The Great Gatsby Chapter Insights

Questions and Answers

How does Nick meet Tom's mistress?

Tom takes Nick into the city and on the way they stop to greet her husband. They then go into the city and have a party at the apartment.

How does Myrtle react to Tom's arrival?

Full of life and lively, has been awaiting him.

Describe George Wilson. How does he react to Tom's arrival?

Blonde, blue-eyed, spiritless, and only faintly handsome. He's hopeful that Tom may bring something for him.

How does Myrtle behave as the party in her apartment progresses?

She is no longer full of life; she now shows manner. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Catherine?

Myrtle's sister. Signup and view all the answers

What rumors have been spread about Jay Gatsby?

He's a nephew or a cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm's. That's where his money is coming from. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the setting of the valley of ashes where George and Myrtle live. What aspects of the setting imply that it is intended to have a symbolic meaning as well as a literal one?

The valley of ashes is the wasteland between the East and West Eggs. Lower class living. Symbolizes Wilson and how he is made of ashes because he repairs cars and can't achieve the American Dream. Signup and view all the answers

How does Fitzgerald describe Myrtle Wilson? Does her physical appearance reflect her character in any way?

He describes her as being stout and in her mid-30s with a coarse personality, which is harsh like her. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the setting of the party in this chapter with the setting of the party in Chapter One.

The first chapter's party was more reserved and for wealthy people. Chapter two's party was loud with more people and commotion. Signup and view all the answers

How does the language of the paragraph first describing Catherine contrast the idea of the natural versus the artificial?

The natural beauty has been covered up with the unreal representation of caricature rather than a real woman. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Tom hit Myrtle at the end of the party? How does this relate to Fitzgerald's description of Tom in Chapter One?

He attacks her for shouting Daisy's name and breaks her nose. It shows he can be as violent as described in Chapter One. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Meeting Tom's Mistress

Nick meets Tom’s mistress during a trip to the city, where they stop to see her husband before heading to an apartment party.

Myrtle's Reaction

Myrtle is vibrant and full of life, eagerly anticipating Tom's arrival.

George Wilson

George Wilson is described as blonde, blue-eyed, and spiritless; he appears faintly handsome but is hopeful that Tom may assist him in some way.

Myrtle's Behavior at the Party

As the party progresses, Myrtle's lively demeanor diminishes, and she adopts a more mannered behavior.

Catherine

Catherine is introduced as Myrtle's sister, contributing to the social dynamic at the party.

Jay Gatsby Rumors

Rumors suggest that Jay Gatsby is related to Kaiser Wilhelm, implying that his wealth comes from this connection.

Valley of Ashes

The valley of ashes serves as a desolate area between East and West Egg, reflecting lower-class struggles and symbolizing George Wilson's failure to achieve the American Dream.

Myrtle Wilson's Description

Myrtle is characterized as stout and in her mid-30s, with a coarse personality that mirrors her physical appearance.

Party Setting Comparison

The party in Chapter Two contrasts sharply with the more subdued, elite gathering in Chapter One; the second party is loud and chaotic, with a greater number of guests.

Natural vs. Artificial

The description of Catherine highlights a clash between natural beauty and artificiality, suggesting that her character is more of a caricature than a genuine representation.

Tom's Violence

Tom violently strikes Myrtle when she mentions Daisy’s name, illustrating his aggressive nature, a theme established in Chapter One.

Description

Explore key characters and themes from 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz delves into Myrtle's vibrant personality, George Wilson's struggles, and the symbolism of the valley of ashes. Test your understanding of these pivotal moments and relationships in the narrative.