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Questions and Answers
What is the Valley of Ashes and what does it represent?
What is the Valley of Ashes and what does it represent?
It is between West Egg and New York near a river where Mrs. Wilson has the garage. It is a farm where ashes grow into ridges and hills.
Describe the sign that looms over the Valley of Ashes.
Describe the sign that looms over the Valley of Ashes.
It is the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg.
What are the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg?
What are the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg?
They are blue and gigantic, with retinas that are 1 yard high, looking out from enormous yellow spectacles.
Who did Tom take Nick to meet?
Who did Tom take Nick to meet?
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Identify Myrtle and George Wilson.
Identify Myrtle and George Wilson.
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How is the character of George Wilson described as opposed to Myrtle Wilson?
How is the character of George Wilson described as opposed to Myrtle Wilson?
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What did Mrs. Wilson buy when she was out with Nick and Tom?
What did Mrs. Wilson buy when she was out with Nick and Tom?
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Do you think the puppy that Tom buys Myrtle is symbolic?
Do you think the puppy that Tom buys Myrtle is symbolic?
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Where did they go? What was at 158th Street?
Where did they go? What was at 158th Street?
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Identify Catherine and Mr. & Mrs. McKee.
Identify Catherine and Mr. & Mrs. McKee.
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What excuse does Tom give Myrtle for not marrying her? Why do you think he won't divorce Daisy and marry Myrtle?
What excuse does Tom give Myrtle for not marrying her? Why do you think he won't divorce Daisy and marry Myrtle?
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What reason did Myrtle give for marrying George Wilson?
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?
What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy's name?
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Based on what you know of Nick so far, do you think he is more a participant or an observer?
Based on what you know of Nick so far, do you think he is more a participant or an observer?
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After this chapter, do you think Nick lives up to the ideal of being open-minded?
After this chapter, do you think Nick lives up to the ideal of being open-minded?
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Describe the change of personality that Nick observes in Myrtle after she changes her dress for the party.
Describe the change of personality that Nick observes in Myrtle after she changes her dress for the party.
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Why does Tom break Myrtle's nose?
Why does Tom break Myrtle's nose?
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What occurs in the three brief scenes after Nick leaves the party?
What occurs in the three brief scenes after Nick leaves the party?
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Study Notes
Valley of Ashes
- Located between West Egg and New York, it symbolizes the moral and social decay of society.
- Characterized by desolation, filled with ashes that form ridges and hills.
Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg
- A large sign depicting blue, gigantic eyes set in yellow spectacles.
- Represents the idea of oversight and possibly the loss of spiritual values in America.
Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson
- Tom introduces Nick to his affair with Myrtle, who is married to George Wilson.
- Myrtle is portrayed as Tom's vibrant mistress, contrasting with George, who is depicted as quiet and submissive.
George and Myrtle Wilson
- Myrtle is Tom's extramarital partner and George's wife, symbolizing a false sense of class.
- George is a garage owner; their relationship highlights themes of infidelity and despair.
Myrtle's Purchases
- When out with Tom and Nick, Myrtle buys items like a dog, magazines, and cold cream, indicating her desire to elevate her status.
Symbolism of the Puppy
- The puppy represents innocence, juxtaposed with Myrtle's morally ambiguous lifestyle.
Party at Tom's Apartment
- The gathering takes place at Tom and Myrtle's apartment on 5th Avenue, showcasing the extravagance and playfulness of their affair.
Catherine and the McKees
- Catherine is Myrtle's sister, described as worldly and slender.
- Mr. McKee is a pale man, while Mrs. McKee is characterized as shrill and relaxed.
Tom's Justification for Not Marrying Myrtle
- Tom cites Daisy's Catholic beliefs as a reason for not divorcing her, illustrating his selfish nature.
Myrtle's Reason for Marrying George
- She married George under the pretense that he was a gentleman, highlighting her misguided perceptions.
Violence Against Myrtle
- Tom reacts violently by breaking Myrtle's nose when she mentions Daisy, showcasing his brutality and control.
Nick Carraway's Role
- Nick serves as an observer rather than a participant, providing a narrative lens on the events around him.
Nick's Judgment
- Nick struggles with maintaining open-mindedness and impartiality, which he fails to embody after experiencing the party.
Change in Myrtle's Behavior
- After changing for the party, Myrtle exhibits arrogance, reflecting her desire for the lifestyle Tom represents.
Concluding Scenes of the Party
- Nick's departure leads to a series of brief, disorienting scenes, emphasizing his inebriation and disillusionment with the extravagant lifestyle around him.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key elements and symbols of Chapter 2 of 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz covers significant locations and characters, including the Valley of Ashes and Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's eyes. Get ready to dive deep into Fitzgerald's classic novel!
