The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Quiz

Questions and Answers

What advice did Nick's father give him, and how would following this advice make him a good writer?

Nick's father advised him to remember that all people haven't had the advantages he has had when feeling critical of others.

What is Nick's social class/background? How did his family make its money?

Nick comes from a very wealthy background, as his great uncle started a wholesale hardware business after the Civil War.

Why does Nick move East (to New York) after he returns from World War I?

Nick moved East because he felt restless after the war and believed the Midwest felt like the end of the universe; he went East to be in the bond business.

How is West Egg different from East Egg?

West Egg is described as less fashionable, while East Egg is more fashionable with white palaces. Signup and view all the answers

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

Nick describes Tom as physically accomplished, a powerful football player, extremely wealthy, and someone who owns polo ponies. He has a gruff tenor voice. Signup and view all the answers

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

Red, because Daisy seems to be obsessed with greed and always gets what she wants. Signup and view all the answers

What scandalous bit of information does Nick learn from Jordan about Tom?

Nick learns that Tom has a woman in New York City. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the book that Tom wants to discuss at dinner? What does this book's content show us about Tom?

The book is called 'The Rise of the Colored Empires,' which shows that Tom is a racist and agrees with its racist ideas. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nick Carraway's Background and Advice

Nick’s father advised him to be understanding of others, recognizing their lack of advantages. This perspective fosters empathy and depth in his writing.
Comes from a wealthy family; his great uncle established a successful wholesale hardware business post-Civil War.

Reasons for Moving East

After World War I, Nick felt restless and viewed the Midwest as "the end of the universe."
He relocated to New York to pursue a career in the bond business.

Geographical Divisions

West Egg represents less fashionable living compared to East Egg, which is characterized by opulent white palaces.

Tom Buchanan's Characteristics

Described as physically accomplished and wealthy; a dominant football player and polo enthusiast.
Exudes strength with a gruff tone and a sturdy physique, reflecting his privileged lifestyle.

Daisy Buchanan's Associations

Red is a significant color linked to Daisy, symbolizing her obsession with wealth and desire for material possessions.

Scandals Involving Tom Buchanan

Tom is involved in an affair, which is revealed to Nick by Jordan Baker, highlighting his infidelity and lack of morals.

Tom's Racism and Literature

He wishes to discuss "The Rise of the Colored Empires," a book reflecting his racist beliefs, indicating his alignment with prejudiced ideologies.

Description

Test your knowledge of the key themes and character backgrounds in Chapter 1 of 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz covers significant quotes and character insights that shape the narrative and its protagonists. Challenge your understanding of Nick Carraway's perspective and social context.