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//The Great Gatsby// Reading Questions
//1. Consider the possibilities of an agrarian society being the epitome of the American Dream. Find evidences of farming or pastoral scenes and diction in the first two chapters which suggest the belief that such a society fulfills the ideal American Dream.//

An agrarian society would fufill the requirements of the American Dream as people would be growing exactly what they need and be self-sufficient. If people learned to value and desire only the necessities (and not the luxuries), an agrarian society would function well as the epitome of the American Dream. In the industrial areas (the valley of ashes), the scenery is described as bleak, unattractive, and undesirable. The country (out West) is more desirable which suggests that the agrarian society is more successful. "This is a valley of ashes- a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens, where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air." (23) Tom's mistress lives in this valley. "'Terrible place, isn't it,' said Tom, exchanging a frown with Doctor Eckleburg. 'Awful."' (26) "The late afternoon ski bloomed in the window for a memont like the blue honey of the Mediterranean-then the shill voice of Mrs. McKnee called me back into the room" (34) "I wanted to get out and walk eastward toward the Park through the soft twilight, but each time I tried to go I became entangled in some wild, strident argument..." (35)

//2. Contrast the green light at the end of Chapter 1 and the gray images in the Valley of Ashes in Chapter 2. What thematic statement do the contrasting images reveal?//

The green light is meant to represent Gatsby's dream and goal. The green light is more alluring (the want of the goal) and the gray images are revolting. Therefore, the green light, being more alluring is what you want but what may not necessarily is better for you. The gray images (which is just a covering) are more repulsive but hold the more honorable character, Wilson. "This is a valley of ashes- a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens, where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air." (23) "The valley of ashes is bounded on one side by a small foul river, and, when the drawbridge is up to let barges through, the passengers on waiting trains can stare at the dismal scene for as long as half an hour." (24) “But I didn’t call to him… he was content to be alone – he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way… he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward – and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock.” Which do you prefer?

//3. How can George Wilson be said to symbolize the American Dream? Consider the Horatio Alger (“rags-to-riches”) motif, as well as his undying desire to better his situation.//

George Wilson is a hard working garage owner who constantly is seeking to improve his situation. He knew his circumstances weren't entirely desirable to Myrtle, so he hid them from her. Though the reader does not see Wilson eventually reach prosperity, he represents the drive to enter the wealthier society. This is evident when Tom Buchanan enters his shop and shows the desire to buy his car. "He was a blond, spiritless man, anaemic, and faintly handsome. When he saw us a damp gleam of hope sprang into his light blue eyes." (25) '"I can't complain,' answered Wilson unconvincingly." (25) "'I married him becuase I thought he was a gentleman...I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe.'" (34) "He borrowed somebody's best suit to get married in, and never told me about it."' (35) "'They've been living over that garage for eleven years. And Tom's the first sweetie she ever had."' (35)

//4. Write about Fitzgerald’s poetic style, focusing especially on the vivid metaphors and images, such as this description from Catherine: “Her eyebrows had been plucked and then drawn on again at a more rakish angle, but the efforts of nature toward the restoration of the old alignment gave a blurred air to her face.” How is Fitzgerald a disciplined writer with great control of his prose?//

Fitzgerald takes control of his prose by provoking specific responses from the reader to certain characters and situations in the novel. He very vividly (and poetically) describes all the characters and uses specifically designated words and phrases so there is no confusion as to how the reader should view what is happening. "Mr. McKnee was a pale, feminine man from the flat below. he had just shaved, for there was a white spot of lather on his cheekbone, and he was msot respectful in his greeting to every one in the room." "His wife was shrill, languid, handsome, and horrible. She told me with pride that her husband had photographed her a hundred and twenty-seven times since they had been married." (30) "With the influence of the dress her personality had also undergone a change. The intense vitality that had been so remarkable in the garage was converted into impressive hauteur. Her laughter, her gestures, her assertions became more violently affected moment by moment, and as she explanded the room grew smaller around her, until she seemed to be revolving on a noisy, creaking pivot through the smoky air." (31) "Her face, above a spotted dress of dark blue crepe-de-chine, contained no facet or gleam of beauty, but there was an immediately perceptible vitality about her as if the nerves of her body were continually smouldering." (25)

//5. Research descriptions of archetypal heroes, including their mysterious beginnings associated with rumors and mythical power. Consider Gatsby as such a hero, based upon the rumors surrounding him.//

Gatsby could be considered as he truly achieved the American Dream. Though this is not evident until later in the novel, the introduction to this character is mysterious and thusly parallels the beginnings of the archetypal hero. None of the characters were entirely sure of his background or what it was he did, but they trusted this wealthy figure out of admiration for his wealth. "'Well, they say he's a nephew or cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm's. That's where all his money comes from."' (32) '"I'm scared of him. I'd hate to have him get anything on me."' (32)