The Great Gatsby

Chapters 4: Analysis Questions

While reading and annotating the chapter, you should be actively analyzing, hypothesizing, and
interpreting, as well as focusing on intentional authorial choices. Then answer each of the
following questions in 3-4 concise sentences.

DO NOT RESEARCH THESE ONLINE!

CHALLENGE YOUR INTELLECT AND DO THE WORK YOURSELF!

1. After reading the first three [rather boring] pages of the chapter, make a logical inference as to
why Nick includes this in his narration. What purpose does it serve for Fitgerald?
Nick includes this in his narration to show the huge scope of people that were present at Gatsby’s
parties as well as to show exactly how wealthy as well as to show that Gatsby’s could not
possibly be closely associated with this many wealthy people.

2. Then, closely read the next five pages that finally introduce the reader to Gatsby. After hearing
about his background and seeing the fluctuating tone of the narrator, what is the reader supposed
to believe at this point? Weave in at least three direct quotes to support your response, with
proper citation, as always.
At that point in the chapter, the reader is supposed to be skeptical of his past due to his failed
attempt at lying and choking on his words “as [if they] had bothered him before” regarding his
attendance at Oxford (Fitzgerald, 51). Additionally to the point that Gatsby is lying, he is of the
opinion that “San Francisco [is within] the middle west” which is something that very few, if
any, natives from the West Coast would claim to be true. However, Gatsby sees Nicks suspicion
and provides a “photograph of a half dozen young men… [including] Gatsby” (Fitzgerald, 52).

3. Analyze the characterization of Wolfsheim, again weaving in at least three details for support,
and infer why he is placed in the novel at this point.
Wolfsheim is at first described as a man with “tiny eyes”, immediately implying that he is
untrustworthy (Fitzgerald, 54). Wolfsheim’s shady characterization continues after his physical
characteristics have been pointed out, Nick notices that his “eyes… roved slowly around the
room” which is a very paranoid behavior to exhibit (Fitzgerald, 55). He is placed in the novel at
this point as “[his] friend, Mr. Wolfsheim” in an attempt to show that not all of Gatsby’s
associates are the most reputable of people (Fitzgerald, 54).

4. Discuss at least THREE shocking revelations from Jordan’s framed narration:

A. Gatsby loves Daisy

 B. Gatsby spends all of his money in an attempt to get daisy to come near, same with house

C. Gatsby and Daisy used to have a relationship

5. Research the allusion in the concluding passage of the chapter and discuss how it relates to the
story at this point--why does Fitzgerald choose this song at this moment?

Fitzgerald uses this song because it is a love song, it shows the love of both Nick/Jordan as well
as Gatsby/Daisy. However, the lyrics themselves indicate the actions of a stalker and creep,
something that Gatsby is doing.