The great Gatsby chapter 9 discussion questions

What does Nick connect that could relate Gatsby's dream to the American Dream?

Both the American Dream of First settlers to Gatsby's dream of winning Daisy's heart.

What is the significance of Gatsby's boyhood program for self-improvement?

Gatsby had a boyhood schedule representing the standard that Gatsby set for himself as a boy, he sets this standard in order to improve himself. This schedule was written on the back cover of "Hopalong Cassidy."

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 of how his son gained his wealth. His father takes certain pride in all of his sons possessions.

What does Nick claim of Gatsby's dream to the American Dream?

Gatsby's hopes for the future were elusive because they didn't relate to the future at all, (Dreams Lost to the Past).

What makes Nick assume responsibility for the funeral arrangements? What are the things he did?

He did this because no one else came forward to make the funeral arrangements. Nick tries to get the people he knows that Gatsby interacted with to come to the funeral, but no one does.

Why did Gatsby set the standard of his boyhood schedule?

In order to improve himself.

What is the significance of the last page of the novel in relation to Gatsby's dream and to the American Dream?

In the book's final pages, Nick ties his story of Gatsby to the idea of the American Dream: a nation that Nick imagines he was born when Dutch sailors first arrived in the place that would become New York. Nick claims that Gatsby's hopes for the future were elusive because they didn't relate to the future at all, (Dreams Lost to the Past). He connects both the American Dream of first settlers to Gatsby's dream of winning Daisy's heart. Both Dream are capable to attain, but are more complicated and dangerous than anyone could've predicted.

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

Jordan Baker once again reveals that she only cares about herself. She tells Nick that she quickly got engaged after they broke up. Jordan moving on quickly shows that she never loved Nick and was just filling her time with his company.

Where was Gatsby's boyhood schedule written?

On the back cover of "Hopalong Cassidy."

What does Jordan moving on quickly show?

She never really loved Nick and was just filling her time with his company.

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

That Wilson was a "madman." No one counters this version because no one knew Gatsby or Wilson to stand up for them.

What is the irony of Gatsby's funeral?

That no one shows up unlike all the parties he threw where the whole society showed up.

What moral judgment does Nick make about Tom and Daisy?

That the they have lost their moral character and that they rely on their money and the help of other people to get them out of the difficulties they get into.

What do Tom and Daisy rely on for what reason?

Their money and the help of other people to get them out of the difficulties they get into.

What are the American Dream and Gatsby's dream capable of?

To attain, but are more compliant dangerous than anyone could have predicted.