Sure! Here's a breakdown of the questions based on the narrative from "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
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How does Nick meet Tom's mistress? Nick meets Tom's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, when Tom takes him to the Valley of Ashes, a desolate industrial area between West Egg and New York City. They stop at George Wilson's garage, where Myrtle's husband works, and then Tom brings Nick to an apartment in New York City that he uses for their affair.
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What kind of person is Myrtle? Myrtle Wilson is portrayed as a somewhat brash and unhappily married woman who is desperate to escape her lower-class existence. She is ambitious and seeks to elevate her social status by associating with Tom Buchanan, a wealthy man. Myrtle is characterized by her superficiality, materialism, and an aggressive desire for a better life, which leads her to pursue Tom and engage in an affair despite the moral implications.
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Describe George Wilson. George Wilson is the owner of a garage in the Valley of Ashes and is portrayed as a beleaguered and hardworking man. He is described as physically unkempt and worn down by his circumstances. George represents the struggling lower class, illustrating the disillusionment of the American Dream, as he is trapped in a bleak existence, unfulfilled in both his business and personal life, particularly in his marriage to Myrtle.
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What are 3/5 "events" that led up to the fallout between Myrtle and Tom by the end of the chapter?
- Tom's Dominance: Throughout the chapter, Tom displays a brutish dominance over Myrtle, which indicates an imbalance of power in their relationship.
- Myrtle's Struggles with Identity: Myrtle attempts to assert her social ambitions and desires, but Tom's often dismissive attitude undermines her efforts.
- The Physical Attack: The climax of their relationship in this chapter occurs when Tom violently strikes Myrtle after she repeatedly mentions Daisy's name, which leads to a clear fracturing of their relationship.
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Do Myrtle and Tom have a happy relationship? No, Myrtle and Tom do not have a happy relationship. Tom's treatment of Myrtle is controlling and abusive, and the relationship is built on a power imbalance. While Myrtle is infatuated with Tom and sees him as a means to escape her current life, Tom views her as a mere object of desire and does not genuinely care for her, demonstrating the inherent unhappiness in their dynamic.
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What does Tom lie about? Tom lies about his relationship with Daisy and about his feelings for Myrtle. He pretends to be committed to Myrtle, suggesting a level of emotional investment, but it becomes clear that he is manipulative and does not intend to break away from Daisy, who represents his upper-class status.
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What have we learned about Nick from this chapter - Need 2 things.
- Judgmental Nature: Nick is observant and often judgmental about the moral failings of the people around him. His reflections reveal a critical perspective on the relationships and behaviors he witnesses, particularly toward Tom and Myrtle.
- Reluctant Participant: Despite his unease, Nick finds himself drawn into the decadence and complexity of the lives of those around him, highlighting his role as both a participant and a chronicler of the events in the story. He grapples with his own morality as he navigates through the complications of their affairs.
These answers revolve around key events and character traits that illustrate the dynamics of the relationships and social commentary present in the novel.
1 answer