Symbols
What is the symbol of Gatsby’s desires that loses some significance for Gatsby in chapter 5?
The Green Light
What does Nick like most about Jordan?
Her physical appearance.
What incident occurs that shows Gatsby's influence/power?
A police officer pulls Gatsby over for speeding but apologizes and lets him go when Gatsby shows him a card that indicates a close relationship with the police commissioner.
In chapter 5, Why does Daisy think Nick might be in love with her?
Because he told her not to bring her husband to the tea.
What does the weather represent in chapter 5?
The stopping and starting of the rain can represent both Gatsby’s state of mind and the status of his relationship with Daisy.
Why does Gatsby invite Nick to his party in chapter 3?
Because he knows he is Daisy’s cousin and wants to get closer to him.
Name some examples of Gatsby's behavior before Daisy's arrival.
He sends flowers.
He gets Nick's lawn mowed.
He appears to not have slept the night before ("He was pale, and there were dark signs of sleeplessness be neath his eyes"
Despite the preparations, he becomes absent-minded about them ("'What grass?'").
He offers Nick a business connection.
He becomes upset that she is late even though there are two minutes left until the time agreed upon.
How is the clock in chapter 5 symbolic?
The clock represents the time with Daisy that Gatsby is trying to get back.
What is one relationship “red flag” about Gatsby?
He lies about his past.
He seems to have an obsession with Daisy.
He knows more information about Nick and Daisy than he should.
What are some of the more scandalous rumors about Gatsby that appear in this chapter?
He killed a man.
He was a German spy in the war.
Jordan thinks he did not actually attend Oxford.
What is Daisy and Gatsby's background/past relationship?
They met and fell in love when he was stationed in Louisville. He was sent to the war, and Daisy moved on to other men.
How long has it been since Daisy and Gatsby last met.
about five years ("'Five years next November.'")
The girls in yellow dresses, Gatsby’s gold/yellow tie and his yellow/dark cream car are all meant to represent…
Trying to appear “old money”.
Does Nick believe that Gatsby went to Oxford University? Why or Why not?
Yes, because Gatsby has a photograph as proof.
What is special about Nick’s invitation to the party?
He is the only person who has ever received one.
Why did Daisy cry before her bridal dinner?
She received a letter and almost called off the wedding to Tom.
What is another symbol from chapters 3, 4, or 5 and what does it represent?
Answers will vary
How did Gatsby really earn his money?
Through some illegal activity
What does Nick see that makes him think there must have been moments when Daisy fell short of Gatsby's dreams?
a bewildered, doubtful expression on Gatsby's face