Questions and Answers
When did Nick graduate from college and from what college?
Nick graduated in 1922 from Yale.
Where are the twin villages of East Egg and West Egg located, and which large city are they near?
They are on a slender island due East of New York.
How are people in West Egg different from those in East Egg?
People in West Egg come from new money and have worked hard for their wealth, while people in East Egg have inherited their money.
Where does Jay Gatsby live?
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What does the 1920s slang 'egg' mean?
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Who does Nick have dinner with when he drives to East Egg?
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What were Tom Buchanan's two claims to fame in college?
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What is it about Daisy that most attracts attention?
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What private information about Tom does Jordan tell Nick at dinner?
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What is Daisy's outlook on people?
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Whom does Nick see on the darkened lawn when he gets home, and what is that person doing?
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What is painted on a large signboard above the valley of ashes?
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Why does Tom pull Nick off the train at the beginning of Chapter 2?
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What does Catherine tell Nick about Tom and Myrtle?
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Study Notes
Nick Carraway's Background
- Nick graduated from Yale and completed his studies before moving East in the spring of 1922.
East Egg and West Egg
- East Egg and West Egg are located on a slender island east of New York, recognized for their unique shapes resembling eggs.
- East Egg is home to 'old money' families, while West Egg hosts 'new money' residents, reflecting different cultures and lifestyles.
- These two areas are separated by the 'Valley of Ashes', symbolizing the moral and social decay.
Differences Between East Egg and West Egg
- Residents of West Egg are self-made individuals, often viewed as hardworking and ambitious.
- East Egg inhabitants tend to inherit wealth, resulting in perceptions of them being materialistic and entitled.
- Nick chooses to live in West Egg, indicating his rejection of the shallow values associated with wealth.
Jay Gatsby's Residence
- Jay Gatsby resides in West Egg, directly across from Daisy's house in East Egg, highlighting the social divide between them.
- Gatsby's longing for Daisy symbolizes an altered love story akin to Romeo and Juliet, with societal pressures complicating their relationship.
- The "green light" Gatsby sees from his patio signifies his aspirations and hopes for a future with Daisy.
Meaning of 'Egg' in the 1920s
- The term 'egg' was slang referring to wealthy individuals, illustrating the social hierarchy of the time.
Dinner at East Egg
- Nick dines with Daisy (his cousin), Tom (Daisy's husband), and Jordan Baker (Daisy's friend), showcasing his connections within the upper class.
Tom Buchanan's Background
- Tom was a prominent football player at Yale and known for his reckless spending habits.
- Nick describes Tom as fame-seeking, arrogant, and restless, indicating his discomfort with Tom's character.
Daisy Buchanan's Allure
- Daisy captivates others not just through her beauty but also her charm, characterized by her irrelevant remarks and naïve demeanor.
- Her erratic conversational style enhances her mystique, drawing people in.
Jordan Baker's Revelation
- Jordan discloses to Nick that Tom is having an affair with a woman in New York, hinting at the couple's troubled relationship.
Daisy's Pessimism
- Despite her seemingly naïve demeanor, Daisy expresses a cynical outlook on people, revealing a deeper dissatisfaction with society.
Nighttime Encounter with Gatsby
- Nick observes Jay Gatsby alone on his lawn, gazing at the stars, a moment that suggests Gatsby's sense of isolation and longing.
The Valley of Ashes
- A significant setting metaphorically representing moral decay, the valley collects ashes from the exhaust of passing trains, symbolizing the consequences of industrialization.
Tom and Myrtle's Relationship
- Tom forcibly brings Nick to meet his mistress, Myrtle, demonstrating his disregard for the institution of marriage.
Violence at the Party
- At a party, Catherine reveals that both Tom and Myrtle are unhappy in their marriages, escalating tensions that result in Tom violently breaking Myrtle's nose during an argument.
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Description
Explore the contrasting worlds of East Egg and West Egg in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz examines the backgrounds of key characters, their lifestyles, and the societal implications of these two regions. Dive into the complexities of wealth and ambition as depicted in this classic novel.
