Reading questions
Chp. 1: How does Nick find out about Tom's affair?
Mistress calls at dinner time so Jordan tells Nick what the fuss is about
How does Gatsby think he will get Daisy back?
He believes by having the most wealth will win her back. He thinks she will marry for money.
Nick says he "reserves judgements". What does this tell us about Nick? Describe his role AND character type in one complete sentence.
He is the narrator and acts like a third-wheel for most of the story. He is Daisy's cousin, neighbor to Gatsby and most watches people.
List two pieces of evidence that show why the Valley of Ashes is symbolized as being a negative and sad place?
1) colors used in the area 2) words used to describe that place (grotesque, bleak, etc.) 3) working class
What significant movement was occurring in the United States during this time? (HINT: after WWI)
Prohibition
Chp. 4: Which significant character do Nick and Gatsby run into at the speakeasy?
Tom Buchannan
Anytime someone brings up divorcing Daisy, Tom says he can't because she is catholic. Nick says Daisy isn't. Why do you think Tom made this lie?
He is scared of what might happen to his reputation and future. Wealth could disappear. Myrtle is married and from Valley of Ashes.
Describe Nick and Jordan's relationship. How are their character types similar?
They are both the friend on the side watching. Nick thinks she is beautiful but doesn't know if he can trust her. Jordan views him as a friend to talk to and gossip with about Daisy and Gatsby.
What is Gatsby's illusion?
It is the five years of planning, preparing, and dreaming about how his first meeting with Daisy would be.
Why does Gatsby throw so many parties?
1. He is hoping Daisy shows up on day.
Chp. 3: What rumor is spread about Jordan Baker making her "dishonest"?
She cheated in her first golf tournament.
Tom's mistress lives in the Valley of Ashes. This is to represent the working class- opposite of West Egg and East Egg which represents the rich and wealthy. Why do you think Fitzgerald chose this character to be in this location? Symbol?
Money doesn't buy true love. Myrtle maybe wants to move up?
Describe Daisy's experience with the tour of Gatsby's mansion.
At first she was excited and enjoying her time then she started processing her feelings and reliving her past which brought up sad and emotional times. Times she missed with Gatsby.
What do Gatsby's shirts symbolize? How does it affect Daisy?
Symbolizes his wealth and she becomes sad because of how well off he is and she is unhappy with her life.
Based on the story so far, how would you describe the American Dream during this time?
Money was very important. Money could buy anything- even emotions.
The green light on Buchannan's dock.
Why do you think Fitzgerald waited till the third chapter to introduce Gatsby?
Add to the suspense of Gatsby's character. Mirrors the character type since he is a mystery. Many rumors and rarely anyone meets him.
What are at least two things Gatsby does to show his "shady" side?
1) The speakeasy with Wolfsheim 2) white card to shoo away police because of work with councilman 3) so many rumors that don't add up 4) people have heard of him but never met him 5) many private phone calls/meetings with slim details 6) asking people to keep secrets
How has the “colossal significance” of the green light at the end of Buchannan’s dock “vanished forever” once Gatsby has been reunited with Daisy?
The green light symbolized waiting and patience of Gatsby and now they have finally met. He no longer has to wait for that infamous meet anymore.
Who do you think the letter was from that Daisy read before her wedding night? What did it say?
Either from Gatsby or about Gatsby. He died in war or wasn't coming back home.
Chp. 2: Where is T.J. Eckleburg's billboard?
Valley of Ashes
Describe the differences between East and West egg- specifically with money.
East Egg (Buchannan's" have "old money" which is money inherited through family. West Egg (Nick and Gatsby) have "new money" which is built up from ground up- like luxury and being extravagant
What are the two MAIN reasons that make Tom an unlikeable character?
Has a mistress; racist/favors white superiority
At the beginning of Gatsby and Daisy's meeting, Gatsby accidentally knocked off Nick's clock on the mantle. Could the clock breaking be a symbol? If so, what does it mean?
Yes! the long awaited time to see each other again is over? someone's life will be cut short soon?