The Great Gatsby - Chapters 1-2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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

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

Notice how many times Fitzgerald uses the words hope or dream. Why does he do this?

It is the American dream Signup and view all the answers

Does Nick reserve judgment 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 can 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 and what does it mean?

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

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 Signup and view all the answers

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

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

Study Notes

Character Descriptions and Relationships

Nick Carraway offers a unique perspective; he claims to reserve judgment of others, indicating a level of introspection and open-mindedness.
Tom Buchanan is portrayed as arrogant, wealthy, and athletic, suggesting he embodies privilege and entitlement.
Daisy Buchanan, Tom's wife, feels compelled to maintain politeness during uncomfortable phone calls from Tom's mistress, reflecting her conflicted emotions.
Jordan Baker, Daisy's friend, captivates Nick with her charm and carefree attitude, indicating a budding attraction.

Setting and Symbolism

The initial scene at Daisy's house is set on June 7, 1921, establishing a specific historical context.
Nick first sees Gatsby standing in his yard, gazing at a distant green light, symbolizing hope and the elusive American dream.
The "valley of ashes" represents the decay of the American dream, contrasting with the opulence present in the lives of the wealthy characters.

Major Themes

Fitzgerald frequently emphasizes hope and dreams to highlight the central theme of the American dream and its transformations.
Tom's violent behavior, such as breaking Myrtle's nose over her repeated mention of Daisy, showcases his abusive attitude toward women, revealing deeper themes of power and masculinity.

Key Events

Nick travels to the East for a career in the bond business, suggesting a desire for advancement and change in his life.
Nick's introduction to Tom's mistress, Myrtle, occurs during a trip to New York, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.
Myrtle’s transition into drunkenness at the party illustrates her changing demeanor and social aspirations, contrasting with her social reality.

Inferences about Characters

George Wilson, Myrtle's husband, is described as spiritless yet slightly handsome, highlighting the struggles of the working class.
Tom's treatment of both Myrtle and Daisy suggests a contemptuous attitude towards women, reflecting societal norms of the time.
Nick, despite his affluent background, stands out as an observer who feels different from the people around him, hinting at his eventual moral conflicts.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first two chapters of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Explore key themes and character descriptions such as Nick, Tom Buchanan, and Jordan Baker. Perfect for students wanting to reinforce their understanding of the text.