The Great Gatsby (Chapters 1-3)

How does Nick describe Tom's voice in comparison to Daisy's? What does this tell you about their personalities?

Daisy's voice is bright. Tom's voice is mean, and is avoidable while Daisy's is more attractive.

The author goes to great lengths to describe the setting of the story. How does he describe this world physically, and what emotions does it stir in you?

Good living conditions, summertime, privileged but super bored.

Why does Tom break Myrtle's nose?

He got angry about her talking about Daisy

"The Great Gatsby" is told in first person, from the perspective of Nick Carraway. How does the author describe Nick on the very first page of the book, and what purpose might this description serve for the reader?

He has a different mind set, and he judges everyone

What does Nick imply in this statenent: "I wanted no more riotous excursions with priviledged glimpses into the human heart?" What purpose does the passage serve?

He implies that he wanted a place that had "high moral values"

What does Nick say is his one cardinal virtue? Do you agree with him?

He sees that his cardinal virtue is "I am one of the few honest people I have ever known."

When Nick first describes Gatsby what does he seem to admire most about him?

He thinks he's hopeful, romantic etc.

From whom does Tom recieve a telephone call during Nick's visit? What is Nick's reaction to the event?

His mistress, he's worried, shocked and uncomfortable.

After Nick leaves the party, three brief scenes follow to conclude the chapter. What occurs in these scenes, and what is achieved through Fitzgerald's tone and language?

It creates disorientation/ confusion, just as Nick is confused.

What is the valley of ashes, and what does it represent?

It is in between townns, the valley of ashes represents poverty and hopelessness, depressing place.

Nick notes, "It was testimony to the romantic speculation he [Gatsby] inspired that there were whispers about him from those who had found little that it was necessary to whisper about in this world." What whispers is he alluding to?

It's because they were talking/gossiping about killing him [Gatsby].

How is the character of George Wilson described as opposed to Myrtle Wilson?

Mertyle is a thick and sentuous woman, George is more passionate about his wife and runs a car repair shop.

In the first chapter Nick tells us he tries to reserve judgment, to be open-minded. After this chapter, do you think he lives up to the ideal?

No, he is very judgmental

Do Tom and Daisy have a happy marriage? What clues do we learn in this chapter about the state of their relationship?

No, they pretend.

Based on what you know of Nick so far and especially what you learn about him in this chapter, do you think he is more a participant or an observer?

Observer

When Nick and Jordan stumble upon a man with "owl-eyes spectacles" in Gatsby's library the man is astounded telling them that "Gatsby is an absolute Belasco." To whom is the man alluding, and why is he so amazed?

Owl-Eyes, seemingly named after his owl-eyed spectacles, speaks to them about Gatsby's library. He is amazed that the books are real, and he also realizes that none of the books have actually been read.

Describe the change of personality that Nick observes in Myrtle after she changes her dress for the party.

She became arrogant and snobby.

What is Gatsby doing when Nick first spots him?

Stretching his arms out to the water, looking for a light.

Fitzgerald very carefully details Gatsby's parties. What words does he use, and how do they set the mood?

Symbolic words like ''goddy'' and "enormous"

What excuse does Tom give Myrtle for not marrying her? Who do you think he won't divorce Daisy and marry Myrtle?

That Daisy is Catholic and she doesn't believe in divorce. And that Myrtle is from a lower class.

Do you think Fitzgerald uses foreshadowing at the end of Chapter III? If so, where and how?

The car itself is a developing symbol in the story because it exemplifies the age. This particular accident occured at Gatsby's house. It happened because the person who was driving should not have been driving. This accident foreshadows another accident later.

What is Nick's first impression of Gatsby after actually meeting him? Do you think is is accurate?

The first time Nick sees Gatsby he describes him as "standing alone on the marble steps and looking from one group to another with approving eyes. His tanned skin was drawn attractively on his face and his short hair looked as though it was trimmed everyday. I could see nothing sinister about him"

Is there any irony in Jordan's statement, "I hate careless people, that's why I like you"?

The irony in this remark is both situational and verbal. Firstly it is situational since Jordan has been driving recklessly and Nick has commented about this.

The author uses simile to great advantage in this book. At the beginning of Chapter III, he describes the scene at one of Gatsby's parties: "[t]he men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars." What mood does this set?

The parties are at night, the mood is careless.

Do you think the puppy that Tom buys Myrtle is symbolic? If so, what does it represent?

The puppy symbolizes innocence, that the puppy is the victim in their relationship.

Describe the sign that looms over the valley of ashes?

The sign is the optometrist, it is his eyes.

How does Nick first describe Tom Buchanan?

Well, finely dressed, classy, arrogant, strong and intimidating.

What event marks the beginning of the "history of the summer" for Nick? Why?

When he went to dinner with the Buchanans, and he learns about his neighbor [Gatsby].