Chapter 1
What advice did Nick's father give him?
What is 'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’
How does Daisy make people feel when she talks to them? What might it reveal about her role in her social life or her personality?
What is: as if they are the only one in the world she wants to talk to.
She is well-liked and charming.
Tom meets George Wilson in the valley of ashes. What sort of man is George? Give specific examples to support yourself.
What is poor, hardworking man, tired, desperate, and easily pushed around by Tom.
"The interior was unprosperous and bare" – Shows that his garage is run-down and he doesn't have much money.
"A damp gleam of hope sprang into his light blue eyes" – Shows that he is desperate for business.
"Wilson quickly" explained himself – Shows that he backs down easily when Tom gets upset.
How does Myrtle talk about George and their marriage? What does this say about her as a character? Use a specific quote.
Myrtle talks badly about George and says she regrets marrying him.
"I thought he was a gentleman, but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe."
Daisy took her face in her hands as if feelings its lovely shape, and her eyes moved gradually out into the velvet dusk. I saw that turbulent emotions possessed her, so I asked what I though would be some sedative questions about her little girl.
What is a quality, substance, or medicine that tends to calm, soothe, tranquilize, or relieve anxiety, nervousness, or excitement?
Why does Nick say he wanted the world to be predictable and orderly after returning from WWI?
What is he was tired of hearing everyone's secrets?
What impression does Nick get of Jorden when he first meets her? How does her behavior set her apart from Daisy?
He feels like he has seen her before, or at least a photo. Miss Baker seems discontented, more obviously uninterested in things compared to Daisy. For example she is always yawning, won't go to NY with Daisy and mentioned West Egg "contemptuously."
How do Tom and Myrtle manage to head into New York without George getting suspicious? What does this reveal about Tom?
What is he uses the car as an excuse to visit the shop and Myrtle says she is visiting her sister in New York? Tom is a dishonest manipulative sleaze.
Briefly summarize the story of how Tom and Myrtle met.
Myrtle says she met Tom on a train while traveling to New York to visit her sister. She noticed his expensive clothes and was attracted to him. They eventually left the train station together in a taxi.
"No, thanks," said Miss Baker to the four cocktails just in from the pantry, "I'm absolutely in training."
Her host looked at her incredulously."
"You are!"
What is unwilling to admit or accept what is offered as true, skeptical?
What is the difference between West Egg and East Egg? How does Nick describe each area?
What is: West Egg is the less fashionable place to live, East Egg is more fashionable.
What ideas does Tom share at dinner, and how does this scene reveal something about his values and worldview?
What is that "if we don’t look out the white race will be—will be utterly submerged" and "It’s up to us who are the dominant race to watch out or these other races will have control of things."
This reveals that Tom is racist, believes in white superiority, and wants to keep his place of power in society.
What does Tom do for Myrtle once they get into NY? What can you infer about their relationship as a whole based on this interaction?
What is Tom buys her a dog? Their relationship is based more on money and material things than real love. Tom uses his wealth to make Myrtle happy and keep her interested in him.
During the party, what is revealed about Tom and Myrtle's respective marriages?
What is they are both miserable in their marriages?
"I like your dress," remarked Mrs. McKee, "I think it's adorable."
Mrs. Wilson rejected the compliment by raising her eyebrows in disdain.
What is a feeling of strong dislike, disapproval, or contempt for someone or something you view as inferior, beneath you, or unworthy of your respect?
What do we learn about Gatsby's mansion and how does it compare to Nick's home?
What is: Gatsby had a $5k/month mansion designed to look like a French Hotel while Nick had a small ugly house, close to water with a perfect view of Gatsby's mansion?
Daisy tells Nick she hopes her daughter will be "a beautiful little fool." What does she mean by this, and what does it suggest about Daisy's view of women's roles in her society?
What is Daisy believes women are expected to look beautiful and make others happy instead of being smart or independent?
How does Nick feel about the party at Tom and Myrtle's "secret" Manhattan apartment? Give TWO examples to support.
What is Nick feels uncomfortable and out of place at the party.
He says he sat down "discreetly in the living room," showing that he feels awkward and doesn't really want to join in.
He describes the apartment as crowded and messy, showing that he doesn't think much of the party or its surroundings.
Towards the end of the chapter, what does Myrtle do that angers Tom? How does he react and what does this ultimately imply about him?
Myrtle says Daisy's name. Shows Tom is abusive and controlling, but maybe is slightly protective and has some love for Daisy.
"Hold on," I said, "I have to leave you here."
"No, you don't," interposed Tom quickly. "Myrtle'll be hurt if you don't come up to the apartment. Won't you, Myrtle?"
What is to interrupt?
Based on Nick's Description, what kind of person is Tom? List two character traits and give evidence.
What is: Arrogant, Snobbish, Bratty, Entitled, Macho, Show-off, Pretentious etc.
- "Even in college his freedom with money was a matter for reproach"
- "had been one of the most powerful ends that ever played football at New Haven—a national figure in a way, one of those men who reach such an acute limited excellence at twenty-one that everything afterward savors of anti-climax."
- "Two shining, arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward."
- "There was a touch of paternal contempt in it, even toward people he liked—and there were men at New Haven who had hated his guts."
At the end of the evening, how does Nick seem to feel about Daisy and Tom's relationship? What does he seem to realize about their world?
He realizes their world is superficial and boring to them, so they have to create drama.
How or why does Gatsby come up at the party? How does this conversation emphasize his mysterious nature from earlier?
The guests went to a party he hosted. One says they are afraid of him. Another says he is related to some kind of prince. No one really knows much of him.
How many times in his life has Nick been drunk?
What is 2?
Before I could reply that he was my neighbor dinner was announced; wedging his tense arm imperatively under mine, Tom Buchanan compelled me from the room as though he were moving a checker to another square.
What is in a manner that is extremely important, urgent, or expressed as a direct command.