The Great Gatsby Chapters 3 and 4

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Questions and Answers

What accomplishments of Meyer Wolfshiem's does Gatsby describe to Nick?

He's a gambler; fixed the World Series in 1919; sentimental.

According to Jordan, what did Daisy do on her wedding day?

She received a letter from Gatsby, making her question marrying Tom.

Why does Gatsby want to have tea with Daisy in Nick's house?

Gatsby wants Daisy to see his house and be impressed by it.

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

He crashed into a wagon on the Ventura Road with a girl who was not Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

Aside from the improbability of his story, what other evidence is there that Gatsby is lying when he tells Nick about his background?

Gatsby says San Francisco is part of the Midwest; he hesitates while saying 'Oxford.' Signup and view all the answers

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

Gatsby is taking part in something illegal. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy's reaction to Gatsby going to war reveal about her?

It shows how much she loved him in spite of his lack of money. She marries Tom to 'get over' Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Daisy end up marrying Tom?

Tom has money and is willing to spend it on her. She thinks it will also help her to be without Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that Gatsby believes only what he wants to believe about Jordan?

Gatsby says, 'Miss Baker's a great sportswoman, you know, and she'd never do anything that wasn't all right.' Signup and view all the answers

What were the characteristics of many of Gatsby's party-goers?

Immoral, pleasure seekers; selfish moochers. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Owl-Eyes so fascinated by Gatsby's library?

Gatsby has a large collection of books but they are all uncut, a sign that he has not read them which makes him look like a fraud. Signup and view all the answers

What expression does Gatsby repeatedly use?

Uses the term 'old sport.' Signup and view all the answers

What mishap occurred just before Nick tried to leave Gatsby's party?

There was a car accident in Gatsby's driveway. Signup and view all the answers

What scandal did Nick remember about Jordan after she lied to him?

She cheated by moving her ball so that it would have a better lie. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Meyer Wolfshiem and why does Gatsby associate with him?

A notorious underworld figure involved in organized crime. He and Gatsby are some kind of business associates, mostly illegal. Signup and view all the answers

What were the events of the evening just before Daisy and Tom were married?

Tom gave Daisy a string of pearls; Daisy got a letter from Gatsby, and then got drunk. She said she had changed her mind about marrying Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What is Gatsby's real name and why did he change it?

James Gatz. He wanted to reinvent himself, escape his common past, and sound more old money European. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Gatsby buy this house?

It was located across from Daisy. He was hoping they would meet up at some time and possibly reunite. Signup and view all the answers

What rumors have been circulating about Gatsby?

He killed a man; he was a German spy during the war; he's from a wealthy family; a bootlegger. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nick's immediate impression of the party guests?

They are all careless and do whatever they want to do. Signup and view all the answers

What illegal activity takes place at Gatsby's party? Why is it illegal?

They consume alcoholic beverages, which has been prohibited by law by the Volstead Act ('Prohibition.'). Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Jordan's statement comparing large and small parties?

Large parties are too intimate and make her feel uncomfortable, the opposite of what should be true about parties. Signup and view all the answers

On what does Owl-Eyes blame the accident after Gatsby's party? What is ironic about his claim?

He blames it on the car's mechanics even though he and the driver have been drunk for days. Signup and view all the answers

What new information does Gatsby give Nick about himself? List at least 5 important pieces of information.

He's from the Midwest, from a wealthy family, attended Oxford because it was a family tradition, he inherited all his family's riches, toured Europe with all the riches, lived like a rajah, went on safari hunts. Signup and view all the answers

What two things does Gatsby always carry with him and why?

A medal from the war and a photo of his days from Oxford to 'prove' his made-up stories. Signup and view all the answers

What happened with Tom in Ventura? Who was he with? What is notable about this incident?

He had a wreck with the chambermaid from the hotel with him. He has always been unfaithful to Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Gatsby's parties.

Huge bands, two dinners, flowing alcohol, dancing, flirty women, gossip about Gatsby, men and women begin quarreling; wives carried out over shoulders of husbands. Signup and view all the answers

How is Nick different from other guests?

Nick is actually invited to the party -- others just show up. Nick is dressed more casually. Nick just sits back and watches others partying. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gatsby's Connections and Background

Meyer Wolfshiem is a gambler known for fixing the 1919 World Series, reflecting Gatsby's ties to criminal activities.
Gatsby's implausible details about his background, such as stating San Francisco is part of the Midwest and his hesitation about "Oxford," suggest dishonesty.
Gatsby associates with Wolfshiem, hinting at his involvement in organized crime, emphasizing the contrast between his public persona and hidden dealings.

Daisy's Decisions and Relationships

Daisy receives a letter from Gatsby on her wedding day to Tom, causing her to second-guess her marriage choice.
She marries Tom for his wealth and to attempt moving on from Gatsby, indicating superficial motivations for her relationship choices.
Daisy's actions reveal her lingering feelings for Gatsby, showing emotional turmoil despite her marriage.

Gatsby's Portrayal and Parties

Gatsby's extravagant parties attract guests who are often selfish and immoral, highlighting the emptiness of the social scene.
Owl-Eyes finds Gatsby's library fascinating because the uncut books symbolize Gatsby's superficiality and lack of authenticity.
Guests at Gatsby's parties indulge in illegal alcohol consumption, which is prohibited by Prohibition laws, showcasing the lawlessness of the era.

Nick's Observations and Experiences

Nick perceives the party guests as careless and self-indulgent, contrasting his own more reserved nature as an actual invited guest.
Unlike others, Nick remains an observer, dressed casually and detached from the chaotic festivities.
Nick's impressions signify a critique of the decadence and moral decay of the wealthy class.

Important Character Insights

Gatsby frequently uses "old sport," indicating an affected mannerism to project a specific image.
Despite Gatsby's grand tales, he carries a war medal and a photo from Oxford to validate his fabricated stories, revealing his insecurities.
Nick recalls Jordan cheating in golf, indicating her moral ambiguity and foreshadowing the greater themes of dishonesty in the novel.

Rumors and Personal History

Rumors about Gatsby fuel his mystique, suggesting he’s a killer, a German spy, or a bootlegger which reinforce the theme of identity and perception.
Gatsby's real name, James Gatz, underscores his desire for reinvention away from his humble origins.
Gatsby purchased his mansion across from Daisy in hopes of rekindling their romance, highlighting his obsessive pursuit of the past.

Key Incidents and Revelations

The incident involving Tom crashing into a wagon with a hotel chambermaid illustrates his continual unfaithfulness to Daisy.
The significant event before Daisy's wedding where she drunkenly contemplates not marrying Tom underscores her internal conflict and vulnerability.
Nick’s experience at Gatsby's party culminates in a drunken car accident, showcasing themes of irresponsibility and carelessness that pervade the setting.

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Description

This quiz focuses on chapters 3 and 4 of 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Test your knowledge on key events, character motivations, and significant details from these chapters. Perfect for students studying literary themes and character analysis.