Reader Response
The Great Gatsby: Chapter 2
The beginning to chapter 2 of The Great Gatsby had a much different feel to it than chapter 1; the primary setting for chapter 2 is "the valley of ashes", which is a very impoverished and desolate place. It was interesting, surprising, and ironic that the author chose for this gloomy place to be the atmosphere of the characters within chapter 2; after reading chapter 1, I assumed that chapter 2 would have the same luxurious and pretentious setting and tone, but it didn't. I also began to see some of the complex relationships between characters developing, such as the relationship between Tom, Myrtle, and Wilson, and Myrtle and Nick. Tom and Myrtle are lovers, yet Myrtle is married to Wilson; and Myrtle seems to be attracted to Nick.
Questions:
- What is the significance of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's gazing eyes?
- As a whole, what is the purpose of making the valley of ashes a setting in the beginning? What does it symbolize?
- As the chapter comes to an end, why does Tom betray Daisy?
Questions:
- What is the significance of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's gazing eyes?
- As a whole, what is the purpose of making the valley of ashes a setting in the beginning? What does it symbolize?
- As the chapter comes to an end, why does Tom betray Daisy?