Chapter 2 Flashcards
what is the setting change?
goes from west/east egg to valley of ashes. people are left over products of capitalism and are forgotten. represents ruin of young men in 1920s
what does the “ash-grey” and “grey” represent?
corruption, decay, moral decay, suffering
“Where ashes take the forms of houses…
and chimneys and rising smoke” - hopes and dreams crushed to dust
What do the “eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg” represent?
not even god is watching over them, the eyes are empty. symbol for loss of spiritual values in 1920s. people go against the law and transgress, people push boundaries.
How is Myrtle introduced?
“the thickish figure of a woman blocked out the light” - darkness as the light is blocked -> foreshadowing
“walking through her husband…
as if she was a ghost” - foreshadowing
How do Gatsby and Myrtle parallel?
both try to escape past and background, both die as a result of chasing dream.
what is wilson covered in?
“white ashen dust” - represents broken dreams
What is the gossip magazine called?
“Town Tattle” - socialites, Myrtle desires the lifestyle and wants to be part of it
Why does Myrtle get an “indeterminate breed” dog?
links back to her working class origin -> not ‘well bred’
“small living room, a small dining room,-
a small bedroom and a bath” - small dream
How is Gatsby elevated?
gossip makes him mysterious
How do Daisy and Myrtle compare?
Myrtle is less articulate
“Making a short deft movement, -
Tom Buchanan broke her nose open with his hand” - violence, Tom as villain, reminder that Myrtle will never be Daisy
What is the importance of the Valley of Ashes?
introduces early motif of dust, reality, decay of society
