Podcast
Questions and Answers
What year do the events of the novel take place?
What year do the events of the novel take place?
1922
Who is the mysterious young man that throws incredible parties and lives in a mansion next door to Nick?
Who is the mysterious young man that throws incredible parties and lives in a mansion next door to Nick?
Jay Gatsby
Who is Tom's wife?
Who is Tom's wife?
Daisy Buchanan
Which character is described with very macho language and breaks another character's nose?
Which character is described with very macho language and breaks another character's nose?
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Who competes in golf tournaments and Daisy wants her to fall in love with Nick?
Who competes in golf tournaments and Daisy wants her to fall in love with Nick?
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Who is the Jewish man who supposedly fixed the 1919 World Series?
Who is the Jewish man who supposedly fixed the 1919 World Series?
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Who is the narrator of the novel that came East to work in the bond business?
Who is the narrator of the novel that came East to work in the bond business?
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Who is Tom's mistress that lives in an apartment over a garage?
Who is Tom's mistress that lives in an apartment over a garage?
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What is the occupation of Myrtle's husband?
What is the occupation of Myrtle's husband?
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Which character is amazed that the books in Gatsby's library are real?
Which character is amazed that the books in Gatsby's library are real?
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What is the setting of the novel?
What is the setting of the novel?
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Where is the green light located?
Where is the green light located?
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What is described as a giant trash-burning operation in between the 'Eggs' and New York City?
What is described as a giant trash-burning operation in between the 'Eggs' and New York City?
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How does Nick know Daisy?
How does Nick know Daisy?
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How is Tom described physically?
How is Tom described physically?
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Who calls Tom during dinner in chapter one?
Who calls Tom during dinner in chapter one?
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Where are Tom, Daisy, and Nick originally from?
Where are Tom, Daisy, and Nick originally from?
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Whose nose breaks in chapter 2?
Whose nose breaks in chapter 2?
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What is the subject of the book Tom reads in chapter 1?
What is the subject of the book Tom reads in chapter 1?
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Whose eyes adorn the billboard overlooking the valley between Long Island and Manhattan?
Whose eyes adorn the billboard overlooking the valley between Long Island and Manhattan?
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What lie does Tom tell about Daisy?
What lie does Tom tell about Daisy?
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In Chapter 1, Nick says that he waits to ______ people.
In Chapter 1, Nick says that he waits to ______ people.
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Who are Mr. and Mrs. McKee and does Nick mistakenly sleep with Mr. McKee?
Who are Mr. and Mrs. McKee and does Nick mistakenly sleep with Mr. McKee?
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When Daisy's daughter was born, Daisy said that she hoped her daughter would be a ______.
When Daisy's daughter was born, Daisy said that she hoped her daughter would be a ______.
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How is Nick first introduced to Myrtle Wilson?
How is Nick first introduced to Myrtle Wilson?
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Study Notes
Setting and Context
- The events of the novel occur in 1922, capturing the essence of the Jazz Age in America.
- The primary setting includes Long Island, divided into West Egg and East Egg, symbolizing social class differences.
Key Characters
- Jay Gatsby: A mysterious figure known for extravagant parties and residing next to Nick; he is central to the novel's exploration of wealth and identity.
- Daisy Buchanan: Tom's wife; she embodies beauty and sophistication but is also a symbol of the American Dream's emptiness.
- Tom Buchanan: Described as physically imposing and aggressive; he exemplifies the entitlement of the wealthy and represents racism in the novel.
- Jordan Baker: A professional golfer and friend of Daisy; she is characterized by her cynicism and detachment from conventional morality.
- Meyer Wolfsheim: A shady businessman linked to organized crime, notorious for fixing the 1919 World Series; represents corruption in the pursuit of wealth.
- Nick Carraway: The novel's narrator; he is a moral center and outsider in the stories of the wealthy elite.
- Myrtle Wilson: Tom's mistress, who seeks a life beyond her current circumstances; her tragic fate highlights the dangers of infidelity and desire.
- George Wilson: Myrtle's husband, a mechanic who struggles with the realities of his life; he represents the working class’s hardships.
Important Symbols and Themes
- The Green Light: Symbolizes Gatsby's unreachable dreams and the broader American Dream; located at the end of the Buchanans’ dock.
- The Valley of Ashes: A desolate area symbolizing moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth.
- The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg: Advertisements overseeing the Valley of Ashes, interpreted as a representation of the lost faith and the watchful eyes of society.
Key Events and Relationships
- Nick is introduced to the Buchanans and their social circle, revealing the complexities of their relationships, particularly Tom's affair.
- Myrtle's character is introduced through her relationship with Tom and her desire to escape her reality. Her tragic fate serves as a commentary on the consequences of infidelity.
- Daisy's hope for her daughter to be a fool suggests criticism of societal expectations and the triviality of the American upper class.
- Tom’s phone call during dinner signifies his infidelity and the tension in his marriage with Daisy.
- Nick's relationship with various characters, including a mistaken encounter with Mr. McKee, illustrates the confusion and moral ambiguity inherent in their world.
Notable Quotes and Observations
- Nick prefers to withhold judgment about people, reflecting his role as an observer and critic of the society he navigates.
- Tom's reading material, focusing on race, reveals his prejudiced attitudes and the social concerns of the era.
- Daisy's comment when her daughter is born highlights the cynicism and disappointment that permeates the lives of the characters.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first two chapters of 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz review includes key characters and significant events to help reinforce your understanding of the novel. Perfect for students looking to prepare for essays or discussions.
