The Great Gatsby Chapter Questions

Questions and Answers

What is Chapter 1 about?

How does Nick describe himself at the beginning of the book?

He reserves judgement to others

Why has Nick come to the East?

To learn the bond business

How does Nick describe Tom Buchanan?

Arrogant, wealthy, athletic Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jordan Baker and what does Nick find appealing about her?

Daisy's friend. He is attracted to her Signup and view all the answers

How does Daisy react to the phone calls from Tom's woman in New York?

She feels like she has to be polite Signup and view all the answers

What is Gatsby doing when Nick first sees him?

Standing in his yard, looking at a green light Signup and view all the answers

Why does Fitzgerald use the words hope or dream frequently?

It is the American dream Signup and view all the answers

Does Nick reserve judgement in the novel?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the day and year during the first scene at Daisy's house?

June 7, 1921 Signup and view all the answers

What facts do you know about Nick, and what do you infer about him?

He grew up with wealth. well bred, polite, and relatively mellow Signup and view all the answers

What image does the author use to describe Jordan Baker?

She is on a couch, buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon; she does not have a care in the world Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick react to Jordan?

He is instantly curious about her Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom's behavior reveal about his character?

He's a very mean man Signup and view all the answers

What is Chapter 2 about?

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How does Nick meet Tom's mistress?

They took a train up to New York and it stopped near her husband's shop Signup and view all the answers

How does Myrtle react to Tom's arrival?

She ignores her husband and walks straight up to Tom Signup and view all the answers

Describe George Wilson. How does he react to Tom's arrival?

Spiritless, slightly handsome. Excited to see Tom to fix his car because he needs the money Signup and view all the answers

How does Myrtle behave as the party progresses?

As she drinks, she becomes more outspoken and uppity Signup and view all the answers

Why, according to Catherine, has Tom not left Daisy to marry Myrtle?

Daisy is a Catholic and doesn't believe in divorce.(though Nick knows she isn't) Signup and view all the answers

Why did Tom break Myrtle's nose? How is this consistent with the author's description of him in Chapter 1?

She keeps repeating Daisy's name. He is abusive towards women Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'valley of ashes.' What does it look like and what does it represent?

A massive trash dump. It represents the rotting American dream. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mr. Wilson and Myrtle. Do they seem to fit into the setting?

They are a poor couple. They don't fit. Signup and view all the answers

What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter? Is he similar or different than the people he spends his time with?

He's very different. He is more of an observer Signup and view all the answers

What is Chapter 3 about?

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Why does Gatsby throw huge, expensive parties for people he does not even know?

To get Daisy's attention - or to fill a void in his life Signup and view all the answers

Describe two ways in which Nick differs from the other guests at the party.

He was actually invited and he was American. Signup and view all the answers

What does the owl-eyed man find extraordinary about the books in Gatsby's library?

That they are real. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the owl-eyed man describe Gatsby as a real Belasco?

He has a huge library, so he is like Belasco, a major theatrical producer, who creates things for show. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the owl-eyed man?

Owls are wise creatures. He possibly indicates that he has wisdom about Gatsby beyond what the others know. Signup and view all the answers

What does the reaction of the drivers of the wrecked automobile suggest about the values of Gatsby's guests?

They are simplistic. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick learn about Jordan after he's spent some time with her?

She's a golfer and a liar. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Jordan's lies?

She lies, just like Gatsby does, but it isn't as awful for her. Signup and view all the answers

Pay attention to Nick's judgments. What do they reveal about his character that he does this?

He judges people for bad behavior - not just in general or in a snooty way. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Gatsby the first time Nick sees him.

He is a positive, kind man who seems to see the best in people. Very careful with his language - speaks elegantly and seems supportive. Signup and view all the answers

What rumors have been told about Gatsby? Why does Fitzgerald reveal rumors rather than fact?

He killed a man, German spy, went to Oxford. Adds to his mysterious nature. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick think of Gatsby after meeting him?

He is surprised at how young he is. He says his speech is formal and elaborate. Signup and view all the answers

How is Gatsby different from his guests?

He is not drinking. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick choose to share his thoughts and feelings with Jordan?

He was so surprised at Gatsby's appearance and age. Signup and view all the answers

Nick thinks he's one of the few honest people he knows. Why?

He is straightforward about what he thinks. In real life, he withholds information from people. Signup and view all the answers

What is Chapter 4 about?

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What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself?

Son of wealthy Midwesterners. Grew up in America but was educated at Oxford because it's a family tradition. Signup and view all the answers

What accomplishment of Meyer Wolfshein's does Gatsby describe to Nick? How does Nick react?

He supposedly fixed the 1919 World Series. Nick is shocked. Signup and view all the answers

According to Jordan, what did Daisy do on her wedding day? Why? What does this reveal about her?

She got drunk and almost ran off. She clutched a letter from Gatsby. It shows that she was still in love with him & only married Tom for his money. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby want to have tea with Daisy in Nick's house? Why doesn't Gatsby ask Nick for this favor himself? What did Gatsby want Daisy to see his house?

He used to be in love with her and wants to meet up with her to show her his fancy house. He doesn't ask Nick himself because he was afraid Nick would be offended. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom do when he and Daisy return from their honeymoon?

He got into a car accident with a mistress in the car. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby's friendship with Meyer Wolfshein imply about his own background?

He has some secrets and questionable activity going on. Signup and view all the answers

List all the rumors told about Gatsby.

He's a bootlegger, once killed a man, German spy, went to Oxford. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Fitzgerald list all of Gatsby's party guests?

He shows how unimportant all of them are. They are all big names, but they just float in and out of Gatsby's party and nothing personal about them stands out. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby tell Nick about his life? Does Nick believe him?

He says he doesn't want Nick to get the wrong idea based on rumors, but the way that Gatsby sort of hurries through telling about Oxford makes him seem suspicious. Nick is not sure about him. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Meyer Wolfshein play in the novel? What does this tell you about Fitzgerald's politics?

He is a flat-nosed Jew. It shows his racial stereotype. Signup and view all the answers

Nick says 'There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired.' What does Nick mean?

Everyone falls into one of those categories. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby offer Nick in return for Nick's cooperation in inviting Daisy to his house?

He offers him a very shady business opportunity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy like initially?

Gatsby is awkward and acting like a boy. Signup and view all the answers

How are Daisy and Gatsby different when Nick returns to the house after an hour?

They are luminously happy and Daisy has tears of joy. Signup and view all the answers

What are Gatsby's feelings by the end of the chapter?

He is filled with emotion because he is happy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby reply when Nick asks him how he makes his money? Why does Nick find that significant?

He says he was in the drug business then oil business. It's odd because Gatsby said he inherited it before. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Daisy sobs when Gatsby shows her his shirts?

She is overwhelmed by his success and regretful of what she could have had if she didn't reject him when he was poor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the weather like in chapter 5? How does it reflect the emotional climate of Gatsby and Daisy?

It's pouring down rain when they meet up at Nick's house, and gradually the skies clear. It's a metaphor for the way things are going between them. Signup and view all the answers

In this chapter, Gatsby's dream seems to be fulfilled. What indications are there that reality cannot satisfy his dream?

Daisy's emotional response to Gatsby's behavior implies that she is torn between Tom & Gatsby. He seems to have made this image of Daisy over the last five years that seem almost impossible to fulfill. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby deliver so many goods and services to Nick's house?

He wants everything to be perfect and impress Daisy when she arrives. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the effect of rain on the plot.

It sets the mood and creates the idea of a sadness overhanging the characters. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby offer Nick work? How does Nick feel about this?

He thinks Nick needs money since his house needs repairs. He rejects it. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the green light.

Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby get so many phone calls? What does this say about him?

Indicates his business & it makes him seem suspicious because he is in demand yet doesn't say why. Signup and view all the answers

What is Chapter 6 about?

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When does James Gatsby change his name? Why?

When he was 17. He never accepted his parents. Signup and view all the answers

What is Daisy's real response to the party, according to Nick?

Daisy was 'offended' by the party, 'because it wasn't a gesture but an emotion.' Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby tell Nick he wants Daisy to do?

He wanted nothing less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say: 'I never loved you.' Signup and view all the answers

With this in mind, what would you say Nick means when he says, 'Jay Gatsby sprang from his Platonic conception of himself?'

Nick believed that Gatsby modeled himself on an idealized version of who Jay Gatsby really was. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Dan Cody?

He is a self-made man. Signup and view all the answers

What parallel is suggested by the fact that Gatsby never gets the inheritance bequeathed to him by Cody?

Gatsby will have Daisy's love and she will love him for him and not the money. Signup and view all the answers

How truthful was Gatsby when he relayed the story of his life to Nick? Why does Fitzgerald tell the story of Jay Gatsby now?

He was not that truthful. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the meeting of Tom and Gatsby. What does this meeting reveal about them?

Tom tried to meet Gatsby and ran away and the meeting had Gatsby feel even more in love with Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Daisy and Tom find Gatsby's party loathsome?

Everyone at the party is from West Egg and everyone from West Egg are not as sophisticated as they are. Signup and view all the answers

How did Gatsby measure the success of his party?

How much Daisy is having fun. Signup and view all the answers

When Nick told Gatsby that 'you can't repeat the past', Gatsby replied, 'Why of course you can!' Do you agree with Nick or Gatsby?

I think that you can't really repeat the past exactly but some things you might be able to. Signup and view all the answers

What is Chapter 7 about?

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Why does Gatsby stop giving parties?

Because they were for Gatsby and Daisy to get closer, but now that they are closer there is no need to give parties. Signup and view all the answers

When does Tom first realize that Daisy loves Tom?

When they make deep eye contact before they left for New York City. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Myrtle Wilson upset when she sees Tom and Jordan?

She thinks that is Tom's wife. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby view Daisy's child with surprise?

Because in Gatsby's mind the last five years in Daisy's life do not matter, but they really did. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby object to letting Tom drive his car?

Because he doesn't care about Tom and he is in love with his wife. Signup and view all the answers

What ironic situation is occurring on the drive to town?

Tom finds out Myrtle is moving away with her husband and Daisy is in love with Gatsby. He's losing both his mistress and wife in the same day. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'blocks' Biloxi?

He stayed at Daisy's house since he had fainted at her wedding, but the day after he was forced to leave Daisy's father died. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Nick pleased with Gatsby's honesty about Oxford?

He is disappointed by the lies he told, but he wants to continue to be friends with him and continue to like him. Signup and view all the answers

What has increased Tom's hatred of Gatsby?

He is very close with his wife to begin with and then he finds out he is originally from West Egg and to Tom people from the West are unimportant. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom refer to the liaison between Daisy and Gatsby in terms of intermarriage?

He believes they aren't meant to be because Gatsby is from the West and Daisy is from the East. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom's defense of family life amuse Nick?

Because he is being a hypocrite and having an affair. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Nick's thirtieth birthday?

When you hit the age of thirty you are now considered old and should settle down somewhere. Nick views it as entering a world of loneliness and thinning hair. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom insist that Daisy and Gatsby drive home together?

After the argument between Gatsby and Daisy about her love for Tom, Daisy reveals she does not love him. Gatsby is satisfied and Tom is through, nor does he want to be bothered with Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick change his feelings toward Jordan?

He is not impressed with her anymore because she is self-centered and spoiled just like the people she hangs around. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nick's attitude toward Gatsby?

He feels the same way about Gatsby; he thinks they are fake, self-centered, and spoiled. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Tom and Daisy reconciled?

Even though Gatsby is wealthy, they still can't be together because of how he got it. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Trimachio? Explain how this describes Gatsby.

He was a freeman who gained wealth through hard work and threw large parties to impress his guests. Gatsby did the same thing; he threw parties to impress his guests with his wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Daisy and Gatsby's new relationship.

They are finally happy together and no one is no longer standing in their way. Signup and view all the answers

Compare George Wilson and Tom. What did each man learn about his wife and how did they each react?

They were both chatting. George wanted Myrtle to understand what she was doing was wrong. Tom wanted Daisy to know why she was lying. Signup and view all the answers

If Daisy says she's never loved Tom, is there someone whom she thinks she loves?

Gatsby Signup and view all the answers

Describe the fight between Gatsby and Tom. What do these men think of each other? How are they similar and how are they different?

The fight arose because Tom did not like Gatsby since he is a liar, he's from West Egg, and is rich by default. Tom thinks he's better than Gatsby just because he's from the East. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1

Nick Carraway is a narrator who reserves judgment about others.
He moves to the East to learn about the bond business.
Tom Buchanan is described as arrogant, wealthy, and athletic.
Nick is attracted to Jordan Baker, who is a friend of Daisy.
Daisy feels compelled to be polite during Tom's phone calls with his mistress.
Nick first sees Gatsby standing in his yard, gazing at a green light across the bay.
Words like "hope" and "dream" are frequently used to symbolize the American Dream.

Chapter 2

Nick meets Tom's mistress, Myrtle, during a trip to New York.
Myrtle dismisses her husband upon seeing Tom.
George Wilson is described as spiritless and slightly handsome; he is eager for Tom’s help with his car.
Myrtle becomes more outspoken as she drinks at the party.
Catherine claims Tom doesn't leave Daisy because she is a Catholic and doesn't believe in divorce.
Tom breaks Myrtle's nose when she repeatedly mentions Daisy’s name, highlighting his abusive nature.
The "valley of ashes" symbolizes the decay of the American Dream.

Chapter 3

Gatsby throws extravagant parties to attract Daisy's attention.
Nick is different from the guests, as he is actually invited and is American.
An owl-eyed man finds Gatsby's library remarkable because the books are real.
Gatsby is likened to Belasco, a theatrical producer, for crafting his persona.
Nick learns that Jordan is a dishonest person, sharing similarities with Gatsby.
Gatsby’s demeanor contrasts with his guests; he remains sober.

Chapter 4

Gatsby tells Nick he is a son of wealthy Midwesterners and educated at Oxford.
He claims that Meyer Wolfshein fixed the 1919 World Series, shocking Nick.
On her wedding day, Daisy got drunk and held on to a letter from Gatsby, showing her lingering feelings for him.
Gatsby wants Nick’s help to connect with Daisy, asking for a tea meeting.
Tom's car accident indicates recklessness, paralleling the chaos of his relationships.
Gatsby’s friendship with Wolfshein suggests a hidden criminal background.

Chapter 5

Gatsby expresses disappointment that reality cannot fully satisfy his dreams.
The weather changes reflecting Gatsby and Daisy's emotional journey, starting with rain.
Daisy weeps when Gatsby shows her his shirts, signifying regret over lost opportunities.
The green light symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future.
Gatsby's lavish preparations for Daisy illustrate his desire to impress her.

Chapter 6

James Gatsby changes his name at 17, rejecting his past.
Daisy feels offended by Gatsby’s party, seeing it as devoid of genuine emotion.
Gatsby desires Daisy to confess she never loved Tom.
Nick comments on Gatsby's idealized self-conception, drawing a parallel with Plato.
Gatsby's inheritance from Cody reflects his desire for Daisy's love rather than material wealth.
Tom grows increasingly resentful of Gatsby due to his closeness with Daisy.

Chapter 7

Gatsby ceases his parties now that he and Daisy are closer.
Tom first realizes Daisy's love for Gatsby during an intense moment before they head to New York City.
Tom's disdain for Gatsby is fueled by class prejudice; he views Gatsby's wealth as inferior.
Nick's 30th birthday signifies a turning point into adulthood and societal expectations.
Daisy’s admission of love for Gatsby comes at the risk of losing her marriage to Tom.
The fight between Gatsby and Tom reveals both men's insecurities but exposes Tom’s brutishness.

General Themes

The novel explores the decay of the American Dream through symbols like the valley of ashes and the green light.
Various characters demonstrate contrasting attitudes towards wealth, love, and morality.
Nick serves as a lens through which readers see the hypocrisy and complexities of the society around him.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 1 of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcard questions. Explore key characters, themes, and Nick's perspective in the beginning of the novel. Perfect for students aiming to deepen their understanding of this classic work.