The Great Gatsby Characters and Themes

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Questions and Answers

Who is Klipspringer?

Gatsby's boarder who plays the piano.

Who is Meyer Wolfsheim?

A business associate of Gatsby's who supposedly fixed the 1919 World Series.

List 3 facts Gatsby provides about his background.

He was educated at Oxford. He inherited his money from his family who are all dead now. He was in the war.

What is the history between Gatsby and Daisy?

Gatsby and Daisy were once in love. He went off to war and she met Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What is Gatsby's opinion of Jordan?

He trusts her and thinks she is honest when everyone else seems to not trust her. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby want to have Nick's lawn cut?

Because Daisy is coming to tea at this house and he wants it to look nice. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby want to leave Nick's before Daisy arrives?

He is nervous. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Nick and Daisy go to Gatsby's house after tea?

Gatsby wants to show Daisy his house to show he can take care of her now. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby say to Nick about his wealth that contradicts what he told him earlier?

Gatsby tells Nick he inherited his wealth, but then he says he had to work three years to get the money to pay off the house. Signup and view all the answers

When at his house, what does Gatsby throw in front of Nick and Daisy? Why does he do this?

He throws his shirts; it shows he is willing to use material things to impress others. Signup and view all the answers

What is Gatsby's real history?

His real name is Jay Gatz. He is a poor farm boy from North Dakota. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dan Cody do for Gatsby? What did Gatsby learn from him?

Cody mentored Gatsby and hired him as his personal assistant; he took him away from poverty and showed him how the wealthy lived. Signup and view all the answers

What is Daisy's opinion of Gatsby's party? How does this affect him?

Daisy does not like his parties. He decides he will not have any more parties because she doesn't like them. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mr. Sloane?

A man who is riding horses with Tom Buchanan; Gatsby invites them to dinner, but they refuse. Signup and view all the answers

Who hosts tea for Gatsby and Daisy?

Nick. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ella Kaye?

Dan Cody's girlfriend; Gatsby feels she stole his inheritance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters

Klipspringer: A piano-playing boarder at Gatsby's mansion, symbolizes the shallowness of Gatsby's social circle.
Meyer Wolfsheim: Gatsby's business associate, rumored to have fixed the 1919 World Series, representing corruption and the underworld.

Gatsby's Background

Claims to have been educated at Oxford and inherited wealth from deceased family, indicating a self-made persona.
Served in World War I, contributing to his romantic image and backstory.
Real identity is Jay Gatz, originating from a poor farm in North Dakota, contrasting his wealthy facade.

Relationships

Gatsby and Daisy: Former lovers; Gatsby's deep affection for Daisy is complicated by her marriage to Tom Buchanan.
Gatsby trusts Jordan Baker, seeing her as honest, which enhances his vulnerable position in his pursuit of Daisy.

Key Plot Events

Gatsby decorates Nick's lawn in preparation for a tea with Daisy, highlighting his desire to impress her and show off his wealth.
Exhibits nervousness before Daisy's arrival, emphasizing his emotional investment.
After tea, Gatsby takes Daisy to his mansion to exhibit his wealth and demonstrate his success.

Wealth and Materialism

Gatsby presents shirts to Nick and Daisy as a display of wealth, signifying his desire to impress through material possessions.
Initially tells Nick he inherited his wealth, later contradicts himself by stating he worked for three years to afford his house, indicating possible insecurity about his past.

Impact of Relationships

Daisy's disapproval of Gatsby's extravagant parties leads him to reconsider his lifestyle choices, showing the influence she holds over him.
Mr. Sloane: A horse-rider with Tom; Gatsby's invitation for dinner is refused, reflecting the social divide and Gatsby's outsider status.

Significant Figures

Dan Cody: Gatsby's mentor who introduced him to wealth and privilege, equipping him with knowledge of the elite lifestyle. Gatsby's aspiration for success rooted in this experience.
Ella Kaye: Dan Cody's girlfriend, whom Gatsby believes unfairly took his inheritance, representing the theme of lost opportunities.

Host and Setting

Nick Carraway: Hosts the tea for Gatsby and Daisy, acts as a bridge between their rekindled relationship and Gatsby's hopes for the future.

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Description

Explore the pivotal characters and relationships in 'The Great Gatsby.' This quiz delves into the complexities of Gatsby's persona, his background, and key plot events that underline the themes of love, ambition, and societal critique. Test your knowledge and understanding of these literary elements.