The Great Gatsby: Background & Relationships

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Who comes to talk with Gatsby and why?

A reporter, to discuss the rumors about his life.

Who tells us the real story of Gatsby's life?

Nick

What was Gatsby's real name?

James Gatz

Where was Gatsby from?

North Dakota Signup and view all the answers

Where did Gatsby go to college?

St. Olaf's in Minnesota, on a farm. Signup and view all the answers

Did Gatsby graduate from college?

False Signup and view all the answers

Who did Gatsby meet when he was 17 that influenced his love of wealth and luxury?

Dan Cody Signup and view all the answers

How did Cody thank Gatsby?

He gave him a job as an assistant on his yacht. Signup and view all the answers

What does Cody leave Gatsby when he dies? Does he ever get it?

$25,000, No Signup and view all the answers

Why was Gatsby not a drinker?

Cody was a heavy drinker, and Gatsby had to look after him during his binges. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom first learn that Gatsby and Daisy know each other?

When he goes over to have a drink at Gatsby's house, Gatsby tells him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom feel about Gatsby?

He is contemptuous of Gatsby's lack of social grace. Signup and view all the answers

At the next party at Gatsby's house, why does Tom attend?

Daisy is going, and he wants to keep an eye on her. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Tom tell Daisy that Gatsby earned his wealth?

Bootlegging Signup and view all the answers

Where does Daisy tell Tom that Gatsby earned his wealth?

A chain of drugstores that he owns. Signup and view all the answers

Does Daisy have a good time at the party?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby seek out Nick after the party?

He is unhappy because Daisy had such an unpleasant time. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Nick give Gatsby regarding Daisy?

He told him that he cannot re-create the past. Signup and view all the answers

Does Gatsby agree with Nick about Daisy?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why does Daisy offer Tom her little gold pencil at Gatsby's party?

To take down addresses; he gets the numbers of pretty girls. Signup and view all the answers

What is Tom and Daisy's daughter's name?

Pammy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gatsby's Background and Early Life

A reporter interviews Gatsby to discuss rumors about his mysterious life.
Nick Carraway reveals the actual story of Gatsby's life, providing insight into his true identity.
Gatsby's real name is James Gatz, highlighting the theme of reinvention.
He hails from North Dakota, symbolizing his humble beginnings.
Attended St. Olaf's College in Minnesota but dropped out after two weeks due to his disdain for menial work to pay tuition.

Influences and Key Relationships

Met Dan Cody at age 17, who instilled in Gatsby a passion for wealth and luxury.
Gatsby warned Cody about a storm while he was yachting, leading to an assistant position on Cody's yacht as a token of appreciation.
Cody leaves Gatsby $25,000 in his will; however, Gatsby never receives the inheritance.
Gatsby's work for Cody included managing his drinking habits, which cultivated his aversion to alcohol.

Gatsby and Daisy

Tom Buchanan discovers Gatsby and Daisy's connection when Gatsby casually mentions it during a visit.
Tom exhibits contempt for Gatsby, criticizing his social manners and Daisy's visits to Gatsby's mansion.
Attends Gatsby's party primarily to monitor Daisy, fueled by his dislike for Gatsby.
Tom accuses Gatsby of earning his wealth through illegal means (bootlegging), contrasting with Daisy's version of Gatsby's wealth from legitimate drugstores.

Daisy's Experience and Gatsby's Desires

Daisy finds the party distasteful, noting the extravagance and chaos of West Egg, indicating her discomfort with the lifestyle.
After the party, Gatsby seeks Nick's counsel, expressing his discontent over Daisy's unpleasant experience.
Gatsby desires to relive their past romance in Louisville, despite Nick's advice that the past cannot be recreated.
Gatsby's unwavering belief that wealth can win Daisy's affections underlines a central theme of the novel.

Tom and Daisy's Family

Daisy playfully offers Tom her gold pencil for jotting down numbers of attractive women during Gatsby's party, emphasizing her ambivalence.
The couple's daughter, Pammy, serves as a reminder of their familial ties amidst their troubled marriage.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate background and key relationships of Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz delves into Gatsby's early life, his connection with Dan Cody, and his complex romance with Daisy Buchanan. Uncover the themes of reinvention and aspiration that define his character.