David Bornstein Gatsby Ch. 2

Ch. 2 p. 15-25

Nick describes the valley of ashes, which lies mid way between West Egg and East Egg. He talks about the men who word there and of the advertisement of Dr. Eckleburg which watches over the valley. One day Nick and Tom are riding on the train going to New York city when Tom forces Nick off the train and takes him to see his mistress. They arrive at a man named Wilson’s garage and meet his wife Myrtle who is Tom’s lover. The three of them go to New York City and Tom and Myrtle throw a party at their apartment. They invite Myrtle’s sister Catherine, and the Mckees. Catherine tells Nick of Gatsby’s relation to Keiser Wilhelm and Nick gets drunk for the second time in his life. Myrtle begins to talk about Daisy and Tom breaks her nose, which abruptly ends the party. Nick leaves with Mr. Mckee and takes the 4 am train back to Long Island.

1. George Wilson
2. “Wilson, He thinks she goes to see her sister in New York. He’s so dumb he doesn’t know he’s alive.”  
3. Hopeful: His reaction when seeing Nick and Tom.

Powerless: Easily put in place by Tom about the car, Myrtle bosses him around.

Ignorant: He has no idea about the affair.

Simple: His clothing and mannerisms are on of a simple man.

      d.

            George Wilson is a humble non-flashy man that directly contradicts the mannerisms and lifestyle of Tom. George seems to be a push over being taken advantage of by his wife and Tom. George represents the working class innocence that is being taken advantage of by the aristocratic class. Furthermore, George represents the humbleness of a working class citizen. George’s role in the novel is to contradict the lifestyle of his wife’s lover Tom and to represent a working class person being taken advantage of by the rich.

“ Making a short deft movement Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand.”

This quote exemplifies the real Tom Buchanan. Behind the glamour and romantic ness that Tom displays this quote shows that Tom truly has a more violent side to him. Furthermore, it portrays his protectiveness of Daisy despite the fact that when he is with her he is cruel to her. It is clear that Tom still does have feelings for Daisy and apart of him wants to protect her well being. Lastly, this quote is significant because it shows that Tom and Myrtles love affair may not be as romantic as perceived. The fact that he would go so far as to break her nose shows that he may not love Myrtle with all his soul. A real lover does not hurt their counterpart, which leads me to believe that Tom may not be in love with Myrtle.