Question: In what way is the description in the opening paragraphs of Chapter 2 appropriate to the total atmosphere of this chapter? What is symbolic about the “valley of ashes,” and “the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg”?

Answer:

Question: Evaluate Myrtle’s talk of her unhappy marriage. What does she seem to be trying to justify?

Answer: She’s trying to justify her relationship with Mr. Buchanan, and cheating on and betraying her husband.

Question: How does Myrtle’s speech reveal her character?

Answer: The speech reveals that Myrtle is simple minded and materialistic. She wants to pursue her dreams at the cost of others. She also wants to appear as rich and sophisticated as her friends but her guise is threadbare and transparent.

Question: What does the scene in this New York apartment reveal about Tom? About Myrtle?

Answer: It shows that Tom has a nasty temper and a violent nature and that Myrtle is a what one could call selfish and petty, aggressive in her pursuit of personal pleasure and luxury.

Question: Does Nick enjoy the afternoon at the apartment in New York? Why or why not?

Answer: No, he does not. He leaves the apartment feeling nauseous and blown away by what he has witnessed. The fascinating life these people led had let him gawking in disgusted interest. He can’t stop thinking how frivolous, tasteless, hollow, and petty the life these people lead.