The Great Gatsby

Notice how many times Fitzgerald uses the words hope, or dream. Why does he do this?

One of the main themes in the novel is the meaning of someones "dream" or the American dream as a whole. In the book, people’s dreams and hopes become distorted into a certain opinion of what a dream is and that is what in the end, destroys them.

Nick starts the novel by relaying his fathers advice "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had". List nick’s advantages. Does he reserve judgment in the novel?

I think he tries, but at times fails. But he is defiantly one of the less judgmental characters.

Describe Nick. What facts do you know about him? and what do you infer about him? what kind of a narrator do you think he will be?

Nick comes from a prominent family and is fairly smart for he graduated from Yale. He seems to be a kind, non-judgmental person. I think he will tell the story honestly and from a justified point of view.

What image does the author use to describe Jordan Baker? What does it mean?

Fitzgerald describes Jordan Baker as intriguing but beautiful. When Nick first sees her, she is very stiff and uptight.

How does Nick react to Jordan?

Nick (as said in question 5) finds her intriguing but he thoroughly enjoys looking at her; and is attracted to her.

What dies Tom’s behavior reveal about his character?

Tom seems to be very proud and (for lack of a better word) an *** hole. He is rude and abusive.

What does the valley of ashes represent in the great gatsby?

It represents the hopelessness of the people who live there.

Describe the violent act Tom committed against Myrtle. What does this reveal about him?

At a party in their apartment, Myrtle keeps saying the name "Daisy" over and over. Tom hits Myrtle across the face, breaking her nose. This is the second time that Tom’s penchant for hurting…

Describe Gatsby the first time Nick sees him

Alone and lonely

What rumors have been told about Gatsby? Why does Fitzgerald reveal rumors rather than facts

. Made money illegally; went to Oxford; Gatsby is in image as much as a man

What does Nick think of Gatsby after meeting him?

Nice/friendly/

How is Gatsby different from his guests?

Not fake; not a user

Why does Nick want to share his thoughts and feelings with Jordan.

He wants to be part of this world

Nick thinks he’s one of the few honest people he knows why? Do you think he is honest?

No, he is not honest and he doesn’t live to his dad’s ideals

list all of the rumors told about gatsby?

The rumors were that some believed that he served as a German spy. Others think that he served in the American Army. Also another rumor is that in the past he has murdered someone in the past.

Why does Fitzgerald list all of Gatsby’s party guest?

He does this because as Fitzgerald wrote" the people came like moths to the flame" showing that these were not Gatsby’s friends and they came and went.

Why does Gatsby tell Nick about his life? Do you believe Gatsby? Does Nick?

Gatsby tells Nick about his life because he wants Nick to trust him. Also because nobody really knows about Gatsby’s path so he doesn’t want Nick to hear wrong things about him. Nick is skeptical about Gatsby’s story,even after he tries to prove it with the photo.

What does Jordan’s story of Daisy’s marriage reveal about Daisy?

ordan tells Nick about how Daisy had been in love with Gatsby before the war, but decided to marry Tom instead

Why did Gatsby want Daisy to see his house?

Gastby thinks that Daisy is impressed with wealth and he wants her to see that he has the finest in clothing and the biggest house

Why does Gatsby offer Nick work? How does Nick feel about this?

Nick is slightly offended that Gatsby wants to pay him for arranging the meeting with Daisy and refuses Gatsby’s offers, but he still agrees to call Daisy and invite her to his house

Why does Gatsby get so many phone calls? What does this say about him?

In the Great Gatsby Gatsby gets so many phone calls because he is involved in an illegal business (alcohol). When Nick gets a mysterious phone call at Gatsby’s house it confirms that Jay was indeed involved in illegalities

How truthful was Gatsby when he relayed the story of his life to Nick? Why does Fitzgerald tell the story of Jay Gatz now?

When Gatsby first told Nick his past in chapter four, his stories were completely false. They were all created so that he would gain Nick’s approval. Fitzgerald decides to reveal the truth about Gatsby’s past now because of all the events occurring at this point. Fitzgerald probably wanted the reader to be clear on Gatsby’s past so that the reader can better understand the ideas that are conveyed by this story.

Describe the meeting of Tom and Gatsby. What does this meeting reveal about them?

Nick then sees Tom and tries to introduce Gatsby, but Gatsby disappears. This is because he is in love with Daisy. When Tom and Gatsby finally meet, Tom realizes this