The Great Gatsby Study Guide
(Chapters 1-9) with Complete
Solutions
How does Nick describes himself at the beginning of the book? - ANSWER - He
comes from a upper class family but he learned never to be to be judgmental.
Why has Nick come to the East? - ANSWER - To start a new job. 1922; to get in the
bond business.
How does Nick describe Tom Buchanan? - ANSWER - Sturdy, straw haired man.
Arrogant and aggressive.
Who is Jordan Baker? What does Nick find appealing about her? - ANSWER - She is a
golfer, her chin is raised suggesting that she is stuck up.
How does Daisy react to the phone calls from Tom's woman in New York? - ANSWER
- She is upset but she acts but then she follows him when he takes the call.
What is Gatsby doing when Nick first sees him? - ANSWER - He is standing on his
dock reaching out to the green light across the bay.
Notice how many times Fitzgerald uses the words hope, or dream. Why does he do
this? - ANSWER - He does this to represent views of society and foreshadowing for
whats to come.
Nick starts the novel by relaying his father's advice "Whenever you feel like
criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the
advantages that you've had." Does he reserve judgement in the novel? - ANSWER -
He is very honest about his observations. Yes he is reserving it but he is candid to
the reader.
, Pay attention to time. What is the day and year during the first scene at Daisy's
house? - ANSWER - Summer of 1922.
Describe the "valley of ashes." What does it look like and what does it represent? -
ANSWER - It is dark and dreary. Where poor people live between East and West Egg.
Symbolizes: Moral decay.
Describe Mr. Wilson and Myrtle. Do they seem to fit into the setting. - ANSWER -
There marriage is dead. George is so in love with her.
What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter (Chapter 2)? Is he similar or
different than the people ehe spends his time with? - ANSWER - No, he is more
reserved and uncomfortable, would rather be anywhere else.
Describe Nick. What facts do you know about him, and what do you infer about him?
What kind of a narrator do you think he will be? - ANSWER - He was wealthy growing
up. Solemn, not very flashy. Graduate of Yale (1915). He's not a big drinker. More
reserved and honest.
What image foes the author use to describe Jordan Baker? What does it mean? -
ANSWER - Looked like she was balancing a ball on her chin. Meaning that she is
stuck up, confident, and snobby.
How does Nick react to Jordan? - ANSWER - Nervous, he thinks that she is
intimidating.
What does Tom's behavior reveal about his character? - ANSWER - He is emotionally
abusive, self centered, arrogant, dominant and aggressive.
How does Nick meet Tom's mistress? - ANSWER - Tom took Nick with him to meet
her at her husbands auto body shop.
How does Myrtle react Tom's arrival? - ANSWER - She is focused solely on Tom and
then she sent her husband George away to go get some chairs.
(Chapters 1-9) with Complete
Solutions
How does Nick describes himself at the beginning of the book? - ANSWER - He
comes from a upper class family but he learned never to be to be judgmental.
Why has Nick come to the East? - ANSWER - To start a new job. 1922; to get in the
bond business.
How does Nick describe Tom Buchanan? - ANSWER - Sturdy, straw haired man.
Arrogant and aggressive.
Who is Jordan Baker? What does Nick find appealing about her? - ANSWER - She is a
golfer, her chin is raised suggesting that she is stuck up.
How does Daisy react to the phone calls from Tom's woman in New York? - ANSWER
- She is upset but she acts but then she follows him when he takes the call.
What is Gatsby doing when Nick first sees him? - ANSWER - He is standing on his
dock reaching out to the green light across the bay.
Notice how many times Fitzgerald uses the words hope, or dream. Why does he do
this? - ANSWER - He does this to represent views of society and foreshadowing for
whats to come.
Nick starts the novel by relaying his father's advice "Whenever you feel like
criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the
advantages that you've had." Does he reserve judgement in the novel? - ANSWER -
He is very honest about his observations. Yes he is reserving it but he is candid to
the reader.
, Pay attention to time. What is the day and year during the first scene at Daisy's
house? - ANSWER - Summer of 1922.
Describe the "valley of ashes." What does it look like and what does it represent? -
ANSWER - It is dark and dreary. Where poor people live between East and West Egg.
Symbolizes: Moral decay.
Describe Mr. Wilson and Myrtle. Do they seem to fit into the setting. - ANSWER -
There marriage is dead. George is so in love with her.
What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter (Chapter 2)? Is he similar or
different than the people ehe spends his time with? - ANSWER - No, he is more
reserved and uncomfortable, would rather be anywhere else.
Describe Nick. What facts do you know about him, and what do you infer about him?
What kind of a narrator do you think he will be? - ANSWER - He was wealthy growing
up. Solemn, not very flashy. Graduate of Yale (1915). He's not a big drinker. More
reserved and honest.
What image foes the author use to describe Jordan Baker? What does it mean? -
ANSWER - Looked like she was balancing a ball on her chin. Meaning that she is
stuck up, confident, and snobby.
How does Nick react to Jordan? - ANSWER - Nervous, he thinks that she is
intimidating.
What does Tom's behavior reveal about his character? - ANSWER - He is emotionally
abusive, self centered, arrogant, dominant and aggressive.
How does Nick meet Tom's mistress? - ANSWER - Tom took Nick with him to meet
her at her husbands auto body shop.
How does Myrtle react Tom's arrival? - ANSWER - She is focused solely on Tom and
then she sent her husband George away to go get some chairs.
