The Great Gatsby Chapters 1-3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

How does the narrator describe Gatsby?

Everything the narrator hates but he somehow likes Gatsby above everything else. Feels Gatsby had a promise in life. Hopeful. A romantic. He turns out OK but there is something that preys upon him.

From where did the narrator come from and why?

He came from the mid-West. He came to New York to learn the bond business.

Describe the narrator's house.

It's a weather-beaten cardboard bungalow.

Describe the Buchanan's House.

The house is seen as gold, the color of money. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick know Daisy and Tom?

He is Daisy's cousin and went to school with Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What is our impression of Tom Buchanan in Chapter 1?

He is a jerk. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of person is Daisy?

Sad and lovely. Signup and view all the answers

What did Miss Baker tell Nick about Tom?

That he has a woman in New York. Signup and view all the answers

When asked about her daughter, what does Daisy say?

She hopes her daughter grows up to be a lovely fool. Signup and view all the answers

How is Gatsby introduced into the novel?

He is standing there daydreaming and looking out at a green light. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'valley of ashes'?

It is dirty and run down. The ashes could symbolize previous hopes. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 'eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg'?

It is an ad for the Doctor and it symbolizes someone watching (God). Signup and view all the answers

Who did Tom take Nick to meet?

His mistress. Signup and view all the answers

Identify Myrtle Wilson.

Myrtle is heavy-set and in her middle thirties. She is not beautiful but has an air of excitement and life. Signup and view all the answers

Identify George Wilson.

George is a mechanic but also buys and sells cars and is unaware of the affair. Signup and view all the answers

Identify Myrtle and George's relationship.

They are married but Myrtle does not love George. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mrs. Wilson buy while she was out with Tom and Nick?

A puppy. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Tom, Nick, and Myrtle go?

The apartment Tom and Myrtle have rented on 158th street. Signup and view all the answers

Identify Catherine.

Catherine is Myrtle's sister and is described as slender, with red hair, about thirty, and has a disreputable appearance. Signup and view all the answers

Identify Mr. McKee.

Mr. McKee is pale and feminine and is a photographer who takes pictures of his wife. Signup and view all the answers

Identify Mrs. McKee.

Beautiful and horrible. Signup and view all the answers

What does Catherine tell Nick about Gatsby?

Related to Kaiser Wilhelm's and got his money from him and that he has fun parties. Signup and view all the answers

What reason did Myrtle give for marrying George Wilson?

She thought he was a gentleman and then found out he was not wealthy. Signup and view all the answers

What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy's name?

He punched her and she started to bleed. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Gatsby's wealth. List some of the things that represent wealth.

Has his own private beach, the size of the parties he has, all the champagne he has at the parties, the marble swimming pool, his garden, the workers, a hydroplane, bought a dress for a stranger, has orchestras play at his parties, a huge book collection, buys a lot of fruits, and has a special juicer. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of people come to Gatsby's parties?

Normal people, some who are invited, some who aren't. People who just wander around. A lot of celebrities attend. People who want to show off their wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Nick Carraway go to the party?

He was invited. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick meet Gatsby?

He sits down at a table with him on accident. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the stories about Gatsby?

He killed a man or was a former spy or maybe he went to Oxford. Signup and view all the answers

Is Gatsby a 'phony'?

Your opinion. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Nick's relationship with Jordan.

They trust each other but there is dishonesty. He sees her for who she really is but doesn't care. They started to date. Signup and view all the answers

What point of view is 'The Great Gatsby' written in?

First person participant. Signup and view all the answers

Whose point of view is 'The Great Gatsby' written in?

Nick Carraway. Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of 'The Great Gatsby'?

Spring of 1922 in New York. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of people live in West Egg?

New rich, people who worked for their money. Signup and view all the answers

What job does Nick Carraway want?

He wants to work in bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Nick Carraway live?

West Egg in a rented home. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nick Carraway's personality?

Kind of lonely, curious. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Nick Carraway live previously?

Chicago. Signup and view all the answers

Where is Nick originally from?

The Mid-West. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick Carraway describe himself?

One of the few honest people he has ever met. Signup and view all the answers

Where does Jay Gatsby live?

West Egg in the mansion next to Nick. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Jay Gatsby?

32 years old. Signup and view all the answers

Who knows Jay Gatsby?

Jordan Baker. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jay Gatsby do before he got rich?

Fought in the war. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jay Gatsby refer to Nick Carraway as?

'Old Sport'. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of parties does Jay Gatsby have?

Super fun parties. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of host is Jay Gatsby?

He doesn't seem to get involved in the parties he throws. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of people live in East Egg?

Old rich, people who inherited the money. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Tom Buchanan's spouse?

Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

How is Tom Buchanan's figure described?

A strong cruel body. Signup and view all the answers

How could Tom Buchanan's wealth be described?

Enormously wealthy. Signup and view all the answers

What sport did Tom Buchanan play?

Football. Signup and view all the answers

How famous of an athlete was Tom Buchanan?

A national figure. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of personality does Tom Buchanan have?

Arrogant, rude, and pushy. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Tom Buchanan?

30 years old. Signup and view all the answers

How is Daisy and Tom Buchanan's relationship?

He is cheating on her. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of personality does Daisy Buchanan have?

Charming. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance in Daisy Buchanan wearing white?

It symbolizes her purity and innocence. Signup and view all the answers

Is Daisy Buchanan aware of the affair?

Yes. Signup and view all the answers

Other than Tom and Nick, who else is in Daisy Buchanan's family?

Her daughter. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy Buchanan hope for her daughter?

She hopes she will grow up to be a fool so that she can't realize what she doesn't have. Signup and view all the answers

How are Nick and Daisy Buchanan related?

Cousins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Daisy Buchanan's dress fluttering?

The dress flutters and so does she. Signup and view all the answers

What sport does Jordan Baker play?

Tennis. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jordan Baker currently living with?

The Buchanans. Signup and view all the answers

What scandal surrounded Jordan Baker's golf career?

That she is a cheater. Signup and view all the answers

What can be said about Jordan Baker's honesty?

She is incurably dishonest. Signup and view all the answers

Is Jordan Baker a careful person?

Nope. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Descriptions and Relationships

Nick Carraway describes Jay Gatsby as someone he hates yet admires, seeing a promise in Gatsby's hopeful and romantic nature.
Nick is Daisy Buchanan's cousin and attended school with Tom Buchanan, bridging these social connections.
Tom Buchanan is viewed as arrogant and rude, while Daisy is portrayed as both sad and lovely.
Myrtle Wilson is characterized as heavy-set and not conventionally beautiful, yet exudes excitement and life.
Tom's affair is hinted at early in the story, with Myrtle being his mistress.

Setting and Atmosphere

The narrative begins in Spring of 1922, primarily set in New York and its affluent areas.
West Egg residents are described as "new rich," having earned their wealth, whereas East Egg is home to the "old rich," inherited wealth and status.
Nick lives in a modest, weather-beaten bungalow in West Egg, which emphasizes his outsider status compared to the luxurious lifestyles of other characters.

Symbols and Themes

The "valley of ashes" symbolizes decay and lost hopes amidst the industrial landscape.
The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg represent a watching force, often interpreted as a symbol of God observing the moral decay in society.
Daisy's comments about her daughter reflect a cynical view on female innocence, desiring her daughter to remain blissfully unaware of reality.

Events and Actions

Tom physically assaults Myrtle when she mentions Daisy's name, showcasing his violent nature and control.
Gatsby's wealth is represented through extravagant parties, luxurious possessions, and a vast mansion with a private beach.
Gatsby's mysterious background includes rumors of being a war hero, a spy, or having connections to Kaiser Wilhelm.

Personalities and Conflicts

Nick's relationship with Jordan Baker is marked by trust but underlying dishonesty, as Jordan is described as incurably dishonest.
Tom Buchanan's wealthy and athletic persona contrasts with his cruel and pushy character traits.
Daisy’s charm is juxtaposed with the underlying tension in her marriage, as she is aware of Tom's infidelity.

Gatsby’s Introduction and Role

Gatsby makes his first appearance gazing at a green light across the bay, symbolizing his unattainable dreams.
Nick accidentally meets Gatsby, which contrasts with the elaborate introductions of other characters at the parties.
The lively atmosphere of Gatsby's parties includes a mix of invited guests, curious onlookers, and celebrities, illustrating the allure and chaos of the Jazz Age.

The narrative critiques social stratification, focusing on issues of wealth, class, and the American Dream.
Both Tom and Daisy Buchanan represent the emptiness of the upper class, leading superficial lives marked by wealth yet lacking genuine connection.
The story hints at the moral decay and disillusionment that lies beneath the glamorous facade of 1920s America.

Studying That Suits You

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Description

Explore key concepts and characters from the first three chapters of 'The Great Gatsby' with this set of flashcards. This quiz helps reinforce your understanding of the narrator's perspective and pivotal themes introduced early in the novel.