Chapter One

1. What did F. Scott Fitzgerald achieve by using

Nick’s point of view to tell Gatsby’s story?

Nick is an outsider with a fairly objective viewpoint.

He has also established his honesty and the fact that
he is a good listener. He does not begin with a bias
for or against the other characters.
Chapter One
2. What do we learn about Nick Carraway in the
introductory section of the novel?

Nick graduated from Yale and was in the army during

World War I. He is from the Midwest, but he is
currently learning the investing business in New York
City. He is not ready to settle down with marriage
and a family.
Chapter One
3. In discussing East Egg and West Egg. Nick states
that they are totally dissimilar. How do they differ?

Both East Egg and West Egg are the sites of mansions
and moneyed families. West Egg is seen as less
stylish, with its inhabitants representing “new
money,” not the established social pedigree of the
residents of East Egg.
Chapter One
4. Compare the homes of Nick, Gatsby, and the
Buchanans. How does each home reflect the
personality of its owner?

Both Gatsby and the Buchanans live in mansions.

Gatsby’s is an enormous Norman structure; the
Buchanans have a Georgian colonial. Nick lives in a
small house, which he describes as an eyesore, next
door to Gatsby.
Chapter One
5. Fitzgerald’s description of Tom, Daisy, and Jordan not only
creates an impression of physical appearance, but also
contains added information. What do we learn about their
history and interests, their gestures and mannerisms?

Tom is a big, muscular man who plays polo; he was a college

athlete, is a racial bigot, and is not faithful to his wife. Daisy
is charming, with what Nick calls a “thrilling voice.” She
seems to have a sardonic attitude toward her husband, and she
is visibly upset during his phone call. Jordan Baker is pretty,
with a dissatisfied facial expression; she is physically fit; Nick
remembers hearing something negative about her, but he
cannot remember the details.
Chapter One
6. When Nick leaves the Buchannan’s house, he is not
comfortable. Why? What does this suggest about his
values?

Nick is troubled by Tom’s adulterous affair, as well as

by the fact that Daisy has not left Tom. It is evident
that Nick values marital fidelity and personal
integrity.
Chapter One
7. Though we do not meet Gatsby until chapter 3, we
hear references to him in the conversations of others.
What impressions do you get?

Gatsby has an enormous house; Jordan knows who

Gatsby is. The concluding image is particularly
important: Gatsby, standing in the dark, with his arms
extended forward, perhaps toward a tiny green dock
light.
Chapter Two
1. What is conveyed in the highly descriptive opening
paragraph?

This highly descriptive paragraph emphasizes the

area’s desolation; the area is full of ashes, smoke and
clouds. This is urban pollution at its worst.
Chapter Two
2. What are the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg?

The eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg are the image on a

billboard advertising an oculist (eye doctor).
Chapter Two
3. How does Myrtle’s speech reveal her character?

Myrtle is somewhat coarse; she tries to emulate

upper-class standards, but her tastes are not refined.
Chapter Two
4. What does the scene in this New York apartment
reveal about Tom? About Myrtle?

Tom is possessive and capable of physical violence;

he has a short temper; he does not respect Myrtle.
Myrtle resents Daisy, accepts being victimized, and is
dependent upon Tom.
Chapter Two
5. Does Nick Enjoy the afternoon at the apartment in
New York? Why or why not?

Nick admits that he got drunk – a rare event for him –

so his memory of the gathering is blurry. He does not
enjoy it because nothing about he characters or events
is enjoyable.
Chapter Three
1. Chapter 3 describes Gatsby’s “little party.”
Enumerate details about the party itself, about the
guests, and about their conversation and behavior.

The parties are noisy, crowded revelries with music,

dancing, and a great deal of drinking
Chapter Three
2. Describe the meeting between Nick and Gatsby.
Comment on Fitzgerald’s skill in preparing for
Gatsby’s entrance into the story.

At first Nick has no idea who Gatsby is. Fitzgerald

introduces Gatsby quietly, as a nearly accidental
encounter.
Chapter Three
3. In what way are Nick and Gatsby similar at this
point?

They are both young, single men with army

backgrounds.
Chapter Three
4. What is the reason for Nick’s breaking the story at
the end of the chapter?

Nick points out that he has a real, somewhat

humdrum work life outside of these few parties.
Chapter Three
5. At the end of Chapter 3, Nick meets Jordan again.
What details emphasize her carelessness and basic
dishonesty?

She cheats at golf, lies to protect herself, and drives

carelessly.
Chapter Three
6. Notice the last paragraph in chapter 3. Is Nick
being overly proud here? Discuss.

Perhaps he is just stating an honest self-perception

Chapter Four
1. The introductory section of chapter 4 gives a long
list of people at Gatsby’s parties. How do they
behave toward their host? Why do they accept his
hospitality?

All sorts of people attend the parties with no interest

in Gatsby beyond idle curiosity and the desire for a
free good time.
Chapter Four
2. Describe Gatsby’s car.

It is huge and yellow, with all of the technological

gadgets of the era.
Chapter Four
3. Identify the details that Gatsby shares with Nick
about his past.

Gatsby shares a combination of truths with

outrageous falsehoods, including comments about his
family, education, and military experiences.
Chapter Four
4. Does Nick believe Gatsby’s story? Why or why
not?

Nick at first concludes that Gatsby is lying, then

wonders if it is all true. Part of the story seems too
exaggerated to be possible, and there is at least one
obvious lie, but Gatsby does display a medal.
Chapter Four
5. Who is Meyer Wolfsheim? What seems to be his
connection with Gatsby?

Wolfsheim is an underground figure with business

connections to Gatsby; Gatsby credits him with the
1919 baseball scandal.
Chapter Four
6. Jordan Baker tells Nick about Daisy, Gatsby, and
Tom. Summarize the story.

Daisy and Gatsby fell in love, but Gatsby went off to

war. Meanwhile, Daisy met and became engaged to
Tom Buchanan. The night before the wedding, Daisy
decided to back out and became drunk. The next day,
the wedding was held as planned.
Chapter Four
7. Do we know why Gatsby has so many parties?
Why did he buy the house? Explain.

We have learned that Gatsby wants to be reunited

with Daisy; the house and parties may have been part
of his strategy.
Chapter Four
8. What new meaning do you see in the last two
paragraphs of Chapter 2?

Nick and Jordan are developing a romantic

relationship.
Chapter Four
9. What is Gatsby’s plan?

Nick is to invite Daisy to his house, and Gatsby will

meet her there.
Chapter Five
1. Gatsby’s actions in preparing for Daisy’s arrival
seem both flamboyant and absurd. What does he do?
Why?

After taking over the preparation of Nick’s house for

the reunion, Gatsby becomes anxious and fearful.
After waiting so long for this event, he seems to lose
confidence; he does not know what to expect.
Chapter Five
2. Discuss Gatsby’s actions once Daisy arrives. How
do we know he is nervous? How does he try to
impress her?

Gatsby is tense and clumsy, nearly knocking over a

clock. The conversation is stilted and superficial. He
wants Daisy to be impressed with his house.
Chapter Five
3. Describe Daisy’s reactions during the course of her
meeting with Gatsby.

At first Daisy seems quiet; later her conversation is

marked with inane (senseless / pointless) comments.
She is very impressed with the mansion.
Chapter Five
4. Has nick been affected by the meeting between
Gatsby and Daisy? In what way?

Nick becomes uncomfortable and leaves them alone;

when he rejoins them, he is mainly an observer.
Chapter Six
1. What was Gatsby’s birth name? Why and when did
he change it?

Gatsby’s name was James Gatz; he changed it to Jay

Gatsby when he went out to Dan Cody’s yacht. The
name change was part of his deliberate self-
transformation.
Chapter Six
2. In what way was Dan Cody involved in Gatsby’s
destiny?

Dan Cody introduced Gatsby to the lifestyle of the

wealthy. Cody also bequeathed money to Gatsby, but
the inheritance never materialized.
Chapter Six
3. Why does Tom attend Gatsby’s party? How does
this scene reveal the contrast between Gatsby and
Tom?

Tom decides to accompany Daisy to Gatsby’s party,

Tom is brash and sarcastic, while Gatsby is well-
mannered and urbane.
Chapter Six
4. What is deeply ironic in Tom’s comments about
women?

Tom complains pompously about women’s loyalty to

their families, while he himself is engaged in a
flagrant affair.
Chapter Six
5. Note the reaction of Tom and Daisy at different
times during Gatsby’s party. Do they enjoy
themselves? Explain.

Tom circulates but is critical and suspicious; Daisy is

intrigued at first, but finds the party somewhat
offensive.
Chapter Six
6. What suspicions does Tom have about Gatsby?
What does he vow to do?

Tom says he intends to learn Gatsby’s background

and ways of making money. He seems to suspect
some illegality.
Chapter Six
7. What do Nick and Gatsby talk after the party?

Nick and Gatsby talk about the party, and Gatsby

apparently shares a glimpse into the past. Gatsby
believes that daisy did not enjoy the party.
 
Chapter Six
8. What does Gatsby expect of Daisy?

Gatsby wants Daisy to pick up their relationship

where they left off years ago when he left for the war.
He wants her to behave as if she had never married
and had a child.

 
Chapter Seven
1. Note the use Fitzgerald makes of the weather as a
background for significant events. Point out examples in this
chapter and in previous chapters.

Rainy days and torrid weather seem to be deliberate choices.

The extremely hot weather is probably at least partly
responsible for the explosive events that conclude the chapter.

 
Chapter Seven
2. What changes does Gatsby make in his lifestyle?
Why does he make them?

There are no parties; the servants have been replaced;

Gatsby now wants his mansion to be a private place to
meet with Daisy.

 
Chapter Seven
3. Analyze Daisy’s attitude toward her child as
evidenced in this chapter and in chapter 1. Is she a
good mother? Explain.

Daisy seems to treat her daughter almost as if she

were a doll or some other plaything. While she is
certainly not cruel or abusive, Daisy does not seem
seriously involved with the child.
 
Chapter Seven
4. With whom does Tom talk on the telephone earlier
in the chapter? About what?

Tom is talking to George Wilson, who wants to buy

his car.

 
Chapter Seven
5. What startling discovery does Tom make shortly
after lunch?

Tom realizes that Daisy is involved with Gatsby.

 
Chapter Seven
6. What does Gatsby mean in his comment about
Daisy’s voice

Daisy came from a wealthy family, and she married

into even greater wealth. Gatsby himself may not be
fully aware of the implications of his words. Daisy’s
charm is as superficial and transitory as money.
Chapter Seven
7. What arrangements are made regarding the
passengers of each car on the trip to the city? Why?

A car switch means that Daisy and Gatsby travel

together in Tom’s car; Nick, Jordan, and Tom go in
Gatsby’s car. Tom wants to drive Gatsby’s impressive
car.
Chapter Seven
8. Eyes play a significant role in this chapter.
Explain.

Characters look meaningfully at each other; the eyes

of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg stare sightlessly over the scene
of the accident.
Chapter Seven
9. In what way is each of the major characters involved in
the tragedy that occurs at the end of this chapter?

George Wilson has tried to confine his wife; when Myrtle

sees Gatsby’s car, she runs out expecting Tom to pick her
up. In fact, Gatsby is in the car with Daisy, who is
driving; Daisy at first swerves to avoid hitting Myrtle, but
swerves back to avoid oncoming traffic. Myrtle is killed.
Daisy speeds away. Tom, Jordan, and Nick arrive on the
scene of the accident. Tom discovers that Myrtle is dead
and assumes that Gatsby was the hit-and-run driver.
Chapter Seven
10. Is there any significance in the fact that the day is
Nick’s birthday?

There is irony in the fact that Nick is far from being

the center of attention
Chapter Seven
11. Who is Michaelis?

Michaelis is the neighbor who tries to take care of

George Wilson after the accident.
Chapter Seven
12. At the end of chapter 7, Nick observes Gatsby,
Tom, and Daisy after the accident. What conclusions
does he reach?

Nick recognizes that Gatsby is worried about Daisy’s

safety; Tom and Daisy, on the other hand, are eating
and talking seriously.
Chapter Seven
13. Explain the last paragraph of Chapter 7.

The language suggests that, for Gatsby, the evening is

like a holy vigil.
Chapter Eight
1. At the beginning of the chapter, the story is
interrupted at its most dramatic point. What is the
author’s purpose in breaking the story here?

The narrator pauses to fill in some of the gaps in

Gatsby’s background, including the evolution of his
love for Daisy. Fitzgerald establishes a quiet pause
between Myrtle’s death and the deaths of Gatsby and
George Wilson. James Gatz worked long and hard to
create Jay Gatsby, but the creation has failed.
Chapter Eight
2. What prompts Gatsby to talk freely to Nick at this
point?

Perhaps Gatsby simply feels the need to be known by

his friends.
Chapter Eight
3. What further information do we learn about
Gatsby?

We learn the background of Gatsby’s relationship

with Daisy; we also learn that he was successful in the
military service.
Chapter Eight
4. What people does Nick describe as “rotten”?

Nick does not name specific people. Certainly he

includes Tom and Daisy. More generally, perhaps he
means people who are superficial, careless, and
dishonest in their relationships.
Chapter Eight
5. What compliment does Nick pay Gatsby? Why?

Nick affirms Gatsby’s personal value.

Chapter Eight
6. Explain Nick’s meaning when he balances Gatsby’s
supposed corruption against his dream.

Gatsby seems to have been connected with organized

crime; however, his love for Daisy was an unsullied
ideal, almost like a knight’s quest for the holy grail.
Chapter Eight
7. How does Wilson view the eyes of Doctor T. J.
Eckleburg? Does Wilson’s statement have a symbolic
level for the novel as a whole?

Wilson associates the billboard eyes with the

omniscient eyes of God, giving them a symbolic
association with fate.
Chapter Eight
8. Trace the movements of Gatsby and Wilson at the
end of chapter 8.

Wilson at first thinks that Tom was driving the hit-

and-run car. When Tom tells him, mistakenly, that
Gatsby was the driver, Wilson proceeds to Gatsby’s
mansion and shoots him. Gatsby has gone swimming
and dies in his pool. George Wilson commits suicide.
Chapter Nine
1. What makes Nick assume responsibility for the
funeral arrangements?

There is no one else to take responsibility, so Nick

does. He seems to feel Gatsby would have wanted
him to do it.
Chapter Nine
2. What version of the tragedy appeared in the
newspapers? How would you account for the fact
that this version went unchallenged and uncorrected?

The press reports a murder by a madman. Reporters

can only conjecture about motivation. No one wants
to come forward with secret information. Even
honest Nick keeps his knowledge to himself.
Chapter Nine
3. How has Gatsby’s father learned of the tragedy?
To what extent does the father know his son?

Mr. Gatz learned of his son’s death from a newspaper.

Chapter Nine
4. Discuss the significance of Gatsby’s boyhood
program for self-improvement.

Perhaps as a schoolboy Gatsby read about Benjamin

Franklin’s famous program to achieve perfection.
Gatsby’s plan reflects a logical approach, an ability to
plan, and an idealistic nature.
Chapter Nine
5. What is the irony of Gatsby’s funeral?

Everyone who could flocked to Gatsby’s parties; only

a few mourners attend his funeral.
Chapter Nine
6. What is the significance of including the scene with
Jordan Baker?

The scene brings closure to Nick and Jordan’s

relationship. It reveals Nick’s basic honesty and
decency, and we see that Jordan is bitter.
Chapter Nine
7. What moral judgment does Nick make about Tom
and Daisy?

Nick says that Tom and Daisy are careless about

everyone except themselves.
Chapter Nine
8. Explain the significance of the last page of the
novel in relation to Gatsby’s dream and to the
American Dream.

Nick associates Gatsby’s dream of a perfect Daisy

with the early settlers’ drams of a perfect life in the
New World.