The Great Gatsby
What is the "American Dream"?
Chapter 1
The novel starts with Nick's motto, "Whenever you feel like criticizing
anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." Does Nick reserve
judgement in the novel?
Yes, Nick reserves his judgement to the characters, with the exception
of Gatsby.
What did Jordan tell Nick about Tom?
She mentioned
that "Tom's got some woman in New York."
Chapter 2
Consider Mr. Wilson and Myrtle. What do their characters
tell us about the book?
The characters prove the dishonesty and the tarnishing of the American
Dream.
Chapter 3
What rumors have been told about Gatsby? Why does the author portray
only rumors rather than fact?
The author is attempting to leave Gatsby as mysterious
to the reader as he seems to the civilians and to Nick.
How Does Nick meet Gatsby?
Nick was one of few actually invited to Gatsby's home, and he begins to speak with someone "about his
age" at the table, later realizing it was the host.
Chapter 4
What does the story of Daisy's marriage reveal about Daisy?
That she was primarily interested in money. She couldn't wait for Gatsby because marrying Tom was too
convenient.
Chapter 5
Explain the significance of the green light.
It relays hope, especially through Gatsby's eyes.
Chapter 6
What does the meeting of Tom and Gatsby reveal about them?
That there is bitterness between the two, but they are civil.
Chapter 7
What do you think Tom and Daisy were saying to each other in
the kitchen? Do you think that Tom knew Daisy was driving the "death car"?
Opinion.
What does Gatsby mean when he says "I can't say anything in this house, old
sport."?
Gatsby is pointing out Tom's power over him emotionally,
while he would do almost anything to be with Daisy-- besides face Tom.
Chapter 8
How does Nick's statement "You're worth the whole bunch put together"
show a change in Nick's opinion of Gatsby since the beginning of the novel?
Before, he hadn't judged the characters, but now
he values Gatsby's friendship and realize the worthlessness of the others'.
Chapter 9
Who attended Gatsby's funeral?
Nick.
Overview:
How many characters died in the novel?
Three:
Gatsby, Wilson, Myrtle.
What is the purpose of Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby?
She has many purposes. Some of which include: the object of which to relay the tale of Gatsby's love
affair, a symbol of a cheater/liar and the fake glory of the 1920's, and a character to reveal Nick's lonliness.
Who does Nick describe as having a "cruel body?"
Tom,
who is muscular and big, with a "cruel body."
What are the dances associated with the flappers in The Great Gatsby?
The Charleston and the Black Bottom. Both of which are the names of
the tunes danced to.
In which chaper do is the theme, "money can't buy friends" most evident?
Opinion, but the last chapter, where Gatsby's lonely funeral is compared to his raving parties in irony,
displays the lack of concern for the man himself, only what the man can provide.
What is nick's relationship with Jordan Baker?
The two were dating throughout the beginning of
the novel, but after Myrtle's death, Nick starts to become repulsed by her faults and dishonesty.
What is Gatsby's active role in the book? Was he a bootlegger?
As a symbol, his purpose is to illuminate the wealthy and the extremes
of the "American Dream." As a character, he may have been a bootlegger, but his association with Wolfshiem most definitely
indicated shady business.
