The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

From what point of view is the story being told and in what tense?

The story is being told in first person in past tense.

What does the quote 'whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had' mean, and what conclusions can you draw about the narrator from this quote?

The quote means that you shouldn't judge others for their misfortunes. It indicates that the narrator values a sense of moral justice.

List 5-7 important details about the narrator from Chapter 1.

He went to a private college, came from a rich family, learned the bond business, fought in the Great War, and is descended from Dutch and Buccleuch.

How does Nick compare East and West Egg, and who is Nick's neighbor?

Nick compares East Egg as where the rich lived and West Egg as the home to the new rich with no social connections. Nick's neighbor is Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick describe his neighbor's house?

Nick describes his neighbor's house as very luxurious and large. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Tom in 3-5 sentences.

Tom is a wealthy and strong person. He is mean to people that are not on his level. He is the husband to Daisy Buchanan. He is a powerful figure dressed in riding clothes, plays polo, and drives fast cars. He lives in East Egg. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Daisy in 3-5 sentences.

Daisy is the wife of Tom Buchanan. She is beautiful and a party girl. She lives in East Egg. Signup and view all the answers

What has Tom been reading, and what does this indicate about his views?

Tom has been reading 'The Rise of the Colored Empire', indicating that he holds racist views. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Tom from the phone call, and how does Daisy deal with the interruption?

We learn that Tom is known for his affairs, and Daisy deals with it by ignoring it. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy mean when she says 'And I hope she'll be a fool- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool'?

Daisy means that she hopes her daughter does not see the evil in the world and ignores her husband's wrongdoing. Signup and view all the answers

What rumor had Daisy heard about Nick?

The rumor is that Nick was engaged to another woman out west. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Tom and Daisy's relationship.

Tom and Daisy's relationship is unstable; they were in love at one point but fell out. Signup and view all the answers

What strange sight does Nick see at the end of Chapter 1?

Nick sees Gatsby staring at the stars with his arms out. Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having Nick narrate the story of The Great Gatsby rather than having Gatsby tell the story?

Advantages include getting an outside view of Gatsby's luxurious life; disadvantages are not knowing exactly what is going on in Gatsby's and other characters' heads. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Point of View and Tense

The story is narrated in first person, allowing a personal connection to the narrator's thoughts and experiences.
The narrative is delivered in past tense, creating a reflective tone.

Opening Quote

The quote emphasizes empathy and the importance of understanding others' circumstances before passing judgment.
This suggests the narrator values moral justice, hinting at a potential conflict with characters lacking this awareness.

Narrator's Background

The narrator attended a private college and comes from a wealthy family.
He learned about the bond business, indicating a connection to finance and society’s elite.
The narrator served in World War I, offering insight into his life experiences.
He has Dutch and Buccleuch ancestry, contributing to his identity and perspective.

East Egg vs. West Egg

East Egg represents old money, symbolizing tradition and social status.
West Egg is home to the "new rich," lacking the refinement and connections of East Egg residents.
Gatsby, the narrator's neighbor, lives in a large, luxurious house, emphasizing his wealth and status.

Tom Buchanan's Character

Tom is depicted as wealthy and strong but also cruel and condescending toward those less privileged.
He is married to Daisy Buchanan and is portrayed as a dominant figure in society, engaging in sports like polo.
His lifestyle reflects the excesses of the upper class.

Daisy Buchanan's Character

Daisy is characterized as beautiful, carefree, and someone who enjoys social gatherings.
She embodies the aesthetic and social expectations of women in her social class during the 1920s.

Tom's Reading Material

Tom reads "The Rise of the Colored Empire," revealing his racist attitudes.
This reflects the broader societal prejudices prevalent in America during that era.

Interruption and Tom's Affairs

A phone call reveals Tom's infidelities, hinting at the instability in his marriage.
Daisy responds to the interruption by ignoring it, suggesting her coping mechanism for dealing with discomfort.

Daisy's Aspirations for Her Daughter

Daisy hopes her daughter will be a "beautiful little fool," reflecting a desire to shield her from the harsh realities of their world.
This statement underscores gender roles and the limited expectations for women during that time.

Rumors about Nick

Daisy mentions a rumor about Nick being engaged out west, highlighting the gossip that permeates their social circle and foreshadowing relationships.

Tom and Daisy's Relationship

Their relationship is tumultuous; it once held passion but has since deteriorated into instability and discontent.

Gatsby's Mysterious Presence

At the chapter's conclusion, Nick observes Gatsby staring at the stars, symbolizing hope or unattainable dreams, introducing intrigue.

Narrative Perspective's Advantages and Disadvantages

Nick's narration provides an outsider's view of Gatsby's opulent life, enhancing the story's themes.
However, this perspective limits understanding of Gatsby's internal thoughts and motivations, creating a sense of mystery.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards on Chapter 1 of The Great Gatsby. Each card presents key questions and answers to help you understand the narrative perspective and themes introduced in this classic novel. Perfect for students and literature enthusiasts alike!