The Great Gatsby Chapter 7

Personal Reactions – After Chapter 7 What were you most surprised, confused, entertained, or edified by? Explain. Who do you feel most sympathetic towards? Why? Who do you feel least sympathetic for? Why? Consider which parts of your responses are the result of your personal values and which are the result of Fitzgerald’s subtle manipulation of detail (find those details).

Compare and contrast Daisy and Jordan’s characterization in chapter 1 to how they “lay upon an enormous couch, like silver idols, weighing down their own white dresses against the singing breeze” (115). What is the purpose of these two descriptions’ juxtaposition?

Why does Fitzgerald wait so long to introduce Tom and Daisy’s daughter Why does Fitzgerald wait so long to introduce Tom and Daisy’s daughter? Why does she remain nameless until the nurse takes her away?

Do you think that Daisy meant for Tom to see her telling Gatsby “that she loved him” (119)? Why? Why not?

What is the significance of Gatsby’s comment that Daisy’s voice is “full of money” (120)?

Why does Fitzgerald, again, decide to include the “faded eyes” (125) of Dr. Eckleburg in the opening context of chapter seven’s action?

Do you agree with the sentiment that “there was no difference between men, in intelligence or race, so profound as the difference between the sick and the well” (124)? According to Nick, who is sick and who is well? What is the root of their health or lack there of?

What is happening at the hotel at the same time that the Buchanan party is unfolding? What thematic purpose do you think Fitzgerald has for including this detail?

Why is Daisy so afraid to leave a terrible husband for a man that she has always loved and treats her well?

In your opinion, does the revelation that Gatsby is, in fact, involved in organized crime, beyond “[t]hat drugstore business” (133) make him more or less admirable, attractive, suspect? Explain. What do you think Fitzgerald’s point of view on the subject is? Consider both Tom’s and Gatsby’s characterizations during their discussion.

Why, after the whole confrontation, does Fitzgerald mention Nick’s birthday?

Reread Fitzgerald’s description of Myrtle’s dead body (137) Reread Fitzgerald’s description of Myrtle’s dead body (137). What details seem most significant? Why? Which details, if any, leave you wondering at Fitzgerald’s purpose? Consider those further.

Compare and contrast Tom’s reaction to Myrtle’s death to Wilson’s Compare and contrast Tom’s reaction to Myrtle’s death to Wilson’s. What point is Fitzgerald making by their similarities? By their differences?

How has Fitzgerald continued to employ windows as a symbolic vehicle How has Fitzgerald continued to employ windows as a symbolic vehicle? When? Where? What is their significance?