Questions and Answers
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'?
A billboard with blue and yellow eyes that watches over everything in the valley.
Who did Tom take Nick to meet?
His mistress, Myrtle.
Identify Myrtle and George Wilson.
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What did Mrs. Wilson buy while she was out with Tom and Nick?
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Where did they go? What was at 158th Street?
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Identify Catherine and Mr. & Mrs. McKee.
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What does Mr. McKee tell Nick about Gatsby?
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What reason did Myrtle give for marrying George Wilson?
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What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy's name?
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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.
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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!
