Questions and Answers
How does Nick meet Tom's mistress?
They take a train to New York and it stops near George Wilson's Garage in the valley of ashes.
How does Myrtle react to Tom's arrival?
Ignores her husband and walks straight through him to get to Tom.
Describe George Wilson. How does he react to Tom's arrival?
Blonde, spiritless, anemic and faintly handsome. He is excited to have Tom's business because he needs the money.
How does Myrtle behave as the party progresses?
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According to Catherine, why hasn't Tom left Daisy to marry Myrtle?
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Why did Tom break Myrtle's nose? Judging by his treatment of Myrtle and his wife Daisy, what seems to be Tom's attitude towards women?
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What could the valley of ashes represent?
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Describe George and Myrtle Wilson.
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Do the Wilsons fit in the setting of the valley of ashes?
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What is the relationship between Myrtle and Tom Buchanan?
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Does Nick feel comfortable at the party in the apartment?
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How does Myrtle's nose end up broken?
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What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter? Is he similar or different from the people he spends time with?
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Who does Nick follow out of the apartment after Tom hits Myrtle?
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Between leaving the apartment and waking up at Pennsylvania Station, where does Nick end up?
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Study Notes
Meeting Tom's Mistress
- Nick meets Tom's mistress while taking a train to New York, with a stop near George Wilson's garage in the valley of ashes.
Myrtle's Reaction to Tom
- Myrtle ignores her husband, George Wilson, as she rushes to Tom, demonstrating her infidelity and disregard for her marriage.
George Wilson's Character
- George Wilson is described as blonde, spiritless, anemic, and faintly handsome. He shows excitement at Tom’s arrival, hoping for business, indicating his financial struggles.
Myrtle's Behavior at the Party
- As the party proceeds, Myrtle becomes more audacious and changes her dress multiple times, highlighting her desire for a more glamorous lifestyle.
Tom's Commitment to Daisy
- According to Catherine, Tom hasn't left Daisy for Myrtle because Daisy is supposedly Catholic and opposes divorce, although this claim is incorrect.
Tom's Violence and Attitude Towards Women
- Tom violently breaks Myrtle's nose after she drunkenly mentions Daisy, reflecting his abusive nature and a sense of guilt regarding his affairs.
The Valley of Ashes Symbolism
- The valley of ashes symbolizes moral and social decay resulting from the reckless pursuit of wealth by the rich, who neglect the lower classes.
Wilsons' Background
- George and Myrtle Wilson represent a working-class couple navigating life in the valley of ashes, emblematic of their struggles.
Wilsons' Fit in Their Environment
- While Myrtle is ambitious and desires an escape from her life, George blends into the valley's ashen dust, highlighting his hopelessness.
Myrtle and Tom's Relationship
- Myrtle and Tom are engaged in an affair, further complicating their entangled lives.
Nick's Comfort Level
- Nick feels uncomfortable at the party, recognizing the moral wrongness of the affairs happening around him.
Important Incident: Myrtle's Injury
- Tom breaks Myrtle's nose with a slap, showcasing his violent tendencies and disregard for her well-being.
Nick's Observational Role
- This chapter reveals that Nick is more of an observer, setting him apart from the morally ambiguous characters he associates with.
Following Mr. McKee
- After Tom hits Myrtle, Nick follows Mr. McKee out of the apartment, illustrating the chaotic atmosphere.
Nick's Experience Between Events
- After the apartment incident, Nick finds himself beside Mr. McKee's bed, highlighting a disoriented turn of events in his evening.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 2 of 'The Great Gatsby' with this review quiz. Explore key character interactions, like Nick's meeting with Tom's mistress and Myrtle's reaction to Tom's arrival. Understand the setting and characters introduced in this pivotal chapter.