The Great Gatsby: Questions & Answers
Inspired by real-time events and full of refined symbolism, The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald leaves many questions unanswered. On this page, you’ll find a list of the answers to the most pressing questions about the novel. To read the full versions of the answers, just click on the links.
❓ The Great Gatsby Q&A
How did jordan describe daisy’s background.
Jordan Baker finally decides to reveal her friend’s background. She tells Nick that Daisy and Gatsby have always loved each other. They met during the war, and it was love from the first sight. But Daisy married Tom Buchanan when Gatsby had to join the army. Just before the wedding, she realized that this decision was a mistake. Daisy’s heart belonged to Gatsby.
What does Old Money vs. New Money mean in the Great Gatsby?
Old money stands out because their wealth comes from old family connections. New money refers to those people who make their fortune with no help. Back then, “old money” were considered elite (Daisy’s world). And “new money” was seen as less educated and elegant (Gatsby’s world).
Why did Gatsby fail to achieve the American Dream?
The appearance of a happy life was just a lie that covered the deep grief inside. Gatsby didn’t achieve the American dream because he chased the praise of others. His material possession didn’t bring him happiness. The only thing Gatsby dreamed about is for Daisy to accept his love.
What does “Her voice is full of money” mean?
The metaphor used by Gatsby to describe Daisy’s voice goes back to the main character’s life story. In his youth, Gatsby was relatively poor, so becoming wealthy was his primary goal. Jay compares Daisy with money since he needs to win her back. It’s the only thing that can make him feel complete after coming back from war.
What role does the book “The Rise of the Colored Empires” play in The Great Gatsby?
The book “The Rise of the Colored Empires” is mentioned in the first chapter of The Great Gatsby. The main antagonist, Tom Buchanan, comments on it. This scene is essential for understanding his character and life principles. The book also refers to a real-life piece of literature. It promotes the ideas of racism in society.
How did Gatsby get rich?
Though Gatsby is a fictional character, it’s hard to believe someone in the ’20s could afford such a lavish life. Some people speculate that he was a drug dealer, and some say that he was a tax cheater. But others say that he was selling cognac until he became rich and powerful.
What was Jay Gatsby’s real name & background?
Jay Gatsby’s real name is James Gatz. He was the son of a poor farmer from North Dakota. Gatsby (or Gatz, to be exact) did not come from San Francisco, as he claimed. He attended St Olaf’s College, which was not a lie. However, he dropped out two years later and decided to make a name for himself.
What does Gatsby tell Nick about himself and his past?
Gatsby provides Nick and the readers with the story of his extraordinary life. The man’s past is filled with a luxurious experience and incredible feats, many of which seem improbable. He admits that he was born into wealth, attended a prestigious university, and traveled the world. Nick is doubtful about these stories’ truth, but cannot argue with the proof Gatsby provides.
Who killed Gatsby and how did that happen?
George Wilson killed Gatsby with a gun in Gatsby’s house and then shot himself dead. Wilson was devastated by his wife’s death, who died in a car accident. Assuming that the driver was Gatsby himself, Wilson decided to kill him. But such a tragic ending is just a simple misunderstanding.
What does The Great Gatsby’s ending mean?
By leaving his readers with an empty feeling, Fitzgerald communicates several messages. First of all, he shows Gatsby’s disappointment with the American dream. Second, it shows Fitzgerald’s reflection over the Interbellum. Finally, the author invites his readers to discuss the personal perception of their past and future.
“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” Explain the quote
Jordan Baker uses the change of seasons as a metaphor for new beginnings in life. She tries to cheer up Daisy, who is depressed and tired of life. This quote is indicative of Jordan’s personality. Unlike Daisy, she is pragmatic and doesn’t rely on others to enjoy her success in life.
“So we beat on, boats against the current…” Explain the quote
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” The most famous among The Great Gatsby quotes is the novel’s final sentence, restating its central theme. It reflects Jay Gatsby’s inability to let go of the past. His efforts to bring it back are barely worth it.
How does the Narrator describe Gatsby?
In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby appears as a man with a newly found fortune. He is extravagant, like his parties, but he is also incredibly lonely. Many people around refer to him as a gorgeous person. In fact, he is immature and has no knowledge of the world he became a part of.
What does Nick mean by the last line of The Great Gatsby?
The last line of The Great Gatsby is often referred to as the main character’s constant desire to reclaim the past. It is shown in Gatsby’s desire to win Daisy’s love back and his unwillingness to give up are.
What were the rumors about Gatsby?
Jay Gatsby has made a name for himself among wealthy socialites. In the book, he throws lavish parties every other weekend. However, Gatsby remains mysterious to his party guests. They believe he might be a German spy, a bootlegger, and a war hero. Moreover, some believe he is a relative of the Kaiser. He is rumored to have killed people as well!
In chapter 7, why does Gatsby stop giving parties?
The reason Gatsby stops giving parties is that he wants to spend more time with Daisy. The initial goal of Gatsby’s social gatherings was to attract his love interest’s attention. Besides, he had to do without being suspicious. So, the purpose of the events disappears once Daisy accepts his affection. Therefore, he holds back from parties in favor of in-person communication.
“Can’t repeat the past? Why, of course, you can!” Explain the quote
“You can’t repeat the past,” says Nick Carraway to Jay Gatsby. This quote belongs in Chapter 6 of Francis Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel, “The Great Gatsby.” To which Gatsby replies, “Can’t repeat the past? Why, of course, you can!” This conversation gives a hint about Gatsby’s intention to return Daisy Buchanan, his past love.
How does Nick describe Gatsby’s car?
Nick is a first-person narrator in the novel. He describes Gatsby’s car to have a creamy color, bright and extravagant with multiple windshields. It appears to be as pompous as its owner.
“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy.” Explain the quote
Nick calls Tom and Daisy careless because their lifestyle is free of any problems. Sure, they have challenging situations, but they leave all the unsatisfying stuff behind and move on. Nick has different life values and sees Tom and Daisy as spoiled children. He does not like the characters’ careless attitude, but knowing them so well helps him maintain a good relationship.
What does “Owl Eyes” reveal about Gatsby’s books?
Fitzgerald’s books are rich in symbolism that fills the characters with deep symbolic meanings. Owl Eyes shows wisdom, which makes him different from the rest of Gatsby’s guests. Unlike others, he knows how to distinguish the real from the fake. He is astonished that in a world of false, the only real thing is books.
Where is Nick Carraway from?
The novel’s narrator, Nick Carraway, is a young man born in Minnesota. Yale-educated and World War I ex-military, Nick comes to New York City to learn about the bond business.
Who attended Gatsby’s funeral?
“Life and death were much different for Gatsby, only a few genuinely cared for him.” There were only a few people who attended Gatsby’s funeral. Nick was there along with Gatsby’s father (Henry Gatz), Owl Eyes, the minister, and a few of the house servants.
Why does Nick feel responsible for getting people to the funeral of Gatsby?
The Great Gatsby appears to be the tragic story of a person who possessed everything, yet had nothing. Jay Gatsby is an extravagant rich man who very quickly earned a fortune doing some illegal business. Many people are truly amazed by him. But he is still a lost child who has no idea how to live in the world and be himself.
How did F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby reflect the culture of the 1920s?
Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby perfectly reflected the culture of the 1920s. Fitzgerald did it by showing the characters’ absence of regard for morals. The story shows the societal decadence due to the overall prosperity. In historical context, it was brought by the industrial revolution.
How does Nick describe himself at the beginning of The Great Gatsby?
The first thing that Nick tells about himself is that he refrains from passing judgment on others. Nick’s background and tolerant personality make people confide in him, giving more credence to his narration.
In which point of view is The Great Gatsby written?
The Great Gatsby is written from the first-person perspective. Nick Carraway narrates the events of the novel in first-person, but he is not a reliable narrator.
What does Gatsby want from Daisy in chapter 6?
In chapter 6, Gatsby reveals that he wants to reunite with Daisy. He wishes to forget the fact that she was with Tom for the last five years. He is willing to pretend that these years never existed, and their relationship was continuous and wholesome.
What was Gatsby’s reaction to Daisy’s child?
Gatsby was surprised by the fact that Daisy has a child as he saw her as a daydream rather than a woman. The main character was deeply in love with a dream girl who barely had flesh. So, she could not possibly be associated with such earthly aspects as childbearing.
Which excerpt from The Great Gatsby is the best example of foreshadowing?
Foreshadowing is a powerful literary device that Fitzgerald used to keep the reader intrigued! At the end of chapter 1, Nick sees Gatsby standing at the shore, trembling. He was stretching out his arms and into the distance towards a green light. But eventually, Gatsby disappears into the “unquiet darkness.” That moment predicts his inability to attain his greatest desires and his eventual demise in death.
Why did Daisy marry Tom in The Great Gatsby?
In The Great Gatsby, there are several love stories that are intertwined. Gatsby loves Daisy, she loves both Gatsby and her husband, her husband Tom loves Myrtle, but she is married to George. But the most exciting love triangle is between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom. It is just strange that Daisy chose a man who never loved her.
When and why did Gatsby change his name?
Jay Gatsby was born James Gatz and changed his name when he was seventeen. He did it to tailor it to his new lifestyle and reflect his wish to obtain wealth and status.
What is the true relationship between Daisy and Tom in The Great Gatsby?
Daisy and Tom Buchanan are a perfect match for each other. But it’s not due to personal traits of character, shared ambitions, or sincere, romantic feelings. They deserve each other since both spouses are obsessed with wealth and luxury.
Why does Daisy cry about the shirts in chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby?
Daisy cries because she has never seen such beautiful shirts, and their appearance makes her emotional. The scene solidifies her character and her treatment of Gatsby. She is vain and self-serving, only concerned with material goods.
What is Gatsby’s real history?
The protagonist’s real story is way different from what he tells people. Gatsby’s real name is James Gatz, and he was born in a poor farmers’ family in North Dakota. After failing to complete his education, he decided to start a new life. Gatsby invents an alternative story about himself to become a different man he dreamed of being.
How does The Great Gatsby reflect the Jazz Age?
The Great Gatsby shows the Jazz Age by depicting Gatsby’s luxurious parties. Accompanied by live jazz orchestras, they were typical for that period. Fitzgerald reflects on the material values and the struggle to get a higher social class in the book.
“It takes two to make an accident…” What is the significance of this quote?
It appears to be a popular idiomatic expression, but with a much deeper meaning. The quote has a symbolic meaning of carelessness towards life from Jordan and other residents in East Egg. Besides, it is a foreshadowing element of the climax of the novel.
How does Nick know Daisy and Tom in The Great Gatsby?
Nick shares the social circle with Daisy and Tom, who he knows from his youth. He remembers Tom from his time at Yale, and Daisy is his cousin, who he visited after the war.
How does Nick describe Tom Buchanan in chapter 1?
Nick, the book’s narrator, provides the audience with an uncharitable description of Tom Buchanan. The man is a wealthy acquaintance of his. He is noted to be arrogant, broad, and muscular, with an imposing build.
How does Myrtle behave as the party progresses in chapter 2?
During the party, Myrtle’s attitude changes with her surroundings and her clothes. Myrtle shows a lot of liveliness and vitality in the beginning. But she becomes more artificial and reserved after putting on a different dress.
How do we know that Myrtle Wilson is not an intellectual?
Myrtle Wilson does not have a central role in the narrative of The Great Gatsby. However, she is still an essential part of the novel. It is evident that Myrtle is lively and eccentric, unlike Daisy. However, the readers can sense that she is not much of an intellectual. It becomes clear through Nick’s description of Myrtle’s appearance and interests.
How did Gatsby measure the success of his party in chapter 6?
Gatsby’s mansion parties became one of the reasons for his high status and reputation in New York. Hundreds of people enjoying drinks and gossip till early morning. And these events served one principal purpose. The host wanted to draw Daisy’s attention. In chapter 6, Daisy finally attends one of Gatsby’s parties. And its success is measured by the extent to which she likes it.
What are the main differences between The Great Gatsby book and movie?
There are several ways in which the movie by Baz Luhrmann differs from the classic novel. The story portrayed in the film departs from the original text in different scenes. For instance, they are at the very beginning and during the apartment party. Nevertheless, the movie production team did a great job of depicting the classic story.
What is the main conflict in The Great Gatsby?
The primary conflict in Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby is between Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. Gatsby wants to rekindle his relationship with Daisy, who is now married to Tom.
What is the climax of The Great Gatsby?
The climax of “The Great Gatsby” is Chapter 7, where Tom confronts Gatsby and talks about his illegal business. At the same moment, the love triangle decides to rule out the situation between each other.
Why Is Gatsby great?
Jay Gatsby is considered to be “great” in the paradoxical context. He is “great” because of his dreams, wealth, status in society, festivities, and personality. However, it is contradictory because all this greatness cannot provide him with the only thing he needs – love.
Why does Jordan want to leave the group from East Egg?
Jordan, having spent most of her life in the East Egg, at some point got tired from the company she was spending time with. East Egg was the part of Long Island where old money was living. So the surroundings there were quite monotonous, leaving Jordan no choice but to crave new emotions. Furthermore, Jordan was always followed by a young man who was showing too much affection to her.
Who killed Myrtle in The Great Gatsby?
Daisy is the person who causes the death of Myrtle Wilson. However, this truth stays unrevealed. Daisy drives the car, which belongs to Gatsby, at this tragic moment. And he is determined to protect her and takes the blame upon himself.
“Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone…” What is the significance of this quote?
The author of The Great Gatsby introduces the narrator with this phrase. Nick is a modest and courteous person. It evokes sympathy for Nick among readers. Besides, this quote highlights social issues. One of them is that wealth provides prospects. “All the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had” refers to his middle-class background.
What is the cause of the problem between Jordan and Nick?
The actual cause of the issue between Jordan Baker and Nick is simple to understand. That’s why: Nick is disappointed in Jordan’s emotional reaction. For Jordan, it only matters how Nick treated her. And this is despite Myrtle’s recent death. He realizes she and the people of her social circle are egoistic and quite ruthless.
What is Gatsby doing when Nick first sees him?
The first time Nick sees Gatsby when going back home from a party at the Buchanan house. He notices Gatsby mysteriously standing on the lawn with his hands stretched forward. It seems like he was watching the stars, but then it becomes clear that he glazes at the green light. Nick is thinking about whether he should introduce himself to the new neighbor.
What is Daisy’s opinion of Gatsby’s party in chapter 6?
When Daisy goes to Gatsby’s party, she seems miserable, which does not correlate with Jay’s expectations. She feels bad not because she dislikes the party, but because she enjoys it more than her own life.
What did Dan Cody do for Gatsby? What did Gatsby learn from him?
Dan Cody was Gatsby’s mentor, who educated him on the world of business and finance. The young man changed his name because of Cody and was able to start his journey toward a prosperous life. Cody gave Gatsby education and financial support, which helped him achieve his aspirations.
“They’re a rotten crowd” – what does this quote mean?
In Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Nick tells his only compliment to Gatsby. He states that Gatsby is worth more than the whole upper-class at the time. This quote means that he is a better person than most people, superficial and vain. It is even though Gatsby’s happy life is illusional.
What role does social class in The Great Gatsby play?
The social class in The Great Gatsby, the outstanding novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is an integral part of the book. Upper-class people are expected to act with dignity, grace, and decency. Still, this view is deceitful. The corruption and dishonesty of the rich are reflected through the eyes of the main character.
“I was within and without” – what does this quote mean?
“I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” The quote implies the repulsiveness and allurement of Tom Buchanan guests’ lifestyle. Nick does not entirely approve of their extravagance and excessive fashion.
“I hope she’ll be a fool” – what does this quote mean?
Daisy’s statement shows how protective she is of her daughter’s innocence. She hopes that if she is foolish enough, she will not be as hurt by life as more introspective people.
How is Gatsby different from his guests?
Gatsby is strikingly different from the guests who attend his weekly parties for several reasons. The critical aspects of his personality that make him stand out are honesty and introverted nature. These curious traits show how distant Gatsby is from the guests.
How does Nick meet Gatsby for the first time?
Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby might have known each other from several possible encounters. Their first proper meeting happens during one of Gatsby’s parties, to which Nick was invited. They strike up a conversation that leads to them establishing a close friendship. But Nick does not realize who he is talking to at first.
In chapter 8, did Gatsby go to Oxford?
Yes, Gatsby went to Oxford even though he wanted to go back to Daisy. However, he was sent there because of a clerical error.
Describe the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy in chapter 5. What was it like?
In Chapter 5, Nick sets up the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy. And the ex-partners behave in a highly stiff and stressful way. It is evident that both experience some discomfort and nervousness. After Nick’s arrival, Gatsby is filled with joy, and Daisy tears up from happiness.
Why was young Gatsby drawn to Daisy?
Young Gatsby loved the image he created for himself with a great passion. He did not know the real Daisy but dreamed of a beautiful high-class girl. She lives with no worries, and money can help fulfill any of her whims.
🎓 References
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Free Ebook
- The world’s most misunderstood novel – BBC Culture
- Our Favorite ‘Gatsby’ References in Popular Culture
- What The Great Gatsby Reveals About The Jazz Age | JSTOR
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Study Guide Menu
- Short Summary
- Summary (Chapter 1)
- Summary (Chapter 2)
- Summary (Chapter 3)
- Summary (Chapter 4)
- Summary (Chapter 5)
- Summary (Chapter 6)
- Summary (Chapter 7)
- Summary (Chapter 8)
- Summary (Chapter 9)
- Symbolism & Style
- Quotes Explained
- Questions & Answers
- Essay Topics & Examples
- F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Biography
- Chicago (A-D)
- Chicago (N-B)
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IvyPanda . 2024. "The Great Gatsby: Questions & Answers." May 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/lit/the-great-gatsby-study-guide/questions/.
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Bibliography
IvyPanda . "The Great Gatsby: Questions & Answers." May 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/lit/the-great-gatsby-study-guide/questions/.