Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where was Gatsby really born?
Where was Gatsby really born?
on a farm in North Dakota
Where did Gatsby really attend college?
Where did Gatsby really attend college?
St. Olaf's in Minnesota
Why did Gatsby drop out of college?
Why did Gatsby drop out of college?
he thought the way he earned his tuition money was embarrassing
Whose yacht does Gatsby see one day?
Whose yacht does Gatsby see one day?
What does Cody do for Gatsby to thank him?
What does Cody do for Gatsby to thank him?
What does Gatsby begin to fall in love with during his travels with Cody?
What does Gatsby begin to fall in love with during his travels with Cody?
What was one of Gatsby's jobs?
What was one of Gatsby's jobs?
What impact did this have on Gatsby?
What impact did this have on Gatsby?
How much money did Cody leave Gatsby when he died?
How much money did Cody leave Gatsby when he died?
What is Gatsby's answer when they (insincerely) invite him to dinner?
What is Gatsby's answer when they (insincerely) invite him to dinner?
Why is Tom suspicious of Gatsby?
Why is Tom suspicious of Gatsby?
What does Nick note about this party?
What does Nick note about this party?
Why does Tom upset Daisy?
Why does Tom upset Daisy?
What does Daisy claim is Gatsby's claim to wealth?
What does Daisy claim is Gatsby's claim to wealth?
Why is Gatsby upset?
Why is Gatsby upset?
What does Gatsby want Daisy to do?
What does Gatsby want Daisy to do?
When Tom leaves the luncheon, what does Daisy do?
When Tom leaves the luncheon, what does Daisy do?
When Gatsby tells Tom that Daisy is leaving Tom, what does Tom say?
When Gatsby tells Tom that Daisy is leaving Tom, what does Tom say?
Why does Myrtle run into the road?
Why does Myrtle run into the road?
What happens when Myrtle runs into the road?
What happens when Myrtle runs into the road?
Study Notes
Gatsby's Early Life and Influences
- Gatsby was born on a farm in North Dakota, highlighting his humble beginnings.
- He attended St. Olaf's College in Minnesota but dropped out due to embarrassment over how he earned tuition.
- An encounter with Dan Cody, a wealthy copper mogul, profoundly impacted Gatsby's outlook on wealth and luxury.
Relationship with Dan Cody
- Gatsby became Cody's assistant aboard his yacht, leading to exposure to a life of affluence.
- His role required him to take care of Cody during his drunken states, which led Gatsby to decide against drinking alcohol himself.
- Upon Cody's death, Gatsby was left with only $25,000, significantly less than he expected.
Social Dynamics and Tensions
- Invitations to dinner with Gatsby were insincere, yet he accepted them, showing his desire to fit into high society.
- Tom Buchanan's suspicion towards Gatsby grew due to his perceived lack of social grace and Daisy's private visits to him.
- Nick observes that Gatsby's parties feel oppressive, reflecting the underlying tensions among the characters.
Conflicts and Relationships
- Tom antagonizes Daisy by suggesting Gatsby's wealth is derived from illegal activities, specifically bootlegging.
- In contrast, Daisy describes Gatsby's wealth as stemming from a chain of drugstores he supposedly owns.
- Gatsby's emotional turmoil arises when Daisy leaves one of his parties, indicating her discomfort and disappointment.
Climactic Moments
- Gatsby's ultimate desire is for Daisy to leave Tom and be with him, highlighting his hopeful yet unattainable love.
- Daisy's bold kiss with Gatsby occurs while Tom is away, indicating her conflicted emotions.
- When confronted, Tom dismisses Gatsby, viewing him as a mere bootlegger unworthy of Daisy.
Tragic Events
- Myrtle Wilson's desperate run into the road represents her escape from her oppressive marriage to George.
- Myrtle's tragic death, caused by being hit by a car, adds to the tension and foreshadows the consequences of the characters' actions and choices.
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Description
Explore the formative years and critical relationships that shaped Jay Gatsby's character. This quiz delves into Gatsby's humble beginnings, his association with Dan Cody, and the social tensions he faced as he sought acceptance in high society. Test your knowledge of the key events and influences that defined Gatsby's journey.
