Characters Ch. 1
Who is Tom? List 3 character traits of his.
Tom is Daisy's husband. Racist, arrogant, cruel, imposing, aggressive, hypocritical.
What violent thing does Tom do in Chapter 2 and why?
Tom punches Myrtle because she keeps saying Daisy's name.
What does Nick see Gatsby reaching for at the end of Chapter 1?
A green light!
In which state does this novel take place?
New York.
What is the definition of APATHETIC?
Not having or showing much emotion or interest.
Who is Daisy? What do we know about her from Chapter 1?
Daisy is married to Tom and is the second cousin of Nick. She is sort of a performer. She is ditzy, superficial, has a charming, excited voice, hopes that her daughter will be a "beautiful little fool".
Who is Myrtle? Describe her.
Myrtle is Tom's lover.
-Hates her husband
-Lives in the Valley of Ashes
-Pretends to have an upper class lifestyle through Tom
-Seeks upward mobility
-Not stereotypically beautiful but has vitality
Myrtle specifically hails a lavender colored taxi. What does the color purple often symbolize?
The color purple is often associated with royalty, luxury, power, ambition.
What is the difference between East Egg and West Egg?
East egg is "old money", West Egg is "new money".
What is the definition of IMMODERATE?
Going beyond reasonable limits : not moderate.
Besides Nick, who is the other woman at Tom and Daisy's dinner party and what do we know about her?
Jordan. She is a friend of Daisy's.
-Knows Gatsby
-Is pretty
-Curious/nosy about Tom's affair
Who is Catherine? Describe her.
Catherine is Myrtle's sister.
-Red hair, lots of makeup
-Lives with a girlfriend at a hotel
-Gossips a lot
List our 3 Essential Questions for the Great Gatsby.
How does the idea of the “American Dream” / societal expectations impact people?
How do people’s emotions impact their decision-making?
How does loneliness and jealousy impact relationships?
Where is the apartment of Tom and Myrtle located? Describe it.
Tom and Myrtle's apartment is in New York City. It's small, has overly large furnishings.
What is the definition of IMPASSIONED?
Showing or feeling very strong emotions.
Where is Nick from? Why did he move to New York? How does he know Daisy and Tom?
Nick is from Minnesota. He moved to NY to learn the bond business. He knows Tom from Yale and is Daisy's cousin.
Who are the McKees? Describe them.
The McKees live downstairs from Tom and Myrtles apartment.
-Strange couple
-Mr. McKee is pale, feminine, in the "artistic" game
-Mrs. McKee is shrill
-Who is Dr. T.J. Eckleburg? What might he symbolize?
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg was an eye doctor. His advertisement remains, looking over the Valley of Ashes. It may symbolize the watching eyes of God.
Who lives on which Egg?
Tom and Daisy live on Easy Egg. Gatsby and Nick live on West Egg.
What is the definition of IMPETUOUSLY?
Acting or done quickly and without thought : controlled by emotion rather than thought : impulsive.
What does our narrator, Nick, specifically highlight about himself at the very beginning of the novel?
He highlights that he is inclined to reserve all judgments.
What rumor do we hear about Gatsby in Chapter 2?
Catherine tells Nick that Gatsby is related to the German Emperor during World War l, Kaiser Wilhelm.
In Chapter 2, why does Nick see himself as both inside and outside the party?
Nick is both repulsed and fascinated by the behavior of everyone at the party.
Where is the Valley of Ashes? Who lives there? Describe it.
The Valley of Ashes is about halfway between West Egg and New York City (industrial Queens). Myrtle and George Wilson live there above a garage. It's working class and very desolate.
What is the definition of SUPERCILIOUS?
Having or showing the proud and unpleasant attitude of people who think that they are better or more important than other people.