1. The Great Gatsby Ch. 2 Please take out your study guide, a piece of paper, and something to write with.

2. Pre-reading Questions Write the statement and write T/F on the left side of the statement. 1.People are more likely to uphold a lie than to speak the truth. 2.In our relationships there are certain “rules” that need to be followed. 3.People overlook the truth in order to be happy. 4.One lie leads to more and more lies.

3. Remember the symbols and motifs Symbols The Green Light The Valley of Ashes The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckelburg Motifs Money Weather Hypocrisy Rumors Eyes Friendship Carelessness Dishonesty The American Dream Cars & Driving Ashes/Dust Time/Clocks green White yellow silver & gold gray

4. Questions to consider while reading: 1.Describe the "valley of ashes." What does it look like and what does it represent? 2.Describe George and Myrtle Wilson. Do they seem to fit into the setting? 3.What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter? Is he similar to or different than the people he spends his time with? 4.Describe the violent act committed against Myrtle. What does this reveal about the person who commits the act?

5. After Reading Discussion

6. Considering Chapter 2 only, are the following statements True or False? (Write answers on right side of statement) People are more likely to uphold a lie than to speak the truth. In our relationships there are certain “rules” that need to be followed. People overlook the truth in order to be happy. One lie leads to more and more lies.

7. Discussion Questions 1.Describe the "valley of ashes." What does it look like and what does it represent? 2.Describe George and Myrtle Wilson. Do they seem to fit into the setting? 3.What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter? Is he similar to or different than the people he spends his time with? 4.Describe the violent act committed against Myrtle. What does this reveal about the person who commits the act? 5.According to Catherine, why can’t Tom and Myrtle be married?

8. What symbols and motifs do we see in Chapter 2? SYMBOLS The Valley of Ashes –Desolate land right in between all that is luxurious –The by-product of the industrial age –Represents the moral decay of the wealthy and also poverty –A sobering foil to the opulence of the Eggs –Proves that not everything is “good” in New York… The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckelberg –The eyes are looking down on the valley of ashes –May represent God looking down on everything. God is always watching…but do people really see him? MOTIFS Ashes and Dust –The valley of ashes Gray –“gray cars” and “ash-gray men” in valley Eyes –Dr. T.J. Eckelberg’s eyes Rumors –“have you heard of Gatsby” during party – nephew or cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm –Why Tom and Myrtle can’t be together Cars and Driving –George Wilson wants to buy Tom’s car