Questions and Answers
Describe the narrator. What is his family background?
The narrator of The Great Gatsby is a young man from Minnesota named Nick Carraway. He characterizes himself as both highly moral and highly tolerant.
Why did Nick come to the East?
In the summer of 1922, Nick arrived in New York to work in the bond business and rented a house on Long Island called West Egg.
Whom did Nick meet in the first chapter?
Tom & Daisy Buchanan and Miss Baker.
Describe Tom's newfound philosophy based on the book he reads.
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What two things does Daisy tell Nick on the porch?
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What does Jordan do for a living?
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What happens at the very end of Chapter 1?
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Who is Dr. T.J. Eckleburg?
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Where does Tom bring Nick?
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What is 'The Valley of Ashes'? How did it become this way?
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Describe the Wilsons.
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Describe the party in Chapter 2.
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Study Notes
Chapter 1: Nick Carraway
- Nick Carraway, the narrator, is a young man from Minnesota with a background characterized by moral integrity and tolerance.
- In the summer of 1922, Nick relocates to New York to work in the bond business and rents a house in West Egg, Long Island.
Key Characters Introduced
- Nick meets Tom Buchanan, Daisy Buchanan, and Jordan Baker.
- Tom is portrayed as aggressive and domineering, while Daisy is charming yet cynical.
Tom's Philosophy
- Tom's reading includes "The Rise of the Colored Empire," which presents a disturbing viewpoint on race and reflects his racist ideology.
Daisy's Perspectives
- Daisy expresses her cynicism about life and reveals her wish for her daughter to be "a beautiful little fool," highlighting her disillusionment with society.
Jordan Baker's Profession
- Jordan Baker is introduced as a professional golfer, adding to the atmosphere of the affluent elite.
Chapter 1 Conclusion
- The chapter ends with Nick observing Gatsby reaching towards a distant green light across the water, symbolizing hope and unattainable dreams.
Chapter 2: Dr. T.J. Eckleburg
- Dr. T.J. Eckleburg is represented by a faded billboard featuring large eyes, symbolizing the eyes of God watching over the moral decay of society.
Tom's Activities
- Tom takes Nick to Wilson's Garage, a pivotal location that reflects the socioeconomic contrast of the area.
The Valley of Ashes
- The Valley of Ashes serves as a grim symbol of decay and poverty, representing the consequences of wealth disparity between East and West Egg.
Description of the Wilsons
- George Wilson, Myrtle's husband, is depicted as a lifeless but attractive man, while Myrtle is characterized by her desperate vitality and energy.
Party in Chapter 2
- An impromptu party unfolds at Tom’s apartment with Myrtle's sister Catherine and the McKees, where excessive drinking occurs, depicting the hedonistic lifestyle of the characters.
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Description
Test your understanding of Chapter 1 of The Great Gatsby with this quiz. Explore Nick Carraway's background and motivations as the narrator. Dive deep into the themes and context that set the stage for the novel.
