The Great Gatsby Study Guide (Chapters 1-9)

Questions and Answers

Why are Tom and Daisy reconciled?

Tom tells Daisy that Gatsby is a gangster and that she should stay with him. They reconciled over the death of Myrtle and moved away because Daisy was guilty.

Who is Trimachio? Explain how this describes Gatsby.

He is a character from a Roman novel who comes from a poor modest background, gains power and wealth, which correlates with Gatsby.

Describe Daisy and Gatsby's new relationship.

They loved each other and didn't care.

Compare George Wilson and Tom. What did each man learn about his wife and how did they each react?

George was sad and felt sick when he found out that he was having an affair. Tom gets angry and tried to find out everything wrong with Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

If Daisy says she's never loved Tom, is there someone whom she thinks she loves?

She loved both of them at one point. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the fight between Gatsby and Tom. What do these men think of each other? How are they similar and how are they different?

Gatsby doesn't like Tom because he doesn't treat Daisy well. Tom looks down on Gatsby because he is new money. They are similar because they both love and want her. They are both competitive, rich, and cocky. They are different because Gatsby worked for his money and Tom was born into his money. Tom is quick to anger. Tom drinks and Gatsby doesn't. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think Tom and Daisy were saying to each other in the kitchen?

They were making a plan to run away. Signup and view all the answers

At this point, how would you end the novel? (Chapter 7)

Daisy leaving with Tom and Gatsby moving on with his life. Signup and view all the answers

How does Fitzgerald achieve a melancholic mood in the beginning of this chapter?

He matches it to the characters' feelings and the events that happened in the novel. Signup and view all the answers

How are seasons used in constructing this novel?

It starts off in summer: happy, fun, and playful times. Fall starts to get colder, darker, and is the saddest time in the novel. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dan Cody and what is his significance in Gatsby's life?

He is the reason Gatsby lives the life he lives. He is inspired by him to be this made-up person. Signup and view all the answers

How does T.J. Eckleberg affect Mr. Wilson?

He assures him that God is watching everyone. He goes out and looks for a yellow car, goes to Gatsby's house to kill him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick's statement 'You're worth the whole bunch put together' show a change in Nick from the beginning of the novel?

It was the first compliment that he gave to Gatsby. He judges all the people besides Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Nick's taking charge of Gatsby's funeral arrangements?

He was Gatsby's only friend that cared about him. He was the only one who truly appreciates the real Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick describe himself at the beginning of the book?

He comes from an upper-class family but learned never to be judgmental. Signup and view all the answers

Why has Nick come to the East?

To start a new job in the bond business. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick describe Tom Buchanan?

A sturdy, straw-haired man who is arrogant and aggressive. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Jordan Baker, and what does Nick find appealing about her?

She is a golfer with a raised chin suggesting that she is stuck up. Signup and view all the answers

How does Daisy react to the phone calls from Tom's mistress in New York?

She is upset but acts composed and follows him when he takes the call. Signup and view all the answers

What is Gatsby doing when Nick first sees him?

He is standing on his dock reaching out to the green light across the bay. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Fitzgerald use the words hope or dream frequently?

To represent views of society and foreshadowing for what is to come. Signup and view all the answers

Does Nick reserve judgment in the novel as advised by his father?

Yes, he is candid with the reader but tries to reserve judgment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the day and year during the first scene at Daisy's house?

Summer of 1922. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Nick and what facts do you know about him.

He was wealthy growing up, graduated from Yale in 1915, is solemn, reserved, and not a big drinker. Signup and view all the answers

What image does the author use to describe Jordan Baker?

She looked like she was balancing a ball on her chin. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick react to Jordan?

He feels nervous and thinks she is intimidating. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom's behavior reveal about his character?

He is emotionally abusive, self-centered, arrogant, dominant, and aggressive. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick meet Tom's mistress?

Tom took Nick with him to meet her at her husband's auto body shop. Signup and view all the answers

How does Myrtle react to Tom's arrival?

She is focused solely on Tom and sends her husband George away to get some chairs. Signup and view all the answers

Describe George Wilson and his reaction to Tom's arrival.

He has blonde hair and blue eyes, is slightly handsome, dull, spiritless, and unaware of the affair. Signup and view all the answers

How does Myrtle behave as the party progresses?

She acts like she has a lot of money and that this is her true self. Signup and view all the answers

According to Catherine, why has Tom not left Daisy to marry Myrtle?

Daisy is Catholic and doesn't believe in divorce. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom do to Myrtle?

He slaps her, breaking her nose. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'valley of ashes.' What does it look like and represent?

It is dark and dreary, representing moral decay and where poor people live between East and West Egg. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Mr. Wilson and Myrtle's marriage. Do they seem to fit into the setting?

Their marriage is dead; George is so in love with her, which is unreciprocated. Signup and view all the answers

What have you learned about Nick in Chapter 2? Is he similar or different from the people he spends his time with?

Nick is more reserved and uncomfortable, preferring to be elsewhere. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby throw huge, expensive parties?

He throws them to get Daisy's attention. Signup and view all the answers

Describe two ways in which Nick differs from the other guests at the party.

He was actually invited by Gatsby, and he usually doesn't attend such parties. Signup and view all the answers

What does the owl-eyed man find extraordinary about the books in Gatsby's library?

They were all real books. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the owl-eyed man describe Gatsby as a real Belasco?

Because he puts on a show for his guests. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the owl-eyed man?

He represents wisdom and the thoughts of the guests. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick learn about Jordan after spending time with her?

She is a liar. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Jordan's lies?

She lies like Gatsby does. Signup and view all the answers

What do Nick's judgements reveal about his character?

When he judges, he is mean and real about it. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Gatsby the first time Nick sees him.

He has a rare reassuring smile, is young (31 or 32), and speaks with eloquence. Signup and view all the answers

What rumors have been told about Gatsby?

That he is a murderer, a German spy, and that he went to Oxford. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick think of Gatsby after meeting him?

He finds Gatsby elegant, friendly, and kind of suspicious. Signup and view all the answers

How is Gatsby different from his guests?

He isn't drunk and avoids mingling. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby choose to share his thoughts with Jordan?

He likes her and sees a reflection of her dishonesty in his new lifestyle. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby tell Nick about his life?

He wants Nick to trust him. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about Gatsby's background?

It implies he is involved in shady business. Signup and view all the answers

What accomplishments of Meyer Wolfsheim does Gatsby describe to Nick?

He is a gambler who fixed the 1919 World Series. Signup and view all the answers

What did Daisy do on her wedding day that reveals her feelings?

She got outrageously drunk and didn’t want to marry Tom. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Gatsby want to have tea with Daisy at Nick's house?

To avoid awkwardness, with Jordan's help. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom do when he and Daisy return from their honeymoon?

He gets into a car accident with one of his mistresses. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Meyer Wolfsheim play in the novel?

He adds mystery to Gatsby's character. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following rumors were told about Gatsby? (Select all that apply)

He went to Oxford. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Fitzgerald list all of Gatsby's party guests?

To show that they weren't Gatsby's friends. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the green light?

It symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams for Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character and Narration Insights

Nick Carraway describes himself as non-judgmental, shaped by his upper-class background.
He arrives in the East in 1922 to pursue his career in the bond business.
Nick's observations reveal the complexities of those around him, from wealth to moral decay, contributing to both his role as a narrator and his interactions with characters.

Key Characters

Tom Buchanan, characterized as arrogant and aggressive, exemplifies the brutality of old money.
Jordan Baker intrigues Nick with her confidence and apparent aloofness, representing the modern woman of the era.
Daisy Buchanan's duality is highlighted through her superficial charm and underlying sadness.

Themes of Hope and Dreams

The recurring motifs of hope and dreams signify societal aspirations and foreshadow upcoming struggles, particularly through the green light symbolizing Gatsby's unattainable longing for Daisy.
Gatsby’s lavish parties serve as a facade for his loneliness and desire for connection with Daisy.

The "valley of ashes" symbolizes moral decay amid the pursuit of wealth and class, illustrating the stark divide between the rich and the destitute.
Gatsby's extravagant displays are contrasted with the emptiness of his social interactions and the true relationships exhibited at events.

Relationships and Conflict

Tom's emotional abuse and Mira Wilson's ignorance of his betrayal create tension, highlighting the toxic nature of many relationships in the novel.
The sharp contrast between Gatsby's idealism and Tom's cynicism manifests in their tense encounters, showcasing their differing values.

Plot Developments and Turning Points

Gatsby’s desperation for Daisy leads to various pivotal moments, such as the confrontation with Tom and the revelation of their shared past.
Daisy’s reaction to wealth and status, particularly the emotional significance of Gatsby’s shirts, signifies her struggle between love and societal expectations.

Moral and Ethical Reflections

Nick’s internal conflict regarding honesty, loyalty, and the nature of wealth reveals the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a corrupt society.
Gatsby's tragic pursuit of his dreams ultimately showcases the destructive power of obsessive love and the impossibility of recapturing the past.

Climactic Conclusions

The climactic moments are marked by violence and heartbreak, leading to a denouement that reflects on the futility of aspirations in a world governed by social stratification and disappointment.
The conclusion offers commentary on the American Dream, questioning its attainability and the cost of relentless pursuit.### Chapter 7 Overview
Daisy remains with Tom, while Gatsby attempts to move forward in life, highlighting themes of choice and consequence.

Melancholic Mood

Fitzgerald creates a melancholic atmosphere through descriptive language that mirrors the characters' emotions and recent events.
Adjectives woven into the narrative contribute to the sense of sadness and reflection prevalent at the chapter's start.

Seasonal Symbolism

The novel begins in summer, symbolizing joy and carefree moments.
As the story progresses into fall, the mood shifts to reflect darker themes and sadness, marking a significant tonal change in the narrative.

Dan Cody's Influence

Dan Cody serves as a pivotal figure in Gatsby's life, inspiring him to create an elaborate persona.
Cody's luxurious lifestyle and experiences shape Gatsby's aspirations and identity.

T.J. Eckleberg's Role

The eyes of T.J. Eckleberg symbolize the idea that God observes humanity, impacting Mr. Wilson.
Mr. Wilson's interpretation of T.J. Eckleberg fuels his quest for revenge against Gatsby, believing he is responsible for his wife's death.

Nick's Transformation

Nick's comment to Gatsby, "You're worth the whole bunch put together," signifies his evolving perspective on Gatsby compared to others.
Initially critical of affluent characters, Nick's admiration for Gatsby marks a pivotal shift in his judgment and loyalty.

Nick's Responsibility in Gatsby's Funeral

Nick takes on the responsibility of arranging Gatsby's funeral, underscoring his role as Gatsby's only true friend.
This act demonstrates Nick's recognition and appreciation of Gatsby's genuine character amidst a world filled with superficiality.

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Description

This quiz covers important concepts and characters from Chapters 1 to 9 of 'The Great Gatsby'. Test your knowledge on key themes, character traits, and motivations as presented in the novel. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic work.