The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which words establish the motif of The Great Gatsby? (Select all that apply)

Riotous (correct)

Privileged (correct)

Romantic (correct)

Hope (correct)

Hostile (correct)

What business does Nick Carraway go into and why?

Bond business because everybody he knew was in the bond business, so he supposed it could support one more single man.

What year does the story take place?

Spring of 1922

Who does Nick go to the country with?

He goes alone and had a dog that ran away. Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between West Egg and East Egg?

West Egg has new money, and the East Egg has old money. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Tom Buchanan. Why does Nick say Tom has a 'cruel body'?

Rich, well-built, aggressive. Nick says Tom has a 'cruel body' because Nick doesn't like how Tom looks or dresses. Signup and view all the answers

Who are the two girls on the divan?

Jordan Baker and Daisy Buchanan. Signup and view all the answers

How does Daisy talk? Why?

Low, thrilling voice; murmurs. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom's comment towards Nick involving bond man 'annoy him'?

Tom comments that he's a bond man and Nick asks with whom. Tom tells him and Nick says he never heard of them. Signup and view all the answers

How do Tom and Daisy feel about the race? Why does Fitzgerald include this information? What does this say about the context of society?

It's up to them, who are the dominant race, to watch out. 'We've got to beat them down.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom call Nick? Why? How does Nick feel about what Tom says?

Tom calls Nick a Nordic because everyone is. Nick feels okay about what he was just called. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Daisy want her daughter to be a fool? What does this reveal about Daisy?

Daisy wants her daughter to be a fool because she implies that the life of a woman is a happier one. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom feel towards Jordan Baker?

Similar to her. Signup and view all the answers

Explain Nick's 'Engagement'.

Nick was engaged to a girl out west. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Nick see at the end of Chapter 1? What is their interaction?

Nick sees Gatsby. Their interaction was weird because he was seen from a distance. Signup and view all the answers

What object does Nick see at the end of the first chapter? What literary term is this?

Nick sees a green light at the end of the first chapter. The literary term is illusion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Words Establishing Motif

Important words establishing the motif include hope, riotous, privileged, romantic, and hostile, highlighting themes in the narrative.

Nick Carraway's Profession

Nick enters the bond business, believing it to be a suitable career since many acquaintances work in the same field.

Timeframe of the Story

The events of the story occur in the spring of 1922, setting the stage in the post-World War I era.

Nick's Experience in the Country

Nick Carraway travels to the country alone, accompanied only by a dog that ultimately runs away.

Distinctions Between West Egg and East Egg

West Egg is associated with 'new money,' while East Egg represents 'old money,' reflecting socio-economic divides.

Description of Tom Buchanan

Tom Buchanan is characterized as wealthy, muscular, and aggressive, with Nick describing his appearance as embodying a "cruel body," indicating disdain for his demeanor.

Key Female Characters

The two women on the divan are Jordan Baker and Daisy Buchanan, key players in the social dynamics of the narrative.

Daisy Buchanan's Voice

Daisy speaks in a low, thrilling voice with murmurs, suggesting an air of allure and complexity.

Tom's Comment About Nick

Tom's remark about Nick being a bond man annoys Nick, who feels dismissively about Tom’s arrogance when he claims familiarity with his profession.

Tom and Daisy's View on Race

Tom and Daisy express a sense of superiority regarding race, with Tom stating it is their responsibility to "watch out" for their interests, reflecting racial tensions in society.

Tom's Labeling of Nick

Tom refers to Nick as "Nordic" based on racial connotations, and Nick takes this comment without offense, indicating his comfortable position in society.

Daisy's Aspirations for Her Daughter

Daisy desires her daughter to be a fool, implying that ignorance may lead to a happier life, revealing her own disillusionment with reality.

Tom's Feelings for Jordan Baker

Tom shares a mutual attraction with Jordan Baker, showing complex relationships among the characters.

Nick's Past Engagement

Nick discloses an engagement to a woman from the West, hinting at his personal history and emotional connections.

Nick's Encounter with Gatsby

At the chapter's conclusion, Nick sees Gatsby from a distance, describing their interaction as odd and enigmatic.

Symbolism at Chapter's End

Nick observes a green light, which serves as a symbol in the narrative, reflecting the theme of illusion and aspiration.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key themes and characters from Chapter 1 of 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz covers vocabulary and important details about Nick Carraway and the story's setting. Perfect for students preparing for literature exams.