Chapters 4-6 Review Questions

Looking through the list of party-goers, find and paraphrase at least three pieces of evidence that the old money is in East Egg and the new mon1ey is in West Egg? Why is this included?

1. East Eggers named Blackbuck are snoot and flip their noses up at everyone. 2. East Eggers include legendary American family names, such as Voltaire and Stonewall Jackson, and people Nick knew from Yale. 3. West Eggers are mostly movie/entertainment producers and people with more ethnic-sounding names like Poles and Mulreadys, making us think more of an immigrant (non white anglo saxon) class of people. The long list of these worthless people combined with the trivia that Nick recalls about them stresses the meaninglessness of this world. These are the shady, not quite nice people, whom Daisy later finds distasteful and for whom Tom displays contempt. There is, however not much difference between them and the kind of people with whom Tom chooses to live his other life in the apartment in the city.

After crossing paths with Gatsby, Tom says, "I may be old-fashioned in my ideas, but women run around too much these days to suit me." What's interesting (and ironically hypocritical) about this line?

First, Tom is a hypocrite because he has done plenty of running around, being unfaithful to Daisy, himself. Ironically, he is denigrating to the very women, like Myrtle, who are exactly the kind of women he is referring to in this comment. Second, Tom is referring to Daisy and Gatsby being together. However, his relationship with Myrtle underlines the hypocrisy of this comment and shows that he has a double standard, not only for the behavior of men and women, but also for the behavior of the upper and lower classes. The fact that Gatsby is a man, and Tom should not care if Gatsby is having an affair with a married women like he is, is not acceptable to Tom because 1. The affair is with his own wife (!) and 2. Daisy is upper class old money and Gatsby is lower class new money-and this affair is "polluting" Daisy's reputation and more importantly, the Buchanan family name.

While the reader can have easily predicted Daisy and Tom's reactions to his party, Gatsby cannot. Why not?

Gatsby does not understand what is truly appealing to the elite, old money class. He still operates under the vision of wealth/luxury that he has conjured up for himself when he was 17. His vision of having "made it" is the new money vision of success (grand, opulent, over-the-top), but the old money ways are far more understated and refined. Gatsby has no clue the difference between his version and the "good taste" of the East Egg crowd-he does not understand what good taste is by their standards.

What is the significance about Nick's embarrassment during the tea, and the fact that he leaves and walks around the house?

Gatsby had done the same thing earlier. This repetition indicates that Nick is beginning to identify with Gatsby, to share his emotions and attitudes.

Describe the request Gatsby has asked of Nick.

Gatsby is asking that Nick invite his cousin over to his cottage for tea (without Tom, of course) and then Gatsby will just happen to stop by Nick's to chat and Daisy and he will see each other. It is Gatsby's hope that Daisy will be so happy to see him that they will rekindle their relationship.

Explain the conversation that Nick has with Gatsby in Nick's kitchen.

Gatsby is freaking out that he is going to blow it with Daisy and wants to escape and leave. Nick has to scold him and remind him that Daisy is left alone in the next room and can hear everything you are saying-Gatsby is embarrassing himself and her. Nick tells Gatsby to pull himself together and get back out there because he was being rude to Daisy.

Nick says, "Then it had not been merely the stars to which he had aspired on that June night" when Nick first spotted Gatsby reaching out across the bay. What does Nick now realize about that night and about Gatsby's real estate purchase?

Gatsby wants Daisy, but he also aspires to reach the higher social class that Daisy represents. Nick realizes that Gatsby purchased that particular house because it is across the bay from the Buchanan's house. ** It is as this point that Gatsby takes on a new dimension for Nick-he seems to be a more noble, romantic ideal and heroic. "He came alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor."

Why does Gatsby take Nick and Daisy the long way around his house to the front door instead of just cutting through the back lawn? What does he tell Daisy and Nick about the original owner and the history of his ownership?

Gatsby wants to show off his impressive home by giving the full, grand tour. It is important for Daisy to get the full picture of his wealth and worth.

What is ironic about Gatsby's appraisal of Jordan?

He admires her honesty, which as Nick has already noted, is one virtue she lacks. Gatsby's inability to see through her is a reflection of his tragic inability to understand character- of others and his own.

When Nick asks Gatsby what business he is in, Gatsby responds, That's my affair," before he realized that this is not an appropriate reply. Why does Gatsby give that answer, and why isn't it an appropriate reply?

He gives the answer because he is up to no good (working as a bootlegger) and does not want Daisy, or anyone, to know about it. This is not an appropriate response because it is curt and rude. Of course, anyone that was brought up in the upper class would have been taught this at an early age-this is further proof for the reader that Gatsby has not been taught decorum and refinement of speech and manners because he is not of the old money, genteel families of the old money Americans.

What is ironic about Dan Cody?

He is the prototype of the American individualist, a rugged self made man, the type who starts from nothing and through hard work and luck "makes it" on his own. Gatsby is a parody of this type of self-made man and he learns something that the books and legends omit- that the upper classes will never recognize such achievement, and that he will forever be an outsider.

How is Gatsby dressed? What is the significance?

He is wearing a white suit with silver shirt and a gold tie. White would indicate sincerity of truth-sincerity of his love for Daisy. The silver indicates new opportunities (for relationships and love?) and gold means success (financially as well as in romance?). He has costumed himself, perhaps unconsciously, in the trappings of wealth. His outer self, like his house, must reflect his material success. His inner self, which Nick finds later to be superior to the characters of the others, is ignored.

What steps has Gatsby taken to ensure this reunion day is perfect?

He's had way too many flowers delivered, had Nick's lawn mowed, and is obsessed with having enough food to serve with the tea.

Nick says, "So he[Gatsby] invented just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen-year-old boys would be likely to invent, and to this conception he was faithful to the end." For James Gatz, what does he expect the future Jay Gatsby's life will be like? Specifically, at night, what sets James' heart "in a constant, turbulent" riot?

His new life will be filled with every luxury. All of his dreams will come true. His desires for bigger, more gaudy displays of wealth. As a young man, he figures glitz and bling are true symbols of wealth. He has a young, North Dakota sense of what an elite wealthy life would be like; the bigger/the more gaudy the better, he thinks. This really immature outlook about what is important in life shows that he does not understand that his "new money" is not the same as "old money" and a elite family name/heritage in the eyes of the East Eggers, and never will get him the acceptance he wants.

What finality does Gatsby create when he first kisses Daisy?

In doing so, Gatsby centers all his ambitions upon Daisy. No longer will his visions run wild in infinite scope; they will be based upon the possession of Daisy Fay. She becomes the "idol" of his "religion" of materialism, and he surrenders his dream to her.

What is weird about Nick's drive into New York with Gatsby? List at least three things about Gatsby in this scene that strike you as odd. Why does Gatsby call Nick "old sport"?

It is and awkward drive , as Gatsby is trying way too hat Gatsby overshares about his background, being sure to mention that he inherited family money (p.65), but that all of his people are dead now. Weird. Second, he emphasizes that he was educated at Oxford, in such a way that it immediately makes Nick think that he's lying. He's even carrying around a photo of himself at Oxford to use as proof. Even weirder. Third, he says his people are from the midwest, but then says they are from San Francisco. It does not take a geography expert to know that San Francisco is not in the mid-west. More weirdness. Finally (yes an extra one for you), he is carrying around a medal of valor from Montenegro. Who does that? Someone who's trying too hard to impress others, that's who. Gatsby calling Nick "old sport" is a reflection of Gatsby's phony side, an affectation which he hopes will reinforce his claims to status and particularly his claims to attendance at Oxford. However, this specific expression is significant. Gatsby is a "sport," in the best sense of the word, as his laters gallantry toward Daisy will demonstrate. By using this word as a form of address to others, he shows that he trusts the world to treat him in a sportsmanlike manner, which , tragically, is not the case. He also flashed a white card when he is stopped by police for speeding and gets off without getting a ticket-he apparently has and "in with the police commissioner, who he has done "a favor for." Gatsby is doing all this to make sure Nick understands that he is not "some nobody." Gatsby is trying to establish his credibility before he makes a request of Nick (to arrange the meeting of he and Daisy).

What's the weather like at the beginning of the chapter? Symbolically analyze this element of the scene. What changes?

It is cloudy and raining steadily, but by the time Daisy and Gatsby are reunited the sky clears and it is a beautiful, sunny day . The rain could mean several possible interpretations. First, it might be a sign that nothing can ever be perfect, no matter how much Gatsby wants it to be. Second, it might be an optimistic sign of renewal and cleanliness, washing away the sorrow of the past.

Why do you think Gatsby want Daisy to see his house?

It is not enough that the two lovers be reunited. They must be joined in the setting which Gatsby thinks is not only necessary and appropriate for her, but almost in itself a part of her. Daisy and the dream of material success are inseparable in Gatsby's mind.

Describe the history of the original owner of Gatsby's mansion. What might be foreboding about the original owner's request to his surrounding cottage neighbors, what happens to him?

It was constructed by a successful brewer who wanted to make his mark in the social world. He failed to do so and later died. This background is a parallel to Gatsby, who makes his fortune from bootlegging, buys the house as an entry into society and will meet his own death there.

Why does Wolfsheim mourn the loss of Metropole?

Like Gastby he craves a return to the past; he mourns an era that is gone. But, unlike Gatsby, he does not try to recapture it.

Why does Nick reject Gatsby's offer of business?

Nick cannot be bought-except by the admiration and respect that Gatsby later inspires in him. This show of integrity on Nick's part makes him a person that the reader can trust to judge Gatsby fairly at the end of the book.

What's happening between Nick and Jordan?

Nick is attracted to her, even if he does not really like/respect her. It's physical. They have a romance/summer fling brewing, but it is not serious-they are both unattached and bored.

What is Nick's view of repeating the past, and what is Gatsby's opinion? Why is Gatsby's opinion unrealistic?

Nick says you cannot repeat the past, that you must move on. Gatsby disagrees; he is determined to repeat the past and wants to pick up with Daisy right where they left of five years ago. Obviously, people change and life's circumstances change. Daisy is not the same girl she was back in Louisville. She is now a married woman, with a daughter, and in a very complicated marriage with Tom which is definitely a marriage based on social/economic ranking and prestige. You really can not go back again, and Nick has the knowledge and level-headedness to know this.

Do you think Gatsby really believes, as he talks to Daisy, that his house is always full of interesting, famous people?

Perhaps not. Perhaps he really knows his guests for the mediocrities they are. But this is not important. He is creating an illusion as a background for the Daisy he loves, who is really the flimsiest illusion of all.

Who, do you suppose, sent the letter that caused Daisy to become so upset? What do you think the letter may have said?

Probably it was Gatsby who sent the letter. We can assume he was probably declaring his love for her in the letter. After Daisy and Tom marry Tom begins her adulterous behaviors and Daisy maintained a clean reputation and did not drink, but her voice had some quality that gave the impression that she had once had love. This foreshadows Daisy's love affair with Gatsby. The reference also ties in with later remarks from Nick and Gatsby about the affect of Daisy's voice.

How does Daisy behave the night before her wedding? Why?

She gets roaring drunk and attempts to throw away an expensive pearl necklace that Tom gave her. She's having second thoughts about marrying Tom and has received a letter that has caused her to become very upset

Why does Daisy say she's giving out "green" cards?

She is involved romantically with Gatsby by this time, and just as the green light beckons Gatsby onward in pursuit of his dream to have wealth and reclaim the love of Daisy, so does her attitude. Everything at this point is going great for Gatsby. The trouble with the green lights is that sooner or later they change to red!

What is Daisy's opinion of Gatsby's party?

She pretends to like it, but she does not really. The people are loud, drunk and obnoxious. Although the party is ritzy and luxurious, there is really nothing classy about it-it is over the top-which is not the "old money" way.

Jordan recalls the time in 1917 when she saw Gatsby and Daisy together. From Jordan's description, do you think Daisy was genuinely interested in Gatsby?

She's so captivated by him in that scene that she does not even notice Jordan until she's just five feet away. Daisy and Gatsby were very into each other back in the day.

Okay, let's talk about that scene with the shirts. Obviously, Daisy's not crying because of the actual shirts. Analyze the passage and explain what, exactly, has caused Daisy to become so emotional as she wraps herself in all those shirts. That is significant about Klipspringer's song?

The beautiful, colorful shirts are a symbol of what Daisy's lost by marrying Tom. Gatsby is the colorful, exotic fabric, while Tom would be the staid, starched white shirts worn by the upper-class. All of the color and fun is out of her lily-white life. Daisy is the ultimate material girl, so it is no surprise that the fine material of Gatsby's shirts bring her to the edge of her breaking point. If the clothes make the man, Daisy is likely wishing that she could wrap herself up in Gatsby. The shirts will have to do- for now. Again, the perfect background for Daisy must be established. Gatsby calls forth a musician, like a medieval king displaying the splendors of his court. The song itself has tremendous irony. Its theme is that money is not necessary for happiness, which may sound fine but has no relation to the actions of the people in the music room. Klipspringer himself abandons Gatsby as soon as he can no longer sponge off an agreeable host, Daisy had deserted Gatsby during the war for a wealthier man, and Gatsby himself has been trapped by the belief that material possessions are absolute requirements to happiness.

Analyze that symbol of the clock on Nick's mantle piece and what happens to it.

The clock is described as "defunct," which means "no longer existing or functioning" so time is literally time is standing still. This could symbolize the tension in the room, and how time isn't going fast enough for the liking of Gatsby. This marks a crucial time when Gatsby waits for Daisy to acknowledge the reason for this meeting. As the clock falls off the mantle,and Gatsby fumbles to catch it is a metaphor for him clumsily trying to recapture his past with Daisy. The problem is that Gatsby does not have the ability to control time. It represents Gatsby's failed attempt to fix his past and attain Daisy again. Unfortunately, too much time has past and he might never be able to reverse time as it was before.

Compare the attitudes of Gatsby and the visiting trio (Tom, the man and the women on horseback). What do they do to Gatsby? How is this received by Gatsby?

The guests are very obviously "slumming" by stopping to converse with Gatsby (and Nick, who was visiting Gatsby when they arrived). They seem to feel that any rudeness on their part towards Gatsby is totally acceptable given that he is not an East Egger. Apparently, Gatsby accepts this or is completely clueless, and is very eager to impress them, by offering them drinks and food, as any good host would, even though they are blatantly rude and mean to him. At this point Gatsby can only establish himself as a person of consequence by furnishing tangible evidence of this material possessions, but this is not good enough for these people-he does not have the pedigree-the family, old money, lineage needed to be accepted by this crowd, and he never will. The fact that Gatsby does not get that is tragic.

Why does Fitzgerald reveal the truth about Gatsby's background at this particular point in the novel?

The preceding chapter ended with the fulfillment of Gatsby's dream; this one shows its source. The sweetness of his possessing Daisy in his mansion is somehow intensified and made more poignant by the revelation of Gatsby's drive to attain it.

What is the meaning of the ladder that Gatsby imagines he saw in the blocks of the sidewalk?

The sidewalk led to Daisy's home five years ago, and Gatsby remembers thinking that he could climb that ladder, claim Daisy, and be part of a world he always craved. He still believes that this dream is attainable.

To young Gatz, what does Dan Cody's yacht represent?

The yacht represents all of the beauty and glamour in the world.

What two things does Nick see on/near the Queensboro Bridge that make him think that Gatsby is, perhaps, telling the truth?

There is a somber funeral procession, but then they are passed by a limousine driven by a white chauffeur. Inside the limo, two elegantly dressed African-American gentlemen and an elegant African-American woman are having a riotous time, drinking champagne and singing. This contrast makes Nick think that anything is possible in NYC.

As the three of them look across the bay toward Daisy's house, Nick tells us, "Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever. Compared to that 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." First, explain what Fitzgerald means by "the great distance" between Gatsby and Daisy. Then, explain the significance of the fact that the green light is now just a light on a dock and that Gatsby's "count of enchanted objects had diminished by one."

They're apart because of her marriage to Tom, but, more importantly, the distance between them is a huge one of social class. He is trying to reach out and close the gap between their social classes, but of course, that is impossible. This part of the reunion is like the feeling you get once you finally accomplish a goal/obtain something you have wanted for a long time. While you are happy to finally have that thing, there might be a little bit of a letdown because the item/achievement is not a s awesome as you had always dreamed it would be. This reminds me of young brides who spend a year planning their wedding and then do not even enjoy their big day because they are so exhausted and/or pained about making sure every detail is absolutely perfect. They are bound to be let down, at least a little. This is what is happening to Gatsby at the end of this chapter. The result is an anticlimactic and now the green light is just that-a green light.

Why does Gatsby not get the $25,000 left to him in Cody's will? What lesson did young Gatsby likely learn from this incident? What parallel might this suggest by the fact that Gatsby never gets the inheritance bequeathed to him?

Through legal manipulations that Gatsby does not understand, Ella Kaye, Cody's one-time girlfriend, has men able to make sure Gatsby does not get the money (she has, obviously lawyers that have found loopholes in Cody's will, we can assume). He has learned that he could not rely on wealth to be given to him; he would have to EARN IT himself, and in any way he can. We will need to see if he is able to get the other "inheritance he's "entitled to"-the American Dream, that promises love and glamour and happiness as an inseparable outcome to material/monetary success, at least in Gatsby's mind. We have already seen that just because you are wealthy financially does not guarantee that you are happy!

Gatsby disappears when which other character unexpectedly arrives at lunch? Take a guess as to why Gatsby doesn't want to see this character.

Tom Buchanan enters the speakeasy/club where Nick, Gatsby and Meyer are eating. It's is clear by now that Gatsby is in love with Daisy or at least that he has a compelling reason to want to avoid Tom

How does Tom sense immediately that Gatsby is a bootlegger?

Tom specializes in superficial labels for people. He will always suspect the worst in people and will always have his way to find out the truth (especially if it can bring a person he dislikes down) and will always be able to classify others according to their "place" in society without any insight or concern for the real human being beneath the label.

In the first few pages of this chapter, we learn about Gatsby's background. Why does Fitzgerald reveal the truth about Gatsby's background at this particular point in time? When did James Gatz change his name to Jay Gatsby? Why did he leave college after just two weeks?

When he was seventeen. He was frustrated that the people there did not immediately recognize his greatness and he felt the janitor work-study job he was given was beneath him. He has dreams of glory at even this young age and some may say he is a bit "full of himself" and has a "chip on his shoulders" for a humble farm boy.

Who is Meyer Wolfsheim, and what do we know about him?

Wolfsheim is a shady businessman/gangster who Gatsby does business with. We know that he wears cufflinks made out of human molars, and that he was involved in the scandalous fixing of the 1919 World Series. He mistakes Nick for a "business associate" of Gatsby's who is looking for action and offers Nick a "gonnegtion".