The Great Gatsby—Study Questions Chapter 1
1. The narrative begins with the quoted advice from Nick Carraway’s father, “Whenever you feel like criticizing
anyone…just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” (5) What do
these words foreshadow, and reveal about the perspective from which they are being told? (Consider the line “I’m
inclined to reserve all judgments…”)
2. Explain what the following three quotes tell the reader about Nick as narrator:
a. “…I was privy to the secret griefs of wild, unknown men.” (5)
b. “When I came back from the East last autumn I felt that I wanted the world to be in uniform and at a sort of
moral attention forever; I wanted no more riotous excursions with privileged glimpses into the human
heart.” (6)
c. “…Gatsby who represented everything for which I have an unaffected scorn.”
3. What is meant by the phrase, “…life is much more successfully looked at from a single window, after all.” (9);
what does it further tell you about the narrative perspective of the story?
4. Beginning page 11, there are a variety of detailed descriptions of Tom Buchanan’s “East Egg” residence. Choose
a minimum of five quotes describing this residence, copy, and reflect: what impression does the reader get about
East Egg based upon these quotes?
5. Choose three quotes from this chapter that characterize Tom Buchanan. What impressions do we get?
6. Considering the descriptions, what might “East Egg” symbolize?
The Great Gatsby—Study Questions Chapter 2
1. Choose 10 phrases that characterize the Valley of Ashes. What is the mood of this setting?
2. In contrast to East Egg, what might the Valley of Ashes symbolize? Provide textual references.
3. Explain the symbolism of “the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg (27). What are the eyes and why are they in the
Valley of Ashes?
5. Why does Tom’s mistress reside in the Valley of Ashes?
6. In this chapter, Tom Buchanan’s character continues to be developed. Identify three more phrases, quotes, or
descriptions which alert the reader as to the nature of his character. Explain.
7. Throughout the novel, there is a motif of “the lower order[s]” (36). Explain the various orders existent within the
novel thus far, and how they are symbolic.
8. Going back to our discussion of Nick Carraway’s narrative perspective—on page 40 he states, “I was within and
without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.” What is meant by this quote?
9. How are we beginning to see the theme of moral decay within the novel, thus far? Provide specific examples.
The Great Gatsby—Study Questions Chapter 3
1. Choose a minimum of 10 adjectival phrases that illustrate the theme of excess occurring within the first few
pages of the chapter. In your own words, describe Gatsby’s West Egg residence as seen at the party.
2. What does West Egg represent? How does it differ from East Egg and its symbolism?
3. Copy 3 quotes which show rumors being circulated about Gatsby. Include the page number. What does Gatsby
connote to those who do not know him? Why do you think no one knows Gastby’s occupation; i.e., why might the
mystery of Gatsby be important?
4. Owl Eyes states, “absolutely real –have pages and everything” in reference to Gatsby’s books. Why do you think
that he is surprised that they are real? Is there a reason that they wouldn’t be? How are the books a metaphor for
Gatsby?
5. The chapter ends with phrases like, “emptiness” (60), “a haunting loneliness” (62), and “a sinking in my heart”.
What do these phrases reveal to you, the reader, about Nick’s sentiments about the lifestyle of East and West Egg?
6. The last line of the chapter says, “I am one of the few honest people that I have even known.” (64) Explain the
significance of this line in relation to the narrative perspective. Is Nick a reliable narrator? Explain.
7. How do you think Nick feels about Jordan? Provide a quote that supports your assertion.
The Great Gatsby—Study Questions Chapter 4
1. What is meant by “the world and its mistress…” in the first paragraph of the chapter?
2. The chapter continues with a long list of attendees to Gatsby’s party.
a. What is the point of providing this list?
b. What is the difference in people who come from West versus East Egg? (You may want to research.)
3. Why did Daisy marry Tom? Provide a quote to support your assertion.
4. What makes Daisy so upset later in the chapter upon receiving the letter from Gatsby?
5. The majority of the chapter serves to create and unravel some of the mysteries associated with Gatsby’s’
character.
a. Copy at least 3 quotes that capture Gatsby’s characterization from his own point of view.
b. Are there any discrepancies in Gatsby’s story about himself? Is his narration reliable?
c. What does Nick say that may make us believe Gatsby is not telling the truth? What does Gatsby do/say
that may make us to believe that he is?
6. Copy at least 3 quotes that best illustrate Wolfshiem’s character. What impressions does the reader get of
Wolfshiem? In what way is he similar to Gatsby? How have he and Gatsby made their money?
7. Provide at least 3 details about Daisy and Gatsby’s past.
The Great Gatsby—Study Questions Chapter 5
1. There is mention early in the chapter by Gatsby that, “I carry on a little side business” (87). What might this side
business be and why? To what extent should we believe Gatsby’s narrative and why? Provide evidence.
2. Gatsby’s favorite phrase, it seems, is “Old Sport”; but it is commented in the chapter that it is said “hollowly”
(89). Why might Gatsby repeatedly use this phrase, and more importantly, what does the fact that it is said hollowly
reveal about his use of the phrase?
3. When Gatsby, Daisy, and Nick are all in the same room, there is a real sense of tension. Find a few quotes that
capture this mood, copy them, and explain what is causing this.
4. On page 93, it is quoted: “Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about
being peasantry.” Explain how this quote relates to the concept of the American Dream, as well as the motif of
“orders” found throughout the novel thus far.
5. What else does Gatsby “reveal” about how he has obtained his wealth?
6. Describe the sense of emptiness, or superficiality that pervades the text. Provide some examples, and describe its
importance in relation to the time period. (Consider the fact that Gatsby shows Nick and Daisy around his house,
and the shirts…)
7. There is mention of a “green light” (98) by Gatsby. Read the section, state what the light is being compared to,
and explain the metaphorical significance of this light.
8. A motif of rain runs throughout the chapter. Explain what the rain might signify, who it might refer to, what
mood it establishes.
9. The chapter ends with a few peculiar phrases. Explain them:
a. “…Daisy tumbled short of his dreams – not through her own fault but because of the colossal vitality of
his illusion.”
b. “No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.”
c. “I think that voice held him most with its fluctuating, feverish warmth because it couldn’t be overdreamed – that voice was a deathless song.” (101)