CHARACTERS
Who is Nick Carraway, and why did he move to West Egg?
He is the narrator, a Yale graduate, and bonds salesman. He moved to West Egg to work in New York.
What does the green light symbolize?
Gatsby’s hopes and dreams, especially his desire for Daisy.
What happens when Gatsby and Daisy meet again in Chapter 5?
They reconnect emotionally; Gatsby shows off his house and shirts.
How does the story show the corruption of the American Dream?
Wealth and success don’t bring happiness; instead, they create lies, greed, and tragedy.
What do you think will happen to Gatsby after Chapter 9?
He will be sent to prison
Who said: “Can’t repeat the past? Why of course you can!”
Gatsby
What is the Valley of Ashes, and what does it represent?
A wasteland between West Egg and New York; it represents poverty and moral decay.
What happens at the meeting in Plaza Hotel?
Tom and Gatsby fight over Daisy; Daisy drives away in Gatsby’s car.
What role does love vs. illusion play in Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy?
Gatsby loves an idealized version of Daisy, not the real her.
What if Daisy had chosen Gatsby instead of Tom — how would the ending change?
Gatsby might have been happy at first, but Daisy’s shallow nature would cause problems.
Describe Daisy in one sentence (her personality or role).
Daisy is charming, shallow, and torn between love for Gatsby and comfort with Tom.
East Egg vs. West Egg: what’s the difference?
East Egg = old money (inherited wealth, tradition); West Egg = new money (self-made wealth).
Who gets killed in Chapter 9, and how?
Myrtle Wilson, hit by Gatsby’s car (driven by Daisy).
How does wealth affect the characters’ decisions?
Wealth gives Tom and Daisy protection, while Gatsby uses it to chase dreams.
What if Myrtle had not run into the road? How would the story continue?
Gatsby might still dream of being with Daisy, but Tom would keep fighting him.
Who is Jordan Baker and what is her profession?
Jordan is Daisy’s friend, a professional golfer, and Nick’s love interest.
How does weather reflect tension in Chapter 7?
The hottest day of summer mirrors the explosive confrontation between Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby.
Why does Tom confront Gatsby in New York?
To expose Gatsby’s past and prove Daisy never loved him.
What does the novel say about morality?
The rich act without consequences, showing society’s moral decay.
Do you think Nick will ever forgive Daisy and Tom? Why or why not?
No, because he sees them as careless people who destroy lives and hide behind money.
How is Tom Buchanan described in the story?
He is wealthy, arrogant, aggressive, and racist.
Why is Gatsby’s car important in the story?
It symbolizes his wealth and becomes the vehicle that kills Myrtle.
What is revealed about Gatsby’s past?
He came from a poor family who reinvented himself and became wealthy.
How do Gatsby’s parties represent illusion?
They seem glamorous but are empty, full of strangers who don’t care about him.
What lesson do you think Fitzgerald wanted readers to learn?
That chasing wealth and illusions can destroy lives, and the American Dream is flawed.