Great Gatsby Reading Questions and answers.

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   The GREAT GATSBY

                    Guided Reading Questions

The Original Cover

Pre-Reading 

  1. Why are we still reading a book written in the 1920's? What gives a book its longevity?
    There are many reasons why great Gatsby has achieved its longevity.  One of the reasons why this book is famous till now because it captures the essence of the 1920’s in a book. Also, the themes in the novel were things that everyone could relate to. Themes broken dreams. Living dreams. Fair weather friend.
  2. How was the 1920's a reaction to WWI?
    1920’s was the decade that was disillusioned by the war.  People felt lucky that they survived and sorrow about people who died in the war.  It was the ‘Lost Generation’. This disillusion had an decayed effect on the society. Everyone started spending to increase their social life. Every one greedy, bribery occurred, gambling and other illegal activities spread widely. They were taking advantages on people and also getting hands of pricey possessions. Alcohol was prohibited.  This decade was known as the jazz age. It was named after ‘jazz music itself’ for its wide improvisation and wildness. Women were free to work. Fashion was improved especially for women. Wealthy possessions were spread around a lot. There was a lot going around that time due to WWI. They want to more when it’s illegal. Prosperity.
  3. Some people think that having money leads to happiness. Do you agree? Why or why not? What are the advantages or disadvantages of being wealthy?
    Being wealth has its advantages and disadvantages. Sometime a person can be happy by the status of his wealth but not at all times. You could buy anything you want by money but you can’t find happiness with the influence of money. Money affecting us
  4. What is the "American Dream"? Where did it originate, and how has it changed over the centuries?
    The American Dream is being successful, prosperous and achieves a high social recognition through hard work. The American Dream originated from the people who lived in America.  The dream has been changed over centuries. As the society changed, the dream has undergone some changes.so many impediments so everyone was not following it.
  5. Have you ever wanted to relive a moment from your past, to redo it? Describe the situation. How and why would you change the past?
    Everyone wants to change their past. Especially to redo the mistakes and things I have lost. By doing this I can be perfect every moment and be successful.


Chapter 1 

  1. Notice how many times Fitzgerald uses the words hope, or dream. Why does he do this?
    In this novel, Fitzgerald uses the word hope, or dream repeatedly throughout the novel. The reason why Fitzgerald uses these words often to understand more about the character from what they dream and hope.
  2. Nick starts the novel by relaying his father's advice "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you’ve had." List Nick's advantages. Does he reserve judgement in the novel?
    Nick is from a middle-class family. He studied at Yale and their parents had a secure job. He often makes judgements about people unknowingly. He is quite judgemental. If he knew them well enough, he would change his opinion on someone. He
  3. Pay attention to time. What is the day and year during the first scene at Daisy's house?
    It was the early summer in 1922 as the story stared. In new you’re the early summer was in the month of June. As to the day it was around two weeks before the longest day of the year. The day was roughly around 4th to 10th.  
  4. Describe Nick. What facts do you know about him, and what do you infer about him? What kind of a narrator do you think he will be?
    Nick came from a well-known family from the west. Nick graduated from Yale, New Haven in 1915. He came from Mid-west. The reason he came to the east is because he got a job in the bond business. Daisy was his cousin who married to Tom Buchannan. I think he would be a great narrator as he is friendly and observant in the society. He was a good observer.
  5. What image does the author use to describe Jordan Baker? What does it mean?
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The image the author uses to describe Jordan Baker was a young cadet. She is being portrayed as a feminine character that attributes masculine characteristics. She is described as hard, boyish and small-breasted. Her name ‘Jordan’ also contributes to her masculine.

  1. How does Nick react to Jordan?
    Nick was astounded when Jordan breaks the news that Tom has got some women. He was shocked about it.
  2. What does Tom's behaviour reveal about his character?
    Tom’s behaviour reveals that he is aggressive and short-tempered towards other people. The way he reacts to Daisy when she ...

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