The Great Gatsby, Chapters 1-2

What advice does Nick’s father give him?

• Be careful what you say because it may come back to haunt you.

• Whenever you feel like criticizing some, just remember that not everyone has had the same advantages as you.

• Not everyone needs a college education to make something of his life so don't going bragging about your Yale business degree or your service in the military.

• Avoid getting too close to any women, because you might find yourself married before you can support her.

What importance is there in Nick’s statement that “My family have been prominent, well-to-do people…for three generations”?

• This statement sets up Nick's privileged attitude that sets him apart from all of the rest of the characters.

• This statement explains why all of the characters are instantly drawn to get Nick's attention.

• The statement explains why Nick knows members of the established families and can behave appropriately at their parties, dinners, and events.

• The statements helps to explain why Daisy Buchanan is so happy to see him in New Your Citu.

How is Myrtle trying to build her status on the social class ladder?

• By using Tom's wealth to get what she wants.
• By buying expensive clothing and other things.
• By changing her behavior around Tom when dealing with other people.
• All of the above

On a literal level, what is the valley of ashes?

• A large coal dump, where the coal is shipped out

• a smoker's lounge

• a nuclear power plant

• a large garden

What might the Valley of Ashes symbolize in The Great Gatsby?

• Power and hope

• dead-ends and lost hope

• Energy and possibility

• Things (and people) who are used up; exhausted

Analyze Nick’s statement “I think he’d tanked up a good deal at luncheon, and his determination to have my company bordered on violence.”

• It shows how Tom envies Nick's job.

• It foreshadows Tom's violence against Myrtle and Daisy.

• It shows the competition between Nick and Tom

• It shows how Tom wishes he could play football.

What do Tom's wife and mistress have in common?

• They have the names of flowers that reflect their personality.

• They both live in mansions off Long Island.

• They both grew up in Chicago near Jordan.

• They both are both graceful and elegant.

What does the reader NOT learn about Myrtle and Tom during the scene in which Tom buys her a dog?

• Tom willingly gives in to her whims at times.

• Myrtle does not know anything about dogs at all.

• Ten dollars, which Tom says would buy ten more dogs, means absolutely nothing to him

• Tom knows how to care for puppies.

What is the purpose of describing the New York City apartment as “a small living-room, a small dining-room, a small bedroom…"

• It shows how Tom would like to live.

• It is a contrast to the Buchanan's spatial house.

• It shows how crowded a city apartment can be.

• It is the only thing Tom could afford.

What rumor does Nick hear about Gatsby?

• He is an oil-tycoon.

• He is related to the Kaiser of Germany.

• He is famous actor from California.

• He was a pilot in WWI.