Questions and Answers
Who is the narrator in The Great Gatsby and what makes him a good choice?
Nick Calloway - because he is non-judgmental, he is a good choice to narrate the story objectively.
What is Nick's personality?
Curious and non-judgmental.
What advice does Nick pass along to the reader from his father?
Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.
What do people do with Nick because he is seen as non-judgmental?
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What do we learn about Nick's background?
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Where did Nick go to college?
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What did Nick do after college?
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What did Nick decide to do after returning from the war?
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Where did Nick move in New York?
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What is the setting in Chapter 1?
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What is the difference between West Egg and East Egg, Long Island?
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Who does Nick live next to in West Egg?
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What type of home does Nick find in West Egg?
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Who is Daisy Buchanan?
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Who is Tom Buchanan?
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What sport did Tom play in college?
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Which words best describe Tom Buchanan?
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Which words best describe Daisy Buchanan?
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Which words best describe Jordan Baker?
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Which words best describe Jay Gatsby?
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Where do the main characters live?
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Why did Nick decide to move to New York to become a bondsman?
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From what perspective is the story told?
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What does Nick's family joke about?
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How does Nick view himself?
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What do we learn about Tom in Chapter 1?
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What do Daisy's comments inform the reader about how she is affected by Tom's actions?
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What comment does Daisy make that gives the reader a clue that Tom is abusive?
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What does Daisy admit when her daughter was born?
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How does Daisy react to the mention of the name Gatsby?
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In Chapter 1, how do you think Daisy feels?
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Study Notes
Narration and Characters
- Nick Carraway serves as the narrator, offering a non-judgmental perspective that aids in an objective storytelling approach.
- His personality is characterized as curious and tolerant, making him a confidant for others.
- Nick's father advises against criticizing others, reminding him of the various privileges people may not share.
Nick's Background and Education
- A member of the wealthy Carraway family from Chicago, Nick has a solid aristocratic background.
- He attended Yale, graduating before participating in World War I.
- Upon returning, he moves to New York, specifically West Egg, to work as a bond trader.
Setting and Class Distinction
- The story is set in New York City, particularly the contrasting areas of West Egg (new money) and East Egg (old money) on Long Island.
- Nick rents a modest house next to Jay Gatsby's lavish mansion in West Egg.
Key Characters Introduced
- Nick's second cousin, Daisy Buchanan, is married to Tom Buchanan and has a young daughter.
- Tom, Daisy's husband, is depicted as brutish, arrogant, and bigoted, with a history of playing football at Yale.
- Daisy is described as flighty and anxious, putting on a cheerful facade despite obvious sadness.
- Jordan Baker, a friend of Daisy's, is sophisticated yet bored.
- Jay Gatsby is characterized by hopefulness and ambition.
Nick's Perspective and Identity
- Nick reflects on his own identity, seeing himself as well-rounded but outside the wealthy social circle he associates with.
- His move to New York is driven by a mix of boredom and a desire for adventure.
Themes of Relationships and Abuse
- Early signs indicate Tom's affair and possible abuse of Daisy, both physically and emotionally.
- Daisy's comments reveal her pain, notably her desire for her daughter to be a "beautiful little fool," indicating her disillusionment.
- Daisy shows a strong reaction when Gatsby's name is mentioned, hinting at a past connection unknown to the reader.
Emotional Dynamics
- The interactions among the characters hint at deeper issues, such as Tom's infidelity and Daisy's resulting emotional turmoil.
- Daisy's reaction to her daughter’s birth marks a significant moment of despair and resignation to her circumstances.
Overall Tone and Perspective
- The narrative is communicated from Nick’s first-person perspective, providing insights into both the characters’ dynamics and the societal context of the era.
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Description
Explore the key elements of character and narration in 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz delves into Nick Carraway's role as the narrator, his background, and the contrasting settings of West Egg and East Egg. Test your knowledge of the main characters and their dynamics within the story.