1. Chapter 1 Warm-Up Questions
Notice how many times Fitzgerald uses the words hope and dream. Why does he do this?
Nick starts the novel by relaying his father’s advice “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” List Nick’s advantages. Does he reserve judgment in the novel?

2. Nick Carraway Narrator
From prominent well-to-do family from the Mid-West
Educated (New Haven, 1915)
Participated in WWI
In the bond business
Lives in West Egg
Second cousin to Daisy
Humorous
Insightful, analyzes others and surroundings

3. Tom Buchanan Daisy’s husband National figure- college football
Now living anticlimactic life
Restless, moving frequently
Living in East Egg, old money
30 years old
supercilious manner
arrogant eyes
aggressive
cruel body
racist, scared of changing his “perfect” world
affair (woman in New York)

4. Daisy Buchanan Nick’s second cousin Charismatic Enticing voice
Power in her beauty and presence
Bright eyes
Has a three-year-old daughter, wishes her to be a beautiful little fool
Recognizes the danger in knowledge
Uneasy at first mention of Gatsby
Living a somewhat pointless existence (page 12, longest day of the year)
Follows Tom’s ignorance and power
Romantic affection upon her glowing face
Quickly breaks illusion, becomes cynical
Sad family life
Living a dream on the surface, the American Dream

5. Jordan Baker Nick enjoys her appearance
Wan, charming, discontented face
Gossip
Sporting life, independent woman of her time
Nick was familiar with her and thought he had heard an unpleasant story
Knows Gatsby

6. Setting East Egg West Egg Highly wealthy and exclusive
Live life casually without much stress or purpose
Tom, Daisy
Elite, white, upperclass
Symbolizes corruption
Excessive materialism
West Egg
less fashionable
continually disappointed anticipation, nervous dread
Nick and Jay Gatsby
New money, self-made
Symbolizes idealism and romanticism