The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages) The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages) GG 1, pp GG 1, pp GG 2, pp GG 2, pp GG 3, pp.

Transcription

1 The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages) GG 1, pp GG 2, pp GG 3, pp GG 4, pp GG 5, pp GG 6, pp GG 7, pp GG 8, pp GG 9, pp GG 10, pp GG 11, pp GG 12, pp GG 13, pp The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages) GG 1, pp GG 2, pp GG 3, pp GG 4, pp GG 5, pp GG 6, pp GG 7, pp GG 8, pp GG 9, pp GG 10, pp GG 11, pp GG 12, pp GG 13, pp The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages) GG 1, pp GG 2, pp GG 3, pp GG 4, pp GG 5, pp GG 6, pp GG 7, pp GG 8, pp GG 9, pp GG 10, pp GG 11, pp GG 12, pp GG 13, pp The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages) GG 1, pp GG 2, pp GG 3, pp GG 4, pp GG 5, pp GG 6, pp GG 7, pp GG 8, pp GG 9, pp GG 10, pp GG 11, pp GG 12, pp GG 13, pp The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages) GG 1, pp GG 2, pp GG 3, pp GG 4, pp GG 5, pp GG 6, pp GG 7, pp GG 8, pp GG 9, pp GG 10, pp GG 11, pp GG 12, pp GG 13, pp The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages) GG 1, pp GG 2, pp GG 3, pp GG 4, pp GG 5, pp GG 6, pp GG 7, pp GG 8, pp GG 9, pp GG 10, pp GG 11, pp GG 12, pp GG 13, pp

2 GG 1, pp The narrator of The Great Gatsby, who we will soon learn is named Nick Carraway, begins the novel by telling us about a piece of advice his father once gave him. Given this piece of advice, Nick tells us that he prefers to not judge people, and that this preference has allowed him to be a trusted person by many interesting people. The most interesting person Nick has encountered is the mysterious Gatsby. Our first clue about Gatsby s identity is the short, interesting, and rather confusing description Nick gives us. Nick then tells us about himself before starting his story about the summer of Keep in mind that Nick is looking back on this summer. The first event from the summer of 22 that Nick shows us is his first visit to the Buchanan s opulent house. Here we meet three of the main characters in the novel: Tom Buchanan, Daisy Buchanan, and Jordan Baker. Read the descriptions of each character carefully and try to get a good understanding of how they are characterized. - Characterization of the narrator (Nick Carraway) o Family/ Personal history o Words and behavior - Clues about Gatsby - Details of the setting - Characterization of Tom Buchanan - Characterization of Daisy Buchanan - Beautiful sentences and descriptions - Paraphrase in your own words the piece of advice Nick s father gives him. - What effect did WWI have on Nick upon his return home? - Which of the two Eggs does Nick live in? How does he describe his Egg? - What work is Nick trying to get into in New York City? - How does Nick know Daisy and Tom? The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:

3 GG 2, pp In tonight s reading we will continue with Nick s first visit to the Buchanan s house during the summer of If you will remember, at the bottom of page 10, Nick has just been introduced to Jordan Baker. The rest of Chapter One serves to further characterize Tom, Daisy, Jordan, and of course Nick. Fitzgerald does an incredible job of fully developing these characters from the very beginning. Try to note the tension that exists between Tom and Daisy. Pay attention to how casual and almost bored Jordan Baker seems. How many different emotions does Daisy seem to go through? What does Tom seemed focused on whenever he speaks? After dinner, Nick and Daisy go off together and catch-up. When it is just the two of them, Daisy reveals how she has been feeling about her life lately. They then all return to the house where Daisy and Tom tell Nick about a rumor they heard about him. Finally, at the end of Chapter One when Nick is returning home, we get our first glimpse of the mysterious Gatsby; and this first glimpse is quite bizarre. - Moments that characterize Tom, Daisy, Jordan, and Nick o Track actions and dialogue that tell us about their personalities. o Write adjectives in the margins that you would use to describe them. - Our first glimpse of Gatsby - Who does Jordan Baker assume is calling Tom during dinner? - What did Daisy say she hoped for her baby when she found out it was a girl? (I m looking for a specific phrase). - What rumor did Daisy and Tom say they heard about Nick? - What is Gatsby doing at the end of Chapter One? (Be specific).

4 GG 3, pp On the first page of Chapter II, Nick introduces us to a new geographic location the valley of ashes. Even though we are only briefly stopping through the valley of ashes, this location will prove to be significant throughout the rest of the story. In the valley of ashes, Tom takes Nick to meet two new characters: George and Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle is Tom s girl that he is having an affair with. After stopping by the valley of Ashes, Nick reluctantly agrees to hang out with Tom, Myrtle, Myrtle s sister, and a handful of other people in Tom and Myrtle s apartment in New York City. The descriptions and behaviors of this get together are very interesting. Pay attention to how each character is handling the situation. Does everyone seem like they want to be there? Also keep in mind that all the characters are drinking, especially Nick, which makes his memory of the whole afternoon and evening a little blurry and jumpy. The end of the chapter is incredibly dramatic, but I won t spoil how; just know the pleasant afternoon turns quickly sour. In the end, Nick, who is drunk for the second time in his life leaves and has to spend the night with Mr. McKee. - Descriptions of the valley of ashes - Underline any mention of the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg (write eyes in the margin beside the lines) - Characterization and descriptions of George and Myrtle Wilson - Interesting dialogue and descriptions of the afternoon/evening spent in New York City - Telling details about Myrtle and Tom s relationship - What is George Wilson s occupation? - Who is Catherine? - What does Tom unhappily buy for Myrtle for ten dollars? - What is Mr. McKee s occupation? - Where were Myrtle and Tom the first time they saw each other?

5 GG 4, pp In tonight s reading, there are a lot of clues about the mysterious Gatsby. Nick attends a party at Gatsby s house. At the party while trying to find the host, Nick drinks quite a bit of alcohol and runs into Jordan Baker. With Jordan, Nick has brief conversations with a handful of strangers at the party, and most of these conversations include claims about Gatsby. Then at the end of the reading, Nick has a conversation with another stranger at the party that will change the course of his entire summer. - Interesting and beautiful descriptions of the party - Write clue in the margin next to a claims made about Gatsby - (True or False) Like most people, Nick was invited to attend Gatsby s party. - What does the owl-eyed man in the library say is significant about the books on Gatsby s shelves. - Why type of music is being played at Gatsby s party? - What major events happened right before and right after the roaring 20 s?

6 GG 5, pp Tonight s reading continues the party at Gatsby s house. It may be helpful to read over your marginalia from the first half of Chapter III to get back into the atmosphere of the lavish party. If you remember, Nick had just met Gatsby and was invited to go out on Gatsby s hydroplane the next morning. However, just as Nick and Gatsby start a conversation, Gatsby is pulled away by a phone call. Once again, we get a glimpse of Gatsby and then he vanishes. Soon after, Gatsby s butler tells Jordan that Gatsby would like to speak to her alone. With Jordan gone for a while, Nick is left alone and simply observes the party as it comes to a close. When Jordan returns she tells Nick she had just heard the most amazing thing. Gatsby is also present and begins to chat with Nick when once again he is pulled away by an important phone call. The party concludes with a comical (and frightening) incident involving an automobile, after which Nick returns home. On the last couple pages of Chapter III, Nick looks back over his whole summer so far and clarifies the time frame and a few details regarding his female relationships; he reveals some interesting details about Jordan Baker. - Clues, characterization, and descriptions of Gatsby - Events, details, and conversations that depict the atmosphere at the end of the party - Clarification about the summer s timeframe - Characterization of Jordan Baker - What college did Gatsby tell Jordan he went to? (Top of 49) - (True or False) Nick is completely surprised by the amazing thing Jordan tells him regarding her meeting with Gatsby. - Describe the incident involving the automobile at the end of the party. - Which character from earlier on in Chapter III was in the automobile? - What is the story about Jordan that Nick remembers at the end of the chapter?

7 GG 6, pp Tonight s reading is quite short and ends in the middle of major events, but there is still very important information in these pages that can t be missed. Chapter IV begins with a few more clues about Gatsby s identity before Nick begins listing a lot of different people who were present at some of Gatsby s parties during the summer of The point of this list is to show that some of the most wealthy and powerful people were usually attending the parties. Also, note how many of these people have disturbing little details attached to their names. After the list, Gatsby picks up Nick in his car (symbol). The car ride to New York City is the longest glimpse of Gatsby we have gotten so far. Gatsby tells Nick details about his past. Then Gatsby says that he is going to make a big request of Nick, but he doesn t say what and he isn t going to be the one to actually make the request. - In Nick s list, note the man named Klipspringer - Descriptions of Gatsby s car - Descriptions of Gatsby - Details of Gatsby s past as explained by him - How does Nick feel about what Gatsby is telling him? - What description is attached to the man named Klipspringer? - How does Gatsby almost get in trouble on the way to New York City? - What two pieces of physical evidence does Gatsby show Nick as proof of his past? - Who is going to speak to Nick on Gatsby s behalf regarding Gatsby s big request (67)?

8 GG 7, pp Tonight s reading puts us right back in New York City with Nick and Gatsby out for lunch. Gatsby takes Nick to a rather interesting lunch location one located in a cellar where highballs (an alcoholic drink) are served. Nick is introduced to Mr. Wolfsheim, who is quite a character and apparently a business associate of Gatsby. As the lunch continues, Nick is a little annoyed with Gatsby because Gatsby won t come right out and ask him the big favor that was mentioned earlier in the chapter. Instead, Gatsby has arranged for a meeting between Nick and Jordan, during which Jordan will talk to Nick about the favor. After Gatsby explains this, Nick sees someone he knows in the room and attempts to introduce Gatsby, but Gatsby once again acts mysteriously. The rest of the chapter is Jordan Baker telling Nick a story from her past that connects to the favor Gatsby is asking of Nick. In this story, we begin to understand Gatsby is a completely new and very significant way. Then at the very end of the chapter, we get a little glimpse of a blossoming romance. - Descriptions and characterization of Wolfsheim - Different emotions does Gatsby goes through with Nick - Important elements of Jordan s talk with Nick - What are Wolfsheim s cuff buttons made of? - What did Wolfsheim fix? (73) - What expensive gift did Tom buy for Daisy before their wedding? - What is Gatsby s request of Nick? - Why does Jordan think is the reason Gatsby has been throwing all his parties?

9 GG 8, pp Tonight s reading is long, but it is necessary to read the whole long scene at once. Much of the novel s mystery and tension comes to a head in this chapter. Nick agrees to fulfill Gatsby s favor by inviting Daisy over for afternoon tea. Gatsby s emotions about this agreement are very mixed. Gatsby is excited but he also is nervous because he wants everything to be perfect. Now, I don t want to give away too many details. Just know that the reunion of Gatsby and Daisy is interesting, and all the people involved (including Nick) aren t sure how to behave given the circumstances and history. - Track the up and downs of Gatsby s emotions throughout the chapter - Nick s observations about Daisy - Nick s observations about Gatsby - Track the changes in the weather - Underline any quotes you think are important - (True or False) Nick cuts his grass before Daisy comes over. - What warning about coming over does Nick give Daisy on the phone? - What object does Gatsby knock off Nick s mantel? - What objects does Gatsby throw in the air that make Daisy cry?

10 GG 9, pp Now that Gatsby and Daisy have reunited, you can probably guess that the plot is about to get thicker with conflict and tension. In this chapter, the tension is bubbling under the surface; but before we get to the tension, we actually get a bit more information on Gatsby s past. Nick provides us with a good bit of information about the young Gatsby and his friendship with the wealthy Dan Cody. Some of this information answers certain mysteries about Gatsby, and some of the information completely contradicts some of the things we thought we knew about Gatsby. The chapter then jumps to a quick scene at Gatsby s house where Daisy, Tom, and another married couple are present. The tension in this scene demonstrates the difference between east and west egg. Tom, Daisy, and the Sloane s are from East egg. Then the chapter jumps again to a party at Gatsby s house where Daisy and Tom are attending. Remember, Gatsby threw all these parties for Daisy. It is a big deal that she is here, but read closely; is she enjoying it? Is Gatsby content? Is Tom enjoying himself? Is Nick? The chapter jumps one last time and concludes with another romantic flashback into Gatsby s past with Daisy. - Elements of Gatsby s past - Note the presence of horses and automobiles - Tension between Tom and Daisy - Daisy s emotions at the party - Gatsby s emotions at the party - What was Gatsby s birth name? - Why did Gatsby go out to Cody s yacht? - How are Daisy, Tom, and the Sloane s planning on getting home? (What is their method of transportation?) - Did Daisy like the party? (Support your answer with specific details) - What alone time do Daisy and Gatsby get at the party? - What is the definition of The American Dream?

11 GG 10, pp So far, the tension that exists between Daisy, Gatsby, and Tom has been boiling below the surface. However, in these next two sections of reading, the tension is about to boil over. (Notice how Fitzgerald uses the weather to signify the increasing tension). Chapter VII starts with Nick learning that Gatsby has made a rather significant change to the servants that work at his house. This conversation ends with Gatsby telling Nick that Daisy would like him over at her place for lunch the next day. The next day, Nick, Jordan, Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby are all at the Buchanan s house and the tension becomes obvious. It seems as though Daisy and Gatsby have some sort of plan, and Tom quickly picks up on it. Everyone is aware of what is going on, but nobody is talking about it yet. Since everyone is stressed, a decision is made to drive to New York City. An interesting car swap takes place, which also involves Tom stopping at Wilson s on the way into town. At Wilson s, someone else has become wise to his wife s adulterous behavior. Eventually, everyone arrives at a hotel room in New York City, where the tension has all but cooled. Keep in mind that this section of read stops a little awkwardly on pg.129, but don t worry the drama will only continue tomorrow night. - Interesting points of interaction between Daisy and Gatsby - Tension between Gatsby and Tom - The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg - Important points of conversation between Tom and George - Why did Gatsby dismiss every servant who worked in his house? - What is the weather like during this section of reading? - Who is Pammy? - Who is riding in Gatsby s yellow car on the way to NYC? - Explain how Gatsby went to Oxford, but doesn t call himself an Oxford man.

12 GG 11, pp In tonight s reading section we start right back in the rising tension between Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby at the hotel room in New York City. Read pg. 129 again to get a feel for the conversation. Pretty quickly, everything is out in the open, and everyone is speaking his or her mind. However, this doesn t resolve the situation, especially for Daisy. Everyone is yelling; but the heat begins to wane, and eventually everyone heads back towards the Eggs one car following a good distance behind the other. Who do you think wins the argument? The car ride home is one of the most dramatic moments in the story, and I do not want to spoil what happens. At the end of the chapter, pay attention to how everyone is handling the incident. - Important parts of the hotel conversation - Who is in which car? - Details of the incident that happens on the drive back from NYC - How does each character handle the incident? - Who does Daisy love? (Provide specific details to support your answer). - What does Tom learn from his little investigation about Gatsby s occupation? - Who does Tom want Daisy to ride back to the Eggs with? - Why is Gatsby waiting outside the Buchanan s house?

13 GG 12, pp Now begins the aftermath of the tragedy that occurred in the previous reading section. Nick begins with a statement about how troubled he is by the incident. He then has a conversation with Gatsby, who has just returned from the Buchanan s. This conversation involves Gatsby finally being honest with Nick about his past with Daisy. During this honesty, a few timeline holes are filled in and a few questions about what exactly happened are answered. Eventually, Nick has to head to town for work. We then read about a quick phone call between Nick and Jordan before Nick s narrative jumps back in time and provides details about the incident from George s point of view. Nick s narration continues to follow George for the rest of the chapter until a frightening revelation at the chapter s end. - Interesting details about the romantic past between Gatsby and Daisy - Quotes that describe Gatsby s devotion to Daisy - The details of George s side of the story - Any telling or important details - (True or False) Gatsby lied about being successful in the war. - When Nick is heading to work, what does Gatsby say he is going to do for the first time all summer? - What season is now starting? How do we know? (Specific details) - How did George find out that Myrtle was cheating on him? (What object did he find in tissue paper?)

14 GG 13, pp We are now at the conclusion of The Great Gatsby. Nick starts Chapter IX by letting us know that he has been writing two years after the actual events. The rest of the chapter then jumps through scattered memories of Gatsby s funeral and other surrounding encounters. Most of the chapter involves Nick attempting to plan and gather people for Gatsby s funeral. Many minor characters (Catherine, Wolfsheim, Klipspringer, Owl-eyes) are mentioned in this chapter. How is each character reacting to the news of Gatsby and George s death? We are also introduced to a new character, Henry Gatz, who has a very interesting perspective on Gatsby. Keep in mind that just because Gatsby is dead does not mean the mystery is solved. Henry Gatz shows Nick a few cherished items that tell us a little bit more about the man that was Jay Gatsby. Nick then wraps up the story with an encounter with Tom back in Chicago. How does Nick feel about Tom and Daisy after everything that has happened? On the last page, Nick creates a parallel between Gatsby s dream and hope and the hopes and dreams of The United States. What message do you think Nick is trying to communicate through this parallel (and this book) about the American Dream? - Nick s feelings throughout the chapter. - How is each minor character reacting to the news of Gatsby and George s death? (Catherine, Wolfsheim, Klipspringer, Owl-eyes) - Characterization of Henry Gatz - Characterization of Gatsby (based on what Henry Gatz says) - Significant words and lines on the last page

15 - (True or False) Tom and Daisy do not attend Gatsby s funeral, but they do send flowers. - What relation is Henry Gatz to Gatsby? - What two items does Henry Gatz show Nick? - Who attends Gatsby s funeral? (All of them) - What types of store does Nick see Tom at in Chicago?