The Great Gatsby
Chapter 1 Review
Mr. Stanberry
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1. Chapter 1 begins with the narrator, Nick, making reference to a statement that his father told him in
his youth: “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this
world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” What message was Nick’s father hoping to
send? How does this relate to the concept of social status?
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2. What does the quote “for the intimate revelations of young men, or at least the terms in which they
express them, are usually plagiaristic and marred by obvious suppressions,” mean? Explain.
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3. “I wrote a series of very solemn and obvious editorials for the Yale News-.” How does this quote
from Nick relate to the career of F. Scott Fitzgerald?
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4. Describe the type of wealth in the Buchanan family through the introduction of Tom. What type of
wealth does the family have?
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5. Describe the personality of Miss Baker through the introduction by Nick’s character. What traits
does he describe to give an accurate statement about her character?
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6. During the dinner scene, Nick is made aware of one of Tom’s secrets. What was the secret? How
does this secret relate to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life?
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7. What does Daisy mean by stating, “I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool – that’s the best
thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool”? What is this statement in reference to?
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8. What does Nick mean by stating that Tom and Daisy are part of a “distinguished secret society?”
Explain.
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9. In reference to discussing his potential engagement, Nick responds with the statement “It’s a libel.
I’m too poor.” How does this statement relate to the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald?
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10. What was Nick’s overall impression after vising the Buchanan house? How does the chapter end?
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