Name: Somaya Bakr Date: 1 Dec, 2023 Score:

The Great Gatsby – Study Guide

Part 1: Pre-Reading – please complete this section BEFORE you read the novel!
A. Context: In order to better understand a book's purpose, it is often helpful to have some understanding of
the author's perspective/historical influences. Do a little background research in these two areas and
record SIGNIFICANT information below.
1. Author Biography:

I. F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was an influential American author known for his iconic novel "The
Great Gatsby," published in 1925.

II. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald's writing captured the essence of the Jazz Age, exploring
themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream.

III. He attended Princeton University but dropped out before completing his degree to enlist in the
Army during World War I

IV. Fitzgerald's experiences in the war deeply impacted his worldview and later found reflection in his
writing.

V. He wrote several other novels, including "This Side of Paradise," "Tender Is the Night," and "The
Beautiful and Damned," all of which explored themes of wealth, class, and the pursuit of the American
Dream.

2. Social Context of the 1920's:

I. The 1920s was a decade of profound social changes.

II. The most obvious signs of change were the rise of a consumer-oriented economy and of mass
entertainment, which helped to bring about a "revolution in morals and manners."

III. Sexual mores, gender roles, hair styles, and dress all changed profoundly during the 1920s.

IV. Many Americans regarded these changes as liberation from the country's Victorian past. But for
others, morals seemed to be decaying, and the United States seemed to be changing in undesirable
ways.

V. The result was a thinly veiled "cultural civil war."

B. Now that you've finished researching the context of The Great Gatsby, complete the FIRST COLUMN
 of discussion questions below. Then, after you've read the novel, re-evaluate the questions and
respond in the final column.

Discussion Question Pre-Reading Response Post-Reading Response

1. From the title alone, what are From the title, I was sure the novel was The plot revolves around this guy,
your thoughts about the novel' s going to be about a magician, a stunt Gatsby, who seems like he has it all -
themes and plot? man, or an actor. Although, the novel parties, wealth, and this mysterious aura.
wasn't exactly what I expected, Gatsby But as the story goes on, you realize
was all of these things, which is there's so much more going on beneath
significant in itself. the surface. The themes are way deeper
than I thought. It's about the American
Dream and how it's not always what it
seems. There's this whole thing about
chasing success and happiness but
ending up feeling empty and
disillusioned. And the plot isn't just about
parties; it's about love, betrayal, social
class, and the consequences of our
desires.

2. What is the American Dream? Does The American Dream tends to evolve After reading the novel and gaining a
the Dream change from era to based on the societal, economic, and deeper understanding of Fitzgerald's
era? cultural changes within different eras. portrayal of the American Dream in the
1920s, I was able to analyze how the
characters' pursuits and experiences
relate to this ideal.

3. Does a first-person narrator The use of a first-person narrator in a Nick Carraway, the narrator, made the
influence the novel's structure, novel can greatly influence various story feel so personal. Since we only
integrity, credibility, and reader aspects of the story. It affects the see things from his perspective, I felt
response? novel's structure by limiting the like I was in his head, experiencing the
reader's access to information and events alongside him. But at the same
events solely to what the narrator time, it made me realize that Nick
experiences or knows. might not know everything, and he
might not be totally reliable. His biases
and opinions could've shaped what he
told us.

4. Do you find it difficult to I think empathizing with characters At first, I couldn't really connect with
empathize with characters who who seem totally self-centered or them. They seemed so caught up in
are empty, shallow, and/or shallow might be tough. I mean, if they their own worlds, especially with all
completely selfish? Why or why don't care about anyone but the partying and superficial stuff. I
not? themselves, why should I care about didn't get why they acted that way or
them, right? It's hard to connect with how they could be so self-centered.
someone who doesn't show any real But as the story unfolded, I started
emotions or care about others. seeing more layers to these characters.
Sure, they were shallow in some ways,
 but they also seemed trapped by their
own desires or societal pressures.

5. Discuss a time when you felt like There was this time at a new school That time at the new school when I felt
an outsider and tried to come to when I felt like such an outsider. It was like an outsider was really tough. I
terms with this feeling, either by the beginning of the year, and remember trying to connect with this
concentrating on another everyone seemed to already know one girl to feel less alone, but looking
person or by turning your each other. They had their groups, back, I realized I was sort of putting all
thoughts inward. their inside jokes, and their own vibe. I my hopes on one person. It was like I
felt like I didn't fit in anywhere. To was trying to find my place by relying
cope, I started focusing on this one girl on someone else to make me feel
in my class. She seemed nice and kinda included. After a while, I started
had the same interests as me. I thinking more about why I felt like an
thought if I could befriend her, maybe I outsider. I realized that maybe I was
wouldn't feel so alone. I concentrated putting too much pressure on fitting in
on trying to get to know her, hanging with a certain group instead of just
out more, and finding common ground. being myself. So, I started turning my
I guess I thought if I could get close to thoughts inward, trying to understand
someone, it wouldn't matter so much what made me happy and what I really
that I felt like an outsider in the larger wanted.
group.

Part 2: Reading – complete this section as you read the novel!

A. Character Chart – identify pertinent information about the following characters:
1. Nick Carraway The narrator of the story, a young man from the Midwest who moves to New York to work
in the bond business. He is Daisy Buchanan's cousin and becomes involved in the lives of
the other characters, particularly Gatsby's. Nick is often seen as a moral compass in the
story, providing insight into the lives and behaviors of the other characters.

2. Jay Gatsby The enigmatic and wealthy protagonist of the novel. Gatsby is known for his extravagant
parties and mysterious background. He is deeply in love with Daisy Buchanan and has
accumulated wealth to win her back, despite her being married to Tom Buchanan.
Gatsby's character is complex, representing the American Dream, idealism, and the
consequences of obsession.

3. Daisy Buchanan Nick's cousin and Gatsby's love interest. Daisy is married to Tom Buchanan, but she has a
romantic history with Gatsby. She embodies the charm and allure of the wealthy elite but
is also trapped in a loveless marriage. Daisy's character represents the shallowness and
moral decay of the upper class.

4. Tom Buchanan Daisy's wealthy and arrogant husband. He is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson, the wife
of George Wilson. Tom is domineering, aggressive, and represents the old money
aristocracy. He is dismissive of others and exhibits a lack of moral values.

5. Jordan Baker A professional golfer and friend of Daisy Buchanan. Jordan is portrayed as cynical, self-
centered, and dishonest. She becomes romantically involved with Nick Carraway during
the events of the story.
 6. Myrtle Wilson The mistress of Tom Buchanan and the wife of George Wilson. Myrtle is unhappy in her
marriage and aspires to the lifestyle of the wealthy. Her affair with Tom represents the
blurred lines between social classes and the consequences of pursuing material wealth.

7. George Wilson Myrtle's husband, who owns a garage in the Valley of Ashes, a desolate area between
West Egg and New York City. George is passive and unaware of his wife's affair. His
character is representative of the working-class struggle and the disintegration of the
American Dream.

8. Meyer Wolfsheim A shady and mysterious underworld figure who is said to have fixed the 1919 World
Series. Wolfsheim is Gatsby's business associate and is reputedly involved in organized
crime. He symbolizes the corruption and moral decay hidden beneath the glamour of the
Roaring Twenties.

B. Chapter Questions – respond to the following questions in complete sentences

Chapter 1

1. How does the narrator describe Gatsby? He says Gatsby had an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic
readiness such ashe had never found in another person.

2. From where did the narrator come and why? The narrator came from the Midwest to study the bond
business

3. Describe the narrator's house. The house is very average, middle-class. It is nothing extraordinary like his
neighbors‘ houses. It is small and sort of stuck in between the mansions, as if it had been overlooked.

4. Describe the Buchanan's house. The Buchanans have a Colonial Georgian mansion. It is very formal and
traditional

5. How does Nick know Daisy and Tom? Daisy is Nick's cousin, and he knew Tom from his school years
 6. What is your impression of Tom in Chapter 1? Tom has an athletic build and an arrogant attitude. He is an
old-money snob

7. What kind of person is Daisy? In this chapter, we see Daisy as a flighty socialite--very superficial.

8. What did Miss Baker tell Nick about Tom? She told him that Tom had a mistress. It is interesting to note that
she thought "everyone“ knew about Tom's mistress, and yet she whispers a "family secret" about the butler's
nose.

9. When asked about her daughter, what does Daisy say?

Daisy says, "I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool–
that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little
fool."

10. How is Gatsby introduced into the novel? His name first
comes up in a conversation between Nick and Jordan. Later,
Nick sees him out on the lawn in the moonlight, but Gatsby
quickly vanishes. These first appearances help introduce
Gatsby's mysteriousness.

Chapter 2

1. What is the "valley of ashes"? The valley of ashes is an industrial zone on the way to the city. It sharply
contrasts with the wealthy neighborhoods of Gatsby and the Buchanans

2. What are the "eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg"? They are on a billboard, apparently close to George B. Wilson's
garage, near thevalley of ashes.

3. Who did Tom take Nick to meet? Tom took Nick to meet his mistress.
 4. What did Mrs. Wilson buy while she was out with Tom and Nick? She bought a dog.

5. Where did they go? What was at 158th Street? They went to an apartment that Tom apparently kept for
their meetings.

6. Identify Catherine and M r. & Mrs. McKee. Catherine is Myrtle's sister. Mr. and Mrs. McKee live downstairs at
the apartment complex.

7. What does Mr. McKee tell Nick about Gatsby? She tells Nick that Gatsby is the nephew of Kaiser Wilhelm,
another rumor that adds to Gatsby's mysteriousness.

8. What reason did Myrtle give for marrying George Wilson? She
thought he was a gentleman, but she regretted marrying him when she
found out he borrowed a suit from a friend to wear to the wedding.

9. What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy's name? He

hit her and broke her nose.
Chapter 3

1. Describe Gatsby's wealth. List some of the things that represent wealth.
Gatsby's wealth is "new" money; recently acquired, not old, family money. He is
one of the newly rich in the post-war period of the twenties. He spends his
money on flashy, extravagant things (a huge home, a fantastic car, and wild
parties).

2. What kind of people come to Gatsby's parties? The newly rich, famous, and
their friends came to Gatsby's parties

3. Why did Nick Carraway go to the party? Nick went because Gatsby sent him a direct invitation, and he was
curious about his neighbor

4. How does Nick meet Gatsby? He casually starts a conversation and Nick doesn't realize he is talking to Gatsby
until Nick asks where Gatsby is
 5. What are some of the stories about Gatsby? Some said he killed a man; some said he was a German spy
during the war.

6. Is Gatsby a "phony"? Yes, in the strictest sense of the word, but his motivating ideal is somewhat redeeming.

7. Describe Nick's relationship with Jordan. They are just starting to be friendly and a romantic interest is
building.

Chapter 4

1. Who is Klipspringer? He is "the boarder," someone who always seems to be at Gatsby's house.

2. What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself? Gatsby tells Nick that he was educated at Oxford, his family died,
he came into some money, and when the war came, he got some medals. He showed Nick the medals and a
picture of himself with his college mates

3. What "matter" did Gatsby have Jordan Baker discuss with Nick?
Jordan discussed Nick's arranging a luncheon meeting between himself
and Daisy at Nick's house.

4. What does Mr. Wolfshiem tell Nick about Gatsby? He said that
Gatsby was the kind of man you'd like to take home and introduce to
your mother and your sister
5. What does Jordan tell Nick about Daisy, Gatsby and Tom? She tells him that Daisy and Gatsby had a
romance. Rumor had it that she tried to see Gatsby off to war, but her family would not let her go. Soon after,
she married Tom. They seemed to be happy and then Tom had a mistress.

Chapter 5

1. Describe the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy. Why was he so nervous?
The meeting was, at first, very awkward. Gatsby was nervous because his dream
was on the threshold of coming true (or not). After they had a chance to talk,
they were more at ease, and we presume rekindled their romance

2. How long did it take Gatsby to make the money to buy the mansion? 3
years.

3. Why did Gatsby want Daisy to see the house and his clothes? He wanted to
 impress her with his wealth and to show her that he could afford to take care of
her in the style to which she had been accustomed.

4. What had the green light on the dock meant to Gatsby? It stood for his
vision of his future with Daisy.
5. What had Gatsby turned Daisy into in his own mind? She was a larger-than-life person. "The vitality of his
illusion had gone beyond Daisy – beyond everything."

Chapter 6

1. What is Gatsby's real history? Where is he from, and what is his name?
He was born to an impoverished farmer in North Dakota. His real name is
James Gatz. He had his name legally changed to Jay Gatsby at the age of
seventeen. Gatsby was born James Gatz on a North Dakota farm, and though
he attended college at St. Olaf's in Minnesota, he dropped out after two
weeks, loathing the humiliating janitorial work by means of which he paid his
tuition. He worked on Lake Superior the next summer fishing for salmon and
digging for clams.

2. What did Dan Cody do for Gatsby? One day, he saw a yacht owned by
Dan Cody, a wealthy copper mogul, and rowed out to warn him about an
impending storm. The grateful Cody took young Gatz, who gave his name as
Jay Gatsby, on board his yacht as his personal assistant. Traveling with Cody
to the Barbary Coast and the West Indies, Gatsby fell in love with wealth and
luxury.

3. What is Daisy's opinion of Gatsby's party? How does this affect him?
Daisy didn't like Gatsby's parties. Gatsby is heartbroken because she was
the reason he gave the parties.
4. What does Gatsby want from Daisy? he wants Daisy to tell Tom she
not only does not love him now, she never loved him at all

Chapter 7

1. What was Gatsby's reaction to Daisy's child? Gatsby can't believe that Daisy's daughter is real, because that
means Tom & Daisy's marriage is real.

2. What did Wilson do to Myrtle and what was his reason for doing this?
Wilson locks Myrtle in their apartment to keep her from running off.

3. Why do the five drive into the city on such a hot afternoon? Daisy wants to
change the subject & not have there be a confrontation between Tom &
Gatsby.
 4. What does Gatsby think about Daisy's relationship with Tom? Gatsby
thinks that the marriage between Daisy & Tom is loveless & superficial.

5. What is Daisy's reaction to both men? Daisy likes that both men are
fighting over her & that they both have money. She treats Tom like he's
useless.
6. What happens on the way home from New York? Gatsby & Daisy are driving together in Gatsby's car when
Myrtle runs out into the road. Daisy is driving in order to calm herself down after the confrontation when she
runs into Myrtle. Instead of stopping, knowing that she had hit Myrtle, Daisy keeps driving home.

7. Describe how the following people react to Myrtle's death:

• Wilson: guilty, as if he was the one having an affair.

• Tom: Tom’s first instinct is to protect himself by telling wilson that the yellow car isn't his.

• Nick: Nick feels sick & wants to be let alone.

• Gatsby: Gatsby is concerned for Daisy.

8. What is the true relationship between Daisy and Tom?

Neither person takes responsibilty for their own actions.

9. What happens between Nick and Jordan Baker? Nick and

Jordan break up right at the moment when she can't control
his actions—can't make him go into the house, can't make
him apologize for ignoring her.
10. What does Nick say about people like Daisy and Tom? Nick says people like Daisy and Tom are careless
people. Tom and Daisy smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast
carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had
made.

Chapter 8

1. What does Gatsby tell Nick about his past? Is it true? He

tells about the relationship he and Daisy had, the actual time
spent together and how he had to go off to war, and Daisy
was supposed to wait for him to return. He also let Daisy
believe that he [Gatsby] was from the same social class as
 her. He let her be deceived because he loves her.

2. What does Michaelis believe caused Myrtle to run? He

thinks she was running away from Wilson.

3. Why did she run? She thought Tom was driving that car
because he was driving it earlier in the day.
4. Why does Wilson believe that Gatsby killed Myrtle? He
was hunting for the owner of the big yellow car. He knew
Tom knew because Tom was driving it as the beginning of
that fateful day. So, Tom told Wilson who owned the car.
5. What does Wilson do? He goes to Gatsby's house,
shoots and kills him, and then shoots himself.

Chapter 9

1. Why couldn't Nick get anyone to come to Gatsby's funeral? Gatsby had no close friends
2. Who is Henry C. Gatz? Henry C. Gatz is Gatsby's father

3. What is the book Henry Gatz shows Nick? Why is it important to the novel? t's a copy of Hopalong Cassidy
with one of Gatsby's personal schedules in it

Part 3: Post-Reading – complete this section after having FULLY read the novel! A.
Explain the meaning of the following symbols within The Great Gatsby:

1. The green light: Situated at the end of Daisy Buchanan's dock across the bay from Gatsby's mansion,
the green light symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future, particularly his longing for
Daisy. It represents the unattainable and elusive nature of his aspirations, as well as the American
Dream itself. Gatsby reaches out to the green light as a beacon of hope and yearning, yet it
remains just out of his grasp, signifying the impossibility of recapturing the past.

2. Gatsby's house: Gatsby's extravagant mansion is a symbol of his wealth, success, and his pursuit of
material possessions. However, it also represents the hollowness and emptiness of the American
Dream. Despite its opulence and grandeur, Gatsby's mansion is often empty and devoid of genuine
connections or happiness, reflecting the superficiality and shallowness of the Jazz Age's high
society.

3. The Eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg: These eyes are depicted on a faded billboard in the Valley of Ashes,
watching over the desolate landscape. They symbolize various themes, including the eyes of God
observing the moral decay and corruption of society. They also represent the lack of moral values
in the characters and serve as a reminder of the consequences of their actions. Additionally, they
symbolize the commercialism and materialism of the era, as Dr. Eckleburg was an optometrist,
suggesting the oversight of society by materialistic values.

4. West Egg / East Egg: These locations represent the divide between old money and new money in
 society. West Egg is where Gatsby's mansion is located and represents the newly rich individuals
who acquired their wealth recently. East Egg, where the Buchanans reside, symbolizes the old
aristocracy and those who have inherited their wealth. The distinction between the two eggs
highlights social class differences and the conflict between established social norms and the new,
often vulgar, wealth.

5. The Valley of Ashes: A desolate and industrial wasteland situated between West Egg and New York
City, the Valley of Ashes symbolizes the moral and social decay resulting from the pursuit of wealth
and the corruption of the American Dream. It represents the forgotten, impoverished working
class who are exploited and overlooked by the wealthy elite. The valley serves as a stark contrast
to the lavish lifestyles of West and East Egg, emphasizing the darker realities of the era.

B. Explain the following allusions within The Great Gatsby. First, explain their literal meaning. Then, explain what
their inclusion adds to your understanding of the text.

Allusion Meaning Connection to Text

1. The Rise of the This allusion refers to a book that Tom Its inclusion in the text reflects the
Coloured Empires Buchanan references, which predicts the prevalent racial prejudices and
downfall of Western civilization due to anxieties of the time, highlighting the
the rise of non-white races. The literal racist attitudes and sense of superiority
meaning is the fear of racial dominance held by some characters, particularly
and the decline of the white-dominated Tom Buchanan. Its inclusion adds to
society. the understanding of the prevailing
social attitudes and prejudices of the
era, emphasizing the theme of social
hierarchy and racial tensions, and how
these prejudices influence characters'
actions and perspectives.

2. Midas, Morgan, Maecenas The reference to Midas alludes to King Its inclusion in the text highlights the
Midas from Greek mythology, who obsession with wealth and the belief
possessed the power to turn everything that material possessions lead to
he touched into gold. Literally, it happiness and success. It contributes to
symbolizes wealth, opulence, and the the characterization of Gatsby and the
desire for material possessions. Gatsby's superficiality of the Jazz Age society.
pursuit of wealth and the belief that
wealth can solve all his problems align
with the theme of the Midas touch.
3. Belasco These references are to prominent Their inclusion adds to the portrayal of
figures or personalities of the time, the extravagant lifestyle and social
emphasizing wealth, patronage, or circles of the characters in the novel.
social influence. Juxtaposing these They contribute to the atmosphere of
names together reflects the opulence wealth and privilege and underscore
and grandeur associated with high the emphasis on status and influence in
society. the characters' world.

4. Katspaugh These references are to prominent Their inclusion adds to the portrayal of
figures or personalities of the time, the extravagant lifestyle and social
emphasizing wealth, patronage, or circles of the characters in the novel.
social influence. Juxtaposing these They contribute to the atmosphere of
names together reflects the opulence wealth and privilege and underscore
and grandeur associated with high the emphasis on status and influence in
society. the characters' world.

5. 1919 World Series This alludes to the real-life scandal Its inclusion in the text reflects the
involving the fixing of the 1919 World theme of moral decay and corruption
Series, where players were bribed to in society, paralleling the dishonesty
intentionally lose games. Literally, it and deception present among some of
symbolizes corruption, deceit, and the the characters, particularly Meyer
tarnishing of the American pastime. Wolfsheim, who is said to have been
involved in fixing the series.

6. Kant These allude to philosophical ideas. Their inclusion adds depth to the
Immanuel Kant was a philosopher intellectual backdrop of the story,
known for his work on ethics and providing a context for Nick Carraway's
metaphysics, while Platonic conception contemplative and reflective nature. It
refers to Plato's philosophical ideas, underscores themes related to
especially his theory of forms and idealism, morality, and the quest for a
idealism. higher truth or meaning in a superficial
society.

7. Platonic conception These allude to philosophical ideas. Their inclusion adds depth to the
Immanuel Kant was a philosopher intellectual backdrop of the story,
known for his work on ethics and providing a context for Nick Carraway's
metaphysics, while Platonic conception contemplative and reflective nature. It
refers to Plato's philosophical ideas, underscores themes related to
especially his theory of forms and idealism, morality, and the quest for a
idealism. higher truth or meaning in a superficial
society.

8. Trimalchio These are literary references. Trimalchio Their inclusion provides cultural and
is a character from Roman literature literary references that enrich the text,
known for his ostentatious displays of contributing to the portrayal of excess,
wealth, Clay's Economics refers to Henry economic policies, and societal decline,
Clay's policies, and Castle Rackrent is a reflecting on the themes of wealth,
novel by Maria Edgeworth depicting the class, and the disintegration of
 decline of an Irish family. traditional values.

9. Clay's Economics These are literary references. Trimalchio Their inclusion provides cultural and
is a character from Roman literature literary references that enrich the text,
known for his ostentatious displays of contributing to the portrayal of excess,
wealth, Clay's Economics refers to Henry economic policies, and societal decline,
Clay's policies, and Castle Rackrent is a reflecting on the themes of wealth,
novel by Maria Edgeworth depicting the class, and the disintegration of
decline of an Irish family. traditional values.

10. Castle Rackrent These are literary references. Trimalchio Their inclusion provides cultural and
is a character from Roman literature literary references that enrich the text,
known for his ostentatious displays of contributing to the portrayal of excess,
wealth, Clay's Economics refers to Henry economic policies, and societal decline,
Clay's policies, and Castle Rackrent is a reflecting on the themes of wealth,
novel by Maria Edgeworth depicting the class, and the disintegration of
decline of an Irish family. traditional values.

C. Identify three themes that you've identified in The Great Gatsby

1. The American Dream and its Corruption: The novel explores the idea of the American Dream and
how it has been corrupted. Gatsby embodies the American Dream, working hard to achieve wealth
and success to win back Daisy, his vision of success.

2. The Decline of Moral Values and the Jazz Age Society: Fitzgerald portrays the moral and social decay
of the 1920s Jazz Age society. Characters indulge in excess, immorality, and superficiality, reflecting
the hedonistic and carefree attitudes of the time.

3. The Illusion of Idealism and Reality: A central theme revolves around the contrast between
appearances and reality, illusion and disillusionment. Gatsby constructs an idealized version of
himself and his past to win back Daisy, but the reality is far from his romanticized vision. The
characters often hide behind facades, presenting false identities or aspirations.

D. Go back to the Pre-Reading section of the packet and complete the Post-Reading Response column of
the Discussion Questions chart

THE END.