Chapter 1
1. 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.” What are Nick’s advantages?
2. Read the scene carefully when Nick goes over to Daisy and Tom’s house.
3. What image does the author use to describe Jordan Baker? What does it mean?
4. How does Nick react to Jordan?
5. What does Tom’s behavior reveal about his character?
Chapter 2:
1. Describe the Valley of the Ashes.
2. Describe Tom’s conversation with George.
a. What does this imply about him?
3. Describe the TJ Eckleburg sign/billboard.
4. What do George and Myrtle look like?
a. Why do their appearances matter?
5. Why did Tom hurt Myrtle?
a. Consider more than her saying D’s name.
6. What new things have you learned about Nick in this chapter? Is he similar or
different from the people he spends his time?
Chapter 3:
1. What kinds of things do they have at Gatsby’s party?
2. Why does Nick go?
3. What is unusual about Gatsby at his party?
4. Why does Fitzgerald bring up the car accident in this chapter? What does this say
about their culture?
5. Look at the color references in this chapter. Are certain characters associated with
particular colors? Are any colors used more in this chapter than in others?
6. What kind of party is this? Have most of the guests been invited?
7. Describe Gatsby the first time Nick sees him. How does their meeting occur?
8. How is Gatsby different from his guests?
9. Nick claims that he is one of the few honest people he knows. Why? Do you agree?
Why or why not?
Chapter 4:
1. Who is Kiipspringer?
2. Describe Gatsby’s car.
3. What did Gatsby say to Nick about his past?
4. What is the reason or purpose of including the funeral caravan?
5. Who is Meyer Wolfshiem?
6. Why did Gatsby buy his house?
7. What did we learn about the secret conversation between Jordan and Gatsby at the
party in chapter 3?
8. List all the rumors about Gatsby.
9. Why does Fitzgerald list all of Gatsby’s party guests?
10. Why does Gatsby tell Nick about his life? Does Nick believe him? Do you? Why or
why not?
11. Who is Meyer Wolfsheim?
12. What does Jordan’s story of Daisy’s marriage reveal about Daisy?
Chapter 5
1. Why does Gatsby want Daisy to see his house?
2. Why does Gatsby deliver so many goods and services to Nick’s house?
3. Describe the effect of rain on the plot in this chapter, and think about when it clears
up.
4. Explain the significance of the “green light.” Analyze this passage.
5. Why does Gatsby get so many phone calls?
Chapter 6
1. How truthful was Gatsby when he relayed the story of his life to Nick? Why does
Fitzgerald tell the story of Jay Gatz NOW?
2. When Nick told Gatsby that “you can’t repeat the past,” and Gatsby replied, “Why of
course you can!” Who do you agree with? Why?
3. Describe the meeting between Gatsby and Tom. What does the meeting show or reveal
about their characters?
4. How did Gatsby measure the success of his party?
5. Explain why Daisy and Tom find Gatsby’s party loathsome? (make sure you know what
the word means ;)
Chapter 7
1. Who is Trimalchio? Explain how this relates to Gatsby.
2. Describe Daisy and Gatsby’s new relationship.
3. Compare Tom and George Wilson. What did each man learn about his wife and how did
each react?
4. What does Gatsby want Daisy to say about her relationship with Tom? Why can’t she
say it? How does Tom play a role here?
5. What is significant about Daisy and Tom talking and eating together in the kitchen? Do
you think that Tom knew Daisy was driving the “death car”? Why or why not?
Chapter 8
1. What season is it now in the novel? Why is this significant?
2. How do you, as a reader, feel about Gatsby as he is standing watch in the garden? Do you
find his unwavering love, noble? Do you pity him?
3. How does Fitzgerald achieve a mood of melancholy in the beginning of the chapter?
4. Who is Dan Cody and what is his significance in Gatsby’s life?
5. How does Nick’s statement: “You’re worth the whole bunch put together” show a
change in him from the beginning of the novel?
Chapter 9
1. Why does Nick take care of Gatsby’s funeral?
2. Is Jay Gatz’s childhood schedule consistent with the adult Gatsby’s behavior?
3. Compare and contrast Gatsby’s funeral with his parties.
4. What is the purpose of Nick’s last meeting with Jordan?
5. Why does Nick call Tom and Daisy “careless people”?