Parties & People
What distinguishes Nick’s attendance at Gatsby’s parties from most other guests?
He was actually invited
Name one rumor circulating about Gatsby at his parties that highlights how little people know about him.
he killed a man; he was a German spy; he was related to Kaiser Wilhelm,
At the party, what is the moment that causes Gatsby to vanish from Nick’s sight at the restaurant?
Nick sees Tom Buchanan at the restaurant, causing Gatsby to be uncomfortable and disappear
What is the "green light" Gatsby reaches toward, as referenced at the end of Chapter 1 and recalled in later chapters?
The light is at the end of Daisy’s dock
What claim does Nick make about himself that he calls his "one cardinal virtue"?
He claims to be "one of the few honest people" he has known
Who is "Owl Eyes" and what surprising detail about Gatsby’s library does he point out?
Owl Eyes is a guest who marvels that Gatsby’s books are real and uncut
Who tells Nick that Gatsby is unreliable at the end of Chapter 3?
Jordan Baker
According to Jordan Baker, what happened the night before Daisy married Tom?
Jordan says Daisy got drunk and cried over a letter, saying she changed her mind
How can Gatsby’s library (and Owl Eyes’ observation) be read symbolically in terms of appearance versus reality?
he library suggests that appearances (a grand house) may be superficial — the books being real/untrimmed suggests layers to Gatsby’s identity; Owl Eyes is surprised books aren’t fake.
What is Gatsby’s behavior toward Nick during the car ride to New York — how does Gatsby present himself?
Gatsby is evasive but anxious to present himself as refined and honorable; he offers stories and proofs
How does Nick first meet Gatsby (what leads to their exchange)?
Nick mistakes Gatsby for another guest on accident at the party.
What two items does Gatsby show Nick as "proof" of his background?
A medal from Montenegro and a photograph from Oxford
Why did Gatsby buy the West Egg house he lives in?
Gatsby bought the house because it was directly across the bay from Daisy’s house
Describe how Gatsby’s practice of providing proof of his past ties into the novel’s themes of identity and reinvention.
The medal and photograph function as constructed proof to legitimize Gatsby’s invented past and support his self-reinvention.
Why does Gatsby become uncomfortable when Tom appears at the restaurant, and what does that reveal about Gatsby’s priorities?
Gatsby fears Tom because Tom represents Daisy’s current life and social power; Gatsby prioritizes winning Daisy over appearing respectable to Tom.
What is Gatsby’s signature phrase when addressing people like Nick?
"Old sport"
Who is Meyer Wolfsheim and what kind of reputation does he have?
Meyer Wolfsheim is a business associate with ties to the underworld
What favor does Gatsby ask of Nick concerning Daisy, and why does he request the meeting at Nick’s house?
Gatsby asks Nick to invite Daisy to tea so Gatsby can "happen" to drop by; he wants it at Nick’s so he can control the setting and avoid public attention
Using evidence from Chapters 3–4, analyze how Gatsby’s parties function as a symbol of the 1920s superficiality.
Parties show glamour but empty sociality — extravagant gatherings mask loneliness and moral carelessness (examples: reckless driving, rumors, forgotten guests).
What is Nick's role in the story? Does he contribute to the varying problems other characters face?
Nick is within and without. He is both there but does not provide plot point for the story to move forth. He simply recounts the story while being involved.
Describe how the end-of-party incident with the car illustrates the guests’ behavior and what this reveals about West Egg society.
A car ends up in a ditch with a wheel ripped off. Demonstrates recklessness and carelessness of guests.
What notorious crime is Wolfsheim said to be responsible for, and how does Fitzgerald use this detail to complicate Gatsby’s image?
He fixed the 1919 World Series, this suggests criminal connections and complicates Gatsby’s respectability.
Explain how the list of party attendees at the start of Chapter 4 functions narratively — what does it show about Gatsby’s parties and their social makeup?
The list shows the mix of new and old money and the fleeting, opportunistic nature of the guests
Explain what wealth seems to fail to provide to Fitzgerald’s wealthy characters in these chapters. Use at least two specific examples from the quiz text above.
wealth does not provide authenticity, moral grounding, lasting love, or social integrity. Examples: guests’ carelessness
What makes Meyer Wolfsheim shady? Use a specific piece from the text to support your answer.
Wolfsheim reveals Gatsby’s willingness to associate with corrupt means