Chapter 2 Flashcards
What is the setting of Chapter 2 of ‘The Great Gatsby’?
The setting includes the area of the Valley of Ashes and New York City.
Who is the character that Tom Buchanan has an affair with?
Myrtle Wilson.
True or False: The Valley of Ashes symbolizes the moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth.
True.
Fill in the blank: The Valley of Ashes is located between ______ and New York City.
West Egg.
What does the ‘eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’ symbolize?
They symbolize the eyes of God watching over the moral decay of society.
Who accompanies Tom to meet Myrtle in New York City?
Nick Carraway.
What does Myrtle buy in the city that signifies her desire for a better life?
A dog.
True or False: Myrtle is married to Tom Buchanan.
False.
What does Tom do to Myrtle when she mentions Daisy’s name?
He hits her and breaks her nose.
What is the significance of the party that Tom and Myrtle host?
It demonstrates the excess and moral decay of the characters involved.
Who is the narrator of ‘The Great Gatsby’?
Nick Carraway.
What is Myrtle’s social status compared to Tom’s?
Myrtle is of a lower social status than Tom.
Fill in the blank: Nick describes Tom as being ______ and ______.
arrogant; aggressive.
What does the train symbolize in this chapter?
The train symbolizes the separation between social classes.
What kind of party does Myrtle throw?
A lavish party with friends and acquaintances.
What does Nick think of the people at Myrtle’s party?
He finds them to be superficial and vulgar.
True or False: The chapter includes a depiction of the American Dream.
True.
What type of relationship do Tom and Myrtle have?
An affair based on lust and power.
What does Myrtle’s behavior at the party suggest about her character?
It suggests her desperation to escape her current life.
Who is the character that represents the working class in Chapter 2?
George Wilson.
Fill in the blank: Myrtle’s husband, George, owns a ______.
garage.
What does Tom’s treatment of Myrtle reveal about his character?
It reveals his dominance and lack of respect for others.
What does the description of the Valley of Ashes highlight about society?
It highlights the consequences of industrialization and the divide between the rich and the poor.
What does Nick think about Tom’s affair with Myrtle?
He is disapproving and uncomfortable with it.
Describe Myrtle’s attitude towards Tom.
She is infatuated and sees him as a means to escape her life.
What does the party reveal about the character of Myrtle?
It shows her desire for wealth and social status.
Fill in the blank: The chapter ends with _______.
Nick feeling unsettled about the events he witnessed.
What is the significance of the character of George Wilson?
He represents the struggling working class.
True or False: The chapter portrays a sense of hope and optimism.
False.
What does Tom’s apartment in New York symbolize?
It symbolizes his wealth and the hidden aspects of his life.
What is Myrtle’s reaction when she sees Tom?
She is excited and eager to be with him.
What does Nick observe about Myrtle when she is with Tom?
He observes that she becomes more assertive and confident.
What is a key theme explored in Chapter 2?
The theme of social class and the American Dream.
How does Nick describe the atmosphere at Myrtle’s party?
He describes it as chaotic and filled with superficiality.
What does Myrtle’s choice of clothing suggest about her character?
It suggests her desire to fit into a higher social class.
Fill in the blank: The chapter highlights the ________ of the characters involved.
moral decay.
Who does Myrtle invite to the party?
Her friends and acquaintances from the city.
What does Tom’s behavior towards Myrtle reflect about his views on women?
It reflects his view of women as possessions.
What is Nick’s opinion of the guests at Myrtle’s party?
He finds them to be unrefined and lacking substance.
What does the repeated mention of the color yellow symbolize?
It symbolizes wealth and decadence.
How does Nick feel about the events that unfold in this chapter?
He feels uncomfortable and disillusioned.
What literary device is used to describe the Valley of Ashes?
Imagery.
True or False: Myrtle is portrayed as a sympathetic character.
False.
What does the character of Tom Buchanan represent?
He represents the arrogance and entitlement of the upper class.
Fill in the blank: The chapter reflects the theme of ________ in the pursuit of the American Dream.
disillusionment.
What does the contrast between West Egg and the Valley of Ashes illustrate?
It illustrates the disparity between wealth and poverty.
What effect does Myrtle’s affair with Tom have on her marriage?
It creates a significant rift and ultimately leads to her unhappiness.
What does Nick learn about Tom’s character through his interactions with Myrtle?
He learns that Tom is abusive and selfish.
How does Fitzgerald use setting in Chapter 2?
He uses setting to reflect the characters’ social standings and moral decay.
What does Myrtle’s dog symbolize?
It symbolizes her attempts to adopt a more luxurious lifestyle.
What is the tone of Chapter 2?
The tone is cynical and dark.
How does Tom’s wealth influence his relationship with Myrtle?
It allows him to exert control and power over her.
