attention to the phone. Signup and view all the answers

What three sentences indicate that Nick thinks Daisy's cynical outburst is fake?

Nick thinks Daisy's cynical outburst is fake based on her insincerity and the immediate change in her demeanor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reader left to think about Daisy's emotional state and her relationship with Tom?

Daisy is sad with Tom, but acts happy. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jordan Baker, and what has Nick heard about her?

Jordan Baker is a friend of Daisy who is a pro golfer known for cheating and lying. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick feel touched, confused, and disgusted as he drives away from their house?

Nick feels touched because he talked to old friends on their interests, but he is also confused and disgusted by the superficiality he perceives. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1 Overview

Nick Carraway, the narrator, presents a prologue about his background and experiences, including his education, war service, and family advantages.
Nick's characterization of Gatsby highlights his remarkable optimism, which stands out amidst Nick's own disillusionment with humanity.
Disillusionment may stem from unfulfilled personal expectations rather than Gatsby’s influence; Gatsby embodies resilience shaped by failures.

Nick's Background

Nick hails from a prosperous family that owns a hardware company and has received a privileged education.
He currently lives in a modest location but is financially supported by family business roots dating back to the Civil War.

Motivations for Moving East

After returning from the war, Nick is drawn to the East Coast by the allure of urban life and the thrill it promises, seeking renewal in his experiences.

West Egg and East Egg Comparison

West Egg is portrayed as less fashionable and belonging to "new money," contrasting with East Egg's established elite.

Introduction to Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan is depicted as wealthy, arrogant, a former college football star, and someone who inherited his fortune, showcasing a sense of entitlement.

Daisy Buchanan's Characteristics

Daisy is defined by her enchanting voice, described as musical and captivating, suggesting depth in her character.
She is perceived as materialistic and shallow, leading to a judgemental view of her personality.

Daisy's Sarcasm

Daisy’s remark about Tom being "profound" carries a sarcastic tone, indicating her underlying discontent.

Jordan Baker's Personality

Jordan Baker, a friend of Daisy, is characterized by her dishonesty and tendency to gossip, highlighting her moral ambiguities.

An urgent phone call during an intimate gathering captures everyone’s attention, reflecting the underlying tensions and distractions in their relationships.
Nick senses Daisy's cynical remarks as insincere, noting a performative quality to her demeanor, reinforced by a sense of belonging to an exclusive social circle.

Daisy's Emotional State

The narrative suggests Daisy's happiness conceals sadness in her relationship with Tom, hinting at deeper emotional struggles.

Nick's Feelings Toward Jordan Baker

Nick learns about Jordan Baker’s controversial reputation, complicating his view of her and highlighting issues of integrity in their social milieu.

Nick's Conflicted Emotions

Departing from the Buchanans’ home, Nick feels touched by personal connections but also experiences confusion and disgust over the superficiality and complexities of their social interactions.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapters 1 and 2 of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Explore key character insights and themes introduced by the narrator, Nick Carraway. Perfect for revision or a quick overview of the early chapters.