Characters
Describe Tom's character traits.
Intimidating, arrogant, opinionated, abusive, cheating.
What happens as Nick is leaving Gatsby's party? What does this illustrate about this society?
A car drives into the ditch. The drunk passengers don't realize what happened. This illustrates the careless nature of the upper class.
What is the difference between East and West Egg?
East Egg represents old money and West Egg represents new money.
What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy's name?
Hit her and broke her nose.
Who is Myrtle Wilson?
George Wilson's wife. Tom Buchanan's mistress. Middle class but feels like she belongs in high society.
What does Gatsby's library tell us about him?
His money is just for show.
What is the Valley of Ashes?
A low, gray, ash filled valley where the lower class lives and works.
Why does Daisy want her daughter to be a fool?
She would rather her daughter be ignorant to the issues of the world.
Describe Nick's background and character traits.
He comes from a wealthy family. Attended college in New Haven. Moved to the East to work as a bonds salesman. Biased narrator and somewhat hypocritical.
What is Gatsby staring at when Nick first sees him?
A green light across the bay coming from Tom and Daisy's house.
Describe the parties that Gatsby throws. What kind of people attend?
Elaborate, outlandish, excessive, expensive. Tons of wealthy people that are never truly invited.
How does Nick meet Gatsby? How is it anticlimactic?
Sitting at a table talking with a group of people. He has a completely normal introduction instead of the grand entrance Nick was lead to expect.
What are the similarities and differences between Daisy and Mytrle?
Both women are in a relationship with Tom and focused on money. Daisy comes from old money and lives in a mansion near other socialites. Myrtle does not have money and lives in the Valley of Ashes above a garage.
What symbol overlooks the Valley of Ashes?
A billboard with the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg
What is the setting for this novel?
Early 1920s. Long Island, New York, and the Valley of Ashes.
Describe Nick's relationship with Jordan.
At first he was intrigued by her status and who she knew. They started dating although Nick has a situation with a girl in the West he needs to clear up.
Describe Jordan Baker.
She's a golf champion and friends with Daisy. She's dishonest and reckless.
What is ironic about the way Myrtle talks about the man bringing ice?
She speaks about him as if he's below her but they come from the same social class.
Where does Tom take Myrtle?
An apartment he pays for in New York.
What is Nick's first impression of Gatsby?
It's dark, lonely, and ghostly. Gatsby appears, staring into the dark across the bay, then just as quickly disappears.