The Great Gatsby: Parties and Characters

Questions and Answers

Why do most of Gatsby's guests come to his house?

Gatsby's house is a popular place, providing free food, drinks, and lavish amusements.

What is a 'bootlegger,' and how does it relate to the story?

A bootlegger is a maker of illegal whiskey, especially during Prohibition, and it is rumored that is how Gatsby made his fortune.

What does the guest list indicate about the social classes of East Egg and West Egg?

People from East Egg have fancier, more elitist names, while those from West Egg have more ethnic names and are identified as show business people or gamblers.

Why is Nick disappointed with Gatsby at the party?

Gatsby has very little to say at the party, which is disappointing to Nick. Signup and view all the answers

What are knickerbockers, and why are they mentioned?

Knickerbockers are loose, short pants, gathered at the knee, and a guest is wearing them at the party. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick restrain his laughter when Gatsby tries to forget something sad?

Nick finds it ridiculous that Gatsby uses that line and seems to be trying to create an image for himself. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick's conversation with Gatsby reveal about him?

Gatsby seems to have a romantic disposition and a tendency to rely on overused phrases. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick feel listening to Gatsby is like 'skimming hastily through a dozen magazines'?

Nick's conversation with Gatsby covers a number of topics too briefly, making them seem superficial. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick feel about Gatsby after the party in Chapter 4?

Nick believes Gatsby completely, despite finding his conversation contrived. Signup and view all the answers

Gatsby's wealth is considered 'unfathomable'.

True Signup and view all the answers

What changes Nick's mind about the veracity of Gatsby's stories?

Gatsby has a medal from Montenegro for his service during the war and a picture of himself at Oxford. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Meyer Wolfsheim?

Wolfsheim is an acquaintance of Gatsby's and a gambler; he is known for fixing the 1919 World's Series. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jordan recall about Daisy and Gatsby in 1917?

Daisy seems to only want to go out with Gatsby when he is in town, showing her affection for him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Daisy behave the night before her wedding?

Daisy gets drunk, cries in the bathtub, and considers returning the pearls Tom gave her. Signup and view all the answers

Whom do you think wrote the letter Daisy received before her wedding?

It seems likely the letter was sent by Gatsby, likely expressing his love for her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick mean when he says Gatsby aspired to more than just the stars?

It suggests Gatsby was truly reaching for Daisy, symbolizing his dreams. Signup and view all the answers

What is happening to the relationship between Jordan and Nick at the end of Chapter 4?

Nick and Jordan are becoming very close. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'gaudily' mean, and to whom might it refer?

'Gaudily' means 'flashily', and it could refer to Gatsby's shirts or his guests' attire. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick turn down Gatsby's business offer?

Nick feels it's wrong to accept it in exchange for helping Gatsby meet his married cousin. Signup and view all the answers

What stages does Gatsby go through as he waits to meet Daisy?

Gatsby feels embarrassed, joyful, and ultimately overwhelmed by Daisy's presence. Signup and view all the answers

How does Daisy react to meeting Gatsby at Nick's?

Daisy is overwhelmed and emotional, breaking into tears and fondly touching Gatsby's shirts. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it inappropriate for Gatsby to answer Nick's question about his business?

Gatsby's curt reply shows he's not being transparent, which doesn't align with his supposed old money background. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby throw his shirts on the table?

Gatsby is proud of his wealth, and his shirts represent his success. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Daisy cry over Gatsby's shirts?

Daisy is emotional about Gatsby's effort to impress her, reflecting his romantic nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is described as 'swathed' in Chapter 5?

The walls of Gatsby's house are described as being draped with rose and lavender silk. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick mean by 'Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy'?

Nick suggests that the light on Daisy's dock previously seemed closer to her than Gatsby himself. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick refer to when he says the 'count of enchanted objects had diminished by one'?

He refers to the green light that no longer symbolizes Gatsby's dreams after meeting Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick mean when he says Daisy is no longer the girl of Gatsby's dreams?

Daisy is now a real person for Gatsby, unable to live up to the ideal he envisioned. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Gatsby in the beginning of Chapter 6?

Gatsby's parents are farm people, and he left home at the age of 16. Signup and view all the answers

When does James Gatz change his name to Jay Gatsby, and why?

He uses the name for the first time when he rows out to Dan Cody's yacht, thinking it sounds more glamorous. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby imagine the ideal James Gatsby to be?

He envisions himself as a wealthy, glamorous, suave man of the world. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dan Cody's yacht symbolize to young Gatz?

It symbolizes all the beauty and glamour in the world. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby not receive the $25,000 from Cody's will?

Ella Kaye cheats Gatsby out of his inheritance. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Gatsby receive his education?

He received his education while traveling the world in Dan Cody's service. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick mean when he says Gatsby's contour filled out to the substantiality of a man?

Gatsby evolves from a poor dashing officer to a wealthy and fully-realized man. Signup and view all the answers

How do we account for Tom's comment about being 'old-fashioned'?

Tom believes in a double standard of behavior and expresses it sincerely, showing his arrogance. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy think of Gatsby's party?

Daisy loves her time with Gatsby but disapproves of the party as typical of 'West Egg' parties. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Gatsby puzzled at the Buchanans' reaction to his party?

Gatsby cannot understand their snobberies as he lacks their values despite having money. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby want Daisy to understand?

Gatsby expects Daisy to know he loves her and that she should leave Tom to marry him. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Gatsby's view on repeating the past unrealistic?

Nick argues that people and circumstances change, making it impossible to go back. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'conceits' and who in the novel has them?

'Conceits' are fanciful ideas, and Gatsby seems to have them about the past and his romantic ideals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gatsby's Parties and Guest Dynamics

Guests frequent Gatsby's house for the extravagant offerings including free food and drinks, often neglecting to acknowledge Gatsby himself.
The contrast between East Egg and West Egg is highlighted by the guest list; East Egg attendees have elite names, while West Egg guests include showbiz figures and gamblers, indicating their nouveau riche status.

Gatsby's Background and Character

Rumors suggest Gatsby made his fortune as a bootlegger during Prohibition.
Gatsby demonstrates a romantic disposition but tends to use overused phrases, diminishing the authenticity of his character.
Nick feels Gatsby’s conversation is somewhat superficial, as it resembles skimming through multiple magazines.
Gatsby’s wealth is described as unfathomable and symbolized by his possessions, including his lavish shirts, which emotionally affect Daisy during their reunion.

Daisy and Gatsby's Relationship

Jordan Baker recalls Daisy’s feelings for Gatsby, noting Daisy prioritized Gatsby's company and showed a drastic change in behavior after he left.
The night before her wedding, Daisy becomes emotional and considers returning Tom’s gifts, implying turmoil over her choice and hinting at Gatsby’s influence nearby.
After their first meeting in years, Daisy’s emotional response reinforces her lingering affection for Gatsby while revealing the complexity of their past.

Gatsby's Transformation and Aspirations

Gatsby, born James Gatz to unambitious parents, adopts the persona of Jay Gatsby after meeting Dan Cody, which symbolizes his aspirations for wealth and sophistication.
Gatsby's transformation includes a romanticized vision of success, leading to his desire to recapture the past with Daisy, which Nick deems unrealistic.
Gatsby's notion of recreating the past contrasts sharply with Nick's belief in the impossibility of doing so as time and people change.

Gatsby's extravagant parties fail to impress Tom and Daisy Buchanan, who find them too ostentatious, reflecting their disdain for anything associated with the nouveau riche.
Tom Buchanan’s comments about women and his arrogance highlight his old-fashioned views and the societal double standards of the era.
Nick’s refusal to engage in Gatsby's shady business deal underlines his moral values, despite being tempted by the wealth associated with Gatsby.

Symbols and Themes

The green light that once symbolized Gatsby's dreams becomes less significant upon reuniting with Daisy, indicating a shift from idealism to reality.
The phrase "vague contour of Jay Gatsby" signifies Gatsby's growth from an unformed youth to a fully realized man, depicting the contrast between his former self and his current status.
Daisy’s reaction to Gatsby’s wealth and parties showcases the clash between old money and new money, highlighting themes of class distinction and social expectations.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of Gatsby's extravagant parties and the various guests that attend. Delve into Gatsby's mysterious background and his complex relationship with Daisy Buchanan, all reflecting on the themes of wealth and social class. This quiz covers critical aspects of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel.