| How does Nick meet Tom’s mistress? | Tom & Nick go on train (on way into New York City), but stop on the way at Wilson’s Garage in Valley of Ashes. They then go into the city & have a party at the apartment Tom rents for his affair with Myrtle |
| How does Myrtle react to Tom’s arrival? | Myrtle seems full of life and lively. She walks sensually down the stair. She was clearly awaiting his arrival. |
| Describe George Wilson. How does he react to Tom’s arrival? | George has blond hair & light blue eyes. He is spiritless, gray – from being in Valley of Ashes, & handsome. He seems hopeful for something that Tom may bring (we’re led to believe it has something to do with a car that Tom was going to sell him). |
| How does Myrtle behave as the party progresses? | She is drunk & bothers Tom about Daisy |
| Describe the setting of the Valley of Ashes where Gorge & Myrtle live. What aspects of the setting imply that it is intended to have a symbolic meaning as well as a literal one? | A wasteland between East & West Egg, where lower class lives. It symbolizes Wilson not being able to achieve the American dream. |
| How does Fitzgerald describe Myrtle Wilson? Does her physical appearance reflect her character in any way? | Myrtle is stout, in her mid 30s, & has a coarse voice. Her personality is harsh like her. |
| Compare the setting of the party in chapter 1 to the party in chapter 2. | The 1st party was more reserved & was mostly wealthy people. The 2nd party was loud with more drinking & commotion. |
| Describe the Valley of Ashes. What does it look like and what does it represent? | The Valley of Ashes is a trash dump. The rotting valley represents the rotting American dream. |
| Why does Tom attack Myrtle at the end of the party? How does this exemplify Fitzgerald’s description of Tom in Chapter 1? | He attacks her for chanting Daisy’s name & breaks her nose. It shows how he can be violent (as described in Chapter 1). |
Great Gatsby Ch.2
March 31, 2020