Chapter 1 and 2
Who is Nick Carraway, and what does he tell us about his background?
Nick is the narrator of the story, a young man from a wealthy family in the Midwest who moves to New York to learn about the bond business.
What is the Valley of Ashes, and what does it symbolize?
The Valley of Ashes is an industrial wasteland between West Egg and New York City. It symbolizes the moral and social decay beneath the glittering surface of the rich.
How does Gatsby feel about Daisy before their reunion?
Gatsby is nervous and anxious, almost obsessed with creating the perfect moment for their meeting.
What is the significance of the flashback to Gatsby’s early life?
The flashback reveals Gatsby’s humble beginnings as James Gatz, the son of poor farmers. It shows his determination to reinvent himself and pursue wealth, highlighting the theme of the American Dream.
How does Tom expose Gatsby’s past to Daisy in the Plaza Hotel?
Tom exposes Gatsby’s past, revealing that Gatsby is not the man he claims to be. Gatsby insists that Daisy will leave Tom for him, but Daisy, overwhelmed, refuses to commit to Gatsby.
What do we learn about Tom Buchanan in Chapter 1?
Tom is wealthy, arrogant, and physically imposing. He is married to Daisy but has an affair with Myrtle Wilson.
What does Gatsby’s party reveal about the difference between Nick and the other guests?
Gatsby’s party is filled with shallow, extravagant people who don’t care about Gatsby as a person, only his wealth. Nick, in contrast, is more genuine and reflective.
What does Daisy’s reaction to Gatsby’s house tell us about her feelings?
Daisy is impressed and overwhelmed by Gatsby’s wealth, which makes her emotional. However, her reaction also reveals the tension between her past love for Gatsby and her present life with Tom.
How does Tom react to Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship?
Tom is suspicious and begins to feel threatened by Gatsby’s presence, though he tries to conceal his jealousy by belittling Gatsby’s background and wealth.
Why does Daisy ultimately choose to stay with Tom, even though she seems to have feelings for Gatsby?
Daisy chooses security and social status with Tom, revealing her inability to fully break away from her established life, despite her emotional connection with Gatsby.
What is Nick’s first impression of Gatsby?
Nick first sees Gatsby standing outside, staring at the green light across the bay, but doesn’t yet know who he is.
What do we learn about Gatsby’s character from Nick’s perspective?
Gatsby is mysterious, charismatic, and seemingly lonely despite his wealth. Nick is intrigued but doesn’t fully understand him yet.
What role does Nick play in facilitating Gatsby and Daisy’s reunion?
Nick acts as a mediator, inviting Daisy to tea at his house without fully understanding the emotional weight of the situation for both Gatsby and Daisy.
What happens when Gatsby and Daisy’s affair is exposed to Tom at the party?
Tom grows more agitated and dismissive of Gatsby, and he forces Daisy to confront the reality of her relationship with Tom versus her past love for Gatsby.
How does the tragedy with Myrtle’s death unfold?
Myrtle is struck and killed by Gatsby’s car, though Daisy is driving it. This event is the turning point in the novel, leading to Gatsby’s downfall.
Who is George Wilson, and how is he connected to Tom and Myrtle?
George Wilson is a mechanic who runs a garage in the Valley of Ashes. He is married to Myrtle, Tom’s mistress.
What is the story Gatsby tells Nick about his past?
Gatsby claims to be from a wealthy family, educated at Oxford, and that he inherited his wealth after his family died. He also says he was a soldier during World War I.
What does Gatsby’s disillusionment at the end of Chapter 6 reveal about his character?
Gatsby is increasingly confronted with the reality that his idealized vision of Daisy and their relationship is unattainable, leading him to experience disillusionment and emotional conflict.
How does Gatsby react when Daisy says she never loved Tom?
Gatsby is hopeful and believes that Daisy will leave Tom for him, but he misinterprets her feelings, as Daisy ultimately stays with Tom.