As the novel is called “The Great Gatsby”, I think the crucial point to the plot in chapter 1 deals with the mysteriousness of Gatsby himself. We are introduced to Nick’s cousin, college acquaintance, and of course the intriguing Ms. Baker. However, the relevance that Jordan Baker mentioned Gatsby over dinner adds to the suspense of revealing who Gatsby is!
2. How does Nick describe himself at the beginning of the novel?
Well, no actual characteristics had been given, yet he stated that he “does not pass judgement on people”. “In consequence, I’m inclined to reserve all judgements, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.” Page 1. We learn on page 4, that Nick is literate,
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How does Nick describes Tom Buchanan? “A sturdy straw-haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner.” Nick continues to describe him in more detail. “Two shinning arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of aggressively leaning forward.” Page 7. Nick also references Tom’s physic, taking note of his shifting muscle stating “It was a body capable of enormous leverage-a cruel body”. Tom also has a “gruff husky tenor” for a voice. Page 7 paragraph 1 and 2. Tom is enormously wealthy!
4. Who is Jordan Baker? What does Nick find appealing about her? Jordan baker in the beginning is described by Nick as the “balancing girl”. Ms. Baker is Daisy’s friend; she has a demeaning temperament and comes off rather masculine and cynical. Initially, Nick is compelled by her slender body and “grey sun-strained eyes”.
5. What is Gatsby doing when Nick first sees him? “Standing with his hands in his pockets regarding the silver pepper of the stars.” “He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling”. We can infer that Gatsby was looking at the green light in the distance that could have been a light at the end of the dock. “Involuntarily I glanced seaward-and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock.” Page