The Great Gatsby Chapters 1-5 Reading guides

Consider what Nick first tells the reader about himself and his reasons for moving East earlier in the chapter. How does the conversation between Nick and the Buchanans complicate our understanding of him?

"The fact that gossip had published the banns was one of the reasons I had come east." The conversation between Nick and the Buchanans complicates our understanding of him because he moved to the East side to get away from the gossip. Still, as the chapter concludes, he finds that this gossip has traveled to the East Side, reinvolving him within this. Nick is unreliable and lies a lot. Goes against his own judgment

Contrast the descriptions of Daisy in Chapter I with the descriptions of Myrtle. What does Fitzgerald most likely intend with these descriptions?

Daisy has a more angelic, mystical appearance, something that you could never get enough of and might not be able to witness again. Myrtle is more of a prominent figure in her mid-thirties and is faintly Strout; she also has a kind voice in a soft tone. When comparing Daisy to Myrtle, Daisy seems to have a pleasant, soft-spoken voice, whereas Myrtle has a coarse voice that comes off as rough. Both of these characters seem to completely contrast each other as one can be seen as more majestic, and the other works in a mechanic shop, making it so that Fitzgerald shows that Tom is interested in 2 completely different types of people.

How does Fitzgerald further develop the mystery around Gatsby?

Fitzgerald will further develop the mystery around Gatsby by including the scene where Gatsby discusses his past and tries to clarify what happened to debunk all of the rumors Nick has heard about him. Gatsby shows Nick a picture of him and ten of his other graduates to show proof that he attended the prestigious school Oxford; this adds mystery because not many people carry a picture to show proof of an accomplishment they have inquired about. The image in question does not prove that Gatsby attended Oxford for four years; it just shows that, at some point, he was there, raising more questions about whether he participated. Another way that Gatsby clears up the mysteries of what side of the war he is on is by showing Nick a medal with his name from the war's allies. By doing this, Fitzgerald adds to Gatsby's character, clearing up rumors.

What does the diction used to describe the homes in West Egg versus East Egg suggest about the residents of each place?

From the dictation that describes the West Egg vs. the East Egg, we can conclude that both contain high wealth but one more district than the other. The homes depicted in the West Egg can lead us to assume that the types of people who live here can be both wealthy and humble with not as substantial amounts of wealth. The description that we were given of the bay's East side can tell us that this side has a higher concentration of wealth; from the description from viewing across the bay, it can be seen scatted with "white palaces of fashionable." This leads the reader to believe that the people on the east side are much more wealthy and have a more outgoing wealth.

How does Fitzgerald most develop Gatsby's character in this section?

Gatsby's character is developed as we see how shy and nervous he is to meet Daisy after five years of not seeing each other. This is the first time in the book where we see a different side to him: he is almost afraid to meet her, not the confident Gatsby we are used to seeing. Gatsby is described as very pale. To make it look like Gatsby had not been waiting around for Daisy, he leaves Nicks's house and returns to the front door where he will re-enter Nicks's house. He brings a weird award sense to the scene as he does not know how to initiate an intense conversation with her.

How does Gatsby's friendship with Wolfshiem develop his character?

Gatsby's friendship with Wolfshiem helps build his character by showing that Gatsby might not be as honest of a man and adds to his mysteriousness. Wolfshiem is a man of crime, and we find out that he was the man who rigged the World Series in 1919 but was not caught for this because he is considered intelligent. Gatsby's friendship with Wolfshiem adds more mystery to how he might have obtained his money.

What do the shirts in this section represent for Gatsby? What do they represent for Daisy?

In this section for Gatsby, the shirts represent his efforts to impress Daisy with his wealth and success that he has achieved; Gatsby uses these shirts to try and win Daisy's affection. For Daisy, this represents the life she could have had if she married Gatsby and gets her to reflect on her past decisions. These shirts show her what she is missing out on, and she breaks down crying after the realization hits her.

What thematic ideas about dreams does Fitzgerald develop in this section?

In this section of The Great Gatsby, the ideas that develop are: Daisy finds a liking to Gatsby, they start to get along well after some consistent awkwardness, and there is also a comment that Daisy whispers in Gatsby's ear, leading him to a rush of emotion. "And she said something low in his ear He turned toward her with a rush of emotion." They completely forgot that Nick was even in the room, and he left. This section creates an almost intricate bond between Daisy and Gatsby that is mysterious and unknown to the reader. Hints of liking appear towards both of them, and their connection grows.

Consider the description of the apartment. What ideas does it develop about Myrtle's position in society and Tom's life?

Myrtle is not as well off in life as Tom is, as their wealth seems to be very different, with her being in the working class of the population, living in a garage for the past 11 years, and Tom inheriting his wealth and living on the east side in a mansion. The apartment describes that it is minimal and is meant as a place where Myrtle and Tom can meet. As for what this says about Myrtle's position in society, she is not the most fortunate person and is not as well off as Tom. Tom buying an apartment to meet Myrtal shows the amount of wealth that he has in comparison to Myrte. This also raises the question if Tom wants to be around people of a lower class, as he is seen to have an affair with someone of no wealth.

What does this section suggest about Myrtle's relationship to the American dream?

Myrtle's relationship to the American Dream is not as connected as she wanted it to be, considering that she has lived in a garage for 11 years and regrets marrying the man she did, as she did not know the situation she had gotten into. Her idea of the American dream was to become wealthy but it did not turn out this way because after she got married she discovered the truth about him and that he was not rich and turned out to be a lower class man. She wants to achieve the American dream by marrying a rich man.

Do you think Nick should do what Gatsby is asking? Why or why not?

Nick should do what Gatsby is asking because then Gatsby may owe him a favor in the future, which could be good to have someone in such a high place with wealth to have a favor. There are no downsides to doing him this favor besides being able to gain connections from this. Having someone owe you a favor in such a high position of wealth and power can be a helpful advantage in life.

How does the characterization of Jordan develop ideas about appearance vs. reality?

The characterization of Jordan's appearance is someone seen with carelessness and moral corruption due to her elite wealth status. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that, just like many other characters, she is participating in shady activities and not being of the utmost truth. An example of this would be the mysteries of her actions on the golf course, where it was said she moved her ball to obtain a better lie after being accused by two people. Still, the two men later withdraw this accusation without much information. Her actions and choices reveal the contrast between her outward appearance and the reality of her character.

What does this conversation suggest about the way Gatsby views human relationships?

The conversation between Gatsby and Nick shows that Gatsby views human relationships as mainly business. The interaction between them starts with Gatsby assuming that Nick does not make much money when he says, "I thought you didn't if you'll pardon my-you see, I carry on a little business on the side, a sort of sideline, you understand." In return for Nick doing this favor for him, Gatsby wants to help Nick make some money with an unclear, possibly shady piece of work due to Gatsby saying, "It happens to be a rather confidential sort of thing." These comments further explain why he considers most friends part of business.

What do the descriptions of Daisy's voice imply about her character?

The description given to the reader of Daisy's voice implies that she is a kind, playful person. There are examples of her shy but also joyful personality, as when she talks, there is "excitement in her voice, with a singing compulsion," this shows us the type of character the story is setting her up to be. Daisy's voice is also calm and soothing, with it being something of requested re-occurrence, but it also brings about the feeling that this might be the last time you hear her due to the matter of which she speaks.

How does Fitzgerald's description of Daisy and Jordan on the couch create mood in this section?

The description of Daisy and Jordan on the sofa establishes the mood of one feeling as if they are very friendly, and the cleanliness of them both, as they are seen wearing white dresses with stunning appearances, adds to the mood being created. As the door closed, ridding the wind within the house, they slowly fell to the floor, creating a waking mood drawing back in Scott's attention as if he was distracted by the room setting.

How does the first interaction between Nick and Gatsby develop Nick's point of view?

The first interaction between Nick and Gatsby comes as a surprise after Nick and Jordan Baker had been talking to him for awhile when Nick mentions, "and this man Gatsby sent over his chauffeur with an invitation," which at this moment, the man accounces that he is Gatsby. Nick's point of view on this interaction is written in great detail in trying to describe the energy his character gives off. From Nicks's point of view, he is a man with a smile that seems so reassuring that you might only see it 4-5 times in a lifetime. The energy he gives off is of someone who wants to see the best in you but also the best in himself. Gatsby seems to be giving off a mystical aura with how he acts.

Why is the green light now no longer "enchanted" for Gatsby (93)?

The green light is no longer enchanted because he used to stand there and imagine Daisy on the other side of the bay, but now she was standing next to him with their arms interlocked on his dock, staring at Toms's mansion. This rides the significance of the light he would look for, making it a green light now without relevance.

What does the imagery Fitzgerald uses to describe the valley of ashes imply about life for working class people like the Wilsons in the 1920s?

The imagery that Fitzgerald uses to describe the valley shows us the awful working conditions that the working-class people succumbed to. The air is ashy, and when the men working come into sight, they are described as "ash grey men," implying how dirty they get on the job. The 1920s were not a good time for people of the working class as people were put into work conditions that may cause health problems later in life.

After Jordan has shared her story with him, Nick thinks, "He came alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor" (78). What does this mean?

The meaning of the quote by Nick, "He came alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor," tells of the reasons that Gatsby approaches Nick and tries to befriend him. Gatsby is still deeply in love with Daisy and wants to reconnect with her after so long. He figures the way to do so is if he attends a gathering at his nabor Nicks's house, which also would accomplish his intention of Daisy seeing the monstrosity of a mansion in which he resides. Fitzgerald includes Nick saying that "he came alive to me" to show that the primary purpose of Nick and Gatsby's interaction is based upon Gatsby being able to be reintroduced with Daisy.

What mood do the descriptions in this section convey?

The mood conveyed in this section of The Great Gatsby is a happy, cheerful, lively mood. This is because the guests and scenes at Gatsby's parties are described. Gatsby's parties are lively and exciting, with people coming from all over New York to come to his parties even if they have never met him and don't interact with him. "Air is alive with chatter and laughter, and casual innuendo and introductions forgotten on the spot."

How do the rumors about Gatsby's background affect the reader's view of him?

The rumors about Gatsby's background affect the reader's point of view by making him seem like such an unreliable source and someone whom you do not know what is true of him or not. Throughout the book so far, we have heard many different stories surrounding Gatsby's past, such as that he fought for Germany in WW1 and that he was a killer. The only reliable piece of information that we have from him so far is that he did participate in WW1 in the Seventh Infantry until June 1918.

On page 41 Fitzgerald says of the party guests: "Once there they were introduced by somebody who knew Gatsby, and after that they conducted themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement park." What does this comparison reveal about the behavior of the partygoers throughout this passage?

This description reveals that the behavior of the partygoers is not excellent, and they do not come with many manners and do not respect his place. Seeing that they treat the mansion like an amusement park, people are wild and without manors. Readers might think that the parties associated with this level of wealth must have some control. It is more described as a rave without rules or much control.

What does this section of dialogue reveal about Gatsby and Daisy?

This reveals that Daisy remembers who Gatsby is and that they have not talked for a long time. Gatsby's statement of "five years next November" shows us that he has been counting how long since he has last seen her, bringing a period of silence to the room as this answer from him is unexpected. They both know who each other is but seem nervous to talk to each other.

At the beginning of the chapter Nick tells us he is a person who is "inclined to reserve all judgments." Based on the narration in this section, how would you evaluate this statement?

This statement can be assessed as the chapter unfolds. It becomes more evident that Nicks's ability to withhold his judgment is not absolute, even though he tries to be nonjudgmental. For example, Nick describes Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, as having a "cruel body," he is critical of Tom's arrogant and imposing presence. Though he tries to be non-judgmental.

Fitzgerald describes a car crash at the end of the party and Gatsby waving farewell. Why does Fitzgerald choose to juxtapose these two images?

To show the American dream and the reality of society he shows the behind-the-scenes of what it is like to be rich, which doesn't mean everything is perfect when you have money. The car crash marks the collapse of the illusions and dreams that characters like Gatsby have been chasing. It serves as a harsh reality check, exposing the emptiness and superficiality of the extravagant lifestyle portrayed in the novel. Also shows the wildness of his parties.