The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages)
GG 1, pp. 1-11
GG 2, pp. 11-21
GG 3, pp. 23-38
GG 4, pp. 39-49
GG 5, pp. 49-59
GG 6, pp. 61-69
GG 7, pp. 69-80
GG 8, pp. 81-97
GG 9, pp. 97-111
GG 10, pp. 113-129
GG 11, pp. 129-145
GG 12, pp. 147-162
GG 13, pp.163-180
The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages)
GG 1, pp. 1-11
GG 2, pp. 11-21
GG 3, pp. 23-38
GG 4, pp. 39-49
GG 5, pp. 49-59
GG 6, pp. 61-69
GG 7, pp. 69-80
GG 8, pp. 81-97
GG 9, pp. 97-111
GG 10, pp. 113-129
GG 11, pp. 129-145
GG 12, pp. 147-162
GG 13, pp.163-180
The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages)
GG 1, pp. 1-11
GG 2, pp. 11-21
GG 3, pp. 23-38
GG 4, pp. 39-49
GG 5, pp. 49-59
GG 6, pp. 61-69
GG 7, pp. 69-80
GG 8, pp. 81-97
GG 9, pp. 97-111
GG 10, pp. 113-129
GG 11, pp. 129-145
GG 12, pp. 147-162
GG 13, pp.163-180
The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages)
GG 1, pp. 1-11
GG 2, pp. 11-21
GG 3, pp. 23-38
GG 4, pp. 39-49
GG 5, pp. 49-59
GG 6, pp. 61-69
GG 7, pp. 69-80
GG 8, pp. 81-97
GG 9, pp. 97-111
GG 10, pp. 113-129
GG 11, pp. 129-145
GG 12, pp. 147-162
GG 13, pp.163-180
The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages)
GG 1, pp. 1-11
GG 2, pp. 11-21
GG 3, pp. 23-38
GG 4, pp. 39-49
GG 5, pp. 49-59
GG 6, pp. 61-69
GG 7, pp. 69-80
GG 8, pp. 81-97
GG 9, pp. 97-111
GG 10, pp. 113-129
GG 11, pp. 129-145
GG 12, pp. 147-162
GG 13, pp.163-180
The Great Gatsby (GG) (180 pages)
GG 1, pp. 1-11
GG 2, pp. 11-21
GG 3, pp. 23-38
GG 4, pp. 39-49
GG 5, pp. 49-59
GG 6, pp. 61-69
GG 7, pp. 69-80
GG 8, pp. 81-97
GG 9, pp. 97-111
GG 10, pp. 113-129
GG 11, pp. 129-145
GG 12, pp. 147-162
GG 13, pp.163-180
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 1, pp. 1-11
Preview:
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 1922. 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.
Marginalia:
-
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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
Questions:
-
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:
GG 2, pp. 11-21
Preview:
In tonight’s reading we will continue with Nick’s first visit to the Buchanan’s house
during the summer of 1922. 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.
Marginalia:
-
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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
Questions:
-
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).
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 3, pp. 23-38
Preview:
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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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
Questions:
-
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?
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 4, pp. 39-49
Preview:
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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
Interesting and beautiful descriptions of the party
Write “clue” in the margin next to a claims made about Gatsby
Questions:
-
(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?
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 5, pp. 49-59
Preview:
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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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
Questions:
-
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?
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 6, pp. 61-69
Preview:
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 1922. 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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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?
Questions:
-
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)?
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 7, pp. 69-80
Preview:
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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
Descriptions and characterization of Wolfsheim
Different emotions does Gatsby goes through with Nick
Important elements of Jordan’s talk with Nick
Questions:
-
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?
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 8, pp. 81-97
Preview:
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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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
Questions:
-
(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?
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 9, pp. 97-111
Preview:
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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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
Questions:
-
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?
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 10, pp. 113-129
Preview:
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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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
Questions:
-
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.
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 11, pp. 129-145
Preview:
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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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?
Questions:
-
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?
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 12, pp. 147-162
Preview:
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.
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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
Questions:
-
(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?)
The Great Gatsby Reading Guide:
GG 13, pp.163-180
Preview:
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?
Marginalia:
-
Look up and record the definitions of two words you do not know.
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
Questions:
-
(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?