Questions and Answers
What is the Valley of Ashes?
Place where New York's ashes get dumped; men work to shovel these ashes up.
Who watches over everything in the Valley of Ashes?
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg
Describe George Wilson.
Lives in a garage; buys and sells cars; blonde, spiritless, anæmic; faintly handsome; light blue eyes.
Describe Myrtle.
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Where do Tom, Myrtle, and Nick go in New York?
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What kind of puppy does Myrtle buy?
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Was this the first time Nick had ever been drunk?
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Describe Catherine.
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Who does Myrtle invite to the party?
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Describe Mr. McKee.
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Describe Mrs. McKee.
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What does Catherine say about Gatsby?
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What does Catherine wish the McKees and the Wilsons would do?
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Why does Catherine think Tom hasn't divorced Daisy?
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Is Daisy really Catholic?
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What does Catherine say Daisy and Tom will do when they get married?
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What did Daisy think of Monte Carlo?
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Who was Mrs. McKee originally going to marry?
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What did Myrtle think of Mr. Wilson?
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How did Myrtle meet Tom?
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How did Tom react when Myrtle mentioned Daisy?
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What does the Valley of Ashes likely evoke?
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Study Notes
Valley of Ashes
- Represents a dumping ground for New York's ashes; the site is worked by men shoveling up the debris.
- Associated with decay, despair, and the moral decay of society.
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg
- Oversized eyes on a billboard overlooking the valley, serving as a symbol of watchfulness and perhaps the eyes of God.
George Wilson
- Owner of a garage and involved in the car trade.
- Described as spiritless, blonde, anæmic, yet faintly handsome, with light blue eyes highlighting his weariness.
Myrtle Wilson
- Married to George Wilson and involved in an affair with Tom Buchanan.
- Depicted as stout, in her thirties, lacking beauty, highlighting her middle-class struggles.
New York Affair
- Tom, Myrtle, and Nick go to Tom and Myrtle's apartment in the city, representing the secretive nature of their affair.
Puppy Purchase
- Myrtle purchases an Airedale puppy, reflecting her desire for status and material possessions.
Nick's Alcohol Experience
- This was Nick's second experience with intoxication, revealing his gradual immersion into the world of excess.
Catherine
- Described as a slender, cosmopolitan woman with red hair, emphasizing her sophistry.
- Known for her fashion, including excessive jewelry and altering her eyebrows.
Myrtle's Party Guests
- Myrtle invites her sister Catherine and the McKees, indicating her social aspirations and desire for companionship.
Mr. McKee
- Pale, feminine photographer who greets others respectfully; associated with art and the creation of images.
Mrs. McKee
- Characterized as shrill and languid, having been photographed numerous times, suggesting a sense of being objectified.
Gatsby's Identity
- Catherine claims Gatsby is related to Kaiser Wilhelm, adding an air of mystery about his background.
Divorces Wish
- Catherine expresses hope that the McKees and the Wilsons would divorce, highlighting the dissatisfaction in their relationships.
Tom and Daisy's Marriage
- Catherine speculates that Tom hasn't divorced Daisy due to her supposed Catholic beliefs against divorce.
Daisy's Religion
- Daisy is not actually Catholic, revealing the deception often present in characters' backgrounds.
Daisy's Opinions
- Daisy expresses disdain for Monte Carlo, indicating her privileged background and restlessness.
Mrs. McKee's Past
- Originally intended to marry Mr. Wilson, reflecting the connections and clashes within social circles.
Myrtle's Expectations
- Myrtle's disappointment in George Wilson contrasts sharply with her affair with Tom, showcasing the disparity in her relationships.
Myrtle and Tom's First Meeting
- They met on a train, symbolizing the start of a tumultuous and destructive relationship.
Tom's Violence
- Reacted violently to Myrtle mentioning Daisy by breaking her nose, exposing his aggressive nature and the underlying tensions in their relationship.
Valley of Ashes Imagery
- Evokes themes of death and darkness, serving as a backdrop to the hollow lives of the characters.
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Test your knowledge of Chapter 2 from 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Each card focuses on key concepts, characters, and settings that are essential to understanding the narrative. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the text and preparing for discussions or assessments.
