Flashcards Collections. Documents Last activity. Add to Add to collection s Add to saved. On a literal level, what is the valley of ashes? What might it represent on a symbolic level? What overlooks the valley of ashes?
What might they symbolize? How has Fitzgerald used colors to support the developing theme of the American dream? In the fi rst chapter, Fitzgerald speaks of the wine-colored rugs and rosy porch, the white palaces and white windows, and, in chapter two, speaks of blue eyes and the blue Mediterranean.
On page 29, how does Fitzgerald emphasize the smallness of the apartment? In what way is it similar? The McKees appear only in chapter II. Why does Fitzgerald bring them into the story? They serve as counterpoints to the Gatsby crowd What rumor does Nick hear about Gatsby?
He was, at the time, largely blamed for causing World War I. What seems to be the feeling towards divorce in the s? Related documents. Chapters 7 Questions. Before During and After Lesson Plan. Sample Paragraph for my Gatsby essay on Characterization.
They symbolize the wealthy, bright, vibrant life looking down on the working class. He was willing to do anything to make Nick go along with him.
Give textual evidence that Tom Buchanan is not trying to keep his affair a secret. What does this tell the reader about his character? Tom is proud that he can have more than one woman at a time. He is married to a lady of his social class, and involved with women below his social class. What does Tom do to Myrtle at the party? Whereas Chapter 1 ended with the mysterious Gatsby reaching out to his dream in the night, Chapter 2 opens with a striking contrast.
Nick tells us about a stretch of land lying "about half way between West Egg and New York" which is so desolate that it is merely a "valley of ashes — a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into the ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses. The ashen quality of the community is reflected in every element — including the dilapidated billboard of Doctor T.
Eckleburg, perhaps the second most memorable image in The Great Gatsby following closely behind the green light at the end of the dock. In many regards, the mysterious eyes hovering above the valley of ashes serve as spiritual force. They are, as George Wilson says, the eyes of God. The faceless eyes hover over all that goes on in the book — a book decidedly void of traditional spirituality. The eyes, in this sense, represent the lack of Godliness in the lives of the characters, and by extension, the society on which Fitzgerald comments.
The s, for a certain sect of society, were characterized by an increasing freedom and recklessness — Gatsby's parties are perfect testament to the growing debauchery of the upper class. Through Doctor Eckleburg's sign, Fitzgerald indicates that although people are turning away from traditional established morality and rules of socially acceptable behavior, neglecting to tend to their spiritual side, the eyes of God continue to watch all that passes. Even though God's image may become increasingly removed from daily life just as the face surrounding Eckleburg's enormous eyes has faded and disappeared , His eyes continue to witness all that passes.
Through the eyes the reader has an implicit call to action, reconnecting with a lost spiritual connection. After Nick and Tom get off the train notice how Tom orders Nick around and announces what it is they are going to do; these are clear indicators of Tom's nature and continue to mark him as the story continues , they proceed to George Wilson's repair garage. Much can be learned about Wilson, as well as everyone trapped in the valley of ashes, through the brief exchange.
There is little about Wilson to indicate he will ever be anywhere but the desolate wasteland of the valley. His business totters on the brink of failure, and he seems ignorant of what goes on around him. It is unlikely that he is, in Tom's elitist words, "so dumb he doesn't know he's alive," but he does seem trapped by an unnamable force.
Myrtle Wilson appears in striking contrast to her husband. Although she does not possess the ethereal qualities of Daisy, in fact, she appears very much of the earth, she does possess a decided sensuality, as well a degree of ambition and drive that is conspicuously absent in her husband. After a few attempts at social niceties showing that Myrtle, despite being trapped in a dead-end lifestyle, aspires in some sense to refinement and propriety , Nick and Tom leave, with the understanding that Myrtle will soon join them to travel into the city to the apartment that Tom keeps for just such purposes.
It is worth noting, however, that Myrtle rides in a different train car from Tom and Nick, in accordance with Tom's desire to pander, in this small way, to the "sensibilities of those East Eggers who might be on the train.
He is bold about his affair, not worrying that Daisy knows, but he sees the need to put up a pretense on the train, as if that one small gesture of discretion makes up for all the other ways in which he flaunts his affairs. As soon as the group arrives in New York, Myrtle shows herself to be not nearly as nondescript as is her husband. She is, however, far from refined, despite how she may try.
At the apartment in New York, after "throwing a regal homecoming glance around the neighborhood," Myrtle undergoes a transformation. By changing her clothes she leaves behind her lower-class trappings, and in donning new clothes she adopts a new personality. She invites her sister and some friends to join the afternoon's party, but her motivation for doing so goes beyond simply wanting to enjoy their company. Her intent is largely to show off what she has gained for herself through her arrangement.
It is irrelevant to Myrtle that what she has gained comes through questionable means; clearly, for her and Tom, too , the morality of infidelity is not an issue. Her affair with Tom allows her to gain something she wants — money and power — and therefore it can be justified.
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