Gatsby Chapter 2 questions

1. In the first paragraph of chapter two, what device does Fitzgerald use to create a musical effect? Cite some examples.

2.On a literal level, what is the valley of ashes? What might it represent on a symbolic level?

3. What overlooks the valley of ashes? What might they symbolize?

4. Contrast Daisy with Myrtle, Tom’s mistress.

5. 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.” (Pg. 17)

6. What method of character development does Fitzgerald employ to develop the character of Myrtle?

7. What is the significance of the name George Wilson?

8.How has Fitzgerald used colors to support the developing theme of the American dream?

9. Myrtle says of her sister, “She’s said to be very beautiful by people who ought to know.” (Pg. 19) What does this statement say about

society?

10. On page 20, how does Fitzgerald emphasize the smallness of the apartment?

11. In what way is the party in the apartment different from the dinner at the Buchanan’s in Chapter 1? In what way is it similar?

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

13. What does Fitzgerald convey through the use of an asyndeton on page 21?

14. What rumor does Nick hear about Gatsby?

15. Although Catherine comments that neither Tom nor Myrtle care about the one they married, how does the reader know that that isn’t

true?

16. What seems to be the feeling towards divorce in the 1920s?