Great Gatsby Answers Essay Example
ANSWER KEY: STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS –
The Great Gatsby
Chapter 1
1. How does the narrator describe Gatsby?
He says Gatsby had an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as he 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 Buchanans' 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. Describe Tom. What is our impression of him 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 suppose she talks--and eats, and everything."
10. How is Gatsby introduced into the novel?
His name first comes up in 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 the valley
of
The Great Gatsby
Chapter 1
1. How does the narrator describe Gatsby?
He says Gatsby had an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as he 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 Buchanans' 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. Describe Tom. What is our impression of him 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 suppose she talks--and eats, and everything."
10. How is Gatsby introduced into the novel?
His name first comes up in 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 the valley
of