The Great Gatsby Chapters 1-3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why is Nick Carraway made the narrator?

He does not judge others, especially Gatsby.

What is the relationship between Nick and the Buchanans?

Daisy is Nick's second cousin once removed, and Tom is her husband.

Why does Daisy speak in exaggerated phrases?

She minimizes everything she says and makes ordinary things seem important.

What is the significance of Tom's reference to the book he is reading?

The book presents a white supremacist view over blacks. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Daisy hope her child will be a beautiful fool?

She implies that a woman's life is happier in ignorance. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby reach out to the water?

He sees a green light across the sound and knows it is the light at Daisy's home. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Wilson covered with dust from the ashes?

He is a dead character, in contrast to the vitality of his wife. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Myrtle Wilson behave with such hauteur?

She is dissatisfied with her lifestyle and compensates by acting superior. Signup and view all the answers

What two facets of Tom's personality are revealed when he breaks Myrtle's nose?

His brutality and hypocrisy of class consciousness. Signup and view all the answers

What is revealed when Nick says that people aren't actually invited to Gatsby's parties?

It shows the aimless wandering of pleasure-seeking crowds. Signup and view all the answers

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

It's a reference to theatrical producer David Belasco, emphasizing Gatsby's extravagant lifestyle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the contrast between Gatsby and his party?

Gatsby was generous, while his partygoers were selfish moochers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Jordan's lies?

Her dishonesty is part of her character and reflects societal acceptance of certain dishonesty. Signup and view all the answers

What rumors have been told about Gatsby?

Some believed he served as a German spy or in the American Army, and that he has murdered someone. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Nick Carraway?

The novel's narrator and a young man from Minnesota who goes to New York to learn the bond business. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nick Carraway as Narrator

Chosen as narrator due to his non-judgmental nature, particularly towards Gatsby.

Nick and the Buchanans

Daisy is Nick's second cousin once removed; Tom is her husband, whom Nick met at Yale.

Daisy's Exaggerated Speech

Uses hyperbole to downplay significance, making trivial matters seem important, indicating her lack of meaningful connection to reality.

Tom Buchanan's Book Reference

Reads a white supremacist text, highlighting his racist worldview and entitlement.

Daisy's Hope for Her Daughter

Wishes her child to be a "beautiful fool," believing ignorance leads to a happier life, stemming from her regrets about missed opportunities with Gatsby.

Gatsby's Green Light

Reaches out to the green light at the dock, symbolizing his longing for Daisy and the hope of rekindling their romance.

George Wilson's Dusty Appearance

Covered in dust from the ashes, representing his lifeless state compared to the vitality of Myrtle; Tom implies he is oblivious to his own suffering.

Myrtle Wilson's Discontent

Displays arrogance due to her dissatisfaction with both her marriage and affair, seeking grandeur as compensation for her disappointing life.

Tom Buchanan's Violence

Breaks Myrtle's nose, revealing his brutality and indifference to others; exhibits hypocrisy regarding class distinctions and his infidelities.

Gatsby's Parties

Attendees come uninvited, suggesting aimlessness and lack of rules among the pleasure-seeking crowd; foreshadows Gatsby's self-sacrifice for Daisy.

Owl-Eyed Man's Observation

Compares Gatsby to David Belasco, a theatrical producer, hinting at Gatsby's life being a façade, similar to staged productions.

Contrast of Gatsby and His Guests

Gatsby is generous and reserved, while his guests are selfish and outrageous, seeking enjoyment rather than genuine connection with him.

Jordan Baker's Lies

Her dishonesty reflects both her character and societal norms where winning at any cost is often overlooked; contrasts with Gatsby's pursuit of success viewed as unacceptable.

Rumors About Gatsby

Speculations include being a German spy, serving in the American Army, and possibly having committed murder, creating an air of mystery around his character.

Nick Carraway's Background

Young man from Minnesota, educated at Yale and a WWI veteran, arrives in NYC to work in the bond business; characterized as honest and reserved.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first three chapters of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Explore key characters, their relationships, and the narrative perspective that Nick Carraway provides. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the text before moving on to deeper analyses.