Questions and Answers
What are the two rumors about Gatsby at the beginning of chapter 4?
He is a bootlegger and he killed a man who found out he was a nephew to Von Hindenburg and second cousin to the devil.
What does it mean to be a leech?
A person who clings to another for personal gain, especially without giving anything in return.
Who is Klipspringer?
A guy that is always at Gatsby's house, referred to as 'the boarder'.
What does it mean to be a boarder?
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Why do you think Gatsby calls Nick 'old sport' all the time?
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What truth does Gatsby tell Nick about himself?
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Why does Nick think Gatsby is lying about his past?
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What two things does Gatsby show Nick to prove his truth?
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Why does Gatsby tell Nick the truth?
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Describe Meyer Wolfsheim.
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What do we learn about Meyer Wolfsheim on page 73?
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Who does Nick see while he is out to lunch?
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Why is Daisy upset with Nick?
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What is a flashback?
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What story does Jordan recall from 1917 that she tells Nick?
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Who was the officer from the flashback story?
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Who do you think the letter was from?
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As told in the flashback, who had a past relationship?
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Why did Gatsby buy his house?
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What request is Gatsby making of Nick?
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Why does Gatsby want Daisy to see his house?
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Study Notes
Rumors About Gatsby
- Gatsby is rumored to be a bootlegger and has allegedly killed a man.
- Another rumor suggests he is related to prominent figures, claiming to be the nephew of Von Hindenburg and a cousin of the devil.
Character Definitions
- Leech: Refers to someone who exploits others for personal benefit; akin to a parasite.
- Boarder: A person renting a room in another's home; Nick describes Klipspringer as "the boarder."
Gatsby and Nick's Relationship
- Gatsby frequently calls Nick "old sport" to create a friendly bond, hoping to use this connection to get closer to Daisy.
- He shares his past with Nick, claiming to be a wealthy heir from San Francisco, educated at Oxford, and having lived extravagantly after his family died.
Skepticism and Trust
- Nick is initially skeptical about Gatsby's story, particularly when Gatsby struggles to mention his Oxford education.
- Gatsby shows Nick two proofs of his past: a medal for valor and a photograph with his classmates, which helps Nick to believe him.
- Gatsby's intent to tell Nick the truth is to earn his trust.
Meyer Wolfsheim
- Wolfsheim is portrayed as a business associate of Gatsby's and embodies the gangster stereotype.
- He is a gambler known for allegedly fixing the 1919 World Series.
Social Interactions
- Nick encounters Tom Buchanan while out for lunch, revealing the ongoing connections among the characters.
- Daisy feels neglected by Nick for not reaching out; this indicates tension in her personal relationships.
Flashbacks and Past Relationships
- A flashback recounts Daisy's youthful romance with Gatsby, cut short by her family's disapproval.
- On her wedding day, Daisy received a letter that shocked her, hinting at her unresolved feelings for Gatsby.
- The officer from the flashback, Jay Gatsby, illustrates their past connection.
Gatsby's Intentions
- Gatsby purchased his mansion to be near Daisy, showing his obsessive affection and desire to rekindle their relationship.
- He requests Nick to invite Daisy over, intending to make a grand impression with his wealth, reflecting his desire for status and recognition before her.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 4 in 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Discover key rumors about Gatsby and important vocabulary terms. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of this classic novel.
