The Great Gatsby Questions
Chapters Two and Three (10 pts)
While reading The Great Gatsby we will pause to make some observations. These observations are intended to improve
your ability to see and interpret key ideas and events in the story. Write your responses to these questions on a
separate sheet of paper. It’s fine to type your responses if you prefer. Responses to each question should be thorough,
not just a few words or a single sentence. Use text, and give pages or locations.
Chapter 2
1. Setting: Describe the "Valley of Ashes."
2. Characterization: Generate a list of four words to describe George Wilson. After making the list, choose the
one word you think best describes him, then explain why, using examples from the text to support and
illustrate your idea.
3. Characterization: Generate a list of four words to describe Myrtle Wilson. After making the list, choose the one
word you think best describes her, then explain why, using examples from the text to support and illustrate
your idea.
4. Characterization: In what ways does Myrtle change when she goes into the city?
5. Characterization: Describe the violent act Tom committed against Myrtle. What does this reveal about him?
6. Fitzgerald shows us two relationships (George and Myrtle, Myrtle and Tom) in this chapter.
generalizations can you make about relationships in this novel thus far?
What
7. Direct/Indirect Characterization: What more have you learned about Nick in this chapter?
8. Motif: Where do you notice the motif (reoccurring idea) of truth and lies in this chapter?
Chapter 3
1.
Author’s style: Fitzgerald relies on imagery, especially visual and auditory (sight and sound) imagery, to convey
ideas. The first three pages of this chapter are full of imagery and description. Copy three examples of imagery
that stood out to you as you were reading. For each example, explain why you liked it or felt it was worth
noticing.
2. Motif: One motif that we are reading for is truth and lies. Gossip can be used as a way to spread either. What
gossip does Nick hear about Gatsby? What does this gossip make you think about Jay Gatsby?
3. Characterize: On page 50 we meet Jay Gatsby (FINALLY…). Generate a list of four words to describe Gatsby.
After making the list, choose the one word you think best describes him, then explain why, using examples
from the text to support and illustrate your idea.
4. Theme: One theme that you should begin to notice relates to carelessness. Give two examples from this
chapter, or previous chapters, of people acting with carelessness.
5. Interpret: At the conclusion of the chapter, Nick tells us, “I am one of the few honest people that I have ever
known.” Do you believe him? Use textual examples to support your position.
6. Identify: As we read a novel, we tend to identify with one character more than others. Sometimes it is the
narrator; sometimes it is another character that interests us. Which character do you find yourself identifying
with/paying the most attention to? Why do you think this is?