Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is Daisy's reaction to the news?
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.
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?
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?
What indication is there that Tom really was fond of Myrtle?
What does the reader learn that Tom does not know?
What does the reader learn that Tom does not know?
What is the scene that Nick observes between Tom and Daisy in the kitchen?
What is the scene that Nick observes between Tom and Daisy in the kitchen?
Why does this scene suggest ill for Gatsby?
Why does this scene suggest ill for Gatsby?
Why was the young Gatsby drawn to Daisy?
Why was the young Gatsby drawn to Daisy?
What is the cause of the problem between Jordan and Nick?
What is the cause of the problem between Jordan and Nick?
In what context do Dr. Eckleburg's eyes appear in this chapter?
In what context do Dr. Eckleburg's eyes appear in this chapter?
When Wilson disappears for three hours, where do you guess he might have gone?
When Wilson disappears for three hours, where do you guess he might have gone?
Why does Gatsby ask the groundskeeper not to drain the pool?
Why does Gatsby ask the groundskeeper not to drain the pool?
How can Wilson's actions at the end of this chapter be explained?
How can Wilson's actions at the end of this chapter be explained?
What were Nick's final significant words to Gatsby?
What were Nick's final significant words to Gatsby?
Why does Nick feel responsible for getting people to the funeral?
Why does Nick feel responsible for getting people to the funeral?
What does young Jimmy Gatz's daily schedule say about him?
What does young Jimmy Gatz's daily schedule say about him?
Is Nick surprised that Daisy has not sent a message or flowers?
Is Nick surprised that Daisy has not sent a message or flowers?
What shocking piece of information does Nick receive in his chance meeting with Tom?
What shocking piece of information does Nick receive in his chance meeting with Tom?
In the last four paragraphs, what does the green light symbolize?
In the last four paragraphs, what does the green light symbolize?
What does the last sentence in the story mean?
What does the last sentence in the story mean?
What was the advice given to Nick by his father?
What was the advice given to Nick by his father?
What is Nick's social class/background?
What is Nick's social class/background?
When Nick returns from the war, why does he decide to go East?
When Nick returns from the war, why does he decide to go East?
How is West Egg different from East Egg?
How is West Egg different from East Egg?
Before meeting him, what does Nick tell us about Tom Buchanan?
Before meeting him, what does Nick tell us about Tom Buchanan?
If you were going to pick one color to connect with Daisy Buchanan, what color would it be?
If you were going to pick one color to connect with Daisy Buchanan, what color would it be?
What unflattering feature of Jordan Baker's personality is revealed in the scene with Tom?
What unflattering feature of Jordan Baker's personality is revealed in the scene with Tom?
What's the name of the book that Tom wants to discuss at dinner?
What's the name of the book that Tom wants to discuss at dinner?
What is the reader left to think about Daisy's emotional state and her relationship with Tom?
What is the reader left to think about Daisy's emotional state and her relationship with Tom?
Who is Jordan Baker and what has Nick heard about her?
Who is Jordan Baker and what has Nick heard about her?
What stops Nick from calling Gatsby to introduce himself?
What stops Nick from calling Gatsby to introduce himself?
Literally, what is the valley of ashes?
Literally, what is the valley of ashes?
Compare and contrast George Wilson and Tom Buchanan.
Compare and contrast George Wilson and Tom Buchanan.
How do we know that Myrtle Wilson is not an intellectual?
How do we know that Myrtle Wilson is not an intellectual?
What symbolizes that the characters are being observed?
What symbolizes that the characters are being observed?
What is the significance of the puppy in the chapter?
What is the significance of the puppy in the chapter?
Do you think Tom will leave Daisy for Myrtle?
Do you think Tom will leave Daisy for Myrtle?
What can you conclude about Nick's opinion of Gatsby's party guests?
What can you conclude about Nick's opinion of Gatsby's party guests?
Why does Jordan want to leave the group from East Egg?
Why does Jordan want to leave the group from East Egg?
Who is Owl-Eyes and what surprises him about Gatsby's library?
Who is Owl-Eyes and what surprises him about Gatsby's library?
What unexpected common bond do Gatsby and Nick share?
What unexpected common bond do Gatsby and Nick share?
What does Fitzgerald convey about Gatsby's appearance and behavior?
What does Fitzgerald convey about Gatsby's appearance and behavior?
Why does Jordan not believe Gatsby's claim about attending Oxford?
Why does Jordan not believe Gatsby's claim about attending Oxford?
In what ways is Gatsby's behavior at his party unlike most of his guests?
In what ways is Gatsby's behavior at his party unlike most of his guests?
What is Fitzgerald's deeper message regarding rich people's behavior during the party?
What is Fitzgerald's deeper message regarding rich people's behavior during the party?
Explain the irony of Jordan declaring she 'hates careless people.'
Explain the irony of Jordan declaring she 'hates careless people.'
What evidence shows that old money is in East Egg and new money is in West Egg?
What evidence shows that old money is in East Egg and new money is in West Egg?
What is strange about Nick's drive into New York with Gatsby?
What is strange about Nick's drive into New York with Gatsby?
What does Nick see on/near the Queensboro Bridge that makes him think Gatsby might be telling the truth?
What does Nick see on/near the Queensboro Bridge that makes him think Gatsby might be telling the truth?
Who is Meyer Wolfsheim?
Who is Meyer Wolfsheim?
Why does Gatsby disappear when another character unexpectedly arrives at lunch?
Why does Gatsby disappear when another character unexpectedly arrives at lunch?
Do you think Daisy was genuinely interested in Gatsby?
Do you think Daisy was genuinely interested in Gatsby?
How does Daisy behave the night before her wedding?
How does Daisy behave the night before her wedding?
Who do you suppose sent the letter that upset Daisy?
Who do you suppose sent the letter that upset Daisy?
What does Nick now realize about Gatsby when he first spotted him reaching across the bay?
What does Nick now realize about Gatsby when he first spotted him reaching across the bay?
What's happening between Nick and Jordan?
What's happening between Nick and Jordan?
What steps has Gatsby taken to ensure the reunion day is perfect?
What steps has Gatsby taken to ensure the reunion day is perfect?
Symbolically, what is the weather like at the beginning of Chapter 5?
Symbolically, what is the weather like at the beginning of Chapter 5?
Why does Gatsby take Nick and Daisy the long way to his house?
Why does Gatsby take Nick and Daisy the long way to his house?
Why is Gatsby's response about his business inappropriate?
Why is Gatsby's response about his business inappropriate?
What causes Daisy to become so emotional while wrapping herself in Gatsby's shirts?
What causes Daisy to become so emotional while wrapping herself in Gatsby's shirts?
Explain the significance of the green light across the bay.
Explain the significance of the green light across the bay.
When did James Gatz change his name to Jay Gatsby?
When did James Gatz change his name to Jay Gatsby?
Why did Gatsby leave college after just two weeks?
Why did Gatsby leave college after just two weeks?
What does young Gatz expect the future Jay Gatsby's life will be like?
What does young Gatz expect the future Jay Gatsby's life will be like?
To young Gatz, what does Dan Cody's yacht represent?
To young Gatz, what does Dan Cody's yacht represent?
Why does Gatsby not get the $25,000 left to him in Cody's will?
Why does Gatsby not get the $25,000 left to him in Cody's will?
What's interesting about Tom's quote on women running around?
What's interesting about Tom's quote on women running around?
What is Daisy's opinion of Gatsby's party?
What is Daisy's opinion of Gatsby's party?
Why can't Gatsby predict Tom and Daisy's reactions to his party?
Why can't Gatsby predict Tom and Daisy's reactions to his party?
What is Nick's view on repeating the past?
What is Nick's view on repeating the past?
Why does Fitzgerald link the characters' behavior to the hottest day of summer?
Why does Fitzgerald link the characters' behavior to the hottest day of summer?
What does Daisy's little girl symbolize when Gatsby meets her?
What does Daisy's little girl symbolize when Gatsby meets her?
What causes Tom to realize Daisy has been having an affair with Gatsby?
What causes Tom to realize Daisy has been having an affair with Gatsby?
What does Gatsby understand about Daisy's voice that Nick does not?
What does Gatsby understand about Daisy's voice that Nick does not?
Describe the group of characters going into the city.
Describe the group of characters going into the city.
Why does Tom finally let Wilson have the car?
Why does Tom finally let Wilson have the car?
What indication shows Myrtle thinks Tom is more than a fling?
What indication shows Myrtle thinks Tom is more than a fling?
What eyes 'kept their vigil' on the activities along the roadway?
What eyes 'kept their vigil' on the activities along the roadway?
In what sense is Gatsby an Oxford man?
In what sense is Gatsby an Oxford man?
What does Daisy mean when she says Tom is 'revolting'?
What does Daisy mean when she says Tom is 'revolting'?
Why does Daisy have a tough time denying she ever loved Tom?
Why does Daisy have a tough time denying she ever loved Tom?
Why is it crucial for Gatsby that Daisy says she never loved Tom?
Why is it crucial for Gatsby that Daisy says she never loved Tom?
How has Gatsby earned most of his money?
How has Gatsby earned most of his money?
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.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
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.
