Junior English

The Great Gatsby—Annotation Notes for Chapters 1-3

Remember, book annotations will be done in lieu of Daily chapter quizzes. You need to highlight the specific references, and then write margin notes to yourself.

*DON’T FORGET!! For all chapters, you should periodically label the major scenes in the book. This will make it easier to flip back through and review the text.

Chapter Seven

  • Find and underline/highlight at least three specific details that show how Gatsby’s life has changed since he rekindled his relationship with Daisy.
  • Find and underline/highlight at least three specific accusations that Tom makes of Gatsby in the hotel room.
  • Find and underline/highlight at least three specific details involving automobiles.
  • Margin Notes: How would you describe Gatsby’s reaction to Daisy’s daughter? Why does he react this way?
  • Margin Notes: Describe the decision that Gatsby and Tom force Daisy to make. Who wins this confrontation?
  • Margin Notes: Summarize Myrtle’s accident.
  • Margin Notes: Who was really driving the car, and why is Gatsby waiting in the shadows outside of Daisy’s house?

Chapter Eight

  • Find and underline/highlight at least three specific details that show’s Nick love and affection for Gatsby.
  • Find and underline/highlight at least three specific details that show George Wilson’s instability.
  • Margin Notes: What important role does the billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg play in the scene at Wilson’s garage?
  • Margin Notes: Why does Gatsby want to go for a swim? How does this relate to Gatsby’s relationship with Daisy?
  • Margin Notes: How does George Wilson know he must visit Tom Buchanan?
  • At the end of the chapter, summarize what happens to Gatsby including George Wilson’s conversation with Tom. What, exactly, happen to both Gatsby and Tom?

Chapter Nine

  • Find and underline/highlight at least three specific details about Gatsby’s childhood.
  • Find and underline/highlight at least three specific details about Gatsby’s funeral.
  • Find and underline/highlight at least three specific details that show Nick’s displeasure with the East.
  • Margin Notes: Why doesn’t Daisy attend Gatsby’s funeral?
  • Margin Notes: Summarize the end of Nick and Jordan’s relationship.
  • Margin Notes: What excuses do Meyer Wolfshiem and Klipspringer give for missing Gatsby’s funeral?
  • Margin Notes: Summarize Nick’s encounter with Tom on Fifth avenue.