Gatsby Chapter 2 Discussion Questions

Chapter 2

1. What/where are the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg? What might they symbolize?
   
   1. How does this symbol compare to the green light at the end of chapter 1 (Fitzgerald 21)?
      
2. What are Myrtle Wilson’s motivations? How does her character change from the garage in the Valley of Ashes to the Manhattan apartment?  How does this connect to the American Dream?
   
3. Quote: When Myrtle talks about meeting Tom for the first time she says, “You can’t live forever; you can’t live forever” (Fitzgerald 36).
   
   1. What does this quote say about Myrtle, the people she is hanging out with, or even Tom?
      
4. How does Fitzgerald’s writing style mimic Nick’s state of mind?  How does this impact Nick’s reliability as a narrator?
   
5. How does Tom’s actions/behavior represent “old money?”  How is he characterized through his interactions with Myrtle?