The American Dream

Chapter 4

1. The introductory section of Chapter 4 gives a long roster of those who attended Gatsby’s parties. How do they behave toward their host? Why, then, do they accept his hospitality?

2. Describe Gatsby’s car.

3. Discuss the details that Gatsby shares with Nick about his past.

4. Does Nick believe Gatsby’s story? Why or why not?

5. Who is Meyer Wolfsheim? What seems to be his connection with Gatsby?

6. Jordan Baker tells Nick about Daisy, Gatsby, and Tom. Summarize the story.

7. Explain the epigraph on the title page of the novel (“it’s the quote”). What does it reveal about Gatsby and his love for

Daisy?

8. Do we know why Gatsby has so many parties? Why did he buy the house? Explain.

9. What new meaning do you see in the last two paragraphs of Chapter 1? What does Nick mean when he says, “Then it had not been merely the stars to which he had aspired on the June night”?

10. When Gatsby spoke to Jordan in his library in Chapter 3, he had devised a plan involving Nick. What was it? Why did he not ask Nick directly?

Chapter 5

1. Gatsby’s actions in preparing for Daisy’s arrival seem both flamboyant and absurd. What does he do? Why?

2. Discuss Gatsby’s actions once Daisy arrives. How do we know he is nervous? How does he try to impress her?

3. Toward the end of the chapter, Nick attempts to explain “the expression of bewilderment that had come back into Gatsby’s

face.” What explanation does Nick give? Why, in his opinion, is Daisy not at fault?

4. Describe Daisy’s reactions during the course of her meeting with Gatsby.

5. Has Nick been affected by the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy? In what way?