Gatsby 9

What moral judgement does Nick make about Tom and Daisy?

" it was all very careless and confused. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy- they smashed things and creatures and then retreated back to their money and their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made." (179)

What version of the tragedy appeared in thenewspapers? How would you account for the fact that this version went unchallenged and uncorrected?

(163) "most of these reports were a nightmare- grotesque, circumstantial, eager and untrue." Nick was chosen as a spokesperson because no one volunteered to do so.

What is the irony of Gatsby's funeral?

Few people were at the funeral or the procession. Gatsby's father, Nick, the minister, some servants, and owl eyes were the only ones in attendance at the funeral. Shows while hundreds came to the parties they used him for his wealth, and didn't take the time to get to know him as a person and it shows that they didn't care enough to do so either.

Explain the significance of the last page of the novel in relation to Gatsby's dream and to the American Dream.

Gatsby believed that he still had many years to live ahead of him and all he could think about was living right then in the moment. He had all the things men wanted and needed. He thought he could win Daisy back in the end. The last page shows what happens when you let your dreams control your life and they aren't a reality.

How had Gatsby's father learned of the tragedy? To what extent does the father know his son?

Gatsby's father learned of the tragedy from the newspaper(s). His father isn't aware and doesn't choose to be aware of how his son gained his wealth. His father takes certain pride in all of his sons possessions.

Discuss the significance of Gatsby's boyhood program for self improvement.

He was always the one to try and make improvements on himself. The schedule in the book shows this.

What is the significance of including the scene with Jordan baker?

It shows Nicks disgust with everyone who was involved with the murder and the accident and shows his disgust for the "elite class"

What makes Nick assume responsibility for the funeral arrangements?

No one cared about Gatsby and would arrange the funeral except for him. He called daisy and many others but got either very little response or no response at all. So he took over and planned the funeral himself.