- Briefly outline the major events of Gatsby’s life, according to his own account:
- Born James Gatz on a North Dakota farm.
- Met Dan Cody, became his assistant, and inherited $25,000 after Cody’s death (though it was later contested).
- Changed his name to Jay Gatsby.
- Attended Oxford University briefly after World War I.
- Became wealthy through mysterious means, likely involving bootlegging and other illegal activities.
- Bought a mansion in West Egg to be near Daisy Buchanan.
- Annotate the timeline with any questions you have about the story:
- Is Gatsby’s version of his past entirely truthful?
- How did he really acquire his wealth?
- Why does he insist on telling Nick this particular version of his life?
- What are some of the rumors which surround Gatsby?
- He killed a man.
- He was a German spy during the war.
- He was related to the Kaiser.
- He attended Oxford.
- He was a bootlegger.
- Summarize the story which Jordan tells Nick:
- Gatsby and Daisy fell in love in Louisville before the war.
- Daisy promised to wait for him but married Tom Buchanan while Gatsby was overseas.
- Gatsby bought his mansion across the bay from Daisy to win her back.
- He throws extravagant parties hoping she will attend.
- He asks Nick to arrange a reunion with Daisy.
- What is Nick’s opinion of Gatsby? On the one hand… On the other hand…
- On the one hand: He finds Gatsby genuine, hopeful, and romantic—someone who believes in the possibility of recapturing the past.
- On the other hand: He recognizes Gatsby’s idealism is naive, his methods questionable, and his dream ultimately unattainable.
- What is your personal opinion of Gatsby’s character at this stage of the novel?
- Gatsby is admirable for his unwavering devotion and ambition, yet tragic because his obsession blinds him to reality. He is both a self-made dreamer and a victim of his own illusions.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of the great gatsby worksheet.
