1. The Great Gatsby : Chapter 2

2. Chapter 2 Concentration 1.What is Fitzgerald going for with his description of The Valley of Ashes? What does the VOA seem to represent? (Including the details of Wilson’s Garage) 2.Discuss the Eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg – Literally and Symbolically. Identify the detail in the description 3.Characterize both George and Myrtle Wilson- Discuss their appearances and potential significance 3.Comment on how chapter two reveals potential insights into NICK AS NARRATOR (critical paper topics!) Look very closely at the last paragraph of page 35. 4.What environment is Fitzgerald attempting to create during the party? Think about the McKees, the Tom vs. Myrtle incident, and some of the detailed imagery. Do you note any contrast between this party and the intimate gathering at the Buchanan house in chapter 1? 5. Take us through pg. 37 and 38. What do you make of it? What is Fitzgerald going for here? “This is the valley of ashes – a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens” (27).

3. SMALL GROUP FOCUS Group 1: Discuss the setting at the onset of Chapter 2: THE VALLEY OF ASHES: Symbolic Value? Key images? Group 2: Discuss the Eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg – Literally and Symbolically Identify the detail in the description Group 3: Characterize both George and Myrtle Wilson- Discuss their appearances and potential significance Group 4: Analyze the details of the trip from the VOA to New York: What does Tom buy Myrtle? Why? Group 5: Discuss the party in the apartment. Identify key details of the party, including people and images. Group 6: Examine Nick’s narration and the final scene of the chapter. What is the significance of Nick’s being at the party and being drunk?

4. THE VALLEY OF ASHES “This is the valley of ashes – a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens” (27).

5. Symbolism The Valley of Ashes Note the imagery: Color: “ashen grey men” Word Choice: “fantastic farm” “men who move dimly and already crumbling” “solemn dumping ground” “dismal scene”

6. Narrative Technique Contrast: Chapter 1 – Sophistication and Class of East Egg, and Wealth and Lavishness of West EggChapter 1 – Sophistication and Class of East Egg, and Wealth and Lavishness of West Egg Chapter 2 – a “solemn dumping ground”Chapter 2 – a “solemn dumping ground” Potential significance of contrasting images? Thematic Development?Potential significance of contrasting images? Thematic Development?

7. The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg “ his eyes, dimmed a little by the many paintless days under the sun and rain, brood over the solemn dumping ground” (28).“ his eyes, dimmed a little by the many paintless days under the sun and rain, brood over the solemn dumping ground” (28). Literal Explanation:Literal Explanation: Possible Symbolic Interpretation:Possible Symbolic Interpretation:

8. Character Development –George Wilson : “ a blonde, spiritless man, anemic and faintly handsome” (29). Characterization? -Myrtle Wilson : “thickish figure of a woman…in the middle thirties…no facet of gleam or beauty…an immediately perceptible vitality about her” (30). * Characterization?

9. Party Scene #1 Behavior of the guests Catherine (Significance?) The McKees? “The little dog was sitting on the table looking with blind eyes through the smoke and from time to time groaning faintly.” “Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand.”

10. NICK’S NARRATION “I’ve been drunk just twice in my life and the second time was that afternoon, so everything that happened has a dim, hazy cast over it.”“I’ve been drunk just twice in my life and the second time was that afternoon, so everything that happened has a dim, hazy cast over it.” SIGNIFICANCE?SIGNIFICANCE? NICK’S CHARACTER DEVLOPMENT?NICK’S CHARACTER DEVLOPMENT?