Questions and Answers
What does Gatsby tell Nick about his past?
Gatsby tells Nick that he started going to Daisy's house alone mostly out of interest in the surrounding mystery and wealth. He never told her that he was poor during their month-long romance.
Michaelis believes that Myrtle was just running away from Wilson because he had locked her up.
True
Why did Myrtle run?
Myrtle actually ran because she thought Tom was driving Gatsby's yellow car and was flagging him down.
Why does Wilson believe that Gatsby killed Myrtle?
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What does Wilson do?
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Why couldn't Nick get anyone to come to Gatsby's funeral?
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Who is Henry C. Gatz?
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What is the book Henry Gatz shows Nick?
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Why is this information important to the novel?
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What happens between Nick and Jordan Baker?
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What does Nick say about people like Daisy and Tom?
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How does the narrator describe Gatsby?
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From where did the narrator come and why?
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Describe the narrator's house.
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Describe the Buchanan's house.
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How does Nick know Daisy and Tom?
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Describe Tom. What is our impression of him in Chapter 1?
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What kind of person is Daisy?
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What did Miss Baker tell Nick about Tom?
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How does the narrator feel about the East and the people in it?
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When asked about her daughter, what does Daisy say?
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How is Gatsby introduced into the novel?
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What is the 'valley of ashes'?
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What are the 'eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg'?
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Who did Tom take Nick to meet?
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Identify Myrtle and George Wilson.
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What did Mrs. Wilson buy while she was out with Tom and Nick?
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Where did they go? What was at 158th Street?
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Identify Catherine and Mr. and Mrs. McKee.
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What does Catherine tell Nick about Gatsby?
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What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy's name?
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What reason did Myrtle give for marrying George Wilson?
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Describe Gatsby's wealth. List some of the things that represent wealth.
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What kind of people come to Gatsby's parties?
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Why did Nick Carraway go to the party?
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How does Nick meet Gatsby?
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What are some of the stories about Gatsby?
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Is Gatsby a 'phony'?
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Describe Nick's relationship with Jordan.
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Who is Klipspringer?
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What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself?
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What 'matter' did Gatsby have Jordan Baker discuss with Nick?
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Who is Mr. Wolfsheim?
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What does Jordan tell Nick about Daisy, Gatsby, and Tom?
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What does Mr. Wolfsheim tell Nick about Gatsby?
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Describe the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy. Why is he so nervous?
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How long did it take Gatsby to make the money to buy the mansion?
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Why did Gatsby want Daisy to see the house and his clothes?
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What had Gatsby turned Daisy into in his own mind?
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What had the green light on the dock meant to Gatsby?
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What is Gatsby's real history? Where is he from, and what is his name?
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What did Dan Cody do for Gatsby?
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What is Daisy's opinion of Gatsby's party? How does this affect him?
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What does Gatsby want from Daisy?
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What was Gatsby's reaction to Daisy's child?
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What did Wilson do to Myrtle? Why?
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Why do the four drive into the city on such a hot afternoon?
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What does Gatsby think about Daisy's relationship with Tom?
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What is Daisy's reaction to both men?
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What happens on the way home from New York?
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How does Wilson react to Myrtle's death?
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How does Tom react to Myrtle's death?
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How does Nick react to Myrtle's death?
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How does Gatsby react to Myrtle's death?
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What is the true relationship between Daisy and Tom?
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Study Notes
Character Descriptions
- Gatsby is portrayed as a hopeful romantic with a unique charm, described as having a gorgeous quality and an extraordinary gift for hope.
- The narrator, Nick Carraway, comes from the Middle West and moves to New York to learn the bond business, seeking excitement after WWI.
- Daisy Buchanan is characterized as charming and kind, but her happiness possesses an underlying sadness; she seems to fake some of her innocence.
- Tom Buchanan is a wealthy, powerful man with a cruel demeanor, portraying arrogance and judgment, creating an unlikable first impression.
Setting and Context
- Nick's modest house contrasts with the grandeur of the Buchanans' Georgian mansion, showcasing the disparity between social classes.
- The "valley of ashes" symbolizes the decay caused by the American Dream, depicting the struggles of the impoverished.
- The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, an abandoned billboard, loom over this bleak landscape, serving as a haunting symbol of observation in a morally decayed society.
Relationships and Conflicts
- Tom is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson, revealing themes of infidelity and moral decay.
- Daisy expresses cynicism about motherhood, wishing her daughter to be a "beautiful fool," indicating her disillusionment with societal expectations.
- The fraught dynamics reveal tensions between characters, particularly during the confrontation about Daisy's affections between Tom and Gatsby.
Key Plot Points
- Gatsby's extravagant wealth, acquired through questionable means, becomes a tool to win Daisy back; he throws lavish parties in hopes she will attend.
- Nick learns of Gatsby's past and obsession with Daisy, who he idealizes as the embodiment of his dreams and aspirations.
- The tension peaks with Myrtle's tragic death, sparking chaos and leading to a series of confrontations.
- Wilson mistakenly believes Gatsby killed Myrtle, leading to his violent end of revenge, exemplifying the tragic consequences of miscommunication and assumptions.
Symbolism and Themes
- The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is a powerful symbol for Gatsby's unreachable dreams and hopes for a future with her.
- Gatsby's modified identity from James Gatz reflects themes of reinvention and the American Dream's complexities.
- Daisy's feelings towards Gatsby's parties symbolize the disconnection between wealth and genuine connections, emphasizing the emptiness of superficial social interactions.
Final Outcomes
- Gatsby's funeral is sparsely attended, highlighting the loneliness of his life despite his wealth; it reflects the hollowness of the connections forged in his pursuit of status.
- Nick's views on East Coast society transform into disillusionment, propelling him to return to the Midwest, revealing broader societal critiques within the narrative.### Characters and Relationships
- Henry C. Gatz is the father of Jay Gatsby, highlighting Gatsby's background and familial connections.
- Jordan Baker's relationship with Nick ends when he realizes her indifference towards their shared experiences.
Important Objects
- Henry Gatz presents Nick with a copy of "Hopalong Cassidy," revealing a glimpse into Gatsby's past aspirations.
- The book contains one of Gatsby's old schedules, underlining his determined nature and ambition for self-improvement.
Themes and Motifs
- Gatsby's old schedule reflects his desire for moral integrity and success while contrasting with the corruption brought by wealth.
- The novel portrays the idea that wealth leads to moral decay, particularly through Gatsby's transformation.
Views on Society
- Nick characterizes Daisy and Tom Buchanan as careless individuals who cause destruction in the lives of others without accountability.
- They epitomize the theme of social irresponsibility, retreating into their wealth after causing harm and leaving others to manage the fallout.
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Test your knowledge of 'The Great Gatsby' with these reading flashcards. Explore the narrator's perspective on Gatsby and his journey from the Middle West to New York City. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts looking to enhance their understanding of this classic novel.