Great Gatsby Chapter 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself?

He is the son of a wealthy family from San Francisco, educated at Oxford.

What accomplishment of Meyer Wolfsheim does Gatsby describe to Nick? How does Nick react?

Wolfsheim became a gambler and fixed the 1919 World Series. Nick was suspicious about Gatsby's friendship with Wolfsheim, thinking he is evil.

According to Jordan, what did Daisy do the evening before her wedding day? Why? What does this reveal about Daisy?

Daisy got drunk and cried when she got a letter from Gatsby and she did not want to cancel the wedding.

Why does Gatsby want to have tea with Daisy in Nick's house? Why doesn't Gatsby ask Nick for this favor himself? Why did Gatsby want Daisy to see his house?

He wanted Daisy to see his house and be impressed by it. Nick's house is next to Gatsby's, so it is easy for Daisy to see. Gatsby wants to impress Daisy with his wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom do when he and Daisy return from their honeymoon?

Tom cheated with another woman and got into a car accident. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of man is Meyer Wolfsheim? What does Gatsby's friendship with Wolfsheim imply about his own background?

Wolfsheim is dishonest and doing something illegal. Gatsby appears shady from his connection with him. Signup and view all the answers

List all of the rumors told about Gatsby.

Gatsby is a bootlegger, killed a man, attended Oxford, and was a German spy. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Fitzgerald list all of Gatsby's party guests?

To show the people at the party are not Gatsby's friends and he doesn't know anything about them. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby tell Nick about his life? Do you believe Gatsby? Does Nick? Why or why not?

Gatsby wanted Nick to trust him about how good he is. Yes, Gatsby does not want Nick to hear the wrong things about him. Nick was suspicious about Gatsby's background. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Meyer Wolfsheim play in the novel? Why is there so much focus on his nose and what does this tell you about Fitzgerald's politics?

Wolfsheim is Gatsby's mob connection. Meyer is Jewish and his nose suggests he is Jewish. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby throw huge, expensive parties for people he does not even know?

He wants to impress Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

Nick says, 'There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired.' What does Nick mean?

There are different people: some are working and some are lazy. Nick is hardworking, Daisy is shallow, Gatsby and Wolfsheim are dishonest and lazy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gatsby's Background

Gatsby claims to be the son of a wealthy family from San Francisco and an Oxford graduate, highlighting a fabricated but glamorous identity.

Meyer Wolfsheim

Wolfsheim is depicted as a shady character who fixed the 1919 World Series, raising Nick's suspicions about Gatsby's morals and associations.

Daisy's Wedding Turmoil

On the eve of her wedding, Daisy receives a letter from Gatsby, leading her to drink excessively and cry, indicating her deep emotional turmoil and unresolved feelings.

Tea with Daisy

Gatsby enlists Nick to host tea with Daisy, desiring to impress her with his wealth and status, revealing his longing for her admiration.

Tom Buchanan's Infidelity

Upon returning from their honeymoon, Tom's infidelity becomes evident as he has an affair and is involved in a car accident, foreshadowing marital discord.

Implications of Friendship

Gatsby's friendship with the dishonest Wolfsheim suggests Gatsby's own possible involvement in illegal activities, casting doubt on his legitimacy.

Rumors about Gatsby

Various rumors circulate about Gatsby, including claims of bootlegging, murder, Oxford education, and being a German spy, illustrating his enigmatic persona.

Nature of Party Guests

Fitzgerald lists Gatsby's party guests to emphasize that they are not true friends, reflecting Gatsby's isolation despite his lavish lifestyle.

Gatsby's Narrative

Gatsby shares his life story with Nick to gain his trust, though Nick remains skeptical and questions the authenticity of Gatsby's claims.

Role of Meyer Wolfsheim

Wolfsheim serves as Gatsby’s connection to organized crime, with Fitzgerald's emphasis on his ethnic identity suggesting underlying societal prejudices.

Purpose of Gatsby's Parties

Gatsby's extravagant parties are aimed at attracting Daisy, underscoring his unrequited love and desire for her approval.

Nick's Observation on Society

Nick’s statement about "the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired" categorizes people based on their motivations and actions, revealing a social commentary on ambition and apathy.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 4 of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Learn about Gatsby's background, his connection to Meyer Wolfsheim, and Nick's reactions. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of the themes and characters in the novel.