ENG2DB Chapter #2 and #3 Analysis for The Great Gatsby
CHAPTER #2:
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Symbolism: When an object or action holds a deeper meaning within the
context of a piece of literature.
Two important symbols in the novel are introduced in chapter #2. For each
symbol, provide a description from the novel (direct quotation) and also predict
its symbolic meaning in the text.
Symbol #1: The Valley of Ashes
Description of the Symbol: ___________________________________________________________
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Explanation of the Symbol: __________________________________________________________
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Symbol #2: The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg
Description of the Symbol: ___________________________________________________________
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Explanation of the Symbol: __________________________________________________________
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Characterization: The means by which authors reveal a character to readers.
In a minimum of 6 sentences, explain how Myrtle Wilson is characterized in
chapter #2. Consider her physical description, what she does, what she says,
how she behaves, how she interacts with Tom and other characters, and the
observations that Nick (the narrator) makes about her.
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CHAPTER #3:
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SUMMARIZE: Learning to summarize is a skill that requires students to
determine what is most important in a piece of writing. For summary
writing, you must use text features (i.e. literary devices such as setting and
narrative perspective or dialogue that reveals key themes or information
about characters) to determine what is the most important.
Please summarize the events of chapter #3 in a maximum of 6 sentences.
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Why does Nick Carraway attend Gatsby’s party? Why is Nick special in
comparison to all of Gatsby’s other guests? What might this foreshadow about
Gatsby’s intentions for Nick? Explain.
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What are some of the rumours about Jay Gatsby that are whispered among his
party guests? Why is it significant that there is such an air of mystery around his
character, and that Nick (as well as readers) do not get to meet him until
chapter #3?
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Describe Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby’s first meeting in detail. What is Nick’s
first impression of him? Provide evidence from the text. What is your first
impression of Jay Gatsby as a reader? Explain.
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