Who's Really Who?
Who narrates the novel?
Nick Carraway
What is the difference between West Egg and East Egg? Share where one of the characters live.
West Egg is "New Money" where Gatsby and Nick live. East Egg is "Old Money" where Tom and Daisy live.
What does Gatsby's death suggest about the people who benefited from his generosity? Who was Gatsby's only real friend?
Many people were only interested in his parties and money, not his actual friendship. Nick was his only real friend.
Why does Gatsby take the blame for Myrtle's death?
He wants to protect Daisy from the consequences.
Where was F. Scott Fitzgerald born?
St. Paul, MN
What was Jay Gatsby's birth name? Why did he change it?
His birth name was James Gatz. He reinvented himself to escape his poor background and become someone wealthy and successful.
Where is Nick originally from? Where does he end up living at the end of the novel?
He was raised in Minnesota, left for New York, and then was disgusted by the people, so he moved back home.
How does the novel demonstrate that money cannot buy happiness?
The wealthy characters have money but experience loneliness, betrayal, and unhappiness.
Why is Gatsby's love for Daisy considered unrealistic?
He loves an idealized version of her rather than accepting her flaws and choices.
What does the 18th Amendment state?
Prohibition. The government banned manufacturing, selling, transporting, importing, and exporting liquor.
Why does Gatsby ask Nick to help arrange tea with Daisy?
He wants to reunite with Daisy in a private setting.
Why is Gatsby's mansion eventually empty and abandoned?
His parties stop, and the people who once enjoyed his wealth disappear after his death.
Why does Gatsby's dream ultimately fail?
He cannot recreate the past or make Daisy become the person he imagined.
What does Tom end up telling George after the accident?
Tom tells George that Gatsby owns the yellow car that killed Myrtle.
What was the nickname for the cultural period of jazz music, parties, and changing social expectations during the 1920s?
The Jazz Age
How does Tom demonstrate that he believes he is superior to others?
He uses his wealth, physical strength, and social status to control people. He breaks Myrtle's nose, makes racists comments, and is condescending to the lower class.
What does the Valley of Ashes reveal about the relationship between the rich and the poor?
The wealthy benefit from a society that leaves others struggling in poverty.
How does Fitzgerald criticize the wealthy through Tom and Daisy?
He shows that their wealth allows them to avoid responsibility for their actions.
Why does Daisy remain with Tom even though she has feelings for Gatsby?
Tom provides financial security and social status.
What major historical event happened on October 29, 1929? Think about what Nick does for work.
The stock market crashed. The Great Depression followed.
After Myrtle and Gatsby's death, what does Daisy decide to do?
She runs away. Daisy and Tom avoid responsibility. Daisy never ended up leaving Tom and chose her security.
How does the setting of Gatsby's parties contrast with his personal life?
His parties are loud and crowded, but he is lonely and isolated.
How does Gatsby represent the American Dream?
He believes he can achieve anything through ambition, hard work, and wealth.
How does Myrtle view her relationship with Tom differently from how Tom views it?
Myrtle believes Tom could give her a better life, while Tom treats her as temporary entertainment.
How did organized crime benefit from Prohibition? Think about Meyer Wolfsheim.
Criminal organizations made money by illegally producing and selling alcohol.