The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Study Guide

Questions and Answers

What was Nick's father's advice to him?

If he ever felt like criticizing anyone to remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages he had

Describe Nick's family.

Prominent, well-to-do people in a middle western city for three generations. Old money.

What school did Nick graduate from and in what year?

Yale in New Haven, 1915

What did Nick participate in after graduating?

The Great War 1916-1918 Signup and view all the answers

What business did Nick decide to pursue during the summer of 1922?

Go into the bond business Signup and view all the answers

Where is Nick from?

Middle-west Signup and view all the answers

For how long would Nick's father finance him?

For one year Signup and view all the answers

Describe the house Nick is living in.

A weather-beaten cardboard bungalow costing $80 a month Signup and view all the answers

Name some things Nick had in his house.

A dog until it ran away, an old Dodge, and a Finnish woman (servant) Signup and view all the answers

In what area near New York City is Nick living?

West Egg Signup and view all the answers

Which 'egg' is more fashionable according to Nick?

East Egg Signup and view all the answers

Who is Nick's mysterious next-door neighbor?

Gatsby lives in a mansion next door Signup and view all the answers

Who is Daisy's husband and how old is he?

Tom Buchanan, age 30 Signup and view all the answers

What did Tom do in college?

He played football Signup and view all the answers

Name one of Tom's qualities.

Arrogant, rich, tough, unsympathetic, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom have that shows he is successful?

Horses, a big house on the water, a large garden, a butler Signup and view all the answers

How old is Daisy's child?

3 years old Signup and view all the answers

How did Daisy get her black and blue hand and how does she attack back?

Her finger; Tom 'that's what I get for marrying a brute of a man, a great big hulking physical specimen of a-' Signup and view all the answers

What book was Tom reading that reveals him as prejudiced?

The Rise of the Coloured Empires by Goddard Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick remind Daisy of?

An absolute rose Signup and view all the answers

Who is the 'fifth visitor' who arrives at dinner?

Tom gets a phone call from his mistress Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy say she wants her child to be?

A beautiful little fool Signup and view all the answers

Name the person Tom and Daisy want Nick to get together with.

Jordan Baker, the golfer Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom think about Jordan and her family?

That her family shouldn't let Jordan run around the country Signup and view all the answers

Where is Jordan from and who else is from there?

Louisville. Daisy is also from Louisville. Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the chapter, what did Gatsby do that showed yearning?

Stretched out his arms across the bay Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom know Nick the narrator?

They went to Yale together Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters and Relationships

Nick Carraway advises introspection before criticism, considering others' disadvantages.
Nick's family is established, having been wealthy "old money" in the Midwest for three generations.
Daisy Buchanan is married to Tom Buchanan; they are affluent yet troubled.
Tom is characterized as arrogant and successful, playing football in college and owning impressive properties.

Nick Carraway's Background

Nick graduated from Yale in New Haven in 1915.
Participated in World War I from 1916-1918 before deciding to enter the bond business in the summer of 1922.

Setting and Location

Nick hails from the Midwest and currently resides in West Egg, a less fashionable area compared to East Egg.
His residence is described as a weather-beaten cardboard bungalow, costing $80 a month.

Lifestyle and Surroundings

Nick's house contains a dog (which ran away), an old Dodge car, and a Finnish servant.
The house is located near Gatsby, his mysterious neighbor who owns a mansion.

Daisy's Domestic Life

Daisy has a three-year-old child and expresses a desire for her daughter to be a "beautiful little fool."
A domestic scene reveals tensions, with Daisy showing a bruise sustained from Tom, suggesting a destructive relationship.

Tom demonstrates prejudice by reading "The Rise of the Coloured Empires" by Goddard.
Guests at the Buchanans' dinner include Jordan Baker, a golfer from Louisville, sharing a connection with Daisy.

Themes and Symbolism

The chapter ends with Gatsby reaching out across the bay, symbolizing longing and unattainable dreams.
The characters exhibit the complexities of wealth and relationships, foreshadowing conflict and disillusionment.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 1 of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Explore key themes and characters as you review Nick Carraway's background and his father's advice. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their knowledge of this classic novel.