The Great Gatsby Study Guide Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Who is Nick Carraway, and what is his role in the story?

Nick is a young man from Minnesota who, after being educated at Yale and fighting in World War I, goes to New York City to learn the bond business. He is the narrator of the novel.

Who are George and Myrtle Wilson, and how are they connected to Tom Buchanan?

George Wilson is a gas station and garage owner living in the 'Valley of Ashes.' Wilson's wife, Myrtle, is engaged in an affair with Tom Buchanan.

What are Gatsby's parties like?

Gatsby's parties are almost unbelievably luxurious, featuring a Rolls-Royce, a swimming pool, buffet tents overflowing with food, and a live orchestra.

How does Gatsby try to prove to Nick that he is telling the truth about himself?

He has a medal and a photograph to prove it. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Gatsby buy a mansion in West Egg?

In the hopes that he would win Daisy back. Signup and view all the answers

What scheme does Gatsby ask Nick to help him with?

To invite Daisy over for tea without mentioning Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby want Daisy to do?

To leave Tom so that he can be with her. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Myrtle?

Myrtle is struck by a passing car that fails to stop, continuing its route out of the city. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Gatsby?

George Wilson shoots Jay Gatsby to death because he believes that Gatsby was the hit-and-run driver who killed his wife Myrtle. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nick's view of the East imply?

Nick believes the East is a sophisticated place. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Nick use the word 'compelled'?

To show Tom's forcefulness. Signup and view all the answers

What theme about appearance and reality does Fitzgerald develop through Tom's extra-marital affair?

Appearance cannot be trusted. Signup and view all the answers

What do Jordan's actions reveal about her?

She is amused by gossip. Signup and view all the answers

What do the descriptions of suits by Myrtle symbolize?

Class. Signup and view all the answers

How does the passage about Tom's mistress develop his character?

They show he is careless. Signup and view all the answers

How do details in a sentence contribute to Myrtle's character development?

They show that she thinks her affair brings her higher status. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best meaning of 'shiftlessness' as used in Myrtle's passage?

Laziness. Signup and view all the answers

What do the settings in this chapter reveal about society in the 1920s?

They were distinguished by an expanding freedom and foolishness, with Gatsby's parties filled with upper-class luxury. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nick Carraway

Young man from Minnesota; educated at Yale and served in World War I.
Moves to New York City to learn the bond business; serves as the novel's narrator.

George and Myrtle Wilson

George Wilson owns a gas station in the 'Valley of Ashes' between West Egg and New York City.
Myrtle Wilson, his wife, is involved in an affair with Tom Buchanan, which complicates their lives.

Gatsby's Parties

Extravagantly luxurious gatherings featuring a Rolls-Royce, swimming pool, abundant food, and live music.
Guests are mesmerized by the lavish décor and atmosphere under the stars.

Gatsby's Truthfulness

Gatsby attempts to validate his claims with a medal and a photograph from his past.

Gatsby's Mansion

Purchased in West Egg primarily to rekindle his romance with Daisy Buchanan.

Invitation Scheme

Gatsby enlists Nick's help to invite Daisy over for tea, keeping his identity a secret initially.

Gatsby's Desire for Daisy

Yearns for Daisy to leave Tom Buchanan so they can be together, indicating his obsession with the past.

Myrtle's Fate

Myrtle is killed by a hit-and-run driver, which devastates George Wilson.

Gatsby's Death

Shot by George Wilson, who mistakenly believes Gatsby was responsible for Myrtle's death.

Nick's Perception of the East

Views the East as a sophisticated contrast to the more mundane Middle West.

Tom Buchanan's Forcefulness

Nick uses "compelled" to highlight Tom's domineering personality, illustrating his controlling nature.

Theme of Appearance vs. Reality

Tom's affair exemplifies the theme that one's outward appearance often hides their true character.

Jordan Baker's Character

Her interest in gossip indicates a self-indulgent and morally ambiguous personality.

Symbolism in Fashion

Myrtle's comments on the suits worn by George and Tom represent the deep-seated class distinctions of the era.

Tom Buchanan's Carelessness

Displays a lack of regard for the consequences of his actions, reflecting his privileged lifestyle.

Myrtle's Misguided Status

Myrtle's behavior and attitude denote a delusion of increased social status due to her affair with Tom.

Definition of "Shiftlessness"

Refers to laziness, highlighting Myrtle's disdain for the working class and perceived inadequacies.

1920s Society Reflections

The settings illustrate a society characterized by newfound freedoms, indulgence, and excess, particularly among the upper classes.

Atmosphere at Gatsby's Parties

The energy and eclectic mingling capture the vivacity and escapism of the Jazz Age, where guests engage in reckless celebration.

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Description

Explore key characters and themes from F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel 'The Great Gatsby' through these study guide flashcards. Learn about Nick Carraway, George and Myrtle Wilson, and their connections to the story. Ideal for students preparing for discussions or exams.