Chapter 1,2
Nick starts the novel by relaying his father's advice "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." List Nick's advantages. Does he reserve judgment in the novel?
Nick has been able to afford school, travel, and is able to go into the bonds business without worrying about his livelihood. For the most part Nick reserves judgement as a man of the middle class, looking upon the upper class.
How is Gatsby different from his guests?
Gatsby does not drink, and he does not seem to be too interested in what his guests are talking about in their conversations.
Why does Gatsby deliver so many goods and services to Nick's house?
Gatsby wants to impress Daisy, he wants to make himself look generous, and mighty, having goods and services sent to Nick's house displays this.
Why did Daisy and Tom find Gatsby's party loathsome?
Tom and Daisy did not enjoy Gatsby's party because they felt the people at the party were ridiculous and unsophisticated, because they were from West Egg.
Who is Dan Cody and what is his significance in Gatsby's life?
Dan Cody was Gatsby's employer when he was only Jay Gatz, he exposed Gatsby to his lavish lifestyle, and he started Gatsby off with his first $25,000 and a yacht.
Pay attention to time. What is the day and year during the first scene at Daisy's house?
The first scene at Daisy's house happens on June 6, 1922.
Describe Gatsby the first time Nick sees him.
Nick sees Gatsby as an elegant and polite man. Nick and Gatsby both see the best in people and supports others.
Describe the effect of rain on the plot.
Rain is reminiscent of sadness and moments of plot in modern times and probably back in the 1920s too. Bad things happen in the rain, and having rain at this time in the book makes the reader expect something to happen.
How did Gatsby measure the success of his party?
Gatsby measures the success of his parties by how many people were there, and whether or no Daisy enjoyed herself.
How does T. J. Eckleberg affect Mr. Wilson?
Mr. Wilson thinks that T.J. Eckleburg's eyes are the eyes of God, telling him to go revenge Myrtle's death.
What image does the author use to describe Jordan Baker? What does it mean?
The author describes Jordan Baker as having an object balanced on her chin and walking like a cadet. This means that the women had very precise etiquette and acts like she is from higher society.
What rumors have been told about Gatsby? Why does Fitzgerald reveal rumors rather than fact?
Some of the rumors told about Gatsby were that he has killed a man, his is a German spy, and he went to Oxford. Fitzgerald writes more rumors than facts because it makes Gatsby seem more mysterious, because anything could be true.
Why does Gatsby offer Nick work? How does Nick feel about this?
Gatsby offers work because Nick's house needs repairs, but Nick rejects his offer because he does not want handouts.
Who is Trimachio? Explain how this describes Gatsby.
Trimalchio was a character in Satyricon, he was a poor man that worked hard to become rich, and once he had money, he threw parties. This character is exactly like Gatsby, a self-made man that like to show how wealthy he his.
How was Jay Gatz's childhood schedule consistent with the adult Gatsby's behavior?
Both child Jay Gatz and Gatsby were self driven and worked hard to succeed.
Describe the "valley of ashes." What does it look like and what does it represent?
The "valley of ashes" is a place full of ashes, garbage, and people who have nothing. The valley of ashes represents what happens to people who give up and people who have nothing, it is the obvious contrast to the rich aristocrats.
Why does Fitzgerald list all of Gatsby's party guests?
Fitzgerald lists many big and important names to show that Gatsby has many important people passing through his party, and Gatsby is the real famous person here.
Explain the significance of the green light.
The green light symbolizes what Gatsby really wants; he looks to the green thinking about all his hopes and dreams.
Describe Daisy and Gatsby's new relationship.
Gatsby and Daisy have rekindled their love but do not want to tell anyone other than Nick.
What is the purpose of Nick's last meeting with Jordan?
Nick meets with Jordan one last time to break off his relationship with her, and he decides to head back to the Midwest, he feels he is done with the glitz and glam of New York.
Describe Mr. Wilson and Myrtle. Do they seem to fit into the setting?
Mr. Wilson and Myrtle are a poor couple living in the valley of ashes, they are described as somewhat ugly, just like the setting is.
What role does Meyer Wolfsheim play in the novel? Why is there so much focus on his nose and what does this tell you about Fitzgerald's politics?
Meyer Wolfshein is described as having a long flat nose, a Jewish trait. This exemplifies Fitzgerald's racial stereotypes after the First World War.
Why does Gatsby get so many phone calls? What does this say about him?
When Gatsby gets phone calls it shows that, he is a busy man, but because he never tells what the phone calls are about, it makes his business mysterious.
What was significant about Nick's 30th birthday?
Everything goes wrong on Nick's birthday. While Nick tries to still be happy on his special day, but everyone is fighting and dealing with their own problems, so he does not tell anyone about his birthday.
Who attended Gatsby's funeral? How and why is this significant?
There was nearly nobody at Gatsby's funeral, only Nick, Gatsby's father, and 'Owl Eyes'. The little people that showed up demonstrated that while Gatsby may have entertained many people, and many people surrounded him, he had no real friends. Even the love of Gatsby's life, Daisy, does not attend the funeral.