The Great Gatsby - Questions by Chapter PDF

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The Great Gatsby - Questions by Chapter
Detailed analysis given by chapter with evidence etc....

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The Great Gatsby

Chapter 1: 1. In introducing himself, what qualities does Nick Carraway mention that would make him a good narrator? Nick says that he is “inclined to reserve all judgements” and that he was “rather literary in college”, which suggests that he will make an objective, intelligent and well-spoken narrator. Furthermore, when introducing himself, Nick Carraway implements descriptive language, suggesting that he will be a detailed and accurate narrator. This is exemplified in the lines “an intimate revelation was quivering on the horizon” and “a sense of the fundamental decencies is parcelled out at birth”, both of which make use of visual or tactile imagery alongside metaphors to elevate Nick’s speech and engage the audience from the first page. 2. How is it significant that NIck himself is from Midwest and that he too had travelled to the East? It is significant that Nick, coming from the middle-west, decided to travel to the East because the Middle west to him became the “ragged edge of the universe”. He went to New York to learn about the bond business. He claims that he thoroughly enjoyed the counter-raid of war because you are never able to return home. He tried to return to midwest but he found it no longer suited him. It was too far from anything so therefore New York was better suited. This move from midwest to east is significant as this is where he shapes his life. 3. How is Tom Buchanan characterised? Look carefully for clues to his character in such phrases as ‘one of those men who reach such an acute limited excellence at twenty-one that everything afterward savours of anticlimax’. Tom is characterised as someone who peaked in college, and the rest of his life would never live up to that. While at Yale he became somewhat of a ‘national figure’ through his football playing skills. Through being described as a man who “reachered such an acute limited excellence at twenty-one that everything afterward savours of anti-climax” shows that Tom may try to seek out excitement to relive his college fame/experience. Nick then later describes Tom by saying “I felt that Tom would drift on forever seeking, a little wistfully, for the dramatic turbulence of some irrecoverable football game.” This shows Tom as someone who will never be satisfied with what he has now, as he is seeking something he will neve be able to achieve. Tom is also characterised as arrogant (doesn’t seem like a very nice person) 4. In what ways are the Buchanans wealthy? What impresses Nick about this wealth? The Buchanan family is “enormously wealthy”. Nick is surprised that someone his own age could be so wealthy, as Tom brought polo horses from Chicago, describing Tom’s move from Chicago as “in a fashion that rather took your breath away”. Tom gets his wealth from his family, and spent this on his “elaborate” house, travelling to different countries and spending his money freely while at Yale. 5. How are Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker characterised? Daisy and Jordan are introduced when Nick visits the Buchanans house, as he is Daisy’s second cousin once removed, however he does not know them very well. He first sees them on a couch in the house, described as “two you women … both in white, and their dresses were rippling and fluttering”. At first, Jordan Baker is a stranger to him and does not acknowledge his presence when he enters the room, but later nods to greet him. Later on in the evening Jordan opens up and . Jordan portrays an almost “new women” of the 1920s appearing cynical, boyish and self-centred. She may be beautiful but she is also dishonest.. Daisy is quite the opposite here, asking Nick questions and talking excitedly. However, Daisy harbors a deep need to be loved, and when a wealthy, powerful young man named Tom

Buchanan asked her to marry him, She is sardonic and somewhat cynical, and behaves superficially to mask her pain at her husband’s constant infidelity. She is the typical women of the 1920’s as she sets out to complete the roles a women should complete at this time. 6. ‘Civilization’s going to pieces … watch out or these other races will have control of things’ (p.19) What ironic point is Fitzgerald making here? Fitzgerald says that “Civilization’s going to pieces… watch out or these other races will have control of things”, which is ironic in two forms, the fact that the American civilization was built on the foundations of enforcing other minorities to work for them. Therefore the fact that he believes that due to the liberty of other races and potentially allowing all races to have equal rights that the civilization with go to pieces, enforces his white-supremacist attitudes. 7. “The Telephone rang inside…”(p. 21) Examine this paragraph carefully. In what way does its imagery suggest the cold fragmented lives these people are leading? There is a lot of sensory imagery used throughout this paragraph. This use of imagery suggests the cold fragmented lives of the characters through Fitzgerald’s build up of tension, now knowing that Tom has a mistress in New York, leaving Daisy upset. He highlights all the details of the scene so that the reader can engage visually and take part in the tension. He describes the last 5 minutes as “broken and fragmented” as there is no flow in the conversation. Nick notices the unnecessarily lit candles on the tables to show both visual and perhaps kinesthetic olfactory imagery but primarily the use of fire to portray heat and therefore tension. He tries to “avoid all eyes” as to not spark more awkwardness at the dinner table. 8. “I’ve been everywhere, and seen everything and done everything...Sophisticated - God, I’m sophisticated!” What is Fitzgerald trying to point out here? When Daisy says to Nick during their reunion that “I’ve been everywhere, and seen everything and done everything...sophisticated - God, I’m sophisticated!”, her somewhat cynical worldview is evident, as well as her materialistic values. Through this, Fitzgerald references the naivety of privilege, and how it has protected Daisy from many difficult truths about the world around her. 9. In the description of the setting, and the movements of Gatsby that end this chapter, note the reference to the ‘single green light’. How is this later developed as a symbol in the novel? The green light is first introduced in chapter one as a light at the end of the dock, but evolves into a significant leit-motif that symbolises Gatsby’s ongoing love for Daisy above all else and adapts with his emotions throughout the text. In the beginning, the green light represents Gatsby’s dream to reunite with Daisy, but the light then later comes to represent unreachable dreams after Gatsby’s dream is not realised and it takes on a more universal quality as it can be applied to all characters. The green light has additional connotations of money and the American dream.

Chapter 2: 10. "this is a valley of ashes…which screen their obscure operations from your sight" What is the purpose of the imagery of this paragraph? The smoke from the factories cover what is actually going on behind. Imagery of growth shows that the once beautiful world has been transformed into an array of grey ashes. It creates the idea of disconnection and unappreciation between the rich and the source of their wealth. The literal barrier created in our mind. Grey colours, all consuming nature of it and the fact that it is

inescapable. Sense of uniformity, "line of ash-grey cars" and "ash-grey men", no life or aspirations. Smog stops people from seeing. 11. Again, look at the imagery of the second paragraph of this chapter. What is the symbolic intent of Doctor TJ Eckleburg? Why does he 'brood over the solemn dumping ground? The billboard which is an add for an optometrist shows a large pair of eyes looking down at the valley of ashes. Nick first describes seemingly living giant eyes that are hovering in the air. The eyes are blue and yellow which take away from the monochrome surroundings. Colour being of such importance in the novel, shows that this brightness is surreal and connect to other blue and yellow objects, (cars). There are subtle elements of horror as they are described as gigantic with "no face" and a "non-existent nose". The eyes are symbolically places to "look out", perceiving and "persistently stare" and think deeply about this dumping ground that are making many unhappy (brood). They "exchange a frown" with Tom despite the fact they have no mouth. The personification of this sign shows that the eyes stand for a huge, displeased watcher (Gatsby). Optometrist ad, selling glasses for people to see the truth and the true meaning of the American dream. 12. Is it significant that Tom's mistress lives in 'the valley of the ashes'? Yes. Myrtle is using Tom to live her own American dream. It shows the breaking of social classes and shift in society. He is with Myrtle perhaps because she and Daisy won't cross paths for practicality, as well as Tom having the dominance in the relationship, Myrtle idolises Tom which nourishes his own ego. Myrtle is everything that Daisy isn't. Gatsby is looking for the green light, Tom is looking for the former glory of his sporting days. Myrtle holds the power in her relationship with her husband. 13. Read the description of the apartment, the party and the people at it very carefully. How is Fitzgerald able to evoke atmosphere and pinpoint character so accurately?  Fitzgerald evokes a sense of a crowded and tense environment, which is then eased throughout the party with whiskey  Nick describes how each of the guests at the party are ‘performing’ in their own ways; in the way they act, how they dress, how they speak and their interactions with other characters  Fitzgerald is able to pinpoint Myrtle Wilson’s character through showing her personality come through in pieces as she has more to drink at the impromptu party o After she gets changed she starts to perceive herself as superior to her guests, ordering them about and giving herself a false sense of social superiority o By the end she sees herself as not just superior to her guests but as Tom’s equal (which is shut down when Tom reminds her of her place in his life - his mistress not his wife) 14. In what way does mention of Gatsby here and in the previous chapter increase the sense of mystery about the man?  He has not been properly introduced, only described  Nick has set our expectations of Gatsby very high with his description  We have only seen Gatsby from a distance as a shadow  The unknowing and mysterious nature of Gatsby so far is quite intriguing, the reader wants to see who this person is that everyone is talking about  In chapter two there are even less references/descriptions of Gatsby, only a small reference about a party he had, and the rumors people tell about him  People don’t know the truth about Gatsby/who he is/his wealth as he is also a mysterious figure in their society, not just in the descriptions we have been given

15. ‘Yet high over the city… inexhaustible variety of life’ (p.37). What is the significance of this passage?  Nick’s conundrum as he does not completely fit in among these people, and finds some of their behaviour repellent - yet he is intoxicated by their extravagant lifestyles  Nick relates more to the “casual watcher in the darkening streets” than to those around him, this also emphasizes his objectivity as he wishes to be separate from them so as to avoid judging them  Nick recognises the sense of elitism and thoughtlessness in those around him and does not agree with it

16. ‘Making a short deft… open hand.’ Does this reinforce the earlier characterization of Tom Buchanan?  Tom has been characterized as arrogant, restless, supercilious and as someone who feels that he is better than others and can get whatever he wants  When Mrs. Wilson doesn’t stop shouting after Tom tells her to, he is angered and breaks her nose  In doing this Tom yet again gets what he wants by using his power over other people  His physicality is again emphasised, though he becomes a more violent character than we have previously seen  A more cruel and privileged side of Tom is also revealed within this action  He is also seen to be a hypocrite as he is defending his loyalty to Daisy, while also cheating on her. 17. In what way does the party represent the mindlessness and superficiality of the society? Carefully examine the conversation, the way the guests interact with each other and the fragmented nature of the description we get because of Nick’s drunken state.  The party reveals the exciting yet desperate nature of the 20s, as drinking seems to be the only thing that allows the guests to enjoy themselves and make the party bearable  Before the whiskey is brought out and after the alcohol has begun to wear out, the room is tense and uncomfortable

Chapter 3: 1. Why are the gardens described as ‘blue’? A colour is used in an unusual way at another point in the extract. Quote the relevant phrase and comment on its use. Why is there so much reference to colour in the passage? Nick speaks of Gatsby’s party, narrating that “In his blue gardens men and women came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.”. The unusual use of blue to describe the party alludes to the joy being a facade for the true unhappiness of the upper class, as well as suggesting that Gatsby himself may not find fulfillment in the material possessions and beautiful garden around him. Colour is further used in this extract to describe the orchestra as “playing yellow cocktail music”. Yellow is a bright colour, giving it connotations of joy, energy and excitement which sets the mood of the party. The partygoers are ‘like moths’ (simile) and the station wagon used to transport them is described as ‘a brisk yellow bug’ (metaphor). Is there any significance in the use of such figurative language?

2. Notice the use of hyperbole (eg ‘motor-boats … drawing aquaplanes over cataracts of foam’. Find one other example of hyperbole. Why is hyperbole so appropriate here? Another use of hyperbole is represented in the line, “repair the ravages of the night

before” the use of the word ravage exaggerates the amount of the damage of the house. The description of how the servants, “toiled all day” creates the sense that an army has occupied the house and enslaved its occupants. The mention of the line “his rolls-royce became an omnibus”, which exaggerates the size of his car and is important to help the reader visualise just how many people attended his parties. 3. Comment on the unusual diction in the sentence which describes the food: ‘glistening’, ‘crowded’, ‘harlequin’ and ‘bewitched’. Nick’s diction when describing the food alludes to themes of superficiality, facades and manipulation - all of which can be applied to the key characters of the novel. Therefore, the characteristics of the food are in fact a metaphor for the traits of the people attending Gatsby’s party. 4. Why is the brass rail described as ‘real’? Later when you read the novel you will come across other situations where the authenticity of Gatsby’s possessions is verified. What does this suggest about Gatsby? What does it suggest about his ‘guests’? Explicitly verifying the authenticity of possessions suggests strong material values on Gatsby’s part - the fact the his ‘guests’ also find great interest in this suggests that they too are of a materialistic nature. Additionally, constantly referring to Gatsby’s possessions suggests that they are not an innate part of his lifestyle, which emphasizes his recent financial accomplishments - Gatsby is not made of old money. 5. Explain the meaning of the phrase, ‘casual innuendo’. The meaning of innuendo is an indirect and usually malicious implication. In the context of Great Gatsby, Nick is describing the party and the atmosphere when he says , “the air is alive with chatter and laughter and casual innuendo and introductions forgotten on the spot,'' which alludes to how isolating the parties are where people instantly forget each other and the carelessness of the age. At the party, a casual innuendo would have been said as a form of banter in order to have very superficial and light-hearted joke. 6. Comment on the ironic implication of ‘enthusiastic meetings between women who never knew each other’s names’. This suggests that the women are attempting to portray themselves as extremely sociable and friendly, when in fact they are too self-absorbed to learn the names of those around them. The contrast between reality and the way that these women represent themselves at the party has ironic implications. 7. Comment on the imagery suggested in the sentence: ‘Laughter is easier minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word’. This quote is an evaluation on the loneliness of Gatsby. Throughout just this one sentence, there is a variety of imagery used to captivate the reader. This sentence portrays the idea of a performance. Gatsby’s incentives to throw the party are not for the pleasure for anyone else but for the hope of seeing Daisy. The sentence is part of a description of a lavish party. "Laughter is easier minute by minute...": everyone is laughing more and more easily as their spirits and sense of fun are raised by the occasion. "...Spilled with prodigality...." means that it (the laughter, that is) is released carelessly and without holding back, much like someone who is generous and careless might spill drink while pouring it. "...Tipped out at a cheerful word" continues the metaphor of laughter as something liquid. People are so caught up in

the party spirit that they laugh easily at very small things, such as a "cheerful word." The replacement of laughter with alcohol helps the reader understand how you become careless a vulnerable. The use of laughter create an auditory imagery so that we can hear the surroundings.

8. What is the meaning of the word ‘sea-change’? What is its origin? What is the effect of its use here?  Definition = “ a notable change or transformation”  Origin = Shakespeare’s “Tempest” (I. ii. 403)  “Sea-change of faces and voices and colour under the constantly changing light.’ o Indicates that the lights were different colours and continuously moving o Portrays an image of people with faces that shift colour with the lights, making them appear to change personalities perhaps or making them appear superficial 9. Can you explain why our attention is brought to the fact that ‘the earth lurches away from the sun’? Notice also the reference to ‘stars’ in the first paragraph. By stating that the “lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun,'' Fitzgerald demonstrates how unaware of their surroundings the party-goers are, because they can throw money at anything. Just like they are unaware of the working-class’ struggles, the party-goers do not notice as they stray from the sun, because the artificial light comes to their aid immediately (- artificial light could also be an illusion to superficial nature of the people). Additionally, the sun has connotations of warmth, light and goodness, so to lurch away from it suggests that these people do not share the sun’s traits. 10. Comment on the final sentence of the extract: ‘The party has begun.’ This short, final sentence of the extract is what the reader has been waiting for in the two previous chapters. After all of the quiet references to Gatsby’s parties and of Gatsby himself, the reader is finally able to experience this through Nick’s eyes. The reader also hopes that this means Nick will finally meet Gatsby, now that he had been described and talked about. This straight to the point and quick sentence contrasts to the long descriptive paragraphs above it. This is a declarative sentence? 11. What sort of sentence construction characterises the extract? Hint: note the number of ‘and’s. Why are such sentences appropriate? Compound-complex? 12. How does tense change during the extract? This is normally a fault in writing. What is its effect here? The passage begins in past tense while Nick is describing the party from his own garden (“there was music”), but then on the second page (42) is suddenly changes to present tense (“the orchestra has arrive...