Name: _______________________________________________ Date: _____________________ 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. _Scott Fitzgerald lived from 1896 to 1940. He was an American novelist and short story
writer.________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________

II. ___Fitzgerald is widely considered one of the greatest American writers of the 20th
century.________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

III. ___Fitzgerald is widely considered one of the greatest American writers of the 20th
century.________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

IV. His most famous work was the “Great

Gatsby.”______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

V. Fitzgerald's experiences during this era influenced his writing, capturing the essence of the
time.__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________

2. Social Context of the 1920's:

I. Post World War 1, People were learning to adjust back into society after a period of war and chaos.

II. This period brought with it prosperity and celebration.

III. It started being recognized as an era of jazz music and ballroom parties.

IV. For the aforementioned reasons, it was dubbed as the “Roaring Twenties”
V. Gatsby is portrayed as a living example of this time, experiencing prosperity and hosting
extravagant parties.

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 Initial thoughts on the novel's themes Revised thoughts after understanding the
your thoughts about the novel' s and plot based on the title. novel's content.
themes and plot?

2. What is the American Dream? Does Definition and its potential changes Evaluation of the American Dream's
the Dream change from era to across eras. portrayal in the novel.
era?

3. Does a first-person narrator Influence on the novel's structure, Assessment of the impact of the
influence the novel's structure, integrity, credibility, and reader narrator on the overall story.
integrity, credibility, and reader response.
response?

4. Do you find it difficult to Difficulty in empathizing with empty, Reflection on personal empathy
empathize with characters who shallow, and selfish characters. development throughout the novel.
are empty, shallow, and/or
completely selfish? Why or why
not?

5. Discuss a time when you felt like Discussion of personal experiences as Comparison of personal experiences
an outsider and tried to come to an outsider. with themes in the novel.
terms with this feeling, either by
concentrating on another
person or by turning your
thoughts inward.

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

A. Character Chart – identify pertinent information about the following characters:
 1. Nick Carraway Narrator; from the Midwest; Yale graduate

2. Jay Gatsby Mysterious millionaire; loves Daisy

3. Daisy Buchanan Nick's cousin; Gatsby's love interest

4. Tom Buchanan Daisy's husband; wealthy and arrogant

5. Jordan Baker Golfer; romantically involved with Nick

6. Myrtle Wilson Tom's mistress; unhappily married

7. George Wilson Myrtle's husband; owns a garage

8. Meyer Wolfsheim Gatsby's business associate; rumored mobster

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

Chapter 1

1. How does the narrator describe Gatsby?

- The narrator describes Gatsby as as someone who is mysterious, wealthy, and throws extravagant
parties

2. From where did the narrator come and why?

- Nick came from the Midwest to work in finance.
3. Describe the narrator'shouse.

- Nick's house is modest, and the Buchanan's house is grand.

4. Describe the Buchanan's house.

- The Buchanan's house is luxurious and imposing.

5. How does Nick know Daisy and Tom?

- Nick knows Daisy and Tom because he's Daisy's cousin and rents a house next to Gatsby's.

6. What is your impression of Tom in Chapter 1?

- My first impression of tom, I thought of him as someone who was very imposing and arrogant, because
he was wealthy and liked to flaunt it.

7. What kind of person is Daisy?

- Daisy appears charming and somewhat fragile.

8. What did Miss Baker tell Nick about Tom?

- Miss Baker tells Nick about Tom's affair and Daisy's dissatisfaction.
 9. When asked about her daughter, what does Daisy say?

10. How is Gatsby introduced into the novel?

- Gatsby is introduced through rumors and mysterious

stories.

Chapter 2

1. What is the "valley of ashes"?

- The Valley of Ashes is the wasteland between the east and west egg.

2. What are the "eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg"?

- The "eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg" are an advertisement billboard.

3. Who did Tom take Nick to meet?

- Tom takes Nick to meet Myrtle, his mistress.

4. What did Mrs. Wilson buy while she was out with Tom and Nick?
 - Mrs. Wilson buys a puppy.

5. Where did they go? What was at 158th Street?

- They go to New York; 158th Street is a rundown area.

6. Identify Catherine and M r. & Mrs. McKee.

- Catherine is Myrtle's sister, and Mr. & Mrs. McKee are neighbors.

7. What does Mr. McKee tell Nick about Gatsby?

- Mr. McKee tells Nick unfounded stories about Gatsby.

8. What reason did Myrtle give for marrying GeorgeWilson?

- Myrtle married George for money and status.

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

- Tom hits Myrtle for mentioning Daisy's name.

Chapter 3

1. Describe Gatsby's wealth. List some of the things that represent wealth.

- Gatsby's wealth is vast, displayed through extravagant parties.

2. What kind of people come to Gatsby's parties?

3. Why did Nick Carraway go to the party?

4. How does Nick meet Gatsby?

5. What are some of the stories about Gatsby?

6. Is Gatsby a "phony"?
7. Describe Nick's relationship with Jordan.

Chapter 4

1. Who is Klipspringer?

- Klipspringer is a regular at Gatsby's parties

2. What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself?

- Gatsby tells Nick about his wealthy background.

 3. What "matter" did Gatsby have Jordan Baker discuss with Nick?

- Gatsby wants to discuss business with Nick through Jordan.

4. What does Mr. Wolfshiem tell Nick about Gatsby?

-Mr. Wolfsheim is linked to Gatsby and organized crime.

5. What does Jordan tell Nick about Daisy, Gatsby and Tom?
- Jordan reveals details of Gatsby's past and his connection to Daisy.

Chapter 5

1. Describe the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy. Why was he sonervous?

-Gatsby and Daisy reunite, and Gatsby is nervous.

2. How long did it take Gatsby to make the money to buy the mansion?
 -Gatsby made his money quickly to impress Daisy.

3. Why did Gatsby want Daisy to see the house and his clothes?

- Gatsby wants to show Daisy his wealth and luxurious lifestyle.

4. What had the green light on the dock meant to Gatsby?

- The green light symbolizes Gatsby's dreams and aspirations.

5. What had Gatsby turned Daisy into in his own mind?

- Gatsby turned Daisy into an idealized vision in his mind.
Chapter 6

1. What is Gatsby's real history? Where is he from, and what is his name?

- Gatsby's real name is James Gatz he's from a poor family, and from

North Dakota.

2. What did Dan Cody do for Gatsby?

- Dan Cody, a wealthy man, mentored and employed Gatsby.

 3. What is Daisy's opinion of Gatsby's party? How does this affect him?

- Daisy is unimpressed by Gatsby's party, affecting him deeply.

4. What does Gatsby want from Daisy?

- Gatsby wants Daisy to admit she never loved Tom.

Chapter 7

1. What was Gatsby's reaction to Daisy's child?

- Gatsby is shocked to learn Daisy has a child.

2. What did Wilson do to Myrtle and what was his reason for doing this?

- Wilson locks Myrtle in a room, and she tries to escape, because he had

discovered that Myrtle had some sort of life apart from him in another

world.
3. Why do the five drive into the city on such a hot afternoon?

- Daisy suggests driving to the city because she wants to avoid a

confrontation between Gatsby and Tom. She believes that going to the

city will distract everyone.

4. What does Gatsby think about Daisy's relationship with Tom?

- Gatsby believes Daisy never loved Tom.

5. What is Daisy's reaction to both men?

- Daisy struggles between Tom and Gatsby.

6. What happens on the way home from New York?
- On the way home, Gatsby and Daisy hit Myrtle.

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

• Wilson: Wilson is devastated and grief-stricken. The loss of his wife has shattered him, and he
desperately seeks answers.
• Tom: Tom is angry and defensive. Concerned about the consequences, he tries to distance himself from
the tragedy.

• Nick: Nick is horrified and disturbed, deeply affected by the incident and recognizing its destructive
consequences.

• Gatsby: Gatsby is shocked and worried. He is anxious about potential fallout, especially since Daisy is
involved.

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

- Daisy and Tom's relationship is strained, marked by

issues like Tom's unfaithfulness and Daisy's

dissatisfaction. Their marriage is characterized by

tensions and unfaithfulness.

-
 -

9. What happens between Nick and Jordan Baker?

- Nick ends his relationship with Jordan due to her

dishonesty and lack of integrity. Their romantic

involvement concludes as Nick becomes aware of

Jordan's moral shortcomings.

10. What does Nick say about people like Daisy and Tom?
- Nick becomes critical of people like Daisy and Tom, perceiving them as privileged and careless. His
observations reflect a growing disillusionment with their superficiality and moral decay.

Chapter 8

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

- Gatsby shares a version of his past, claiming to be

the son of wealthy parents who are now deceased.

 However, the authenticity of Gatsby's narrative

remains uncertain.

2. What does Michaelis believe caused Myrtle to run?

- Michaelis believes Myrtle ran to escape her

oppressive and tumultuous relationship with George

Wilson.

3. Why did she run?

- Myrtle ran to escape her unhappy marriage with

George Wilson and seek a better life with Tom

Buchanan.

4. Why does Wilson believe that Gatsby killed Myrtle?

 - Wilson believes Gatsby killed Myrtle because he

owns the yellow car involved in the accident.

Fueled by grief, he seeks revenge.

5. What does Wilson do?

- Consumed by grief and rage, Wilson shoots Gatsby

and then takes his own life in a fit of desperation

and despair.

Chapter 9

1. Why couldn't Nick get anyone to come to Gatsby's Funeral?

- Nick couldn't get anyone to come to Gatsby's funeral because many who attended his parties were
superficial and uninterested in the person behind the events. Gatsby's true friends and connections were
scarce.
-
2. Who is Henry C. Gatz?
- Henry C. Gatz is Gatsby's father who arrives for Gatsby's funeral. He reflects on his son's success and
reveals Gatsby's humble beginnings.

3. What is the book Henry Gatz shows Nick? Why is it important to the novel?

- The book is Gatsby's childhood schedule, highlighting his aspirations and ambitious plans. It underscores
 Gatsby's relentless pursuit of success and the contrast between his dreams and the tragic reality of his
life. The book is important as it provides insight into Gatsby's character and the themes of aspiration and
disillusionment in the novel.

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: ____The green light represents Gatsby's unattainable

dreams.__________________________________________________________________________
___________________

2. Gatsby's house: ____Gatsby's house symbolizes his pursuit of the American

Dream.____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

3. The Eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg: __The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg represent moral and societal
decay.___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

4. West Egg / East Egg: __West Egg and East Egg represent social class distinctions.__West egg was for
the new money while east egg was for the
old._____________________________________________________________________________
__________________

5. The Valley of Ashes: _The eyes come from a billboard in the Valley of Ashes, showing the decline in
morals and spirituality in America. An eye doctor put up the ad to start a business, but later gave
up on it.___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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 A book advocating racial hierarchy Reflects racial attitudes of the time
Coloured Empires

2. Midas, Morgan, Maecenas Represents wealth and influence Portrays characters' social status and
aspirations
3. Belasco A famous theater producer Highlights Gatsby's connection to the
entertainment world

4. Katspaugh Literary reference Adds intellectual depth to the narrative

5. 1919 World Series Baseball championship in 1919 Represents a historical event, possibly
corruption in society

6. Kant Philosopher known for ethics and Influences Gatsby's moral and ethical
reason aspirations

7. Platonic conception Reference to Plato's philosophy of ideal Reflects Gatsby's idealization of Daisy
love

8. Trimalchio A character from Roman literature Suggests themes of excess and the
pursuit of pleasure

9. Clay's Economics Reference to an economic textbook Adds a layer of intellectual depth to the
story

10. Castle Rackrent Novel by Maria Edgeworth Emphasizes themes of decay in society
and aristocracy

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

1. _This theme explores how things may look one way but be different. Gatsby and his fancy parties
show this contrast between what's seen and what's
true.______________________________________________________________________________
___
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. __The story reflects the idea that many want success, money, and a high place in society, just like
Gatsby. It shows how this dream can be tricky and hard to catch.

_______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

3. __The book talks about the gap between rich and poor, shown by where characters live. George
Wilson's struggles highlight how society can be unfair when it comes to money and
status.____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
___

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!