The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Questions

Questions and Answers

What is Daisy's reaction to the news?

She stares terrified between Gatsby and her husband, and she starts to withdraw into herself.

Describe the hit-and-run scene.

Michaelis tells them that Myrtle was the victim, and that a car coming from New York City struck her then sped away.

Why does Tom make the point to Wilson that he just drove the coupe from New York?

He is afraid that Wilson will remember that Tom was in the yellow car earlier and think that he killed Myrtle.

What indication is there that Tom really was fond of Myrtle?

He cries when he is in the car alone. Signup and view all the answers

What does the reader learn that Tom does not know?

That Daisy was driving the car that killed Myrtle, not Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

What is the scene that Nick observes between Tom and Daisy in the kitchen?

They're sitting opposite of each other, and Tom has his hand over hers, talking intently while Daisy nods. Signup and view all the answers

Why does this scene suggest ill for Gatsby?

Tom and Daisy are getting closer, which pushes Gatsby out of the picture. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the young Gatsby drawn to Daisy?

Nice and other guys like her. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of the problem between Jordan and Nick?

Jordan is artificial and Nick is real. Signup and view all the answers

In what context do Dr. Eckleburg's eyes appear in this chapter?

To see all and know all. Signup and view all the answers

When Wilson disappears for three hours, where do you guess he might have gone?

Probably Tom or Gatsby's house. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby ask the groundskeeper not to drain the pool?

Because the pool represents Gatsby's dream. Signup and view all the answers

How can Wilson's actions at the end of this chapter be explained?

He had nothing left to live for. Signup and view all the answers

What were Nick's final significant words to Gatsby?

It was the only compliment Gatsby had ever received from Nick, and Nick stated that Gatsby was worth all of them combined. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick feel responsible for getting people to the funeral?

Nick was Gatsby's only friend. Nobody else cared about him but Nick. Signup and view all the answers

What does young Jimmy Gatz's daily schedule say about him?

It indicates he was working to be better, and self-improvement was important to him. Signup and view all the answers

Is Nick surprised that Daisy has not sent a message or flowers?

No, he's not really surprised. Signup and view all the answers

What shocking piece of information does Nick receive in his chance meeting with Tom?

That Tom got Gatsby killed and that they're fake, terrible people. Signup and view all the answers

In the last four paragraphs, what does the green light symbolize?

The green light symbolizes the orgastic future that's close but also elusive. Signup and view all the answers

What does the last sentence in the story mean?

People try hard to move on but keep falling back into the past. Signup and view all the answers

What was the advice given to Nick by his father?

Do not judge people, they haven't had the same advantages as you have had in your life. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nick's social class/background?

Middle Class. Signup and view all the answers

When Nick returns from the war, why does he decide to go East?

Wants to be a broker and learn the bond business. Signup and view all the answers

How is West Egg different from East Egg?

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

Before meeting him, what does Nick tell us about Tom Buchanan?

A star football player who had a ton of money and peaked in his twenties. Signup and view all the answers

If you were going to pick one color to connect with Daisy Buchanan, what color would it be?

Black. Signup and view all the answers

What unflattering feature of Jordan Baker's personality is revealed in the scene with Tom?

She's fake. Signup and view all the answers

What's the name of the book that Tom wants to discuss at dinner?

The Rise of the Colored Empire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reader left to think about Daisy's emotional state and her relationship with Tom?

Unsettling, abusive. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jordan Baker and what has Nick heard about her?

A scandal, no details. Signup and view all the answers

What stops Nick from calling Gatsby to introduce himself?

Gatsby wanted to be alone. Signup and view all the answers

Literally, what is the valley of ashes?

It's gray and gloomy. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast George Wilson and Tom Buchanan.

Tom Buchanan doesn't allow anyone to cheat him. Signup and view all the answers

How do we know that Myrtle Wilson is not an intellectual?

She's a loudmouth fatty who tries to act wealthy. Signup and view all the answers

What symbolizes that the characters are being observed?

Doctor Eckleburg's eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the puppy in the chapter?

To show that Myrtle wanted a family bond with Tom. Signup and view all the answers

Do you think Tom will leave Daisy for Myrtle?

Perhaps. Signup and view all the answers

What can you conclude about Nick's opinion of Gatsby's party guests?

He doesn't respect them much. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jordan want to leave the group from East Egg?

Too boring. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Owl-Eyes and what surprises him about Gatsby's library?

A freeloader surprised by the real books that haven't been read. Signup and view all the answers

What unexpected common bond do Gatsby and Nick share?

Both were in the third division in France during the war. Signup and view all the answers

What does Fitzgerald convey about Gatsby's appearance and behavior?

Looks can be deceiving. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Jordan not believe Gatsby's claim about attending Oxford?

Doesn't fit the stereotype. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is Gatsby's behavior at his party unlike most of his guests?

He doesn't like to party; he watches the guests. Signup and view all the answers

What is Fitzgerald's deeper message regarding rich people's behavior during the party?

Money doesn't make anyone happy. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the irony of Jordan declaring she 'hates careless people.'

Only cares about herself. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence shows that old money is in East Egg and new money is in West Egg?

East Eggers are snooty and represent prestigious family names, while West Eggers are new money with ethnic-sounding names. Signup and view all the answers

What is strange about Nick's drive into New York with Gatsby?

Gatsby overshares about his background and emphasizes his education. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick see on/near the Queensboro Bridge that makes him think Gatsby might be telling the truth?

A juxtaposition of a funeral procession and a limousine party. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Meyer Wolfsheim?

He is a shady gangster who Gatsby does business with. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby disappear when another character unexpectedly arrives at lunch?

Gatsby is avoiding Tom because of his past relationship with Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

Do you think Daisy was genuinely interested in Gatsby?

Yes, they were engrossed in each other. Signup and view all the answers

How does Daisy behave the night before her wedding?

She is drunk and attempts to cancel the wedding. Signup and view all the answers

Who do you suppose sent the letter that upset Daisy?

Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick now realize about Gatsby when he first spotted him reaching across the bay?

Gatsby still wants Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

What's happening between Nick and Jordan?

They are starting to like each other. Signup and view all the answers

What steps has Gatsby taken to ensure the reunion day is perfect?

He got a lawn mowing service, flowers, and checked the weather. Signup and view all the answers

Symbolically, what is the weather like at the beginning of Chapter 5?

It is storming. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby take Nick and Daisy the long way to his house?

He wants to show off his massive estate to Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Gatsby's response about his business inappropriate?

He is probably doing something illegal. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Daisy to become so emotional while wrapping herself in Gatsby's shirts?

She became overwhelmed by what Gatsby has done to be with her. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the green light across the bay.

Gatsby's fantasy is now proven to be unrealistic. Signup and view all the answers

When did James Gatz change his name to Jay Gatsby?

When he saw Dan Cody's yacht. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Gatsby leave college after just two weeks?

He didn't feel it was his destiny. Signup and view all the answers

What does young Gatz expect the future Jay Gatsby's life will be like?

Imagining success and wealth. Signup and view all the answers

To young Gatz, what does Dan Cody's yacht represent?

All the beauty and glamour in the world. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby not get the $25,000 left to him in Cody's will?

Ella Kaye blocked it legally. Signup and view all the answers

What's interesting about Tom's quote on women running around?

Tom has a mistress while judging other women. Signup and view all the answers

What is Daisy's opinion of Gatsby's party?

She doesn't like it; it offends her. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't Gatsby predict Tom and Daisy's reactions to his party?

Gatsby is oblivious to social nuances. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nick's view on repeating the past?

You can't and shouldn't repeat the past. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Fitzgerald link the characters' behavior to the hottest day of summer?

Heat makes the characters irritable. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy's little girl symbolize when Gatsby meets her?

How irresponsible Daisy is. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Tom to realize Daisy has been having an affair with Gatsby?

Daisy and Gatsby make eye contact. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby understand about Daisy's voice that Nick does not?

It is full of money. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the group of characters going into the city.

Jordan, Nick, and Tom take Gatsby's yellow car while Daisy and Gatsby take Tom's blue coupe. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom finally let Wilson have the car?

He feels guilty. Signup and view all the answers

What indication shows Myrtle thinks Tom is more than a fling?

She's jealous. Signup and view all the answers

What eyes 'kept their vigil' on the activities along the roadway?

Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. Signup and view all the answers

In what sense is Gatsby an Oxford man?

He went to college there for 5 months. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy mean when she says Tom is 'revolting'?

Because Tom's infidelity disgusts her. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Daisy have a tough time denying she ever loved Tom?

Because at one point she did love Tom. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial for Gatsby that Daisy says she never loved Tom?

Because Gatsby wants to erase the past. Signup and view all the answers

How has Gatsby earned most of his money?

He and Wolfsheim bought street-side drug stores and sold grain alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 1

Nick's father's advice emphasizes understanding others' backgrounds, contributing to Nick's ability as a narrator.
Nick comes from a middle-class family that operated a wholesale hardware store.
Post-war, Nick aims to be a broker and learn about bonds, prompting his move East.
West Egg is characterized by new money, while East Egg symbolizes old money and social status.
Tom Buchanan is depicted as wealthy and arrogant, having peaked in his youth as a football star.
Daisy Buchanan embodies mystery and complexity, resonating with the color black.
Jordan Baker reveals her superficial nature, highlighting her fakeness through gossip about Tom.
Tom's choice of reading material underscores his racial prejudices.
Daisy's troubled emotional state hints at a problematic marriage with Tom.
Jordan Baker is known for her scandals but lacks detail about her past.
Gatsby's trembling suggests deep longing, hinting at his past connection with Daisy.

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 2

The "valley of ashes" depicts a bleak industrial landscape, representing social division.
George Wilson is naive and passive in contrast to Tom Buchanan's aggressive demeanor; Myrtle seeks wealth unlike the nurturing qualities of Daisy.
Myrtle Wilson's loudness and material desires illustrate her lack of intellect.
Doctor Eckleburg's eyes symbolize omnipresence and moral decay in society.
Myrtle's desire for a puppy signifies her hope for a semblance of family life with Tom.
Speculation arises whether Tom will abandon Daisy for Myrtle due to Tom's ignorance but questionable limitations.

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 3

Nick perceives Gatsby's guests as superficial, likening their behavior to that of amusement park attendees.
Jordan finds East Egg dull, seeking excitement elsewhere.
Owl-Eyes is surprised by the authenticity of Gatsby's unread books, marking Gatsby's wealth as a deception.
Gatsby and Nick share a common experience of serving in the war, creating a bond.
Gatsby's intricate language suggests a facade, revealing a deeper complexity beneath his wealth.
Jordan doubts Gatsby's Oxford claims, questioning his authenticity.
Unlike his guests, Gatsby is an observer at his own parties, feeling detached from the festivities.
A drunken accident epitomizes the recklessness associated with wealthy individuals.
Jordan's self-absorption is ironic when she proclaims her disdain for careless people.

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 4

East Egg's elite social circle is contrasted with West Egg's new money through party guest descriptions.
Gatsby's odd behavior during the drive into New York reveals his desperation for validation.
Nick witnesses contrasting experiences on the Queensboro Bridge, reflecting life's unpredictability.
Meyer Wolfsheim symbolizes Gatsby's underground connections and shady dealings.
Gatsby avoids Tom due to the complexities of his past love with Daisy.
Jordan recounts Gatsby and Daisy's intense romance, indicating genuine affection.
Daisy's drunken night before her wedding foreshadows her inner conflict about marrying Tom.
Gatsby's letter likely sparked Daisy's anguish, hinting at their unresolved feelings.
Gatsby's house symbolizes his longing for Daisy, as it overlooks her home.
A budding romance develops between Nick and Jordan.

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 5

Gatsby meticulously prepares for his reunion with Daisy, indicating his emotional investment.
Stormy weather symbolizes Gatsby's anxiety about the meeting with Daisy.
Gatsby's desire to show off his estate reflects his underlying insecurities.
Gatsby's mysterious business dealings suggest illegal activities, raising suspicion.
Daisy's emotional response to Gatsby's shirts reveals her realization of his dedication and transformation.
The green light signifies Gatsby's unattainable dreams and the reality of his disillusionment.

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 6

James Gatz became Jay Gatsby upon meeting Dan Cody, who represented wealth and success to him.
Gatsby's identity construction reflects youthful dreams and aspirations for fame and fortune.
Gatsby was denied inheritance from Cody due to manipulation by Ella Kaye, imparting lessons about wealth.
Tom's sexist views are juxtaposed against his own infidelities with Myrtle.
Daisy finds Gatsby's parties distasteful, viewing them as gaudy and lacking refinement.
Gatsby’s naivety about social class highlights his outsider status in elite circles.
Nick acknowledges the impossibility of reclaiming the past, contrasting Gatsby's unrealistic aspirations.

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 7

Extreme heat depicts rising tensions among characters, mirroring their emotional states.
Gatsby's interaction with Daisy's daughter highlights Daisy’s irresponsibility and the complexities of their relationship.
Tom realizes Daisy's affair through her charged gaze towards Gatsby.
Gatsby recognizes the financial implications of Daisy's voice, signifying her deep connection to wealth.
The trip to New York illustrates the strained relationships between Tom, Daisy, Jordan, and Gatsby.
Tom feels guilty as he finally permits Wilson ownership of a car he promised to him.
Myrtle’s jealousy signals that she perceives Tom’s commitment as more than mere attraction.
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes symbolize the watchful gaze over the characters' moral decay.
Gatsby's brief trust in his claim of being an Oxford man exposes his attempt to construct a respectable facade.
Daisy's comment about Tom reflects her growing contempt for his hypocrisy.
Daisy struggles to deny her love for Tom due to her complex feelings for both men.
Gatsby's obsession with the past reflects his inability to accept reality, fearing Daisy's commitment to Tom.
Gatsby's illicit dealings are hinted at through Tom's revelations, rattling Daisy.
Daisy’s fear during this revelation indicates her newfound wariness of Gatsby’s darker side.

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 8

Young Gatsby's attraction to Daisy stemmed from her charm and social status.
The conflict between Jordan and Nick arises from differing values, highlighting the theme of authenticity.### Dr. Eckleburg's Eyes
Symbolize a god-like presence observing the events of the novel, representing themes of moral decay and unattainable dreams.

Wilson's Disappearance

Speculated to be seeking answers or confrontation at Tom or Gatsby's residence, reflecting his desperate state.

Gatsby's Pool

Represents Gatsby's unfulfilled aspirations; his request to keep the pool symbolizes his holding onto hope despite impending doom.

Wilson's Actions

Driven by despair after losing everything, leading to tragic choices, highlighting themes of hopelessness.

Nick's Farewell to Gatsby

Nick's final words offer the only genuine compliment, signifying Gatsby's worth beyond materialism and societal judgment.

Nick's Responsibility

Feels compelled to organize Gatsby's funeral as he is the only true friend, contrasting the indifference of others, including Wolfsheim who prioritizes self-preservation.

Young Jimmy Gatz's Schedule

Reflects a diligent pursuit of self-improvement, underscoring Gatsby's ambition and determination.

Daisy's Indifference

Nick's lack of surprise at Daisy's absence emphasizes her selfish nature and the superficiality of the elite social class.

Nick's Fantastic Dream

Features El Greco figures, symbolizing an idealized yet unattainable vision, mirroring Nick's disillusionment with the East.

Nick's Encounter with Tom

Receives the revelation that Tom indirectly caused Gatsby's death, solidifying his negative perception of Tom and Daisy as morally bankrupt individuals.

Symbolism of the Green Light

Represents the allure of an ideal future that remains perpetually out of reach, emphasizing the conflict between aspiration and reality.

Last Sentence Reflection

Illustrates humanity's struggle to progress while being tethered to past dreams, highlighting a cyclical nature of aspiration and regret.

Conclusion

The narrative concludes, encapsulating the themes of disillusionment, the persistence of dreams, and the inescapable grip of the past.

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Test your understanding of Chapter 1 of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcard questions. This quiz focuses on key themes, character backgrounds, and important advice given to Nick, making it essential for deeper comprehension of the text.