Great Gatsby Ch. 2 questions
George Wilson - he's unsuccessful, he's being walked all over by Myrtle and being cheated on by her. He's also a lower class than Tom. He had to borrow a suit for his wedding because he couldn't afford one. Tom Buchanan - Was born into a rich family, he has the American dream. A wife, a child, a huge mansion, and still has wealth. Considered very successful. Myrtle Wilson - She's a lower class than Tom and Daisy, she's also Tom's mistress. Daisy Buchanan - She's being cheated on by Tom, she's also not all there with her mind. She's a high class, she has money, and also has what is considered the American dream.
Compare and contrast George Wilson and Tom Buchanan. Then, compare and control Myrtle Wilson and Daisy Buchanan.
No. If Tom left Daisy, he'd be considered a low class because Myrtle isn't as rich or upper class as Tom and Daisy.
Do you think Tom will leave Daisy for Myrtle? Support your answer.
She reads gossip magazines and small books. She also bought a dog only to have it entertain her for a few minutes before getting bored with it, similar to what children do with new toys.
How do we know Myrtle Wilson is not an intellectual?
They could represent the eyes of God, watching them.
Notice how often and in what context Doctor Eckleburg's eyes are mentioned. Symbolically, what might those eyes on that billboard represent?
It's literally a wasteland. It could represent a failing American dream.
The description of the "valley of ashes" opens this chapter. Literally, what is the valley of ashes? What might it represent on a symbolic level?
To show how childish and unintelligent Myrtle is.
What's up with the puppy? Why do you suppose Fitzgerald include it as an element in this chapter?
