Chapter+2+questions(0_o)


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[|Chapter 2 text]__//**
 * 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.**


 * •** It is most definite that an agrarian society would have the capability of being a society that would not collapse. An agrarian society would most likely be the life style of what un-wealthy people like to call “The American Dream”. This society would clearly be proficient and well organized compared to other societies that are fully industrialized and unorganized. For example, the author describes Valley of Ashes as an area that is unappealing to people with luxury but, viewed differently by the ones who live there, //“////About half way between West Egg and New York the motor road hastily joins the railroad and runs beside it for a quarter of a mile, so as to shrink away from a certain desolate area of land. 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”//. It can only be said that an agrarian society clearly is much more successful to the lifestyle of an American Dream.


 * 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 contrast between the green light and the gray images in the Valley of Ashes are clearly the opposite. This is said because the green light symbolized hope and aspiration to achieve the American Dream. In Gatsby’s case, the need of his desire was to obtain Daisy’s love for him and that is what only mattered to Gatsby. In the other hand, the gray images that were shown in the Valley of Ashes symbolized poverty and no way to achieve any ambitions in the society. For example stated in chapter 2, ""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." Along with, "The only building in sight was a small block of yellow brick sitting on the edge of the waste land, a sort of compact Main Street ministering to it, and contiguous to absolutely nothing. One of the three shops it contained was for rent and another was an all-night restaurant, approached by a trail of ashes; the third was a garage—Repairs". Basically, the gray images were just the visualization of no successful achievements in the society or individuals to be more specific. The green lights were the symbolization of being successful or certainly being capable of succeeding in life.

George Wilson is a perfect representation of “The American Dream”. He is extremely poor and lives in an agrarian environment which is the perfect scenario to begin an American Dream. He is the ideal American Dreamer because he has to work extremely hard for the diminutive amount of money he makes and on top of that he has to deal with an unfaithful wife. Despite his harsh, and unfortunate situation, he perseveres and strives for one day getting up and out of poverty and being able to gain fame and wealth through determination, hard work, and perhaps a little bit of luck.
 * 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.**

Fitzgerald is a very disciplined, careful, and creative writer. He thoroughly describes each character in the novel, yet he doesn’t give the reader too much information, instead the reader is given exactly what he or she needs to know in order to further comprehend the story. Fitzgerald makes sure the reader is fully informed and prepared for the next event in the novel. Despite Fitzgerald’s unique descriptions, he never looses sight or touch with the actual story line and theme of the American Dream. Through these detailed descriptions he utilizes imagery and is able to establish a mental picture in the reader’s mind of the certain person or object he is portraying. This imagery enables the reader to grasp how each character's personality and how he or she may or may not represent that strive for the American Dream. All his elaborations are clear, detailed, and to the point; which enables him to stay true to his detailed, yet concise prose.
 * 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?**


 * 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’s life and legacy can be correlated to that of Spiderman’s. Like Spiderman, nobody really knows Gatsby or his identity; therefore people begin making rumors about him and how he acquired his wealth or in Spiderman’s case, his powers. Both Gatsby and Spiderman have been blessed, Gatsby with great wealth, and Spiderman with supernatural abilities. Despite their blessings, they both aren’t completely happy because they are both missing the love of their lives! While Gatsby lives his own version of the American Dream by chasing Daisy, Spiderman does the same by trying to be with MJ.



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