The Great Gatsby Characters and Narration

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

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?

People tell him their life stories. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Nick's background?

Nick is a Carraway, he has wealth and class, and is from a prominent family in Chicago. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Nick go to college?

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

What did Nick do after college?

He fought in World War I. Signup and view all the answers

What did Nick decide to do after returning from the war?

He decided to move to New York (West Egg) and become a bond man. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Nick move in New York?

West Egg (Long Island). Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting in Chapter 1?

New York City and the twin villages of West Egg and East Egg - Long Island. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between West Egg and East Egg, Long Island?

East Egg is where the 'old money' people live, and West Egg is where the 'new money' people live. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Nick live next to in West Egg?

Mr. Jay Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

What type of home does Nick find in West Egg?

A small house to rent next to a very large mansion. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Daisy Buchanan?

Nick's second cousin once removed. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Tom Buchanan?

Daisy's husband and Nick's acquaintance from college (Yale). Signup and view all the answers

What sport did Tom play in college?

Football. Signup and view all the answers

Which words best describe Tom Buchanan?

Brutish and insensitive, arrogant, bigoted. Signup and view all the answers

Which words best describe Daisy Buchanan?

Flighty and a bit anxious. Signup and view all the answers

Which words best describe Jordan Baker?

Sophisticated and bored. Signup and view all the answers

Which words best describe Jay Gatsby?

Hopeful and striving. Signup and view all the answers

Where do the main characters live?

Along Puget Sound in downtown New York City on Easter Egg Island along the Long Island Sound. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Nick decide to move to New York to become a bondsman?

Out of a sense of boredom and a related longing for adventure. Signup and view all the answers

From what perspective is the story told?

First person. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick's family joke about?

That they are descendants of the 'Dukes of Buccleuch'. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick view himself?

As a well-rounded man. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Tom in Chapter 1?

He is having an affair and there are signs he abuses Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

What do Daisy's comments inform the reader about how she is affected by Tom's actions?

That she is hurt. Signup and view all the answers

What comment does Daisy make that gives the reader a clue that Tom is abusive?

Black and blue marks bruise...and...Tom was god knows where during birth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy admit when her daughter was born?

That she cried and hoped that her daughter would grow up to be a beautiful little fool. Signup and view all the answers

How does Daisy react to the mention of the name Gatsby?

She becomes alert. Signup and view all the answers

In Chapter 1, how do you think Daisy feels?

Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

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

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.