Questions and Answers
What advice did the narrator's father give him when he was a child that he still remembers as an adult?
To not criticize people and reserve judgment.
When the narrator returns from the East, what does he hope not to see again?
Glimpses into the human heart.
What quality does the narrator give to Gatsby as he describes the man?
He is quite complicated, but in a good way.
What career does the narrator decide to pursue after he returns from the Great War?
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Where does the narrator rent a house when he goes East?
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What is the condition of the narrator's house?
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What view does the narrator have from his new home?
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Whom does the narrator visit at the beginning of his first summer in his new residence?
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What type of house do the narrator's old friends live in?
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How does the narrator describe Tom Buchanan's body?
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Who is the slender young woman with the charming face that emanates discontent whom Nick meets at dinner with the Buchanans?
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How does the narrator describe his cousin's face?
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What is Tom Buchanan's view of racial equality?
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What object does Nick remind Daisy of?
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What gossip does Miss Baker share with Nick when Daisy leaves the room?
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What is Daisy's reaction when she hears that she gave birth to a little girl?
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How does Nick feel when he senses Daisy's insincerity and sees the smirk on her face?
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When Nick finds out Miss Baker's name is Jordan, where does he remember seeing her before?
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Why does Nick decide not to call out to Gatsby when he sees him standing outside?
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What is Gatsby doing the first time Nick sees him?
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What does Nick call the desolate area where the road meets the railroad and is located between West Egg and New York?
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How do Tom's acquaintances feel about him bringing a mistress to popular restaurants?
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Where does Nick first meet Tom's girlfriend?
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Which of the following adjectives best describes Mr. Wilson?
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What is Tom's response when Nick asks if Mr. Wilson objects to Tom seeing Mrs. Wilson?
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Study Notes
Narrator's Background
- The narrator's father advised him to avoid criticism and judgment of others to foster understanding, given his own privileges.
- Upon returning from the East, the narrator hopes to avoid witnessing the complexities of the human heart.
Gatsby's Character
- Gatsby is described as a complicated individual with positive qualities.
Professional Life
- The narrator pursues a career in the bond business after serving in the Great War.
Setting and Residence
- The narrator rents a house in West Egg, Long Island, which he describes as a small, ugly eyesore.
- From his residence, he can see Gatsby's lawn and some water.
Social Connections
- The narrator visits Tom Buchanan and his wife Daisy, who is also his cousin, early in his time in the East.
- Tom's mansion is a large, elaborate Georgian Colonial overlooking the bay.
Tom Buchanan
- Tom is characterized by his dominating presence, muscular build, and aggressive demeanor.
- He holds racist beliefs, expressing fear of the "white race" being submerged.
Daisy and Jordan Baker
- Daisy is depicted with a bright yet melancholic face, and a desire for her daughter to be a "beautiful fool" due to societal expectations.
- Jordan Baker, introduced as a charming but discontented figure, is recognized by the narrator from her career as a professional golfer.
Relationships and Intrigues
- Gossip reveals Tom's infidelity with a mistress in New York, as shared by Jordan Baker.
- Daisy's reaction to the birth of her daughter reflects her understanding of women's limited societal roles.
Gatsby's Observations
- The narrator feels uneasy about Daisy's insincerity.
- Gatsby is first seen by Nick gazing at a distant green light, symbolizing hope or yearning.
The Valley of Ashes
- Nick names the bleak area between West Egg and New York the Valley of Ashes, a setting that starkly contrasts with the wealth of West Egg.
- Tom's behavior with his mistress in public draws resentment from his social circle.
Meeting Myrtle Wilson
- Nick first encounters Tom's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, in the Valley of Ashes at her husband's auto shop.
- George Wilson, Myrtle's husband, is described as a pale and spiritless man.
Tom's Attitude
- Tom dismisses any concern about Mr. Wilson’s awareness of his affair, showcasing his arrogance and disregard for others.
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Description
This quiz encompasses key concepts from 'The Great Gatsby' with a focus on key definitions and character insights from the first chapter. It aims to deepen understanding of the narrator's perspective and the significance of moral judgement in the story.
