Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the 'valley of ashes'?
What is the 'valley of ashes'?
Place where New York's ashes are dumped, located between Eggs and New York.
What are the 'eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg'?
What are the 'eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg'?
A billboard with blue and yellow eyes that watches over everything in the valley.
Who did Tom take Nick to meet?
Who did Tom take Nick to meet?
His mistress, Myrtle.
Identify Myrtle and George Wilson.
Identify Myrtle and George Wilson.
Signup and view all the answers
What did Mrs. Wilson buy while she was out with Tom and Nick?
What did Mrs. Wilson buy while she was out with Tom and Nick?
Signup and view all the answers
Where did they go? What was at 158th Street?
Where did they go? What was at 158th Street?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify Catherine and Mr. & Mrs. McKee.
Identify Catherine and Mr. & Mrs. McKee.
Signup and view all the answers
What does Mr. McKee tell Nick about Gatsby?
What does Mr. McKee tell Nick about Gatsby?
Signup and view all the answers
What reason did Myrtle give for marrying George Wilson?
What reason did Myrtle give for marrying George Wilson?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy's name?
What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy's name?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Valley of Ashes
- A desolate area symbolizing moral and social decay in New York.
- Represents the consequences of the American Dream and industrialization, located between East Egg and New York City.
Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg
- A prominent billboard featuring large blue and yellow eyes.
- Serves as a haunting symbol of the watchful eyes of society, observing the moral decline represented in the valley.
Tom Buchanan's Relationship
- Tom takes Nick Carraway to meet his mistress, Myrtle Wilson, highlighting his infidelity.
- Stratified society is reflected in their interactions; Tom's wealth contrasts Myrtle's middle-class status.
Myrtle and George Wilson
- Myrtle is George Wilson's wife and serves as Tom's extramarital partner.
- George is portrayed as an auto mechanic, struggling to achieve his American Dream, indicative of the working class.
Myrtle's Purchase
- While with Tom and Nick, Myrtle impulsively buys a puppy, symbolizing her desire for a life marked by luxury and status.
Tom’s Apartment
- Located at 158th Street, serves as Tom and Myrtle's private affair space and a venue for their socializing.
- The setting reflects the lavish yet morally questionable lifestyle that Tom maintains.
Catherine and the McKees
- Catherine is Myrtle's sister, depicted as living in New York and maintaining her own social connections.
- Mr. and Mrs. McKee are a married couple whom Nick finds unsettling; Mr. McKee is described as effeminate, while Mrs. McKee is loud and brash.
Mr. McKee's Gossip
- Mr. McKee tells Nick that Gatsby is related to Kaiser Wilhelm, drawing a connection between wealth, power, and international affairs during WWI.
Myrtle's Marriage Decision
- Myrtle believed George Wilson was a gentleman and had favorable traits, illustrating her misguided aspirations and desires for social ascent.
Tom's Violent Reaction
- When Myrtle references Daisy, Tom retaliates by breaking her nose, showcasing his brutish nature and the volatile dynamics of infidelity.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 2 of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Explore key terms and definitions that reveal important themes and characters from this classic work of literature. Perfect for studying or refreshing your memory!