Chapter 1
Why did Nick move to West Egg?
Learn the bond business
What is the Valley of Ashes?
Industrial area of Queens between East and West Eggs.
How is Nick different from typical Gatsby partygoers? Why is this important?
He received a formal invitation. Many people attending the party came uninvited or were brought by someone else.
Narrator. Moved to New York to learn the bond business. Neighbor of Gatsby. Daisy's Cousin.
Nick Carraway
Why won't Tom leave Daisy, according to Catherine?
Daisy is a Catholic and doesn't believe in divorce
What is Nick's family background?
Wealthy midwestern family who owns and operates a wholesale hardware business.
What is significant about Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's billboard?
His eyes are on the billboard, acting as a God-like figure watching the decay of the area.
Why is the conversation with Owl Eyes in the library significant? Explain.
Gatsby's library was fully stocked with REAL books. Books were very expensive during the 20's, therefore many people used props to stock their large libraries. This shows Gatsby's wealth
Tom’s lover, whose lifeless husband George owns a run-down garage in the valley of ashes.
Myrtle Wilson
What are two of the rumors mentioned at the party?
German spy, killed a man, American war vet, Oxford man
What rumors have Daisy and Tom heard about Nick?
Nick's engagement to a girl out west.
How does Nick meet Tom's mistress?
In the Valley of Ashes at George Wilson's garage.
Why does Nick say Jordan is incurably dishonest? What does he learn about her?
Jordan feels safer when she is at a distance from people. Specifically stays away from clever people to avoid being called on her lies.
a fabulously wealthy young man living in a Gothic mansion in West Egg. He is famous for the lavish parties he throws every Saturday night, but no one knows where he comes from, what he does, or how he made his fortune.
Gatsby
What type of figurative language is being used?
At 158th Street the cab stopped at one slice in a long white cake of apartment houses.
Metaphor
What is Nick Carraway's self-proclomation based on the adive his father gave him?
He has the ability to reserve judgement of others because his father told him everyone grows up with different advantages in life.
How do Tom and Myrtle meet? What does this suggest about Tom?
On a train, he brushed his body against her and laughed when she threated to contact authorities. Suggesting that he beloeved he is above the law because of his wealth.
How is Gatsby's behavior different from that of his guests? What impression does this behavior give?
Gatsby doesn't drink or participate in any activities at the party. Gives the impression he is hosting parties for everyone else's enjoyment.
Daisy’s friend. a competitive golfer. Represents one of the “new women” of the 1920s—cynical, boyish, and self-centered.
Jordan Baker
What type of figurative language is being used?
Instead of being the warm center of the world, the Middle West now seemed like the ragged edge of the universe.
Simile
What does Tom's suggestion, "They oughtn't to let her run around this country this way," reveal about him and his views?
Tom doesn't believe Jordan's family should allow her to act in such manner. He believes in traditional gender roles.
What does Catherine claim Gatsby's wealth comes from?
Gatsby's uncle or cousin Kaiser Wilhelm.
Why is the car crash symbolic?
Signifies the recklessness and carelessness of the Roaring 20's.
The eccentric, bespectacled drunk whom Nick meets at the first party he attends at Gatsby’s mansion. Nick finds him looking through Gatsby’s library, astonished that the books are real.
Owl Eyes
What does the Green Light symbolize?
Gatsby's hopes and dreams. Daisy.