| On a literal level, what is the valley of ashes? What might it represent on a symbolic level? What overlooks the valley of ashes? What might they symbolize. | The valley of ashes is the land between NYC and West Egg. It symbolizes the working class. A billboard with a pair of bright blue eyes wearing glasses looks over the valley of ashes. They symbolize the wealthy, bright, vibrant life looking down on the working class. |
| Analyze Nick’s statement, “I think he’d tanked up a good deal at luncheon, and his determination to have my company bordered on violence.” | Tom shoved Nick off of the train dragging him along to meet Myrtle. He was willing to do anything to make Nick go along with him. |
| Give textual evidence that Tom Buchanan is not trying to keep his affair a secret. What does this tell the reader about his character? | Tom is proud that he can have more than one woman at a time. He is married to a lady of his social class, and involved with women below his social class. He doesn’t have very much respect for women. |
| How does Fitzgerald emphasize the smallness of Myrtle’s apartment? | He talks about how the furniture seemed so huge and you couldn’t really take a step without bumping into a piece of furniture. |
| What does Tom do to Myrtle at the party? What two things does this reveal about his personality? | Tom broke her nose.1.) He doesn’t have respect for Myrtle because she is of a lower class than he is – she is expendable.2.) He is very controlling and short-tempered with Myrtle (although he has a lot of patience with Daisy). |
The Great Gatsby Chapter 2
April 2, 2020