Gatsby-Chapter 2 Describe the "valley of ashes." What does it look like and what does it represent? Describe Mr. Wilson and Myrtle. Do they seem to fit into the setting? What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter? Is he similar or different than the people he spends his time with? Nick is repulsed by the vulgarity of the party, but also fascinated by what goes on……. Describe the violent act committed against Myrtle. What does this reveal about the person who commits the act? Tom is not only a hypocrite but a bully. Very important later on…. According to Catherine, why can’t Tom and Myrtle be married?
Colors/Symbols Eyes of Eckleburg (billboard that is no longer tended to-overlooking the Valley of Ashes (more specifically overlooking the Wilson Garage). Eyes of God watching –ultimately he does see everything! Drawbridge/Barge –allusion to the Styx River in Mythology (one must cross this to enter realm of dead) Fitzgerald is depicting the Valley of Ashes (poverty) as a “dumping ground” for the rich
Daisy (Tom’s wife) vs. Myrtle (mistress) Myrtle in vivacious, sensuous, full of vitality. Her dresses are colorful and her lips are bright red. Robust vitality and full of life; Straightforward-will say what she thinks Pay attention to clothing and the way Myrtle acts with the different clothes that she has on…. Reason for having affair “You can’t live forever” While Daisy wears white. She is affected (not genuine) and insubstantial ( no authority, flimsy) ***Tell me now why Tom is attracted to Myrtle??
Chapter 3 Pay attention to Nick's judgments. What do they reveal about his character that he does this (especially in relation to his opening comments)? What rumors have been told about Gatsby? Why does Fitzgerald reveal rumors rather than fact? When Nick describes Gatsby “standing alone on the marble steps”, Gatsby seems isolated and alone. Why might he be alone at his own party? What vice (bad habit) does Nick eventually realize Jordan possesses? How does he feel about this? Nick thinks he's one of the few honest people he knows, why? Do you think he is honest? What is odd about Gatsby's parties?
Chapter 3 Symbols and Motifs Yellow – twin girls at the party that started the rumors about Gatsby; did an act at party; one played the piano and sang a song while crying Rumors – started about Gatsby (he’s killed a man once, German spy, was in American army) Carelessness – people are drunk; Owl eyes drunk for a week; Jordan hates “careless” people, because she herself is careless (esp. with driving) Eyes – “Owl eyes;” Jordan’s eyes (“gray and sun-strained) Gray – villages in France (Gatsby and Nick discuss being in war); Jordan’s eyes Cars and Driving – the car accident outside where the wheel came off the car; Jordan left a car out in the rain and lied about it; Jordan driving – a bad driver (so far, have we had a positive/negative experience w/ cars and driving?) Lies – Jordan had “moved” her ball during a golf tournament; according to Nick, Jordan was “incurably” dishonest. “Dishonesty in a woman is never a thing you blame deeply.”
Chapter 3 People are intrigued by Gatsby’s Rolls Royce (cars are still a novelty) lavished parties, food, mansion, orchestra, unlimited liquor. Nick is one of the few actually invited—chauffeur bring him the invitation. People in attendance are the rich and friends of the rich (East Egg, West Egg, and New Yorkers) drunk, crude, boisterous Jordan Baker is in a foul mood b/c she has just lost a tournament.
Continued from Chapter 3 Many do not even know Gatsby, they just stand around gossiping about him: Spy for Germany during WWI and that he also killed a man “Owl-eyes” …eccentric man whom Nick meets in the library (significant later on) Nick meets up with a youthful man out in the garden—he thinks he recognizes him. He realizes they both served in the same division in the war (this is THE JAY GATSBY) Young/handsome, radiant, hopeful…… “Owl eyes” crashes his car on the way home Jordan’s character: Rude --comments about careless Believes that caution is the responsibility of others….Also dishonest as she cheats to win her first gold tournament