December 5-9

Novel Study: The Great Gatsby
This week:
Summaries of chapter 1 and chapter 2 given out.
Chapter 1 and chapter 2 read aloud in class.
Chapter 1 discussion questions are due by Wednesday.
Some classes will also finish chapter 3 this week.

Chapter 1 vocabulary:
1. bore
2. feign
3. levity
4. acute
5. reproach
6. supercilious
7. fractiousness
8. divan
9. reciprocal
10. contemptuously
11. extemporizing
12. peremptorily

Chapter 2 vocabulary:
1. transcendent
2. oculist
3. proprietary

Chapter 3 vocabulary:
1. prodigality
2. erroneous
3. homogeneity
4. convivial
5. indignant
6. malevolence
7. apparition
8. affectations
9. subterfuges
10. insolent

Chapter 1 discussion questions:
1. What quality does Nick possess that he thinks makes him different?
2. Describe the peculiar land formations resulting in East and West Egg. What is the significance of these two halves?
3. Do you trust Nick and his interpretation of events?
4. Why does Daisy compare Nick to a rose, and what is the significance of this statement?
5. What does Nick learn from his first encounter with these people?
6. Why does Daisy say she wishes her daughter to be a beautiful "fool"?
7. Nick feels uncivilized. Why?
8. compare and contrast East and West Egg.
9. Describe Nick's first glimpse of Gatsby.
10. What could the green light symbolize?
11. After reading this chapter, explain the difference between Daisy, Jordan, Tom, and Nick.

Chapter 2 discussion questions:
1. Describe the valley of ashes.
2. What do the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckelburg's defunct practice represent?
3. What three shops occupy the ashen strip mall?
4. Describe Myrtle Wilson.
5. Why is George Wilson covered in ash?
6. What does Tom buy for Myrtle?
7. What do we learn about Tom's character from this jaunt into the city?
8. Why does Myrtle tell us she married George?
9. Why is Tom involved with Myrtle?
10. Why is the evening in Tom's New York apartment hazy and dim? Contrast this with the evening setting at Tom and Daisy's mansion.
11. How is the theme of sight and blindness shown in this chapter?
12. What happens to the concept of time?