Great Gatsby Chapter 2 Quiz Review

Questions and Answers

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.

It is the eyes of Dr. 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?

Tom took Nick to meet his girlfriend Myrtle Wilson. Signup and view all the answers

Identify Myrtle and George Wilson.

Myrtle is Tom's girlfriend and George Wilson's wife. George is a car dealer and owns his own garage. Signup and view all the answers

How is the character of George Wilson described as opposed to Myrtle Wilson?

George is quiet while Myrtle shows vitality. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mrs. Wilson buy when she was out with Nick and Tom?

She bought a dog, a moving picture magazine, a town tattle, cold cream, and a small flask of perfume. Signup and view all the answers

Do you think the puppy that Tom buys Myrtle is symbolic?

True Signup and view all the answers

Where did they go? What was at 158th Street?

They went to 5th Avenue. Mrs. Wilson and Tom's apartment was there. Signup and view all the answers

Identify Catherine and Mr. & Mrs. McKee.

Catherine is Myrtle's sister; slender, worldly, about 30 years old, with red hair. Mr. McKee is a pale feminine man and Mrs. McKee is shrill, handsome, slow, and relaxed. Signup and view all the answers

What excuse does Tom give Myrtle for not marrying her? Why do you think he won't divorce Daisy and marry Myrtle?

Tom's wife Daisy is Catholic and does not believe in divorce. Signup and view all the answers

What reason did Myrtle give for marrying George Wilson?

She thought he was a gentleman. Signup and view all the answers

What did Tom do to Myrtle when she mentioned Daisy's name?

Tom broke her nose. Signup and view all the answers

Based on what you know of Nick so far, do you think he is more a participant or an observer?

He's an observer and the narrator. Signup and view all the answers

After this chapter, do you think Nick lives up to the ideal of being open-minded?

False Signup and view all the answers

Describe the change of personality that Nick observes in Myrtle after she changes her dress for the party.

She became arrogant. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom break Myrtle's nose?

Because she keeps calling Daisy's name. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs in the three brief scenes after Nick leaves the party?

He goes to the elevator with Mr. McKee, then stands by his bedside, and finally lies in a Pennsylvania station waiting for a train. Signup and view all the answers

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!