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?
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Why does Daisy hope her child will be a beautiful fool?
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Why does Gatsby reach out to the water?
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Why is Wilson covered with dust from the ashes?
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Why does Myrtle Wilson behave with such hauteur?
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What two facets of Tom's personality are revealed when he breaks Myrtle's nose?
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What is revealed when Nick says that people aren't actually invited to Gatsby's parties?
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Why does the owl-eyed man describe Gatsby as a real Belasco?
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What is the contrast between Gatsby and his party?
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What is the significance of Jordan's lies?
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What rumors have been told about Gatsby?
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Who is Nick Carraway?
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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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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.