The Great Gatsby

1. The Great Gatsby CHAPTERS 1-5 GUIDED READING QUESTIONS

2. Chapter One

3. 1. What does D’Invilliers suggest is the best way to woo a lover? Chapter One This poet suggests that the best way to woo a lover is to have wealth (gold-hat) and to do what the woman wants (bounce high).

4. 2. What does Nick Carraway (the narrator) reveal about his own personality? Chapter One • Nick Carraway reveals that he is not a judgmental person (based on advice his father gave him). • “…I’m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.” (1) • He, however, does not always follow this principle and is quick to judge all. (5-6)

5. 3. What generalizations about Gatsby does Nick give as his introduction to the “Great” main character? Chapter One • Nick describes Gatsby as a man that: “represented everything for which I have unaffected scorn… something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life… had a gift for hope, a romantic readiness…” • Nick notes that is was not Gatsby who left him jaded, rather what “preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust that floated in the wake of his dreams…” • “foul dust” = American dream’s decay

6. 4. How does Nick become a “guide, a pathfinder, an original settler”? Chapter One Nick achieves the feeling of belonging when he gives directions to a lost man on the road. Providing direction for another gives him purpose and makes it so that he no longer feels lonely.

7. 5. Describe Tom Buchanan in detail. Chapter One A: Tom is physically endowed; “sturdy”; 30 years old; former standout collegiate football player B: Tom is confrontational, “seeking a little wistfully for the dramatic turbulence” (10); he seems arrogant, dominant and aggressive, “a cruel body” (11) C: Tom’s relationship with Daisy is superficial, strained and cold; they barely acknowledge each other D: Tom is a white supremacist: “Civilization is going to pieces…if we don’t look out the white race will be utterly submerged.” (17)

8. 6. How did Daisy’s knuckles turn black and blue? Chapter One • Her knuckles being black and blue lead one to believe that she fights back when Tom abuses her • Privately, she’ll fight back • She’s personally defiant • Publically, she’ll remain docile • She’s willing to compromise her defiance in order to retain the image of a subservient wife

9. 7. Does Daisy know that Tom has a mistress? How do you know? Chapter One Daisy is well-aware that Tom has a girl on the side She and Tom openly argue about it while Nick is visiting Jordan Baker, professional golfer and friend of Daisy’s, “who seemed to have mastered a certain hardy skepticism,” eavesdrops unashamed

10. 8. List ten adjectives that you would use to describe Daisy’s personality? Chapter One Naïve; young; beautiful; soft-spoken; charming; “cynical”; wealthy; frivolous; lavish; foolish; subjected; objectified; innocent; romantic; abused; charismatic; sophisticated; frolicsome; entitled; captivating; “witty”; superficial; Unfulfilled; Aloof; thrilling; entrancing; persuasive

11. 9. What can you figure out about Daisy and Tom as parents and individuals from the brief references to their daughter? Chapter One • Daisy and Tom appear to be ‘trophy parents’ • Although they have a child, they are by no means active, caring parents • The next step in their marriage was to have a child, so that’s what they did- have a baby to show off • “I suppose she talks, and– eats and everything…” (Daisy now) • “I hope she’ll be a fool– that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool” (Daisy the day her daughter was born)

12. 10. What do you think is the significance of the green light? Chapter One • Nick observes Gatsby, “content to be alone,” staring out into the sea • He stands transfixed on a distant, green light • Green light symbolizes: • Longing • Hope • Renewal • American Dream

13. Chapter Two

14. 1. Describe the “Valley of Ashes” and explain where it is located. Chapter Two Long stretch of desolate land half-way between West Egg and New York City, created by the dumping of industrial ashes. It represents the moral and social decay that results from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure. The valley of ashes also symbolizes the plight of the poor, like George Wilson, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result

15. 2. Who is Dr. TJ Eckleburg? Why did Fitzgerald include him as part of the Valley of Ashes? Chapter Two The Eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg is a billboard set over the Valley of Ashes: gigantic blues eyes looking out of yellow spectacles (27). Fitzgerald may have put him there as a point of interest; maybe to show that the area was forgotten…like the billboard.

16. 3. What might the Dr. TK Eckleburg symbolize? Chapter Two It may represent God staring down upon and judging American society as a moral wasteland. The eyes also come to represent the essential meaninglessness of the world and the arbitrariness of the mental process by which people invest objects with meaning.

17. 4. Describe George Wilson. Chapter Two Blonde; “faintly handsome”; light blue eyes “Spiritless”, exhausted owner of a run-down auto shop at the edge of the VOA George, a pushover, loves and idealizes his wife, Myrtle

18. 5. How does George interact with his wife? Describe their relationship. Chapter Two It is evident that George is subservient to his wife; Myrtle is the Alpha in their relationship; she “walk[s] through her husband as if her were a ghost” (30). She bosses him around and he adheres to her wishes. She is having an affair with Tom and George is oblivious to this. Myrtle feels as if she was tricked into marrying George; she “thought he was a gentleman” (she thought he had more money than he really did) and it turns out he had to borrow a suit for their wedding (39).

19. 6. What are some of the characteristics of the people at the party Nick attends with Tom? Chapter Two Catherine – Myrtle’s sister, well-maintained (maybe a little over the top), haughty Mr. McKee – downstairs neighbor, pale feminine man, photographer Mrs. McKee – shrill, languid, handsome, and horrible

20. 7. Why is the little dog included in this chapter? Where is he at the end of the chapter? Chapter Two The dog is included in the chapter to show how frivolous Myrtle is (and how Tom gives her whatever she wants). By the end of the chapter the dog is sitting on the coffee table – forgotten and whimpering. (41)

21. 8. Was the violence between Myrtle Wilson and Tom unusual? How do you know? Chapter Two • No, the violence between Tom and Myrtle is not unusual. • We already know that Tom is abusive and aggressive (Daisy’s black and blue knuckles). It doesn’t seem as if Tom even hesitated to hit Myrtle for repeating Daisy’s name. • Mr. McKee stares at the scene and walks out as if nothing has happened. • Public acceptance of domestic violence

22. Chapter Three

23. Discussion! • Take a look at the party scene. • p. 39-41 • p. 43-45 • What are your impressions of Gatsby’s parties? Why does he throw them?

24. 1. With Gatsby’s parties, “people were not invited – they went there.” Explain. Chapter Three • Gatsby’s parties were social events; people found out about them via word of mouth and just showed up. • Some of Gatsby’s guests have never even seen Gatsby, nor do they know him. • “In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” (43) • “It was a testimony to the romantic speculation he inspired that there were whispers about him from those who had found little that it was necessary to whisper about in this world.” (48)

25. Chapter Three 2. Who are the girls in yellow and what is their significance? • The two girls in yellow represent the materialism of the era. • One girl tears her gown; Gatsby replaces it with another expensive gown. • They are also the beginning of the many rumors that are circulating about Gatsby. • Typical type of person that comes to his parties: materialistic, selfish, haughty (43) (47-48)

26. Chapter Three 3. Who is Owl Eyes? • A “stout, middle-aged man” • Questions the authenticity of the books in Gatsby’s library • Wonders if Gatsby is a mere illusion; seems shocked by his attention to detail/ability to cover his bases • “What thoroughness! What realism!” (50)

27. Discussion! • Why is Owl Eyes so shocked that Gatsby’s library is real?

28. Chapter Three 4. List the different rumors that are floating around about Gatsby. • Gatsby killed a man • He was a German spy • He grew up in Germany • He was in the American Army during the war • He’s an Oxford man

29. Discussion! • Nick meets Gatsby…finally! • p. 47 • p. 51 • Jordan says, “Anyhow, he gives large parties…they’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy?” (49) (54) • Do you agree with her seemingly contradictory statement?

30. Chapter Three 5. Does Gatsby drink? Include a quote from the text that proves your answer. • He does not. • “I wondered if the fact that he was not drinking helped to set him off from his guests, for it seemed to me that he grew more correct as the fraternal hilarity increased.” (54)

31. Chapter Three 6. Chicago and Philadelphia both want Gatsby on the phone. Who are they? • Chicago and Philadelphia are “business associates” of Gatsby’s. • One can assume that it has something to do with bootlegging and organized crime, as those two cities were hubs for the mob in this era.

32. Chapter Three 7. What story is floating around about Jordan and her “incurable dishonesty”? • It is rumored that Jordan Baker cheated in her first big golf tournament. • She supposedly moved her ball in the semi-final round for a better shot. • The scandal died away when a caddie retracted his statement • Jordan, therefore, “instinctively avoided clever shrewd men” and kept a “cool insolent smile turned to the world.” • Nick: “Dishonesty in a woman is a thing you never blame deeply—”

33. Discussion! • Let’s talk about “it takes two to make an accident” (58) (63)

34. Chapter 4

35. Chapter Four 1. Is Nick being sarcastic or serious based on the provided quote? Explain your choice. • Quote: “…those who accepted Gatsby’s hospitality…paid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about him” • Nick is being sarcastic. He does not approve of the people that attend Gatsby’s parties; he believes that they are materialistic and should at least know their host.

36. Chapter Four 2. If you had to pick a consummate Gatsby guest, who would you pick and why? • Klipspringer is the complete/ representative guest because he has been to Gatsby’s parties for so long and so frequently that people begin to call him “the border” as if he lived there (67)

37. Chapter Four 3. During the drive to lunch, what details does Gatsby reveal to Nick about his: • Family • Jay comes from a wealthy family in the mid-west and that all of his family is dead • Education • Jay was educated at Oxford because it was a “family tradition” • Source of Income • Jay “came into a good deal of money” • He lived in all the capitols of Europe and collected jewels, hunted game, and developed a passion for art

38. Chapter Four 4. Where in the “middle-west” does Gatsby claim to be from? • Gatsby claims to be from San Francisco (70)

39. Chapter Four 5. What is the “white card” that Gatsby uses with the policeman? • The white card that Gatsby pulls out for the policeman is the Christmas card that he gets from the Police Commissioner every year. • Demonstrates his importance and makes it seem as if he is above the law because of his “favors.” (73)

40. Chapter Four 6. How might the character and appearance of Meyer Wolfshiem suggest an element of anti-Semitism on the part of the author and the time period? • Wolfshiem’s character shows some of the anti-Semitic feelings of the time period because of the negative way in which his appearance is described. • He has a small, flat nose; large head; long hair coming out of each nostril; tiny (beady) eyes; • Purposefully stereotypical (73-74)

41. Chapter Four 7. Describe Daisy’s life as a young girl of 18. What were the rumors circulating about her? • As a young girl, Daisy lived in Louisville, Kentucky • She is from a wealthy family and had MANY suitors • She and Gatsby had a brief relationship before he went off to war • Rumors • She packed her bags to bid Gatsby farewell in NY; the fact that she tried to run away created tension within her family • Inference = her family forced her to stay by making her marry Tom

42. Chapter Four 8. What is the significance of Tom’s car accident in Santa Barbara? How long had he been married? • His accident shows just how long he has been cheating on his wife • Three months after they were married he gets into this accident • He had one of the hotel chambermaids in the car with him (82) • Inference = Their marriage crippled by infidelity from the onset

43. Chapter Four 9. Did Daisy have any affairs in Chicago? Explain in detail how you know. • Daisy did have affairs in Chicago • She used her sobriety to an advantage • She was able to hide her indiscretions • Jordan says, “There’s something in that voice of hers.” (82)

44. Chapter Four 10. THE BURNING QUESTION: Why did Gatsby buy his huge house and throw all his parties? • Gatsby has been keeping up with Daisy throughout the years • He bought the house across the bay from her and throws all of these elaborate parties in hopes that she will show up so he can woo her to win her back • Gatsby’s greatness is a façade; hidden behind it he strives to possess the very one thing he is unable to buy

45. Chapter Five

46. Chapter Five 1. What “sideline” partnership does Gatsby offer Nick? • Gatsby offers Nick a “sideline” parnership in his bootlegging business, a “rather confidential sort of thing” (87-88) • Nick declines: • “Because the offer was obviously and tactlessly for a service to be rendered, I had no choice except to cut him off there.” (88)

47. Chapter Five 2. Describe Gatsby’s behavior up until the moment he sees Daisy again. • Gatsby appears distracted and paranoid • He has Nick’s lawn cut and sends a “greenhouse” over to adorn Nick’s home • Upon arrival at Nick’s, Nick notices “dark signs of sleeplessness beneath his eyes.” (89) • While waiting for their guests, Jay anxiously keeps “peering toward the bleared windows from time to time as if a series of invisible but alarming happenings were taking place outside.” (89) • He threatens to leave several minutes before guests are set to arrive

48. Chapter Five 3. Contrast Gatsby and Daisy’s interaction before Nick leaves with their interaction after he returns. • Prior to Nick leaving • Embarrassed • Strained; shy • Uncomfortable • It is raining • When Nick returns • Serene (“He literally glowed…” 94) • Daisy is crying but seems happy • Gatsby finally “sees” Nick • The rain stops

49. Chapter Five 4. When Daisy is upstairs washing her face, Gatsby contradicts an earlier piece of information he had given Nick. How does he explain this discrepancy? • Gatsby previously told Nick that he inherited his money • He corrects himself by explaining that he lost the money her inherited in “the big panic of the war,” but earned it all back in a matter of three years (95)

50. Chapter Five 5. Why does Gatsby pull out all of his shirts for Daisy and why does she cry at the sight of them? • Gatsby shows Daisy his shirts to impress her, to show how far he has come from the soldier she knew five years ago • “…he revalued everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from he well-loved eyes... He stared around at his possessions in a dazed way as though in her actual and astounding presence none of it was any longer real.” (96-97) • She is crying upon the realization that he has done all of this for her