Questions and Answers
Summarize the story of James Gatz.
He was born to an impoverished farmer in North Dakota and legally changed his name to Jay Gatsby at 17. After briefly attending St. Olaf's, he dropped out to avoid being a janitor. His dreams intensified through his relationship with millionaire Dan Cody, whom he worked for. Gatsby inherited $25,000 after Cody's death, but could not access it due to Cody's mistress.
Who was Dan Cody?
Dan Cody was a millionaire fisherman who took Gatsby as his personal assistant.
What does Gatsby want Daisy to do, and what would this accomplish?
Gatsby wants Daisy to tell Tom that she doesn't love him, which would lead to Tom and Daisy's divorce, allowing Gatsby to pursue Daisy.
How does Gatsby respond when Nick tells him, 'You can't repeat the past'?
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What is ironic about Tom's statement that 'women run around too much these days'?
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Who is Pammy, and how does Gatsby react when he sees her?
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How does Tom figure out that Gatsby loves Daisy, and how does he react?
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What important discovery does Wilson make in chapter 7, and how does he react?
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What has Tom discovered about Gatsby's business dealings?
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Why was Myrtle running towards Gatsby's car, who was really driving, and who does Tom think was driving?
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How has Gatsby's dream died in this chapter, and how has everyone else suffered loss?
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Why is Nick disgusted with Jordan at the end of chapter 7?
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What comparisons does Fitzgerald draw between Tom and Gatsby?
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Study Notes
James Gatz's Background
- Born to an impoverished North Dakota farmer, not to wealth in San Francisco.
- Changed his name to Jay Gatsby at 17 to reinvent himself.
- Dropped out of St. Olaf's College after two weeks to avoid working as a janitor.
- His ambition increased due to his relationship with millionaire Dan Cody, whom he met while fishing on Lake Superior.
- Inherits $25,000 from Cody's will, but loses it due to Cody's mistress, Ella Kaye.
Dan Cody
- A millionaire from the Yukon Gold Rush who became Gatsby's mentor.
- Took Gatsby as his personal assistant, influencing his aspirations for wealth.
Gatsby's Desire for Daisy
- Gatsby wants Daisy to publicly declare her lack of love for Tom.
- Achieving this would lead to Daisy's divorce, allowing Gatsby to pursue a relationship with her.
Gatsby's Perspective on the Past
- Asserted to Nick that one can repeat the past, illustrating his desire to recreate a perfect life.
Tom's Irony and Control
- Tom's complaint about women running around is ironic, considering Daisy's actions and his controlling nature.
- Reflects Tom's possessiveness and attempts to dominate Daisy's life choices.
Pammy's Role
- Pammy is Tom and Daisy's daughter, complicating Gatsby's idealized vision of a future with Daisy.
- Gatsby feels heartbroken upon seeing Pammy, highlighting his feelings of loss and unmet dreams.
Tom's Recognition of Gatsby's Feelings
- Observes the intimacy between Daisy and Gatsby, leading to disbelief and a desire to confront the situation.
Wilson's Discovery
- Learns of Myrtle's affair with Tom, prompting him to seek a fresh start by heading west.
Tom's Insight on Gatsby's Business
- Discovers Gatsby's connections to bootlegging and drug stores, raising suspicions about Gatsby's wealth.
Myrtle's Fatal Encounter
- Myrtle runs towards Gatsby's car to escape Tom, ultimately leading to her tragic death.
- Daisy was driving, but Tom assumes Gatsby was behind the wheel, leading to misattributed blame.
The Death of Gatsby's Dream
- Gatsby's aspiration for universal love crumbles as he experiences profound loss.
- Other characters face their own losses: Wilson loses Myrtle, Tom grapples with betrayal, and Daisy deals with emotional turmoil.
Nick's Disgust with Jordan
- Nick grows irritated with Jordan's dramatic behavior and incessant chatter by the end of Chapter 7.
Comparisons Between Tom and Gatsby
- Both are wealthy, ambitious, and desire the best for Daisy, showcasing similar motivations.
- Fitzgerald suggests their shared greed ultimately drives them to compete for dominance in their social world.
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Description
Explore the complexities of Jay Gatsby's character in chapters 6 and 7 of 'The Great Gatsby'. This study guide provides essential summaries, including Gatsby's transformation from James Gatz to his ultimate dream. Ideal for students aiming to deepen their understanding of the novel's themes and character development.