The Great Gatsby- Chp. 2 [pages 22-38]

Chapter 2 Summary-


The chapter begins with Nick traveling through the "valley of ashes," halfway between West Egg and New York where the motor road joins the railroad, with Tom. Tom decided that he would like Nick to meet his mistress. Once the train stopped, Tom led Nick out of the train and into the garage of a man named George Wilson. George Wilson's wife, Myrtle Wilson, is Tom's mistress, and they decide to meet each other later. They met up at an apartment, and Myrtle invited her sister, Catherine, and the McKee's to join along as well. Myrtle discusses about her love life with George and how she met Tom. But when Tom and Myrtle discuss about Daisy, Tom gets aggravated and breaks Myrtle's nose. 


George Wilson


b. "He was a blond, spiritless man, anaemic, and faintly handsome. When he saw us a dam gleam of hope sprang into his light blue eyes. (Fitzgerald 25)


c. He is a poor person, who has his own garage shop. In the beginning, George was seen as a gentleman for Myrtle in their earlier days. He is also described as ignorant and dumb because how easily Myrtle could sneak around him. He does seem a bit naive about his own wife, but perhaps he may be hiding his knowledge like Daisy. 

d. The character plays an important role of mirroring Daisy. Also George plays the contrast of a poor husband, rather than a rich one. Even though Myrtle married George because of apparent love, she regrets not marrying a wealthier man. "'Yes but listen,' nodding her head up and down, 'at least you didn't marry him...Well i married him,' said Myrtle, ambiguously.'And that's the difference between your case and mine.'" It raises the question "Can money buy love?" 

"'Wilson? He thinks she goes to see her sister in New York. He's so dumb he doesn't know he's alive. (Fitzgerald 26)'"

I thought that this quote was very interesting because right away, Wilson is judged by Tom. I also find it interesting that Tom gets irritated when Myrtle talks about Daisy, but he does not feel any remorse when he talks badly about Tom. The words, "Hes so dumb he doesn't know he's alive." stuck out to me because I don't fully understand what he means by it. I think that Tom is saying that if George were alive, he would react and catch on to what Tom and Myrtle are doing. 

 

 

The Great Gatsby- Chp. 1 [pages 1-21]

Chapter 1 Summary-


Nick Carraway graduated New Haven in 1915, participated in the Great War, and wrote for Yale News. He then moved to New York and lived at the West Egg. His cousin, Daisy, and her husband, Tom Buchanans, live on the East Egg of New York, and he decided to pay them a visit. There, he met Jordan Baker, who Nick seems to have an attraction to. After his visit, he goes back home where he sees Mr. Gatsby for the first time. 


Tom Buchanans


b. 'Now don'e think my opinion on these matters is final,' he seemed to say, 'just because I'm stronger and more of a man than you are.' (Fitzgerald 5)
This quote shows that Tom is a person that likes to assert his dominance. He is the type that would love to take the role of "alpha male." 


c. Tom is a strong man who used to play football in New Havens. his strength only compliments his unpleasantly cocky attitude. He is a conceited person who is not afraid to flaunt his wealth and control his wife. Tom shows his true colors when the story reveals that he is cheating on Daisy. He also is unafraid to share his racist views with Nick. He supports white dominance explaining that "It's up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things. (Fitzgerald 13)" 


d. Tom plays a character that contrasts from Nick Carraway. Nick is a smart individual while Tom exceeds in strength. Tom's role in this story is to conflict with Nick's views and ideals. Nick seems to reject Tom and his views, but Tom is viewed as "more of a man" than Nick is. So Tom also plays a male role model for Nick. Tom also displays the view of white America at that time period. Races were still not accepted, and Tom clearly displays that type of attitude towards them.




'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told m, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had. (Fitzgerald 1)


This early quote will probably play a key role in the ideals of Nick Carraway throughout the book. This quote reminds people that there are others who are less fortunate. It is a single reminder that people must utilize each advantage that he or she is given in order to obtain happiness. This quote is important to Nick because it is a quote from his father that has stuck in his head for many years.