Books Made Me Broke discussion
Book Of The Month
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August 2013 BOTM- The Great Gatsby
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Okay, I will try to tackle the first three questions for Chapter One. 1. I think Nick is a realist who tells it like it is, but tries usually to put people in the best light possible, occasionally. I think he is passive and the author does this so the mystery and passion of Gatsby is the thing the reader focuses on in the story.
2. Ick. He's rough, crude, and pushy, but has enough money to get away with it, in my opinion.
3. So far, I think Daisy is a modern (1920's version of modern) woman trying to survive in a world dominated by men and she probably thinks acting all delicate will help her do this.
Do you think of Daisy? I don't particularly like her, but I know some people HATE her.
Chapter One:I've only read chapter one, so this can be fun.
I think Nick is the kind of person who tries not to have opinions on anything, but ends up having them anyway. He likes people though. Already in the first chapter I could clearly see his obsession with Gatsby
Tom is an ass. No. Like seriously. He treats his wife so awful, even without doing anything. And then he has a relationship on the side. WHO CALLS UNDER DINNER. I already don't like her. He's also wealthy, but he's a little snobbish I think. (Understatement of the year). He's the kind of guy who will chase away a poodle for peeing on a tree in his front yard.
Daisy seems kind. Too kind though, seeing as she knows that Tom is cheating on her. But Tom is all in denial. I think she wants a good relationship with Nick, because that would do her good, and she knows that.
I've answered too many questions for school already so I don't feel like answering these, but this is by far one of my all-time favorites. I love the symbolism and the characters.
Mod
Mod
2. Tom is a jerk. He's rude to everyone, and he's blatantly cheating on Daisy, who he is also very harsh with.
3. Daisy seems sweet, if perhaps a bit dense. I think she should slap/leave Tom, because even though she's a bit air-headed, she doesn't deserve to be treated mean.
As soon as I finish the book I will come over and answer the questions!
Ugh. This book was a chore to get through. :/
Chapter 8:
1. Gatsby tells Nick he left Daisy’s house at four in the morning after she turned off the light. What could turning off the light symbolize?
2. Gatsby says he feels guilty because he rekindled their relationship under false pretenses. What does he mean?
3. Why didn’t Daisy wait for Gatsby when he went overseas for the war?
4. How does George find out whose car hit Myrtle?
5. Wilson explains to Michaelis what he and Myrtle were talking about before she ran out. What was he saying to her?
Chapter 9:
1. Why did Nick leave the East and move back to the Midwest?
2. Why do you think Daisy didn’t tell Tom that she was really the one driving the car that day? Would you have told your husband?
3. A direct comparison is made between Gatsby and the American settlers – why?
***Update: Chapter 7***
1. What are some ways that Daisy acts carelessly in this chapter?
2. What do you think of Daisy's parenting style?
3. When the group is in New York at the Plaza Hotel, what is ironic about the music that filters up to them from the ballroom downstairs?
4. What happens when Daisy’s affair with Gatsby is brought to light? How does Gatsby’s dream die?
5. Why is it appropriate that Nick’s turning 30 coincides with the end of Gatsby’s dream?
6. What makes Gatsby admirable at the end of this chapter?
***Update: Chapter 3, 4, & 5 Discussion Questions***
Chapter 3
1. How is the party in chapter 2 different from the party in chapter 3? How is it similar?
2. Why might Gatsby have a huge library full of books he hasn’t read?
3. Why were most of the women fighting with their husbands by the end of the party?
4. What is your impression of Jay Gatsby?
5. Look back at the first paragraph of chapter 3. This paragraph hints at one of the major themes of this novel. Can you find what it is?
6. What is Nick’s cardinal virtue? What is ironic about this?
Chapter Four
1. Gatsby is not telling the truth about his life. Why do you think this is?
2. What is your impression of the kind of person Mr. Wolfsheim is?
3. What does Jordan Baker reveal about Gatsby?
4. Explain what happened with their relationship after Gatsby and Daisy met.
Chapter Five
1. Think of a time when you dreamed of getting something (an object, an award, a job, even a boyfriend/girlfriend). How can attaining the goal be less satisfying than pursuing it? Is it worth it in the end?
Gatsby finally met with Daisy, yet was afraid to talk to her at first. Why?
2. Why is Gatsby, now that he is with Daisy, described as “running down like an over-wound clock” (93).
3. Daisy cries into a pile of Gatsby’s shirts during a tour of his house. Why?
**Update**
Our first set of discussion questions! These question are for chapters 1 and 2.
Chapter One:
1. What impression do you have of the narrator, Nick Carraway, from his narration and actions?
2. What do you learn about Tom Buchanan from his dress, mannerisms, dialogue, house, and actions?
3. What do you learn about Daisy Buchanan from her dress, dialogue, and body language?
Chapter Two:
1. In this chapter Fitzgerald writes about the Valley of Ashes. He also mentions dust and smoke (at the party). All three of these reappear numerous times throughout the novel. What could they symbolize?
2. A billboard with the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg is also an important symbol in this chapter. What do you think these eyes may represent? What would you think of if you looked up and saw this billboard?
3. How does Tom treat people in this chapter?
4. How do you know that Tom respects Daisy more than Myrtle? (What does he do that shows this? Why?
5. How would you describe the nature of the party at Tom’s apartment?
6. On p. 34 Catherine says Tom won’t marry Myrtle because Daisy is Catholic and doesn’t believe in divorce. Nick knows that is not true because Daisy is not Catholic. Who do you think started this lie and why?
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Hey guys!
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald will be our August Book of The Month! I'll be updating this post with discussion questions for the book in August, so keep checking in!!
Thanks,
Jenn