The Great Gatsby: Character Analysis

Questions and Answers

Nick's father advised him to _ because others did not have the he had.

reserve judgement, advantages

How does Nick describe himself at the beginning of the book?

He describes himself as highly moral and highly tolerant.

What information does Nick give us about himself in the prologue?

That he reserves judgment about people, last autumn he returned to the Midwest from the East, he still has a great affection for Gatsby.

What does Nick say is 'gorgeous' about Gatsby?

His heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness. Signup and view all the answers

According to Nick, what is personality?

A series of successful gestures. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nick's last name?

Carraway. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Nick graduate from?

New Haven (Yale?). Signup and view all the answers

Where did he go after college?

To the Great War (World War I). Signup and view all the answers

Who did his family descend from?

The Duke of Buccleauch. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nick's socio-economic background?

His well-to-do family is descended from the founder of a wholesale hardware business. Signup and view all the answers

What job is he currently seeking/in?

The bond business. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two prominent land features of the island (Long Island)?

A pair of enormous eggs. Signup and view all the answers

And what are their respective names?

East Egg and West Egg. Signup and view all the answers

Near which does Nick live?

West Egg. Signup and view all the answers

Who lives in the mansion next to Nick's small house?

Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

How is West Egg different from East Egg?

West Egg is new money, less fashionable; East Egg is old money, more fashionable. Signup and view all the answers

How much does it cost to rent Nick's house?

$80 a month. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Nick's friends who live at East Egg?

Tom Buchanan and his wife Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

What is Nick's relation to Daisy?

She is his second cousin once removed. Signup and view all the answers

How did he know Tom?

He knew him in college. Signup and view all the answers

Before meeting him, what do we learn of Tom Buchanan?

He is very rich, he is 30, he was a Yale football hero, he came East looking for something, he is very cruel and arrogant. Signup and view all the answers

What sport was Tom very good at in college? What does he play now?

Football; Polo. Signup and view all the answers

How was Tom described? (Main physical attribute)

A cruel body. Signup and view all the answers

When the men come into the house, what color stands out?

White. Signup and view all the answers

How was Daisy described?

Her low, thrilling voice. Signup and view all the answers

How old is Daisy's daughter?

3 (Nick has never seen her). Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Daisy's younger friend?

Jordan Baker. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick tell Daisy about Chicago?

That at least a dozen people miss her. Signup and view all the answers

When does Daisy want to have a party-ish-thing?

The longest day of the year. Signup and view all the answers

How is Daisy injured? Who does she blame?

Her pinkie knuckle is bruised; Tom (she calls him a hulking brute). Signup and view all the answers

What book does Tom ask if Nick has read?

The Rise of the Colored Empires by Goddard. Signup and view all the answers

What is Tom upset about?

He thinks the white people need to dominate more, and beat down the colored people. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'secret' that Daisy tells Nick?

The Butler's nose (because he polished so much silver). Signup and view all the answers

Who calls?

Tom's other woman from NY. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy call Nick when Tom leaves the table?

An absolute rose. Signup and view all the answers

How does Daisy react to phone calls from Tom's woman in New York?

She ignores it and then gets upset by it. Signup and view all the answers

What did Daisy say when her daughter was born?

That she hoped she was a 'beautiful little fool', because that's the best thing for a girl in this world to be. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Insights

Nick Carraway, the narrator, values moral judgment and believes he has advantages over others due to his background.
Describes himself as both highly moral and tolerant, establishing his perspective on societal behaviors.

Background Information

Nick, who reserves judgment about people, has returned to the Midwest after spending time in the East.
Affection for Gatsby is evident, indicating a complex relationship that may develop.

Gatsby's Character

Gatsby is characterized by his heightened sensitivity to life, extraordinary hope, and romantic readiness.
Nick metaphorically compares Gatsby's perception to a machine capable of sensing distant earthquakes.

Nick's background is affluent; his family has roots in a successful wholesale hardware business.
West Egg symbolizes new money while East Egg represents old money, highlighting social divisions.

Geographic Details

Long Island features two main areas: East Egg and West Egg, notable for their contrasting social classes.
Nick resides in West Egg, neighboring Gatsby's mansion, indicating his proximity to the mysterious character.

Tom Buchanan, a wealthy and cruel man, is Daisy’s husband and also Nick’s college acquaintance.
Daisy is portrayed as charming and has a young daughter whom Nick has never met.

Symbolism and Themes

The color white appears prominently during Tom's entrance, symbolizing purity or façade in a morally ambiguous setting.
Daisy's low, thrilling voice captivates those around her, hinting at her charm and complex role in the narrative.

Tom’s racist views are exposed through his discontent over racial dynamics, illustrating themes of power and dominance.
Daisy expresses cynicism about societal expectations for women, wishing for her daughter to be a "beautiful little fool."

Personal Conflicts

Daisy's injury, caused by Tom, reflects the tensions in their relationship.
Tom's phone call from his mistress signifies infidelity and the strain in his marriage with Daisy.

Notable Events

Daisy's desire for a summer gathering on the longest day of the year highlights characters' penchant for indulgence and escapism.
The secret surrounding the Butler's nose adds a touch of humor, illustrating subtle societal observations.

Closing Reflections

Daisy’s remark about beauty and foolishness encapsulates the era's expectations for women, setting the stage for further societal critique throughout the narrative.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricate character dynamics in 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz focuses on Nick Carraway's moral perspective and relationship with Gatsby, along with social commentary on wealth and class divisions. Test your understanding of key themes and character insights within the novel.