Chapter One1. What did F. Scott Fitzgerald achieve by using Nicks point of view to tell Gatsbys story? Nick is an outsider with a fairly objective viewpoint. He has also established his honesty and the fact that he is a good listener. He does not begin with a bias for or against the other characters.

Chapter One2. What do we learn about Nick Carraway in the introductory section of the novel? Nick graduated from Yale and was in the army during World War I. He is from the Midwest, but he is currently learning the investing business in New York City. He is not ready to settle down with marriage and a family.

Chapter One3. In discussing East Egg and West Egg. Nick states that they are totally dissimilar. How do they differ? Both East Egg and West Egg are the sites of mansions and moneyed families. West Egg is seen as less stylish, with its inhabitants representing new money, not the established social pedigree of the residents of East Egg.

Chapter One4. Compare the homes of Nick, Gatsby, and the Buchanans. How does each home reflect the personality of its owner? Both Gatsby and the Buchanans live in mansions. Gatsbys is an enormous Norman structure; the Buchanans have a Georgian colonial. Nick lives in a small house, which he describes as an eyesore, next door to Gatsby.

Chapter One5. Fitzgeralds description of Tom, Daisy, and Jordan not only creates an impression of physical appearance, but also contains added information. What do we learn about their history and interests, their gestures and mannerisms? Tom is a big, muscular man who plays polo; he was a college athlete, is a racial bigot, and is not faithful to his wife. Daisy is charming, with what Nick calls a thrilling voice. She seems to have a sardonic attitude toward her husband, and she is visibly upset during his phone call. Jordan Baker is pretty, with a dissatisfied facial expression; she is physically fit; Nick remembers hearing something negative about her, but he cannot remember the details.

Chapter One6. When Nick leaves the Buchannans house, he is not comfortable. Why? What does this suggest about his values? Nick is troubled by Toms adulterous affair, as well as by the fact that Daisy has not left Tom. It is evident that Nick values marital fidelity and personal integrity.

Chapter One7. Though we do not meet Gatsby until chapter 3, we hear references to him in the conversations of others. What impressions do you get? Gatsby has an enormous house; Jordan knows who Gatsby is. The concluding image is particularly important: Gatsby, standing in the dark, with his arms extended forward, perhaps toward a tiny green dock light.

Chapter Two1. What is conveyed in the highly descriptive opening paragraph? This highly descriptive paragraph emphasizes the areas desolation; the area is full of ashes, smoke and clouds. This is urban pollution at its worst.

Chapter Two2. What are the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg? The eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg are the image on a billboard advertising an oculist (eye doctor).

Chapter Two3. How does Myrtles speech reveal her character? Myrtle is somewhat coarse; she tries to emulate upper-class standards, but her tastes are not refined.

Chapter Two4. What does the scene in this New York apartment reveal about Tom? About Myrtle? Tom is possessive and capable of physical violence; he has a short temper; he does not respect Myrtle. Myrtle resents Daisy, accepts being victimized, and is dependent upon Tom.

Chapter Two5. Does Nick Enjoy the afternoon at the apartment in New York? Why or why not? Nick admits that he got drunk a rare event for him so his memory of the gathering is blurry. He does not enjoy it because nothing about he characters or events is enjoyable.

Chapter Three1.

Chapter 3 describes Gatsbys little party. Enumerate details about the party itself, about the guests, and about their conversation and behavior.

The parties are noisy, crowded revelries with music, dancing, and a great deal of drinking

Chapter Three2. Describe the meeting between Nick and Gatsby. Comment on Fitzgeralds skill in preparing for Gatsbys entrance into the story. At first Nick has no idea who Gatsby is. Fitzgerald introduces Gatsby quietly, as a nearly accidental encounter.

Chapter Three3. In what way are Nick and Gatsby similar at this point? They are both young, single men with army backgrounds.

Chapter Three4. What is the reason for Nicks breaking the story at the end of the chapter?

Nick points out that he has a real, somewhat humdrum work life outside of these few parties.

Chapter Three5. At the end of Chapter 3, Nick meets Jordan again. What details emphasize her carelessness and basic dishonesty?

She cheats at golf, lies to protect herself, and drives carelessly.

Chapter Three6. Notice the last paragraph in chapter 3. Is Nick being overly proud here? Discuss. Perhaps he is just stating an honest self-perception

Chapter Four1. The introductory section of chapter 4 gives a long list of people at Gatsbys parties. How do they behave toward their host? Why do they accept his hospitality? All sorts of people attend the parties with no interest in Gatsby beyond idle curiosity and the desire for a free good time.

Chapter Four2. Describe Gatsbys car. It is huge and yellow, with all of the technological gadgets of the era.

Chapter Four3. Identify the details that Gatsby shares with Nick about his past. Gatsby shares a combination of truths with outrageous falsehoods, including comments about his family, education, and military experiences.

Chapter Four4. Does Nick believe Gatsbys story? Why or why not?

Nick at first concludes that Gatsby is lying, then wonders if it is all true. Part of the story seems too exaggerated to be possible, and there is at least one obvious lie, but Gatsby does display a medal.

Chapter Four5. Who is Meyer Wolfsheim? What seems to be his connection with Gatsby? Wolfsheim is an underground figure with business connections to Gatsby; Gatsby credits him with the 1919 baseball scandal.

Chapter Four6. Jordan Baker tells Nick about Daisy, Gatsby, and Tom. Summarize the story. Daisy and Gatsby fell in love, but Gatsby went off to war. Meanwhile, Daisy met and became engaged to Tom Buchanan. The night before the wedding, Daisy decided to back out and became drunk. The next day, the wedding was held as planned.

Chapter Four7. Do we know why Gatsby has so many parties? Why did he buy the house? Explain. We have learned that Gatsby wants to be reunited with Daisy; the house and parties may have been part of his strategy.

Chapter Four8. What new meaning do you see in the last two paragraphs of Chapter 2?

Nick and Jordan are developing a romantic relationship.

Chapter Four9. What is Gatsbys plan? Nick is to invite Daisy to his house, and Gatsby will meet her there.

Chapter Five1. Gatsbys actions in preparing for Daisys arrival seem both flamboyant and absurd. What does he do? Why? After taking over the preparation of Nicks house for the reunion, Gatsby becomes anxious and fearful. After waiting so long for this event, he seems to lose confidence; he does not know what to expect.

Chapter Five2. Discuss Gatsbys actions once Daisy arrives. How do we know he is nervous? How does he try to impress her?

Gatsby is tense and clumsy, nearly knocking over a clock. The conversation is stilted and superficial. He wants Daisy to be impressed with his house.

Chapter Five3. Describe Daisys reactions during the course of her meeting with Gatsby. At first Daisy seems quiet; later her conversation is marked with inane (senseless / pointless) comments. She is very impressed with the mansion.

Chapter Five4. Has nick been affected by the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy? In what way? Nick becomes uncomfortable and leaves them alone; when he rejoins them, he is mainly an observer.

Chapter Six1. What was Gatsbys birth name? Why and when did he change it?

Gatsbys name was James Gatz; he changed it to Jay Gatsby when he went out to Dan Codys yacht. The name change was part of his deliberate selftransformation.

Chapter Six2. In what way was Dan Cody involved in Gatsbys destiny? Dan Cody introduced Gatsby to the lifestyle of the wealthy. Cody also bequeathed money to Gatsby, but the inheritance never materialized.

Chapter Six3. Why does Tom attend Gatsbys party? How does this scene reveal the contrast between Gatsby and Tom?

Tom decides to accompany Daisy to Gatsbys party, Tom is brash and sarcastic, while Gatsby is wellmannered and urbane.

Chapter Six4. What is deeply ironic in Toms comments about women?

Tom complains pompously about womens loyalty to their families, while he himself is engaged in a flagrant affair.

Chapter Six5. Note the reaction of Tom and Daisy at different times during Gatsbys party. Do they enjoy themselves? Explain. Tom circulates but is critical and suspicious; Daisy is intrigued at first, but finds the party somewhat offensive.

Chapter Six6. What suspicions does Tom have about Gatsby? What does he vow to do? Tom says he intends to learn Gatsbys background and ways of making money. He seems to suspect some illegality.

Chapter Six7. What do Nick and Gatsby talk after the party?

Nick and Gatsby talk about the party, and Gatsby apparently shares a glimpse into the past. Gatsby believes that daisy did not enjoy the party.

Chapter Six8. What does Gatsby expect of Daisy? Gatsby wants Daisy to pick up their relationship where they left off years ago when he left for the war. He wants her to behave as if she had never married and had a child.

Chapter Seven1. Note the use Fitzgerald makes of the weather as a background for significant events. Point out examples in this chapter and in previous chapters.

Rainy days and torrid weather seem to be deliberate choices. The extremely hot weather is probably at least partly responsible for the explosive events that conclude the chapter.

Chapter Seven2. What changes does Gatsby make in his lifestyle? Why does he make them?

There are no parties; the servants have been replaced; Gatsby now wants his mansion to be a private place to meet with Daisy.

Chapter Seven3. Analyze Daisys attitude toward her child as evidenced in this chapter and in chapter 1. Is she a good mother? Explain.

Daisy seems to treat her daughter almost as if she were a doll or some other plaything. While she is certainly not cruel or abusive, Daisy does not seem seriously involved with the child.

Chapter Seven4. With whom does Tom talk on the telephone earlier in the chapter? About what?

Tom is talking to George Wilson, who wants to buy his car.

Chapter Seven5. What startling discovery does Tom make shortly after lunch?

Tom realizes that Daisy is involved with Gatsby.

Chapter Seven6. What does Gatsby mean in his comment about Daisys voice

Daisy came from a wealthy family, and she married into even greater wealth. Gatsby himself may not be fully aware of the implications of his words. Daisys charm is as superficial and transitory as money.

Chapter Seven7. What arrangements are made regarding the passengers of each car on the trip to the city? Why?

A car switch means that Daisy and Gatsby travel together in Toms car; Nick, Jordan, and Tom go in Gatsbys car. Tom wants to drive Gatsbys impressive car.

Chapter Seven8. Eyes play a significant role in this chapter. Explain.

Characters look meaningfully at each other; the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg stare sightlessly over the scene of the accident.

Chapter Seven9. In what way is each of the major characters involved in the tragedy that occurs at the end of this chapter? George Wilson has tried to confine his wife; when Myrtle sees Gatsbys car, she runs out expecting Tom to pick her up. In fact, Gatsby is in the car with Daisy, who is driving; Daisy at first swerves to avoid hitting Myrtle, but swerves back to avoid oncoming traffic. Myrtle is killed. Daisy speeds away. Tom, Jordan, and Nick arrive on the scene of the accident. Tom discovers that Myrtle is dead and assumes that Gatsby was the hit-and-run driver.

Chapter Seven10. Is there any significance in the fact that the day is Nicks birthday?

There is irony in the fact that Nick is far from being the center of attention

Chapter Seven11. Who is Michaelis?

Michaelis is the neighbor who tries to take care of George Wilson after the accident.

Chapter Seven12. At the end of chapter 7, Nick observes Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy after the accident. What conclusions does he reach?

Nick recognizes that Gatsby is worried about Daisys safety;Tom and Daisy, on the other hand, are eating and talking seriously.

Chapter Seven13. Explain the last paragraph of Chapter 7.

The language suggests that, for Gatsby, the evening is like a holy vigil.

Chapter Eight1. At the beginning of the chapter, the story is interrupted at its most dramatic point. What is the authors purpose in breaking the story here? The narrator pauses to fill in some of the gaps in Gatsbys background, including the evolution of his love for Daisy. Fitzgerald establishes a quiet pause between Myrtles death and the deaths of Gatsby and George Wilson. James Gatz worked long and hard to create Jay Gatsby, but the creation has failed.

Chapter Eight2. What prompts Gatsby to talk freely to Nick at this point?

Perhaps Gatsby simply feels the need to be known by his friends.

Chapter Eight3. What further information do we learn about Gatsby?

We learn the background of Gatsbys relationship with Daisy; we also learn that he was successful in the military service.

Chapter Eight4. What people does Nick describe as rotten?

Nick does not name specific people. Certainly he includes Tom and Daisy. More generally, perhaps he means people who are superficial, careless, and dishonest in their relationships.

Chapter Eight5. What compliment does Nick pay Gatsby? Why?

Nick affirms Gatsbys personal value.

Chapter Eight6. Explain Nicks meaning when he balances Gatsbys supposed corruption against his dream.

Gatsby seems to have been connected with organized crime; however, his love for Daisy was an unsullied ideal, almost like a knights quest for the holy grail.

Chapter Eight7. How does Wilson view the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg? Does Wilsons statement have a symbolic level for the novel as a whole?

Wilson associates the billboard eyes with the omniscient eyes of God, giving them a symbolic association with fate.

Chapter Eight8. Trace the movements of Gatsby and Wilson at the end of chapter 8.

Wilson at first thinks that Tom was driving the hitand-run car. When Tom tells him, mistakenly, that Gatsby was the driver, Wilson proceeds to Gatsbys mansion and shoots him. Gatsby has gone swimming and dies in his pool. George Wilson commits suicide.

Chapter Nine1. What makes Nick assume responsibility for the funeral arrangements?

There is no one else to take responsibility, so Nick does. He seems to feel Gatsby would have wanted him to do it.

Chapter Nine2. What version of the tragedy appeared in the newspapers? How would you account for the fact that this version went unchallenged and uncorrected? The press reports a murder by a madman. Reporters can only conjecture about motivation. No one wants to come forward with secret information. Even honest Nick keeps his knowledge to himself.

Chapter Nine3. How has Gatsbys father learned of the tragedy? To what extent does the father know his son?

Mr. Gatz learned of his sons death from a newspaper.

Chapter Nine4. Discuss the significance of Gatsbys boyhood program for self-improvement.

Perhaps as a schoolboy Gatsby read about Benjamin Franklins famous program to achieve perfection. Gatsbys plan reflects a logical approach, an ability to plan, and an idealistic nature.

Chapter Nine5. What is the irony of Gatsbys funeral?

Everyone who could flocked to Gatsbys parties; only a few mourners attend his funeral.

Chapter Nine6. What is the significance of including the scene with Jordan Baker?

The scene brings closure to Nick and Jordans relationship. It reveals Nicks basic honesty and decency, and we see that Jordan is bitter.

Chapter Nine7. What moral judgment does Nick make about Tom and Daisy?

Nick says that Tom and Daisy are careless about everyone except themselves.

Chapter Nine8. Explain the significance of the last page of the novel in relation to Gatsbys dream and to the American Dream.

Nick associates Gatsbys dream of a perfect Daisy with the early settlers drams of a perfect life in the New World.