Chapter 1
Which part of American is Nick from?
the Midwest
Where do Myrtle and George Wilson live?
the Valley of Ashes
For which character does Nick feel a "tender curiosity"?
Jordan Baker
What incident occurs that shows Gatsby's influence?
A police officer pulls Gatsby over for speeding but apologizes and lets him go when Gatsby shows him a card.
What is the symbol of Daisy and dreams that loses some significance for Gatsby?
the green light
What color are Jordan and Daisy wearing when Nick first sees them in the novel?
white
Why does Tom break Myrtle's nose?
She repeats Daisy's name.
What fascinates Owl-Eyes about Gatsby's library?
The books are real.
While Nick and Gatsby are out to dinner together, Gatsby disappears when this person shows up in the restaurant and Nick tries to introduce Gatsby to him. Who is the person?
Tom appears.
Name two examples of Gatsby's behavior before Daisy's arrival.
He sends flowers. He gets Nick's lawn mowed. 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.
What is the reason Nick's father gives for not criticizing people?
"... all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."
What does Myrtle's sister Catherine think is the reason Tom and Daisy can't divorce?
Daisy is (supposedly) Catholic.
What are two rumors about Gatsby that appear in the 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?
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.'")
What does Daisy want her child to be?
a beautiful little fool
What is the reason Myrtle gives for marrying George?
She thought he was a gentleman.
Why does Gatsby personally invite Nick? (This is not directly stated in the book, but we may infer the reason at this point.)
He wants to get closer to Nick so that he can ask him the favor of arranging a meeting with Daisy.
Why did Daisy cry before her bridal dinner?
She received a letter from Gatsby.
Who is the elderly man in the photograph over Gatsby's desk?
Dan Cody
How does Gatsby's name come up in conversation at the Buchanans' house? What is Daisy's reaction?
Jordan says to Nick that he must know Gatsby. Daisy asks, "Gatsby? What Gatsby?"
A billboard of eyes that loom like God over the Valley of the Ashes.
What is the billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg
What is that Nick was talking to Gatsby about his party not knowing that it was Gatsby to whom he was speaking.
What complaint does Nick have against Gatsby, specifically, about Gatsby having Jordan ask Nick to invite Daisy for tea?
Nick says he does not like mysteries. He can't understand why Gatsby won't be straightforward tell him what he wants and instead asks through Jordan.
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