Untitled Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does 'grotesque' mean?

comically or repulsively ugly or distorted

What does 'impenetrable' mean?

impossible to pass through or enter

What does 'solemn' mean?

formal and dignified

What does 'anemic' mean?

lacking in color, spirit, or vitality Signup and view all the answers

What does 'incessant' mean?

continuing without interruption Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hauteur' mean?

arrogance Signup and view all the answers

What does 'strident' mean?

harsh sounding; grating Signup and view all the answers

What and where is the 'Valley of Ashes'?

Half way between East Egg and West Egg, it is a place where ashes are dumped - the ashes are from incinerating trash in the area. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Myrtle Wilson.

voluptuous, flashy, frivolous, high maintenance, facade Signup and view all the answers

What are the similarities between Daisy and Myrtle?

Both with Tom, both have a baby, both named after a plant. Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between Daisy and Myrtle?

Myrtle is a knock-off and enjoys life being rich. Signup and view all the answers

What evidence shows that Myrtle feels like she belongs in Tom's world?

Changes clothes multiple times, waits for a lavender taxi, stops everything to get a puppy. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about the way that Myrtle talks about the man she told to bring ice?

Talks and commands lower class when in reality she is lower class. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Gatsby in this chapter?

Possibly old money; cousin or nephew of a very wealthy man. Signup and view all the answers

Quote that supports the idea that Nick has ambiguous feelings about the society he finds himself surrounded by.

I was with and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary Terms

Grotesque: Refers to something that is comically or repulsively ugly or distorted.
Impenetrable: Describes something that is impossible to pass through or enter.
Solemn: Pertains to a formal and dignified demeanor.
Anemic: Characterizes a lack of color, spirit, or vitality.
Incessant: Indicates continuity without interruption.
Hauteur: Denotes a sense of arrogance.
Strident: Describes a harsh or grating sound.

Setting Description

Valley of Ashes: Location situated between East Egg and West Egg; characterized as a dumping ground for ashes from incinerated trash.

Character Analysis

Myrtle Wilson: Depicted as voluptuous and flashy; embodies frivolity and high maintenance, projecting a facade of wealth.

Comparative Character Traits

Similarities between Daisy and Myrtle: Both women are linked to Tom Buchanan, have children, and share names derived from plants.
Differences between Daisy and Myrtle: Myrtle is portrayed as a lower-class imposter who revels in the superficiality of wealth, while Daisy represents a more established social class.

Character Insights

Myrtle’s Awareness of Class: Myrtle demonstrates her desire to fit into Tom’s elite social circle by changing outfits frequently, waiting for a luxurious lavender taxi, and prioritizing the purchase of a puppy.

Irony in Character Behavior

Myrtle's Class Delusion: She exhibits irony by commanding lower-class individuals while she, herself, belongs to that same class.

Gatsby’s Background

Gatsby: Suggested to be linked to old money; possibly a cousin or nephew to a wealthy individual, hinting at his mysterious and potentially affluent background.

Narrative Perspective

Nick's Ambivalence: Nick expresses a complex relationship with his social surroundings, feeling both enchanted and repelled by the endless variety of life he observes.