Characters
Who is the narrator?
Nick Carraway
What central character's do we meet in chapter 1?
Nick, Tom, Daisy, Jordan Baker
Describe the Valley of Ashes
place between New York City and the East West Egg, dirty and desolate place for the lower class
How does Nick find himself at Gatsby's party?
He is invited specifically and receives the invitation from Gatsby's butler.
Describe Tom Buchanan
physically powerful, wealthy, arrogant, aggressive
What are the two social classes?
East Egg and West Egg
How does Tom treat Myrtle?
Similar to Daisy
looked down upon - like an object
gets angry when she mentions Daisy and hits her
huge gardens, marble swimming pools, lots of lights (spectacle)
flashy wealth and indulgence
Who is Myrtle?
Tom's Mistress from the Valley of Ashes
What major themes are introduced?
wealth, class, and privilege
What is Nick's reaction to the party?
He got drunk for the second time in his life
emphasizes the meaninglessness of the party
(why get super drunk if you care about something?)
Describe the party goers
very intoxicated
east and west eggers
trying to climb the social ladder
Who is Catherine and why is she important?
Myrtle's sister
describe's Tom and Myrtle's affair, and all the lies they've told so far
How does Nick describe himself as the narrator of his story?
claims he will withhold judgement
sets himself up as reliable and fair
Compare Myrtle and the American Dream
She views the American Dream as wealth and social status. Tom is her ticket to the American Dream and social success
How is Gatsby mysterious?
refusal to engage with his guests - not interested in the party he is throwing
guests know his name not his face
seems normal and nice
vague answers to who he is
Who is Gatsby?
Jay Gatsby - Nick's neighbor
mystery - unsure if he is from old money or came into new money
hosts parities for East and West eggers
does not interact with his guests
What is the significance of the green light?
Gatsby reaching out to Daisy on the other side.
Describe the theme of Illusion vs Reality in this chapter
How Myrtle views wealth and status and how this is portrayed through her relationship with Tom.
What theme is portrayed in this chapter?
appearance vs reality