Podcast
Questions and Answers
What do the girls at the party think Gatsby did to get rich?
What do the girls at the party think Gatsby did to get rich?
They think he's a German spy.
Why do you think Fitzgerald gives a long list of those guests who attended Gatsby's parties that summer?
Why do you think Fitzgerald gives a long list of those guests who attended Gatsby's parties that summer?
It illustrates the fact that there were a lot of people that attended Gatsby's parties and the classes of these people.
Who is the 'boarder'? How did he get his name?
Who is the 'boarder'? How did he get his name?
Ewing Klipspringer. He got his name because he basically lives at Gatsby's mansion.
Describe Gatsby's car.
Describe Gatsby's car.
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What new information does Gatsby give Nick about himself?
What new information does Gatsby give Nick about himself?
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What is Nick's reaction to Gatsby's story?
What is Nick's reaction to Gatsby's story?
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What two things does Gatsby always carry?
What two things does Gatsby always carry?
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How does Gatsby get out of a speeding ticket?
How does Gatsby get out of a speeding ticket?
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Describe Mr. Wolfsheim.
Describe Mr. Wolfsheim.
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What did Tom give Daisy the day before their wedding?
What did Tom give Daisy the day before their wedding?
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What happened with Tom in Ventura?
What happened with Tom in Ventura?
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Why, according to Jordan, is it not a coincidence that Gatsby lives where he does, at West Egg?
Why, according to Jordan, is it not a coincidence that Gatsby lives where he does, at West Egg?
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What did Gatsby want Jordan to ask Nick?
What did Gatsby want Jordan to ask Nick?
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Explain your interpretation of the quote, 'There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.'
Explain your interpretation of the quote, 'There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.'
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Study Notes
Gatsby's Wealth and Reputation
- Guests at Gatsby's parties speculate he amassed wealth as a German spy, highlighting the rumors surrounding his background.
- Fitzgerald's long list of party attendees indicates Gatsby's popularity across various social classes, suggesting his significant influence and fame.
Character Descriptions
- Ewing Klipspringer, dubbed the "boarder," resides mostly at Gatsby's mansion, symbolizing Gatsby's loneliness and the generosity of his lifestyle.
- Gatsby's car is distinctive with a cream color, representing his wealth, uniqueness, and tendency to draw attention.
Gatsby's Background
- Gatsby claims he was born into wealth, lost his parents early, attended Oxford, and served in the war, earning multiple medals.
- Nick questions Gatsby's story due to inconsistencies in his background, particularly regarding his education and origins.
Gatsby's Evidence and Trust
- Gatsby carries a valor medal and a photograph from Oxford, possibly to affirm his stories amidst doubts from others, notably Nick.
- Despite having tangible proof, Nick remains skeptical, illustrating the complexity of Gatsby's character.
Encounters with Authority
- Gatsby avoids a speeding ticket by showing a Christmas card from the police commissioner, indicating his connections and privilege.
Mr. Wolfsheim's Character
- Mr. Wolfsheim is depicted as a small, intense Jewish man with a shady reputation, having been involved in fixing the 1919 World Series.
- His association with Gatsby hints at dubious business dealings.
Daisy and Tom Buchanan's Relationship
- Tom gifted Daisy a string of pearls before their wedding, coinciding with Gatsby's letter that triggered Daisy's emotional breakdown.
- Tom's incident in Ventura reveals his unfaithfulness and character flaws early in their marriage.
Gatsby's Intentions
- Jordan reveals that Gatsby's residence in West Egg is intentional, allowing him proximity to Daisy.
- Gatsby asks Jordan to arrange a meeting between him, Daisy, and Nick, aiming for Daisy to visit his opulent mansion.
Themes of Pursuit and Identity
- The quote "There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired" categorizes characters: Daisy is pursued by Gatsby; Gatsby tirelessly pursues his dreams; Nick is perpetually busy, caught in the unfolding drama.
- This framework illustrates the dynamics of relationships and aspirations among the characters in the novel.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts and character insights from Chapter 4 of 'The Great Gatsby'. Test your understanding of the characters' perceptions and the significance of the guest list at Gatsby's parties. Perfect for students looking to deepen their comprehension of this classic novel.
