The Great Gatsby: Chapter 1 Discussion

Questions and Answers

Discuss Nick's tone in Chapter 1.

He is a normal person, respects everyone, and seems interested in Gatsby.

Describe Nick's relationship with his father. What words or passage lead you to believe this?

His relationship is kind of distant but follows his father's wishes.

Where was Nick (geographic location) in Chapter 1?

Midwest

At the break on page 2, what's Nick's attitude about Gatsby?

Thinks Gatsby is kind of mysterious and very wealthy but he's alright. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick go back and fill us in about his family on page 3 instead of continuing with his focus on Gatsby?

He doesn't know a lot about Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

Nick finally introduces himself on page 3. Why?

The reader will get information on his background and what he's about. Signup and view all the answers

In Nick's biography, he mentions some dates and years. Describe.

Spring 1922 is when he moved to the East and he was financed for a year by his father. Signup and view all the answers

How did Nick end up at West Egg? What time of year?

He got there in the summer and after the war. He formerly lived in Chicago. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the allusion on page 4.

??? Signup and view all the answers

What did Nick do in college? How might that have led to writing this book?

He was a literary in college. One year he wrote a series of editions for Yale News. Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'Life is much more successfully looked at from a single window' convey?

If you only keep your eyes on one goal and one way of getting there, then you more likely achieve it. Another way to view this is life from a perspective. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss an element of contrast in Chapter 1.

East and West Egg Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hotel de Ville in Normandy, France? What comparison is made with this structure?

A hotel in France compared to West Egg. It is being compared to Gatsby Mansion. Signup and view all the answers

How did Nick know Tom and Daisy? Was he close to them?

He knew Tom in college and Daisy was his distant second cousin. Signup and view all the answers

Find examples characterizing Tom. What's your impression of Tom?

Ignorant and rude. He left the dinner table with guests to answer a call. Signup and view all the answers

Explain an example of color imagery. What color is being emphasized? Why?

The color being emphasized is the red and white on the house. Signup and view all the answers

Find examples characterizing Daisy. How does her dialogue make us, as the reader, form a different impression of her?

'How gorgeous! Let's go back, Tom. To-morrow!' Daisy is spoiled and gets what she wants. Signup and view all the answers

Find examples characterizing Jordan Baker. How does she compare or contrast to Daisy?

She's used to the money and knows what happens when people get too much money. She thinks it rude how Tom left the table. Signup and view all the answers

What day is the longest day of the year? When does this scene take place?

Two weeks from the party and this takes place at the dinner table after Tom and Daisy fight. Signup and view all the answers

How do Daisy and Tom treat each other? Explain.

Tom treats her with disrespect and Daisy still respects him. Signup and view all the answers

What interrupts the dinner party? How does each guest react?

A phone call from a girl in New York. The guests think it's rude/inconvenient. Signup and view all the answers

Locate an example of figurative language.

'A breeze blew through the room, blew curtains in at one end and out the other like pale flags.' Signup and view all the answers

How does Daisy change once evening falls?

She becomes more quiet and later says she isn't happy. Signup and view all the answers

What is The Saturday Evening Post?

Newspaper Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom disapprove of Jordan?

He knows that she knows he is up to no good. Signup and view all the answers

Describe how Nick handles the question of being engaged.

He doesn't have enough money to attract a girl around and was nowhere close to being engaged. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the various rumors mentioned in Chapter 1. Predict what will happen as the story develops.

There were rumors such as the girl in New York and things behind her back. Another is Nick being engaged. Signup and view all the answers

Nick spends almost an entire page (20) describing the evening. Why does he do this? What does it mean?

He sees another figure who he thinks is Gatsby and goes into further detail. Signup and view all the answers

Why mention Gatsby so briefly at the end of Chapter 1?

To leave him unknown and the reader wanting to know more. Signup and view all the answers

Locate and discuss an example of figurative language.

'Two young women were buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon.' Signup and view all the answers

Locate and discuss some memorable statements from the chapter.

When Jordan talked about Tom having a girl in New York, or when Daisy and Tom asked about him being engaged. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Nick telling you this story?

To give you the point of view from his perspective. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss Nick's reliability as a narrator. Is he trustworthy? Why or why not?

I think he is reliable and trustworthy because he is always honest and doesn't seem ignorant nor rude. He is a well-rounded person. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nick's Tone and Relationships

Nick presents a respectful and interested tone towards others, particularly Gatsby, indicating openness to understanding his character.
His relationship with his father is distant yet adheres to his father's expectations, suggesting a blend of respect and personal disconnect.

Nick is originally from the Midwest, highlighting a contrast with the East Coast elite.
He moves to West Egg in the summer of 1922, post-WWI, suggesting a pursuit of opportunity and a new beginning after the war.

Attitudes and Perceptions

Initially, Nick finds Gatsby to be a mysterious and wealthy figure but forms a mild sense of admiration, keeping an open mind about him.
Nick’s decision to delve into his family background before focusing on Gatsby emphasizes his own identity and the contextual backdrop of the story.

Characterization and Imagery

Tom Buchanan is depicted as ignorant and rude, exemplified by his disruptive phone call during dinner, highlighting his disrespectful nature.
Daisy is characterized as spoiled, with her desire to immediately return to Chicago showcasing her self-centeredness and impulsivity.
Jordan Baker represents the nuances of wealth and social status, revealing a critical but understanding perspective of the world around her.

Symbolism and Themes

Color imagery, such as the description of the Buchanan's house, imbues the narrative with symbolism; the red and white reflect both cheerfulness and superficiality.
The contrast between East and West Egg symbolizes differing social classes and values, setting the stage for tensions between characters.

The disruption of the dinner party by a phone call reveals underlying tensions and the rudeness of Tom’s character, impacting guest dynamics.
Daisy and Tom's interplay indicates an imbalance in their relationship, with Tom’s disdain contrasted by Daisy's continual respect for him.

Rumors and Future Implications

Various rumors, including Tom’s infidelity and Nick's engagement status, hint at deeper conflicts that will unfold, illustrating themes of deception and societal facade.
Nick’s late mention of Gatsby allows for an air of mystery, encouraging reader curiosity and foreshadowing his importance in the narrative.

Narrative Perspective

Nick's detailed descriptions and memorable statements provide insight and depth, painting an intricate picture of the social landscape.
His reliability as a narrator is established through his honesty and the grounded nature of his observations, enhancing trust from the reader.

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Description

Dive into the key themes and character dynamics of Chapter 1 of 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz encourages you to analyze Nick's perspective, his relationship with his father, and the geographical setting. Test your understanding and interpretation of this iconic opening chapter.