The Great Gatsby: How are the settings symbolic of the novel’s characters?

  1. The Valley of the Ashes: (using page 23 or 27):
  1. Where is it located specifically? Why is that significant?
  1. Using the first paragraph of chapter 2, list below important descriptions of this setting, paying particular attention to the use of color:
  1. What mood is conveyed through these descriptions?
  1. What do you make of the billboard of T.J. Eckleburg in the background? How is this symbolic?
  1. Wilson Garage (using the bottom of page 24 or 28)
  1. Describe the building in which Wilson’s garage is located:
  1. Using the top of the next page, describe the interior of the garage. What is the prominent feature that you notice?
  1. How does the description of Wilson himself similar to that of his garage? Why do you suppose Fitzgerald does this?

d. What is Tom’s comment about the nature of this place? (see page 26 or 30)

  1. New York City Apartment (Tom and Myrtle) (using the bottom of page 32 or 28 to the next page)
  1. Where is the apartment located? List some words below that are used to describe the apartments and how Myrtle Wilson regards this place:
  1. Using page 33 or 29, describe the interior of the apartment. What are some of the predominant details that Nick notices? How may these details reflect Myrtle? Tom? Their relationship?
  1. What kinds of activities take place in this apartment? Why does Fitzgerald choose to locate it in NYC instead of another part of Long Island?
  1. Gatsby’s mansion: (page 4 or 9)
  1. What is Nick’s first impression of this mansion? Why does he call it a “colossal affair?”
  1. How does the appearance of the home reveal an artificial feel rather than one that is genuine? List at least two examples below from the descriptions that support this:
  1. How does Nick compare the appearance of his own home to Gatsby’s?
  1. The Buchanan Estate: (bottom of page 5 or top of page 10)
  1. What colors and images are used to reveal Nick’s first impression of Daisy’s home?
  1. Nick states that their home was “even more elaborate than [he] remembered.” List at least three details of the home that support this idea, paying special attention to the use of color.
  1. Examine the interior of this home on the bottom of page 7 or middle of

page 12). Once again, list at least three important details, focusing on color imagery and use of figurative language.

  1. What is the overall feeling or mood presented in this home?
  1. How does it compare to Gatsby’s? TheWilson garage? The NYC apartment?

Final Questions: How are these “homes” symbolic in their own right? Which is the most “comfortable” or most pleasant setting? What theme is Fitzgerald trying to convey through such settings?