The Great Gatsby

Chapters 2 and 3

You will be working with a partner; however, you must have your own paper with answers.

With a partner, answer the following questions concerning chapter 2.

• The description of the “valley of ashes” opens chapter 2. On a literal level, what is the valley of ashes? What might it represent on a symbolic level?

• Compare/contrasto George Wilson and Tomo Myrtle Wilson and Daisy

• At the party in the apartment, what social classes are represented and by whom? What social class does Nick belong to?

• The McKees only appear in chapter 2. Why does Fitzgerald bring them into the story?

• Doctor Eckleburg’s eyes are mentioned often. What is the significance of these eyes? (consider the context in which they are mentioned)

• In what ways does Fitzgerald indicate that Myrtle Wilson is not intellectual? Do you think Tom will leave Daisy for Myrtle. Support your answer.

With a partner, answer the following questions concerning chapter 3.

• Find support fir this statement: “Gatsby’s parties were expensive, elaborate, raucous affairs; but they were not gatherings of his friends who brought warmth and happiness with them.”

• Explain Nick’s comment, “It was testimony to the romantic speculation he (Gatsby) inspired that there were whispers about him from those who had found little that it was necessary to whisper about in the world.”

• Why do Jordan and Nick leave the group from East Egg?• What is the great quality of Gatsby’s smile?• What do Gatsby and Nick have in common?• Why does Jordan not believe Gatsby when he says that he attended

Oxford College in England?• In what way is Gatsby’s behavior at the party unlike the behavior of

most of his guests?• What is the purpose of the last section of this chapter that begins,

“Reading over what I have written so far….”?