Gatsby
Who showed up to Gatsby’s funeral?
His father, Nick, Owl Eyes, and a few servants.
What is Jordan Baker’s Profession?
She’s a wealthy professional golfer, so represents an independent woman of the 1920s.
How did Daisy react when Nick mentioned Gatsby in the beginning of the book?
She demands “what Gatsby,” and later wakes up Jordan to ask her to describe him, and says it must be the man she used to know.
How did Nick grow up?
With mid-west values; don’t judge someone until you know them.
Why does Myrtle run towards Gatsby’s car?
She had just escaped from George’s attempt to imprison her, and she had seen Tom driving the car earlier, so she wanted to run away with him.
How does Gatsby react to seeing Daisy for the first time in 5 years?
Gatsby at first tries to back out, and he acts horribly awkward, but by the end he’s glowing and so happy and enchanted by Daisy that he can hardly walk or talk.
Why does Nick end his relationship with Jordan?
He grew disgusted with her selfishness and lack of empathy.
How does Daisy react to seeing Gatsby for the first time in 5 years?
Daisy is embarrassed and acts artificially polite at first, but by the end she’s crying and admiring his wealth.
Where does Nick go to school?
Yale
What happens to George by the end of the book?
He kills Gatsby in his swimming pool (thinking he was the one having an affair with his wife), and then shoots himself not far from the scene.
Why does Gatsby wait outside the Buchanan’s house all night after the car incident?
Because he thinks Tom will hurt Daisy, and he’s watching to make sure she’s alright.
From where does Nick recognize Jordan when they meet?
She was accused in the papers of cheating in a golfing tournament
Tom takes a pessimistic view of the world—what are some of the things he thinks are happening?
That the world is becoming uncivilized, people of color are taking over, the sun is getting hotter/colder every year.
What was the last interaction Nick had with Tom, and how did he view him then?
Nick saw him out walking one day, and refused to shake his hand. He realized that Tom and other elite individuals are careless and use money to hide all the broken things in their lives.
At what point in her marriage to George did Myrtle become unhappy?
When somebody came by to collect the nice suit that George had borrowed—Myrtle realizes George is not wealthy after all.
What does Gatsby’s father say about him at the funeral?
He was always very smart and determined, bound to get ahead in life. He made schedules and resolves, and he was very proud of him.
How long has Jordan known Daisy, and what did she think of her back then?
They grew up together in Louisville, Kentucky, so they’ve known each other since they were young. Jordan viewed Daisy as the most popular and pretty girl.
How does Tom react when he learns of Daisy’s love for Gatsby?
He’s first shocked, then becomes upset and raises his voice at everyone, then becomes more tender when he asks if Daisy ever loved him, and at last turns confident and haughty when he realizes Daisy will never actually leave him.
Where does Nick live, and why is it significant?
Nick lives in West Egg, next door to Jay Gatsby. His modest house contrasts with Gatsby’s mansion, highlighting the difference between modest living and extravagant wealth.
How does George react when he learns that his wife has been cheating on him?
He becomes ill at the news and locks her upstairs, and decides to move them both West.
Gatsby at first lies to Nick about where he got his money from—what does he tell him?
Says his entire family died and he inherited all their money, and he got into jewel collecting and was honored for his contributions to the war.
When did Jordan first meet Gatsby?
When he was talking with 18 year old Daisy in front of her house, and Daisy called Jordan over to tell her she couldn’t make it to the Red Cross that day.
How does Daisy treat her daughter?
She treats her more as an object to be shown off than a human, and doesn’t quite know how to interact with her. She hardly mentions her to others.
Why is Nick the narrator instead of Gatsby?
Nick provides distance and perspective. Because he is not as wealthy or obsessed as the others, he offers a more balanced view of events, and reflects on the morality of the other characters.
How does Myrtle view her affair with Tom?
She thinks Tom truly loves her, and would marry her if only Daisy would divorce him first—she doesn’t realize that Tom would never leave Daisy.