The Valley of Ashes Analysis

Questions and Answers

What is the valley of ashes literally?

The place that ashes grow everywhere.

Who lived in the valley of ashes?

Poor people.

What do Doctor Eckleburg's eyes symbolize?

The loss of spiritual values in America.

Where are Tom and Nick going?

To New York. Signup and view all the answers

Where do they stop and why?

The Valley of Ashes / Garage-Repairs. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Tom's mistress?

Myrtle Wilson. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick meet Tom's mistress?

On a train when it stopped. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Myrtle and her life.

She is a married woman in her middle thirties, not very physically attractive but carries herself sensuously. Signup and view all the answers

How does Myrtle react towards Tom's arrival?

She acts calm and walks slowly down the stairs. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom tell Myrtle?

He wants to see her and for her to get on the next train. Signup and view all the answers

What does Myrtle's husband think she does when she leaves?

That she goes to see her sister in New York. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom call Wilson?

'He's so dumb he doesn't know he's alive.' Signup and view all the answers

Describe George Wilson and his reaction to Tom's arrival.

George isn't wealthy and loves his wife; he is happy because that means Tom will pay for the car. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast Tom Buchanan and George Wilson.

Tom is rich while George is poor; both have relationships with Myrtle. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast Daisy Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson.

Daisy is Tom's wife and wealthy, while Myrtle is his mistress and poor. Signup and view all the answers

How do we know that Myrtle Wilson is not an intellectual?

Myrtle thinks that Tom will divorce Daisy and marry her. Signup and view all the answers

Do you think Tom will leave Daisy for Myrtle? Support your answer.

No, Tom won't leave Daisy for Myrtle because he broke her nose. Signup and view all the answers

How did Myrtle meet Tom?

On the train. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tom buy Myrtle on their way to their apartment?

A dog. Signup and view all the answers

What’s up with the puppy? Why do you suppose Fitzgerald included it as an element in this chapter?

The puppy was bought but left unnoticed at the party. Signup and view all the answers

What floor was the apartment on?

The top floor. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Myrtle's sister?

Catherine. Signup and view all the answers

Who told Nick about the relationship between Myrtle and Tom and their spouses?

Catherine. Signup and view all the answers

What does Catherine say is the reason Myrtle and Tom are not married?

Daisy is Catholic and they don't believe in divorce. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Myrtle have come up to the apartment?

The McKees. Signup and view all the answers

What profession was Mr. McKee?

Photographer. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mrs. McKee say to Myrtle that was meant as a compliment but taken as an insult?

'I like your dress, I think it's adorable.' Signup and view all the answers

How many times had Mr. McKee photographed his wife?

What was something out of place for Nick to do?

Become drunk; it was his second time that night. Signup and view all the answers

Who do they say Gatsby is related to and how?

Kaiser Wilhelm; nephew or cousin. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Valley of Ashes

The valley of ashes is depicted as a desolate area where ashes cover everything, symbolizing poverty and hopelessness in society.

Inhabitants

The area is home to poor individuals who represent the lower class in the American society.

Doctor Eckleburg's Eyes

Eckleburg's eyes are situated in the valley of ashes and symbolize the loss of spiritual values in America, serving as an omnipresent observer of the moral decay.

Journey to New York

Tom and Nick travel to New York, stopping at the Valley of Ashes, where Nick is introduced to Tom's mistress.

Encountering Myrtle

Tom's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, is first met by Nick on a train.

Myrtle Wilson's Character

Myrtle is described as a married woman in her thirties, lacking conventional beauty but exuding sensuality and vitality.

Myrtle's Reaction to Tom

Upon Tom's arrival, Myrtle displays calmness and orchestrates her husband to fetch chairs, indicating her control over the situation.

Tom's Desire

Tom expresses his desire for Myrtle to join him, instructing her to meet him at a specific location.

George Wilson's Perception

George Wilson, Myrtle's husband, mistakenly believes she visits her sister in New York when she leaves.

Tom's Attitude towards George

Tom derogatorily describes Wilson as unaware of his own existence, highlighting his contempt for the lower class.

George Wilson's Character

George is depicted as a poor, hardworking man deeply in love with his wife, reacting with enthusiasm to Tom's visit as it signifies potential business.

Comparison of Tom and George

Tom, rich and Myrtle's lover, contrasts sharply with George, who is poor and her husband; both are unaware of the complexities in Myrtle's affections.

Comparison of Daisy and Myrtle

Daisy Buchanan, Tom's wife, is wealthy, while Myrtle Wilson is impoverished; both are dissatisfied with their marriages but occupy different social strata.

Myrtle's Intelligence

Myrtle's belief that Tom will leave Daisy for her reflects her lack of intelligence and understanding of the situation.

Tom's Commitment

It is unlikely Tom will leave Daisy for Myrtle, given his violent reaction when Myrtle taunted him with Daisy's name.

Meeting Tom

Myrtle and Tom's first encounter occurred on a train, establishing their illicit relationship early on.

Tom’s Gift to Myrtle

Tom purchases a puppy for Myrtle during their journey to the apartment.

Significance of the Puppy

The puppy is neglected at the party, illustrating the apathy in their relationship; it highlights the emptiness surrounding Myrtle's life choices.

Apartment Details

The apartment where the affair takes place is situated on the top floor, emphasizing their secretive lifestyle.

Myrtle’s Sister

Myrtle's sister is named Catherine, who represents another layer of Myrtle’s social circle.

Catherine's Insights

Catherine reveals the dynamics of Tom and Myrtle's relationships, emphasizing Daisy's Catholic beliefs that hinder divorce.

Guests at the Apartment

Myrtle invites the McKees to the apartment, expanding the social atmosphere of their gathering.

Mr. McKee’s Profession

Mr. McKee works as a photographer, indicating another aspect of the lower middle class in the narrative.

Insult Disguised as Compliment

Mrs. McKee's comment regarding Myrtle's dress is intended as a compliment but serves as an insult, reflecting social class tensions.

Photography of Mrs. McKee

Mr. McKee has photographed his wife 127 times, portraying a fixation on superficial appearances.

Nick’s Behavior

Nick's drinking at the party contrasts with his usual demeanor, marking a pivotal moment in his character development.

Rumors about Gatsby

Gatsby is rumored to be related to Kaiser Wilhelm, suggesting an aristocratic background that fuels speculation and intrigue around his character.

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Description

Explore the symbolic elements of the Valley of Ashes in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'. This quiz covers key themes including the portrayal of poverty, the significance of Doctor Eckleburg's eyes, and the character analysis of Myrtle Wilson. Test your understanding of how these elements reflect societal issues of the time.