The Great Gatsby – Chapters 3-5 – Flashcards
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Why does Gatsby throw huge, expensive parties for people he does not even know?
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To get Daisy's attention - or to fill a void in his life
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Describe two ways in which Nick differs from the other guests at the party.
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He was actually invited and he was American.
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What does the owl-eyed man find extraordinary about the books in Gatsby's library?
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That they are real.
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Why does the owl-eyed man describe Gatsby as a real Belasco?
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He has a huge library, so he is like Belasco, a major theatrical producer, who creates things for show.
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What is the significance of the owl eyed man?
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Owls are wise creatures. He possibly indicates that he has wisdom about Gatsby beyond what the others know.
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What does the reaction of the drivers of the wrecked automobile suggest about the values of Gatsby's guests?
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They are simplistic.
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What does Nick learn about Jordan after he's spent some time with her?
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She's a golfer and a liar.
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What is the significance of Jordan's lies?
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She lies, just like Gatsby does, but it isn't as awful for her.
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Pay attention to Nick's judgments. What do they reveal about his character that he does this?
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He judges people for bad behavior - not just in general or in a snooty way.
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Describe Gatsby the first time Nick sees him.
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He is a positive, kind man who seems to see the best in people. Very careful with his language - speaks elegantly and seems supportive.
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What rumors have been told about Gatsby? Why does Fitzgerald reveal rumors rather than fact?
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He killed a man, German spy, went to Oxford. Adds to his mysterious nature.
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What does Nick think of Gatsby after meeting him?
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He is surprised at how young he is. He says his speech is formal and elaborate.
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How is Gatsby different from his guests?
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He is not drinking.
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Why does Nick choose to share his thoughts and feelings with Jordan?
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He was so surprised at Gatsby's appearance and age.
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Nick thinks he's one of the few honest people he knows. Why?
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He is straightforward about what he thinks. In real life, he withholds information from people.
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What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself?
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Son of wealthy Midwesterners. Grew up in America but was educated at Oxford because it's a family tradition.
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What accomplishment of Meyer Wolfshein's does Gatsby describe to Nick? How does Nick react?
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He supposedly fixed the 1919 World Series. Nick is shocked.
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According to Jordan, what did Daisy do on her wedding day? Why? What does this reveal about her?
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She got drunk and almost ran off. She clutched a letter from Gatsby. It shows that she was still in love with him & only married Tom for his money.
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Why does Gatsby want to have tea with Daisy in Nick's house? Why doesn't Gatsby ask Nick for this favor himself? What did Gatsby want Daisy to see his house?
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He used to be in love with her and wants to meet up with her to show her his fancy house. He doesn't ask Nick himself because he was afraid Nick would be offended.
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What does Tom do when he and Daisy return from their honeymoon?
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He got into a car accident with a mistress in the car.
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What does Gatsby's friendship with Meyer Wolfshein imply about his own background?
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He has some secrets and questionable activity going on.
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List all the rumors told about Gatsby.
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He's a bootlegger, once killed a man, German spy, went to Oxford.
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Why does Fitzgerald list all of Gatsby's party guests?
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He shows how unimportant all of them are. They are all big names, but they just float in and out of Gatsby's party and nothing personal about them stands out.
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Why does Gatsby tell Nick about his life? Does Nick believe him?
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He says he doesn't want Nick to get the wrong idea based on rumors, but the way that Gatsby sort of hurries through telling about Oxford makes him seem suspicious. Nick is not sure about him.
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What role does Meyer Wolfshein play in the novel? What does this tell you about Fitzgerald's politics?
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He is a flat nosed Jew. It shows his racial stereotype.
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Nick says "There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired." What does Nick mean?
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Everyone falls into one of those categories.
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What does Gatsby offer Nick in return for Nick's cooperation in inviting Daisy to his house?
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He offers him a very shady business opportunity
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What is the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy like initially?
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Gatsby is awkward and acting like a boy.
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How are Daisy and Gatsby different when Nick returns to the house after an hour?
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They are luminously happy and Daisy has tears of joy.
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What are Gatsby's feelings by the end of the chapter?
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He is filled with emotion because he is happy
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What does Gatsby reply when Nick asks him how he makes his money? Why does Nick find that significant?
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He says he was in the drug business then oil business. It's odd because Gatsby said he inherited it before
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Why do you think Daisy sobs when Gatsby shows her his shirts?
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She is overwhelmed by his success and regretful of what she could have had if she didn't reject him when he was poor.
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What is the weather like in chapter 5? How does it reflect the emotional climate of Gatsby and Daisy?
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It's pouring down raining when they meet up at Nick's house, and gradually the skis clear. It's a metaphor for the way things are going between them
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In this chapter, Gatsby's dream seems to be fulfilled. What indications are there that reality cannot satisfy his dream?
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Daisy's emotional response to Gatsby's behavior implies that she is torn between Tom & Gatsby. He seems to have made this image of Daisy over the last five years that seem almost impossible to fulfill.
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Why does Gatsby deliver so many goods and services to Nick's house?
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He wants everything to be perfect and impress Daisy when she arrives.
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Describe the effect of rain on the plot.
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It sets the mood and creates the idea of a sadness overhanging the characters
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Why does Gatsby offer Nick work? How does Nick feel about this?
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He thinks Nick needs money since his house need repairs. He rejects it.
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Explain the significance of the green light.
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Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future
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Why does Gatsby get so many phone calls? What does this say about him?
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Indicates his business & it makes him seem suspicious because he is in demand yet doesn't say why.
