the rest of the answers
3. What symbol does Fitzgerald use as the outward manifestation of Gatsby's wealth? What theme does this reinforce?
Gatsby's car is the symbol of his wealth. It reinforces the theme of the American Dream, as the car is certainly representative of that dream.
17. Cite and explain the metaphor on page 96.
"...that voice was a deathless song." Again, Daisy's voice is the quality that is otherworldly. As Fitzgerald began the novel, establishing the feeling that Daisy is a fairy-like creature, he continues the novel. In her voice is life for Gatsby.
2. Identify and explain the personification on page 113.
"Automobiles...turned expectantly into his drive.... and then drove sulkily away." Automobiles, one of the symbols of the American dream, are brought to life as they exhibit human emotions. This is also a metonymy as the automobiles represent the people they transport.
5. Cite the hyperbole, on page 84, and explain the effects created.
"The flowers were unnecessary, for at two o'clock a greenhouse arrived from Gatsby's..." The exaggeration of the number of flowers sent over by Gatsby emphasizes both his extravagance and the desperateness of his quest—the lengths to which he feels he must go in order to win his lost love.
9. What does Jordan do the morning following the accident?
She leaves Daisy's house and gives Nick a call. After a rather curt conversation, one of them just hangs up.
6. What does Daisy mean when she says "...everything's so confused"? (Pg. 119)
She means that she is confused. Her emotions are especially confused, and she is unable to sort out her feelings for the two men.
15. Why is Daisy so upset on her wedding day?
She receives a letter, which the reader assumes is from Gatsby, that gives her second thoughts.
27. How does Myrtle die?
She runs from her husband's garage, angrily waving her hands and shouting. She is hit by an unidentified passing car and dies instantly.
14. Why does Daisy cry about the shirts?
She says because they are beautiful, but, in reality, she is mourning the fact that she could have had both money and love. Perhaps at this moment she realizes the emptiness of her life with Tom and is overwhelmed at the thoughts of a dream she can now not attain.
9. What literary purpose does the broken clock serve?
The clock is like Jay Gatsby, who, when he realized he was poor and would never get Daisy, stopped ticking. He is trapped in his dreams just as the clock is trapped in a moment. Fitzgerald may also be implying that Gatsby stopped growing emotionally, and is essentially frozen in time.
2. Why is it important to Catherine that her story seem true?
Catherine does not want her, or her sister's name, tarnished. Catherine also has no esteem for Mr. Wilson and does not mind that this murder makes him seem crazy.
1. How does Catherine respond during the trial?
Catherine shows amazing strength of character. She swears her sister has never seen Gatsby and is a faithful wife to George. Perhaps in her mind, it is true regarding Gatsby. However, Catherine does know of Myrtle's affair with Tom.
1. What is the setting for Chapter III?
Chapter III takes place at Gatsby's mansion in West Egg.
1. What is the purpose of chapter VI?
Chapter VI provides the reader with more details regarding Gatsby's past and points out the distinction between old money and new money. Regardless of how wealthy one is, what matters is the source of the money, and how long one's family has had it.
31. What does Fitzgerald convey to the reader by choosing the word "conspiring" in the description of Tom and Daisy in their kitchen?
Conspiring insinuates that there is a secret, something to hide. The reader knows that Daisy was driving. One may suppose that she is telling Tom the whole story, or that she is devising a cover story.
22. How has Gatsby gotten some of his money? What does Tom say that startles Gatsby?
Gatsby has gotten some of his money from his drugstores. Tom says that Gatsby's drugstores sell illegal alcohol, which was not uncommon during Prohibition. Tom also says that Gatsby has "something" big going on, but Tom's friend, who gave him the incriminating evidence, is terrified to say what Gatsby is involved in.
7. Where is Gatsby buried?
Gatsby is buried in the East.
5. What is the meaning of Gatsby's statement to Tom, "I'm right across from you"? (Pg. 118)
Gatsby is conveying the idea that he and Tom are equals.
8. Where do Gatsby and Nick go for lunch? Whom do they meet?
At "roaring noon," Gatsby and Nick enter a well-fanned Forty-second Street cellar for lunch. There they meet Mr. Wolfsheim, an associate of Gatsby's.
6. What irony is found in the top paragraph on page 170?
At the Swastika Holding Company, there is a Jewess working.
2. Why does Gatsby suggest that he and Nick "go to Coney Island," or "take a plunge in the swimming-pool"? (Pg. 81, 82)
Gatsby is wondering whether Jordan has spoken to Nick, but, instead of asking, he just beats around the bush until Nick offers the information.
11. Although there are many rumors regarding Gatsby, there is a clue given to the reader about what the nature of Gatsby's work may be. What is the clue? What might it indicate is his work?
The clue comes in the statement " ...a butler hurried toward him with the information that Chicago was calling him on the wire." (Pg. 48) Chicago was the seat of organized crime and bootlegging in the 1920s. The reader begins to see past the rumors and discern that perhaps Gatsby came by his money, at least partially, as a bootlegger.
13. Why do you suppose that Tom decides to let Wilson finally have the car he has been promising him?
A generous interpretation may be that Tom sees Wilson for the first time as a betrayed husband, possibly like himself, and feels some pity for him. On the other hand, Tom may see it as a way to avoid having Wilson become suspicious of him.
13. Analyze the passage "He had been full of the idea so long, dreamed it right through to the end, waited with his teeth set, so to speak, at an inconceivable pitch of intensity. Now, in the reaction, he was running down like an overwound clock." (Pg. 92) This is the second time that Fitzgerald uses a clock to compare Gatsby and his dream. The first time, it was a broken clock, frozen in time. This time, it is a clock that has been wound tootightly. It seems the spring will break and uncoil. This may be used as a symbol to alert the reader that this is the climax of the story, and it is all downhill from here. This passage reflects not only Gatsby's life and dream, but also reflects America in the 1920s. As WWI ended, the Roaring Twenties began. The American dream changes as the stock market grew. By 1929, the stock market had reached an unprecedented level, like an overwound clock, until the spring broke and the stock market crashed. It is an uncanny predication of what is to come, as Fitzgerald could not have known it when publishing this book in 1925, but he surely could have known that the growth could not continue at this rate for long.
A. "Compared to the great distance" between Gatsby and Daisy? Gatsby had moved across the bay from Daisy and spent a great deal of energy dreaming about her, but realistically, his chances of being reunited with her must have seemed remote. The green light had been as close to her, previously, as Gatsby is now. B. "Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one." Now that his dream has been realized, the green light becomes just a light and is no longer a symbol for Gatsby. For however brief a time, the girl is with him again, so he no longer needs to sustain himself with symbols.
15. As the three of them look across the bay toward Daisy's house, the narrator states, "Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever. Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy, it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her. It had seemed as close as a star to the moon. Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one." (Pg. 93) What does Fitzgerald mean by:
A. "Compared to the great distance" between Gatsby and Daisy? Gatsby had moved across the bay from Daisy and spent a great deal of energy dreaming about her, but realistically, his chances of being reunited with her must have seemed remote. The green light had been as close to her, previously, as Gatsby is now. B. "Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one." Now that his dream has been realized, the green light becomes just a light and is no longer a symbol for Gatsby. For however brief a time, the girl is with him again, so he no longer needs to sustain himself with symbols.;;
20. Cite examples of the motif that nature reflects life.
Five years earlier, it was in the fall that Gatsby first took Daisy. Daisy has a long, difficult winter, and then, Tom pursued Daisy in the spring. On page 153, the reader is informed that there is an autumn flavor in the air. On page 172, on the day of the funeral, the sky turns dark and a drizzle starts.
Chapter IV 1. What is the significance of the date on the timetable?
The date, July 5, 1922, is the day after Independence Day. It seems to indicate that the people are enjoying a freedom they didn't fight for.
15. Although Catherine comments that neither Tom nor Myrtle care about the one they married, how does the reader know that that isn't true?
After a little too much whiskey, Myrtle mentions Daisy and then tauntingly shouts Daisy's name over and over. "Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand." (Pg. 37) Although he considers a little affair on the side to be allowable, it is evident his allegiance lies with Daisy. Remember earlier that Fitzgerald foreshadowed Tom's violent tendency.
10. Knowing Tom, how can one account for his comment about being "old-fashioned" and "women run[ning] around too much these days to suit [him]"? (Pg. 103)
Although he is quite sincere, he obviously believes in a double standard of behavior. That he says this and does not see the irony may be attributed to a combination of limited intelligence and arrogance.
13. What does Fitzgerald convey through the use of an asyndeton on pages 30 and 31?
An asyndeton gives the impression that the list is not complete. Ex: "Her laughter, her gestures, her assertions became more violently affected moment by moment..." These are but a few of the characteristics that caused her to seem so large and the room to shrink around her.
13. Explain the symbolism of the simile, on page 51"...at intervals she appeared suddenly at his side like an angry diamond, and hissed: 'You promised!' into his ear."
As a diamond has many facets, so does this simile. The diamond, a symbol of forever love, a promise of undying love, is being challenged by a flirtatious, young actress and the husband of the woman speaking. His wife was once the diamond of his life and, as her position is challenged, the sharpness of the diamond, the cutting aspects of the diamond, are exposed. The diamond sharply reminds him, "You promised!"
1. When Nick comes home to West Egg that night, what does he find unusual? How does this description contribute to the mood?
As he is driving up to his house, he thinks it may be on fire, but turning the corner, he sees that it is Gatsby's house, lit from tower to cellar, looking like the World's Fair. This description furthers the mood that Gatsby's place is much like a carnival. By continuing the development of the carnival like feeling, Fitzgerald conveys to the reader a sense that, like a carnival, Gatsby or Gatsby's money may not be stable, may not be real, may be here today and gone tomorrow.
7. What is the significance of the name George Wilson?,,
As with many of Fitzgerald' characters, the name George Wilson is carefully chosen to reflect certain traits and ideals. It was President Wilson who took the Americans into WWI. During the peace process, Wilson was outmaneuvered by England, France, and Italy. Unwilling to compromise his ideals, Wilson set out across the country working to "sell" his position to the Americans. He worked himself too hard and became ill, eventually suffering a stroke. His wife, Edith, ran his administration for the next year. Wilson eventually died a defeated idealist. The character George Wilson is also a defeated idealist, living in the valley of ashes. He is unwilling to compromise his ideals about marriage, and has become very ill in the fight. George is the name of the United States' first president. Just as Fitzgerald intends to illustrate how the American Dream has deteriorated, George Wilson, in the valley of ashes, indicates a waste of potential greatness.
9. What becomes of Jordan and Nick's relationship?
Before Nick leaves the East, he meets Jordan to talk with her. She announces she is engaged to someone else. She accuses him of dumping her on the phone. Nick walks away, angry, half in love, and tremendously sorry.
16. What do Tom and Wilson have in common? How does each respond?
Both have just discovered that their wives are unfaithful. Wilson is sick over the thought, and Tom is completely angry.
10. What do the characters of Buchanan and Wolfsheim represent?
Buchanan represents the established, legal institutions, and Wolfsheim represents the underworld.
3. Why is it that Fitzgerald waits until chapter III to introduce Gatsby?
By holding off on his introduction of Gatsby, Fitzgerald knits a closer relationship between the reader and Nick. Secondly, Fitzgerald creates an air of mystery for the reader, not unlike the mystery that Nick and the others associate with Gatsby. This technique of delayed character revelation is also used to emphasize the theatrical quality of Gatsby's approach to life that is an important part of his personality.
5. Why does Daisy give up on Gatsby? How does Gatsby learn of the relationship between Daisy and Tom?
Daisy cannot understand why Gatsby cannot come home. She has many suitors lined up and finally, in the springtime, gives in to Tom Buchanan. Gatsby receives a letter from Daisy while he is at Oxford informing him that she is moving on.
6. How does Daisy's agreeing to come to Nick's house without Tom contribute to the theme of changing moral values?
Daisy essentially comes expecting to enter into an affair that a generation earlier would have been unthinkable.
14. Jordan informs the reader that Daisy was 18 when she and Gatsby consummated their love. What significance does her age have?
Daisy is 18 when Gatsby's dream begins. It parallels the fact that Fitzgerald fell in love with Zelda when she was 18. 1918 is about the end of WWI and the beginning of the Roaring Twenties, a time when many dreams began.
4. Contrast Daisy with Myrtle, Tom's mistress.
Daisy is smart, beautiful, rich, and refined. She comes from old money and has all that she needs. Myrtle is not very smart, a bit heavy, poor, and rough. She lives in the valley of ashes and essentially owns nothing.
21. Describe the emotions that Daisy goes through as Tom and Gatsby argue.
Daisy is torn between the two men. She loves them both, now, but each wants her to make a confession that she can't make. Tom, who is the one that Daisy associates with security, persuades her to reluctantly say that she never loved Gatsby. After that, she blurts out that she has loved them both.
8. Interpret the metaphor "Her voice is full of money." (Pg. 120)
Daisy's voice has been highlighted throughout the story, but it is Gatsby who is able to identify the sound. It is full of money. She is a prize to be had.
18. What symbolism is there in the name Daisy Fay?
Daisy, a beautiful flower, is just waiting to blossom, waiting to open up, waiting to be picked. The name Fay, meaning Fairy, adds to the other-worldly feeling of this romantic dream girl of Gatsby's.
6. Analyze the meaning of the name Dan Cody.
Dan is short for Daniel, a probable allusion to Daniel Boone. Daniel Boone was one of the first frontiersmen who headed for the West. Wild Bill Cody is one of the last of the frontiersman. Gatsby is fashioned by Dan Cody to be a type of frontiersman—one who lives and dies in the pursuit of the frontier of the American dream.
16. What seems to be the feeling towards divorce in the 1920s?
For Catholics, divorce is absolutely forbidden; however, for the rich socialites, it seems to be becoming more accessible and even desirable to living unhappily. At one point, Catherine suggests that if she were Myrtle and Tom, she would just get a divorce.
17. Why is it important to Gatsby that Daisy see his house?
Gatsby already lost Daisy to established money and knows that unless she sees that he is now established money, he won't have a chance with her.
13. At the bottom of page 110, Nick narrates the event of Daisy's and Gatsby's first kiss. He says that Gatsby knews that, after kissing Daisy, "...his mind would never romp again like the mind of God." What does this mean?
Earlier in this same chapter, Nick compares the transformation from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby and says that Gatsby was a "Son of God," a self-proclaimed deity. He is, in a sense, the creator and controller of his Self. Once he kisses Daisy, however, he will pass that control over to her.
11. Does Tom like Gatsby's car?
Even though he calls Gatsby's cream car a yellow circus wagon, he claims ownership of the yellow car while pumping gas. He at least likes what it stands for.
12. What changes take place in Gatsby during Daisy's visit?
First, he is embarrassed at seeing Daisy again. Then, he is filled with unreasoning joy. Next, he is consumed with wonder.
6. Nick comments that the people at the party conduct "themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement park." Analyze what is being conveyed by the comparison.
First, the statement draws a comparison of the atmosphere at Gatsby's to an amusement park: many things going on in different places, many things to do, many drinks and food items, many people who don't know each other. Second, the statement highlights the fact that the people at the party lack manners, even to the point of showing up at a party uninvited; their nouveau riche lack of "breeding" is what stands out to Nick.
6. What method of character development does Fitzgerald employ to develop the character of Myrtle?
Fitzgerald develops the character of Myrtle fi rst by direct description. He describes her as thickish, blocking out the light from the office door. She has surplus flesh but is sensuous. She is not pretty but has vitality. Secondly, he develops the character through her actions. She stops at a news-stand to purchase a copy of "Town Tattle" and a moving- picture magazine. She sits on Tom's lap making phone calls and smoking. Thirdly, he develops Myrtle through her speech. She asks a salesperson, "I don't suppose you got that kind?" All of these descriptions indicate Myrtle's commonness. (Pg. 27)
9. Analyze the techniques used to develop the character of Wolfsheim.
Fitzgerald first describes Wolfsheim using caricature. He exaggerates the size of his head and nose, and points out the "two fine growths of hair which luxuriated in either nostril." (Pg. 69) Fitzgerald then alludes to the incident with Rosy Rosenthal, a small time gambler, involved with the underworld. The characterization of this shady fellow further develops by drawing attention to the fact that he eats with "ferocious delicacy" and that his cuff buttons are human molars. (Pg. 71) After Wolfshiem departs from the restaurant, Gatsby informs Nick that he is the "man who fixed the World's Series back in 1919." (p 73) Fitzgerald appropriately names him Wolfsheim, meaning wolf's home. There is no doubt left in the reader's mind. This Wolfsheim is a shady character, and if Gatsby keeps company with him, something about Gatsby must be amiss.
25. How does Fitzgerald foreshadow what is about to happen?
Fitzgerald foreshadows upcoming trouble by choosing words associated with death. Nick says Gatsby's dream is "dead"; Gatsby looks as though he has "killed a man"; Daisy's courage is "gone"; the couple leaves like "ghosts"; there is a "menacing" ahead; Nick's new age of thirty "died away"; and he and Jordan "drove on toward death." This remarkable collection of references to dying, foreshadow the upcoming tragedies. (Pg. 134 - 136)
7. In the middle of page 69, how does Fitzgerald further the mood and reinforce the theme of the Roaring Twenties?
Fitzgerald furthers the mood by opening the scene in the restaurant with the statement "Roaring noon." It may be considered a type of personification that adds to the personality of the era. Because the term "roaring" is tied to the era of the 1920s, it also reinforces the theme.
12. The McKees appear only in chapter II. Why does Fitzgerald bring them into the story?
Fitzgerald introduces the McKees mainly to highlight the social stratification of the period. They serve as counterpoints to the Gatsby crowd.
20. What do you think Fitzgerald wishes to convey about Gatsby's parties through the incident with the drunks and the car, and the husbands and wives arguing?
Fitzgerald is showing that, when the materialistic trapping of wealth are not considered, the rich behave no differently than the lower classes.
1. In the first paragraph of chapter two, what device does Fitzgerald use to create a musical effect? Cite some examples.
Fitzgerald uses alliteration to create a musical effect. Some examples are: railroad and runs, fantastic farm, grotesque gardens, cars crawl, obscure operations.
10. On page 29, how does Fitzgerald emphasize the smallness of the apartment?
Fitzgerald uses an anaphora to emphasize the smallness of the apartment: "a small living- room, a small dining-room, a small bedroom..."
7. What metaphor does Fitzgerald use to convey the theme of hollowness in the upper class?
Fitzgerald uses the books in Gatsby's library to convey the theme of hollowness. Owl Eyes is completely amazed that the books on the shelves are not simply hollow, cardboard look- a-likes, but are actual books. They are not there just for show; someone could actually read them. In this class of people, so many of them are simply hollow cardboard replicas of people with nothing real or useful on the inside.
14. What is the significance of the phone calls that Gatsby receives? How does it add to the development of his character? What does the lack of calls to Buchanan demonstrate?
Gatsby receives phone calls at different points throughout the book seeming to be business calls of some kind. It is evident that he is working and building his financial base. These calls add mystery to his background as they are from Philadelphia, and later in the book Chicago, both cities boasting seats of organized crime. Buchanan doesn't receive business phone calls, and in fact, never seems to have work to do. His money is old and secure.
8. Why does Gatsby not drink?
Gatsby saw how alcohol affected Cody and was disgusted by its effects. He made a decision that he would not drink.
32. Why does Gatsby loiter outside of the Buchanans' house? How does Fitzgerald let the reader know there is nothing for Gatsby to wait for?
Gatsby says he is afraid that Tom may hurt Daisy. However, if Gatsby leaves, if he walks away without her, everything he has dreamed of will be gone forever. He may be waiting, hanging on to the last sliver of his dream. Fitzgerald ends the chapter, he is "watching over nothing." (Pg. 145)
17. What is Gatsby's explanation of his being at Oxford? Why is it important to Tom to expose the Oxford-man lie?
Gatsby says that after the Armistice some officers were given the opportunity to attend a university in England or France. He was at Oxford for five months. Tom wants to expose the fact that Gatsby did not have an education equal to his own.
3. How does Gatsby show that he is grateful to Nick for his agreeing to call Daisy?
Gatsby tactlessly offers him a job, a confidential sort of thing.
11. What arouses Nick's suspicions about Gatsby's past? What suspicion does this apparent lie reinforce?
Gatsby tells Daisy that it took him just three years to earn the money to buy the house. Earlier, he told Nick that he had inherited the money. The contradiction again raises the suspicion that Gatsby has come by his money illegally.
4. Summarize the beginning of Daisy and Gatsby's relationship, five years ago.
Gatsby was in Daisy's life by sheer accident and knew, because he was penniless and without a past, she could never be his. But one autumn night he took her. After that, Gatsby felt married to her. They spent some time together, and Daisy fell in love with a man who didn't exist. Then Gatsby went into the service. When Gatsby didn't return quickly enough, Daisy moved on. Gatsby lived in the dream of this marriage for the next five years creating a story of his past and searching for a way to become rich.
7. How long was Gatsby employed by Cody?
Gatsby worked for Cody for five years.
4. Describe Gatsby's car.
Gatsby's car is a rich cream [yellowish] color trimmed with bright nickel on the outside with a green leather interior. It is monstrous in length and has "...hat-boxes, and supper-boxes, and tool boxes." (p 64)
4. Describe Gatsby's father.
Gatsby's father is Henry C. Gatz from Minnesota. He is a solemn old man with a sparse gray beard.
15. What does the author do to convey the idea that the gentleman driving the car is drunk?
He changes the speech pattern, uses many misspelled words, and has him speak illogically.
11. What conclusion does Wilson come to regarding his wife's death?
He concludes she was hit by the driver of the yellow car. She ran to speak to him, but he did not stop.
12. In what way is Gatsby's behavior at his party quite unlike the behavior of most of his guests?
He does not drink, and his behavior becomes more correct as the evening progresses. Rather than dancing, singing, and partying, he seems to stay aloof from most everyone.
4. Why did Gatsby replace his servants?
He does not want anyone gossiping about Daisy's afternoon visits.
12. What causes Mr. Wilson's sickness?
He has just figured out that his wife is having an affair, although he does not know with whom. Mr. Wilson decides that he will move away from the valley of ashes and take Myrtle with him. Although society may be willing to compromise, Wilson is not.
5. Mr. Gatz compares his son, Jay Gatsby, to James J. Hill. Explain the significance of this allusion.
Henry Gatz is very proud of his son, and like any father he had big dreams for him. Mr. Gatz compares Gatsby to James J. Hill because Hill was a man who started out with nothing and worked up to owning many of the railway companies covering the North American continent. Hill made something big of himself, and Mr. Gatz is sure that Gatsby would have done the same.
10. What clues give Wilson the idea there is another man?
His wife came home from the city some months earlier with her face bruised and her nose swollen. Secondly, Wilson discovered an expensive dog leash in her drawer.
2. In what ways is chapter II like chapter III?
In each of the chapters, people arrive to drink and party. Both chapters introduce the reader to a group of people: Chapter II introduces the reader to Tom Buchanan's crowd, and Chapter III introduces the reader to Jay Gatsby's crowd. In both cases, the group ends up drunk and unhappy.
8. How has Fitzgerald used colors to support the developing theme of the American dream?
In the first chapter, Fitzgerald speaks of the wine-colored rugs and rosy porch, the white palaces and white windows, and, in chapter two, speaks of blue eyes and the blue Mediterranean. The theme of the American dream is developed by the colors of the flag: red, white, and blue.
4. There are at least two examples of a polysyndenton in chapter three. Identify one of them, and explain what it contributes to the impact of the chapter.
In the opening paragraph, on page 39, is one example, "...with mops and scrubbing-brushes and hammers and garden-shears," and in the second complete paragraph on page 40, the word "and" is used eighteen times. This device is used to convey multiplicity, to give an energetic enumeration, and to add build-up. In this particular case the polysyndenton gives the idea that, if it can be found, Gatsby owns it. If it can be purchased, Gatsby has it. At Gatsby's house, the party goes on and on and on.
3. On page 151, how does Fitzgerald capture the 1920s?
In the second paragraph, Fitzgerald talks about "the rhythm of the year, summing up the sadness and suggestiveness of life in new tunes." This rhythm would last throughout the next ten years and be known as the Jazz Age. Other expressions that add to the Jazz Age feeling are "the saxophones wailed," and "blown by the sad horns."
11. When does Nick head west?
It is Christmas time when Nick leaves the East.
2. On a literal level, what is the valley of ashes? What might it represent on a symbolic level?
It is a large dump for ashes. The piles of ash take on the appearance of houses, chimneys, and men. Since ashes are what remains of something that has been burned, it is safe to assume that symbolically the valley of ashes represents something used up, burnt out, ruined, corrupted, changed, or wasted. Since the ashes take the form of houses and men, the suggestion is that the ash heap represents wasted, burned-out lives. "Whose lives?" is the question Fitzgerald wants us to answer.
6. Gatsby fills Nick in on the details of his life for what reason?
It is very important to Gatsby that Nick does not think he was just some nobody.
5. What does Nick's twice insisting that he had "actually been invited" suggest?
It seems that he surely did not expect to be invited, is quite surprised that he was invited, and is quite flattered. Nick being invited stands in stark contrast to the rest of the group. Even though he lives close enough to walk over at any time, his manners prevent it.
4. Who is Jay Gatsby?
Jay Gatsby is actually James Gatz from North Dakota. At sixteen, he left home and became his own man. He was a womanizer. He went to a small Lutheran college in Minnesota for a couple of weeks and then headed back to Lake Superior. At the age of seventeen, he met Dan Cody and joined him on his yacht as a personal assistant.
10. Explain the analogy on page 177 comparing drivers with relationships.
Jordan compares herself with a bad driver. It is all right to be a bad driver until you meet another bad driver [Nick]. When a car with a good driver meets a car with a bad driver, accidents can be prevented since the good driver will compensate for the mistakes of the bad driver. In relationships, weaknesses can be compensated for as well, unless both partners have the same weakness. Her accusations are that Nick is neither honest nor straightforward. The irony in her accusations is that she is neither honest nor straightforward, that is the downfall of their relationship.
13. What matter does Jordan speak to Nick about? How does she know this information?
Jordan tells Nick the story about Daisy and Gatsby's young love. She asks Nick if he would invite Daisy to his house for tea, without Tom, and then let Gatsby come over. Jordan was a bridesmaid in Tom and Daisy's wedding.
18. What purpose does the character of Jordan Baker fulfill?
Jordan, a professional golfer, is one of a rising group of athletic stars. In the 1920s, attitudes began changing, and athletes, including women, were elevated to a higher social status.
18. Who is the protagonist: Gatsby or Nick?
Most students will say that Gatsby is the protagonist, since the major conflict develops around Gatsby's dream, and the climax comes when Gatsby meets his dream face to face. In fact, with Gatsby's death, the story essentially ends. Nick returns to his old life and life goes on as it always has before. Nick generally assumes a secondary role preferring to describe and comment on events rather than be the central figure of the action. If Gatsby is the protagonist, then surely Tom is his foil. Some students will say that Nick is the protagonist and this is his story, his retelling of his time in the east. If they support this idea then Gatsby is just a foil, highlighting Nick's essential goodness and naiveté.
5. What is the meaning of the statement "...they [reveries] were a satisfactory hint of the unreality of reality, a promise that the rock of the world was founded securely on a fairy's wing"? (Pg. 99)
Remember that earlier Fitzgerald compared Gatsby to Christ—the rock of the world. The rock of the world [Gatsby] has all of his hopes and dreams founded on a fairy's wing, Daisy Fay. Fitzgerald's imagery throughout the book has enhanced the fairy-like-ness of Daisy. This statement makes the reader wonder if Gatsby operates in reality or in a dream.
16. Explain the statement on page 95, "Daisy tumbled short of his dreams."
Much of The Great Gatsby, including symbols and themes, has to do with, and is associated with, dreams. This statement is filled with symbolic meaning as well as literal meaning. Oftentimes one dreams and builds such an illusion, that when the dream comes to fruition, it is often less than one had hoped for. This is true for Gatsby. The romantic vision of Daisy that Gatsby has created, much as he created himself, dissipates as the reality sets in that Daisy is only human. This statement also reflects the sentiments of the American people as the elusive American dream, once attained, also tumbled far short.
9. Myrtle says of her sister, "She's said to be very beautiful by people who ought to know." (Pg. 28) What does this statement say about society?
Myrtle refers to "people who ought to know" as though there are some in the society who set the standards for others. It seems that that thought is acceptable to her.
28. Why is Myrtle running out of the garage towards the car?
Myrtle sees a yellow car and thinks that it is Tom and his wife. She runs out to talk to him to tell him that her husband is keeping her locked in her room and is moving her away.
15. Who sees Tom driving the yellow car besides Mr. Wilson? What is their response?
Myrtle, staring down from the upstairs window, sees Tom driving the yellow car. Her jealous eyes are not, however, fixed on Tom; they are fixed on Jordan whom Myrtle takes to be Tom's wife.
17. How is Gatsby's body discovered?
Nick arrives at Gatsby's house late in the day and rushes anxiously up the steps. The four people in the house—the butler, the chauffeur, a gardener, and Nick— run to the pool. There lies Gatsby, on the mattress, dead.
16. Interpret the metaphor "He [Gatsby] came alive to me [Nick], delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor." (Pg. 78)
Nick had been in the dark and confused about Gatsby, but all of a sudden, it all made sense, no longer hidden, but delivered and exposed. What had seemed purposeless now had meaning. The bright lights, big parties, and carnival atmosphere were to draw attention to his home in hopes that Daisy might attend. The purposeless nights of staring off into the sound at a green light now made sense; Daisy was across the sound. Now Nick understands more of Gatsby's actions.
14. What rumor does Nick hear about Gatsby?
Nick hears that Gatsby is a nephew or cousin to Kaiser Wilhelm, ruler of Germany from 1871-1918. He was, at the time, largely blamed for causing World War I.
5. What causes Nick to think that Gatsby cannot be telling the truth? What changes his mind?
Nick is convinced, both by Gatsby's body language and by the change in his speech pattern, that Gatsby is lying. The final indication is when Gatsby says he is from the Middle West, San Francisco to be exact! However, Gatsby then pulls out a medal from Montenegro and a picture of himself at Oxford. The medal and picture seem authentic, so again, Nick and the reader are left wondering what the truth about Gatsby is.
21. What is revealed about Nick's character?
Nick is desperately honest. He can't even date two women at the same time without feeling guilty. The relationship Nick has with the reader is strengthened by his honesty. The reader now believes Nick to be a credible narrator.
8. Explain the meaning of the statement "...the scene had changed before my eyes into something significant, elemental, and profound." (Pg. 47)
Nick makes this statement after drinking a bit too much champagne. When sober, the scene around him has no significance, but through the haze of alcohol, the same scene now seems steeped in meaning. Fitzgerald's deeper meaning, perhaps, is that minus the alcohol, the Jazz Age has little significance.
3. When it is time for the funeral, what becomes of Gatsby's friends?
Nick proves to be a good friend and is there to help Gatsby's father with arrangements. Tom and Daisy skip town. Wolfsheim is tied up with business. The postman and four or five servants show up at the house. Owl Eyes shows up late, at the graveside. All those who frequented his parties are nowhere to be found.
7. After all that has taken place, how does Nick say he feels about Gatsby? What does he mean? Is he sincere?
Nick says, "You're [Gatsby] worth the whole damn bunch put together." (Pg. 154) Although at first glance this sounds like a compliment, in actuality Nick is saying that even though he knows Gatsby isn't the greatest, in comparison to the crowd, Gatsby looks angelic. Following this statement to Gatsby, Nick informs the reader that he is glad he said that to Gatsby although "I disapproved of him from beginning to end." (Pg. 154)
12. Describe Nick and Tom's final meeting.
Nick sees Tom in October, on Fifth Avenue, in front of a jewelry store. Nick stops Tom and confronts him regarding the day Wilson killed Gatsby. He knew then that it was Tom who told Wilson that Gatsby had killed Myrtle. Nick sees that Tom and Daisy are reckless people who think only of themselves; careless people who smash things up and then retreat back into their money.
17. In the final paragraph on page 55, how does the viewpoint change? How is this accomplished? What is the purpose?
Nick steps out of the action of the story and fills the reader in on other happenings. The reader sees that Nick has been diligently at work leading quite a normal life and that the three parties spoken of were not the norm for him. Nick adds to his credibility.
8. In general, what is Nick's attitude toward Gatsby?
Nick's attitude toward Gatsby is often times ambivalent and even contradictory. On the one hand, Nick romanticizes and admires Gatsby, describing the events of the novel in nostalgic, elegiac tones, and, on the other hand, he seems to disapprove of Gatsby's excesses and breaches of manners and ethics.
8. What is Nick's fantastic dream? How does Nick view the East?
Nick's dream is about four solemn men in dress suits who are carrying a drunken woman on a stretcher. They go into the wrong house. "But no one knows the woman's name, and no one cares." (Pg. 176) At this point, Nick views the East as a cold, heartless place.
19. What is the second ugly character flaw revealed about Jordan? How does this affect the reader?
She is a chronic liar. She lies in her private life as well as in her public life as an athlete. The reader has been warned and should not take anything she says to heart.
7. What alerts Tom that his wife has other interests? What is Tom's response?
On page 119, Tom sees Daisy and Gatsby exchange a glance, and, in the glance, Tom sees Daisy tell Gatsby that she loves him. It is like a veil being removed from Tom's eyes. Tom becomes immediately agitated, his eyes flashing, his hand trembling; he insists that the group go to town.
19. What do you suspect happened to Wilson?
One answer may be that Wilson turns the gun on himself after seeing what he has done. Another possibility is that the gardener, or one of the others, kills Wilson after hearing the shots and running out to help. Since Gatsby's workers are all associated with Wolfsheim, and none of them confess to finding Gatsby before Nick arrives, it seems that one of them may have something to hide. And yet another possibility is that Wilson, like President Wilson, has a stroke.
12. Whom does Wilson associate with the yellow car?
Since Tom, claiming ownership of the yellow car, stopped by the garage earlier, it seems that Wilson will assume the driver is Tom. Wilson also notes that she ran to speak to him; in other words, she must have known him. Wilson knows that Tom and she are acquainted.
15. Where do you think Wilson gets the information to track the car to Gatsby? Use evidence from the text.
Since Wilson saw Tom in the yellow car, he probably starts by looking for Tom. One of the places Wilson goes is Port Roosevelt. Because Port Roosevelt is an established, old name, one can assume it is probably located in East Egg. Tom probably gives Wilson Gatsby's name.
13. Summarize the final message of the epilogue.
Sometimes one spends so much time chasing a dream that one fails to realize the dream has already passed. Try as one may, one will never capture that which is past.
10. What does Fitzgerald subtly wish to convey about Gatsby when he has Nick say, "...I was looking at an elegant young roughneck, ...whose elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd. Some time before he introduced himself I'd got a strong impression that he was picking his words with care"? (Pg. 48)
The Dictionary of American Slang defi nes roughneck as "an ill-mannered rough person: a rowdy, a tough guy, or hard guy." Since we have seen nothing ill mannered or rowdy about Gatsby, we can assume that Fitzgerald means to suggest that, despite Gatsby's elegant dress and appearance, there is something hard-looking about him. That he is "picking his words with care" suggests he is speaking in a manner that is not entirely natural to him, a manner with which he is not comfortable, or one which his family has not taught to him.
2. How does Fitzgerald's use of names further the motif of geography?
The East Egg's list of names includes names such as Mr. Bunsen from Yale, Doctor Webster Civet, the Blackbucks who always gathered together and flipped up their noses at whoever came near, Stonewall Jackson Abrams of Georgia, and Mrs. Ulysses Swett; reputable, American-sounding names from reputable, stuffy places. The West Egg's list of names includes the Mulreadys, Don S. Schwartze and Arthur McCarty, people connected with the movies in one way or another, Da Fontano and De Jongs who came to gamble, Gus Waize and Horace O'Donavan, theatrical people; ethnic-sounding names from less-reputable businesses or places. Fitzgerald meticulously names each character to further the motif of geography.
14. From what viewpoint is The Great Gatsby told?
The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick in both first and third person, presenting only what he observes. At times, Nick presents events objectively, as they appear to him at the time. Alternately, he steps out of the story and gives his interpretation of the story's meaning and the motives of the characters.
3. What purpose does the biblical allusion on page 98: "He was a son of God...and he must be about His Father's business" serve?
The biblical allusion serves, first of all, to establish that Gatsby—at least in his own self- perception—is a deity. Secondly, he has pursued wealth and its trappings with almost religious zeal.
11. What does the word choice "menagerie" help Fitzgerald convey?
The denotation of menagerie is 1. wild animal exhibit 2. diverse or exotic group of unusual people or things. Fitzgerald's word choice furthers the amusement park imagery associated with Gatsby's home. 12. Explain Gatsby's expectations of Daisy. Are they realistic? Gatsby expects Daisy to fall madly in love with him and confess to Tom that she never loved him. He expects they can go back in time five years and erase all that has happened. Although Gatsby thinks these expectations are realistic, Nick tries to point out to him that they are not. Daisy is a married woman who enjoys the kind of life that Tom has provided her with and can continue to provide her with.
20. What part of Fretag's pyramid does the description of the parties fill?
The description of the parties is rising action.
11. In what way is the party in the apartment different from the dinner at the Buchanan's in Chapter 1? In what way is it similar?
The dinner party at the Buchanans' is more elegant, more refined. The party in the apartment is a raucous, drunken affair. In both parties, however, an air of boredom from a sense of meaninglessness is pervasive. In both, there is a good deal of unhappiness and posturing.
11. What government act extended the activities of the underworld?
The eighteenth amendment to the constitution, better known as Prohibition, extended the activities of the underworld. When the illegal liquor business became lucrative, organized crime stepped in to fill the people's need for alcoholic refreshment.
19. What overall purpose do the three events in chapter 4 accomplish?
The events give a better understanding of Gatsby's past and, therefore, his present.
3. What overlooks the valley of ashes? What might they symbolize?
The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg overlook the valley of ashes. They are huge, with retinas one yard high. It seems that these eyes see everything that comes and goes. Perhaps they are symbolic of God, the all-seeing One.
16. The first three chapters span what time period?
The first three chapters cover in depth three nights that are several weeks apart.
22. How does the motif of geography in the novel help shape its themes and characters?
The four motifs of geography correspond with a particular theme or type of character encountered. West Egg is represents "new money," like Gatsby, and symbolizes the emergence of the newly established aristocracy of the 1920s. East Egg symbolizes the old upper class that continues to dominate American social life. The valley of ashes is desolate and desperate, like George Wilson, symbolizing the decay of American society hidden behind the facade of a glittering upper class. New York City is an example of the chaos that Nick perceives in the East. Setting reinforces the themes and characters throughout the entire book.
13. What motif reappears in Chapter 8? What meaning is attributed to it?
The motif is the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg overlooking Wilson's garage. Wilson says that those eyes are the eyes of God, and they have seen everything.
9. Identify the oxymorons that describe the expressions that pass by Gatsby's face. Explain their importance.
The oxymorons are "definitely unfamiliar" and "vaguely recognizable." Both of these oxymorons give the impression that there was understanding by Gatsby to some degree of the remark just made by Tom, and, yet, enough of his reaction was covered to make it seem that perhaps he didn't understand the remark.
16. Analyze the technique that Fitzgerald uses in the third paragraph, on page 161, to indicate that Gatsby is no longer living in a dream and to foreshadow who his killer may be.
The paragraph starts with the idea that an expected phone call never comes. Gatsby realizes that the phone call [from Daisy] he has waited for is not coming either. He has for so long followed a single dream, that it is almost as if he were living under a cloud. Now that cloud is gone. He looks up and sees how frightening the leaves are, how grotesque a rose is, and how raw the sunlight is. Gatsby, for the first time in fi ve years, sees the real world. One of the things he sees, as he floats about on his raft, is an ashen figure gliding toward him—ashen because he comes from the valley of ashes: Wilson.
6. In what ways can the letter from Daisy be considered Gatsby's salvation?
The person with whom Daisy was in love did not exist. If Gatsby had returned, the fact that he had no money and no past would surely come out. This letter got him off the hook for the present.
4. Throughout Chapter V, how does Fitzgerald use weather to reinforce the mood? On the morning of the meeting, the climax of this part of the story, it is pouring.
The rain outside mirrors the storms within, as Gatsby and Daisy meet again. When Nick leaves Gatsby and Daisy alone to talk, he stands outside under a tree and the rain sounds like their voices. As the rain stops, signifying the end of their conversation, the sun begins to shine. Nick perceives that silence has fallen within his house as the sun begins to shine, and he enters the house to find Gatsby absolutely glowing, radiant.
18. Why does no one find Gatsby earlier?
The reader cannot discern why Gatsby is not found earlier. But, because Nick says that he believes they [the butler, chauffeur, and gardener] knew earlier, the reader believes they knew earlier also. The chauffeur confesses to hearing shots fired and simply says he "hadn't thought anything much about them," a good indication that perhaps he is covering something up. (Pg. 161)
2. In what sense does this chapter epitomize the American dream?
The reader sees that Gatsby has risen from rags to riches through his ingenuity and resourcefulness.
15. What events constitute the rising action, climax, and falling action?
The rising action takes place in the first four chapters and includes the descriptions of both Buchanan's and Gatsby's homes, and the lavish parties. The climax could be Gatsby's reunion with Daisy in chapters V and VI or Gatsby and Tom's meeting in the hotel. The falling action is Daisy's rejection of Gatsby, Myrtle's death, and Gatsby's murder.
8. How does Fitzgerald show the changes in Gatsby?
The self-assured, easy-going Gatsby is visibly ill at ease. He is as pale as death with his hands shoved into his pockets.
3. What foreshadows trouble at the Gatsby mansion?
The shady description of the new servants is the first sign of trouble. That they are abrupt and ill mannered is the second sign.
2. Interpret the simile "'Jay Gatsby' had broken up like glass against Tom's hard malice..." (Pg. 148)
The simile compares Gatsby with a broken pile of glass. Tom has broken the image that Gatsby created. All that Gatsby says he is, and all that he hopes to accomplish, is gone forever. His dreams are shattered; his image is shattered. There is nothing left but a broken, empty life.
18. Reread the first paragraph on page 130. What theme is supported by Tom's argument?
The theme of the hollowness of the upper class is supported by the hollowness of Tom's argument. What Tom is accusing Gatsby of being is exactly what he is. Tom, the libertine, who has had many women in his life and who is having an affair, is shouting about the absence of morality and fidelity in the world. It is an empty, hollow argument.
1. How is the tone set for Chapter 8?
The tone is set in the opening paragraph by foreshadowing upcoming trouble. Nick says that he cannot sleep and feels he should warn Gatsby about something.
19. When Gatsby confronts Tom with the comments "Your wife doesn't love you. She's never loved you. She loves me." (Pg. 130) What is Gatsby's meaning?
These comments express Gatsby's true quest. Gatsby believes that just as he has never loved someone else, neither has Daisy.
29. How do Tom, Jordan, and Nick find out about the accident?
They are passing the garage and see a crowd gathered around a wreck. They stop to see what happened.
9. What do Gatsby and Nick have in common?
They were both in the Third Division in France, during the war.
24. Analyze the significance of Nick's statement "... 'I just remembered that today's my birthday.' I was thirty." (Pg. 135)
This statement is significant because this is the day that Gatsby's dream dies. The dream that Gatsby has lived for is no more. Also, 1929 is the year that the American dream dies; the next year, America is in her thirties and in the throes of the Great Depression. It seems as though Fitzgerald signals the end of dreams as Nick turns 30.
12. Explain Gatsby's statement: "Miss Baker's a great sportswoman, you know, and she'd never do anything that wasn't all right." (Pg. 71)
This statement reflects the changes taking place in the 1920s. Being great has nothing to do with being honest, and, since she is a sportswoman, it seems she can do nothing wrong. Nick, since he already knows Jordan is a chronic liar, is not fooled.
5. Analyze Nick's statement "I think he'd tanked up a good deal at luncheon, and his determination to have my company bordered on violence." (Pg. 24)
This statement seems to foreshadow the fact that Tom, particularly after drinking, may exhibit violent tendencies. Perhaps, one of his women may experience the unpleasantness of abuse.
26. Analyze the statement "So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight." (Pg. 136)
This statement serves three purposes. It highlights the fact that Gatsby's dream is dead, foreshadows an upcoming death as twilight closes in, and works as a transition statement signaling that the climax is over.
10. On page 121, Tom insists on driving Gatsby's car. Why? How does Daisy respond? How does Gatsby respond?
Tom wants to take what Gatsby loves, just as Gatsby has taken what Tom loves. Daisy slips away from Tom and says she will ride in the coupe with Gatsby. Gatsby is not thrilled about give up his car, but, if Daisy is with him, he will.
9. Describe Tom's first visit to Gatsby's home.
Tom, Mr. Sloane, and a woman arrive on horseback. Gatsby offers them refreshments. He reminds Tom that they have already met, but Tom does not seem to remember much about Gatsby. The woman invites Gatsby to come to dinner with them, and, even though Mr. Sloane makes it obvious Gatsby isn't welcome, Gatsby accepts. When Gatsby goes to get his coat, Tom, Mr. Sloane, and the woman depart before he can return.
20. What is Tom's response to his wife's infidelity?
Tom, knowing his own impropriety, is quite willing to forgive Daisy; all she needs to do is to say she never loved Gatsby, just the opposite of what Gatsby has asked her to say.
23. What is the outcome of the argument in the hotel room?
Tom, seeing that Daisy's courage is gone, sends her and Gatsby back home in Gatsby's car. Shortly after, Tom follows in his coupe with Jordan and Nick.
14. How does the news about the Wilson's leaving affect Tom?
Tom, still digesting the idea that his wife has a lover and now learning that his mistress will be leaving, feels deprived of "property" that is "rightfully" his.
1. What allusion does Trimalchio represent?
Trimalchio was a wealthy man who lavishly feasts guests at a banquet in Petronius' Satyricon, a satire on Roman life in the first century A.D.
10. What makes Gatsby sound like Tom?
When Daisy arrives at Gatsby's house, Gatsby says, "My house looks well, doesn't it?" He makes the same type of comment that Tom made when Nick first arrived at his house.
30. What is Wilson's response to Myrtle's death? Tom's response? Gatsby's response?
Wilson is absolutely devastated. He cannot do anything but sob and cry out, "My God!" Tom is brought to tears. It angers him that someone would hit her and not even stop. Gatsby is only concerned how Daisy feels. He shows no concern for the fact that someone is dead.
14. Where does Wilson spend the day following Myrtle's death?
Wilson spends the day wandering around from Port Roosevelt to Gad's Hill. By half past two, he is in West Egg, looking for Gatsby.
7. Explain how the ambiguous metaphor on page 85, about Daisy's voice, is appropriate. "The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain."
is a metaphor that compares the sound of Daisy's voice to tonic. It is appropriate to compare Daisy's voice to a wild tonic since it is her voice that is intoxicating to men. A "tonic" can also be a medicinal cure, and the sound of Daisy's voice is a cure for Gatsby's longing.
