The Great Gatsby Chapter 2 Review

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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?

Myrtle changes her dress several times and becomes more outspoken. Signup and view all the answers

According to Catherine, why hasn't Tom left Daisy to marry Myrtle?

Because Daisy is Catholic and doesn't believe in divorce. (This is not actually true.) Signup and view all the answers

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?

Because she drunkenly taunts Tom by saying Daisy's name. This shows that Tom is abusive towards women and feels a bit guilty about his infidelity. Signup and view all the answers

What could the valley of ashes represent?

The moral and social decay that results from the pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure at the expense of lower classes. Signup and view all the answers

Describe George and Myrtle Wilson.

A working class couple living in the valley of ashes. Signup and view all the answers

Do the Wilsons fit in the setting of the valley of ashes?

Myrtle stands out as an ambitious character eager to escape her life. George fits in as ashen dust veils his dark suit and his pale hair. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Myrtle and Tom Buchanan?

They are having an affair with each other. Signup and view all the answers

Does Nick feel comfortable at the party in the apartment?

Nick knows affairs are morally wrong, and he's uncomfortable participating. Signup and view all the answers

How does Myrtle's nose end up broken?

Tom breaks her nose with his open hand. Signup and view all the answers

What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter? Is he similar or different from the people he spends time with?

Nick is different; he is more of an observer. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Nick follow out of the apartment after Tom hits Myrtle?

Mr. McKee. Signup and view all the answers

Between leaving the apartment and waking up at Pennsylvania Station, where does Nick end up?

Standing beside Mr. McKee's bed. Signup and view all the answers

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.