Questions and Answers
Who introduces Nick to his mistress, Myrtle Wilson?
Tom
What is the 'valley of ashes'?
Myrtle is married to George Wilson, a mechanic.
True
What does Tom do to Myrtle when she repeats Daisy's name?
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What does Myrtle buy while in the city with Tom and Nick?
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Where is Nick when the chapter ends?
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The hoarding of Doctor T.J. Eckleberg represents ________ in the novel.
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The Wilsons live in a more affluent area than Nick.
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What is revealed about Gatsby's feelings towards Daisy?
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How does Fitzgerald portray the drunk atmosphere during the party?
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Study Notes
Chapter 2 Summary
- Tom Buchanan introduces Nick Carraway to his mistress, Myrtle Wilson, at a party in New York City.
- The 'valley of ashes' symbolizes despair; it lies between West Egg and NYC, marked by the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleberg, representing moral decay.
- Myrtle is married to George Wilson, a mechanic who runs a garage in the desolate valley.
- During their time in the city, Myrtle buys a dog, demonstrating her material desires.
- The party scene includes characters like Catherine and the McKees, as Nick becomes increasingly intoxicated.
- A rumor is circulated that Gatsby is related to Kaiser Wilhelm, showcasing the gossip and intrigue surrounding his character.
- The chapter concludes with Tom violently breaking Myrtle's nose when she mentions Daisy's name, highlighting the brutality in their relationship.
Commentary Highlights
- Nick’s perspective as a Midwesterner provides a contrasting viewpoint on the East Coast's opulence and moral ambiguities.
- Doctor T.J. Eckleberg’s eyes serve as a critique of 1920s consumerism and the spiritual emptiness accompanying materialism.
- The Wilsons live above their garage, indicating their lower social standing compared to Nick, who lives in a suburb away from work.
- Fitzgerald critiques the illusion of American democratic equality by illustrating the stark social divisions based on wealth.
- Myrtle's purchasing behavior reflects her transactional relationship with Tom, contrasting with Gatsby’s romantic idealism for Daisy.
Artistic Techniques
- Fitzgerald skillfully portrays the atmosphere of drunkenness without overt dramatization, using subtle actions to convey the effects of alcohol.
- The Prohibition era serves as a backdrop for the party, emphasizing the era's contradictions and the characters' escapades.
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Description
Explore the essential plot points and themes from Chapter 2 of 'The Great Gatsby'. This flashcard quiz will help you remember key characters and settings, including Tom, Nick, and the valley of ashes. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of this classic novel.
