An Analysis of F. Scott Fitzgerald's
The Great Gatsby

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Chapter II

An Analysis of Chapter 2

Tone

The Tone Of The Chapter Oscillates Between Bleak And Morally Ambiguous To Raucous And Hedonistic, Finally Ending In Violence And Despair.

Basic Stats

Intensity Clarity Conflict Resolution Pacing
Thrilling - (4) Clear - (4) Explosive - (5) None - (1) Quick - (4)

Basically...

Nick accompanies Tom to the Valley of Ashes, where he meets Tom's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, and is drawn into a party in their New York apartment that ends with Tom breaking Myrtle's nose.

In more detail...

The chapter opens with a description of the Valley of Ashes, a desolate industrial wasteland between West Egg and New York City, overlooked by the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg on a billboard. Nick describes his first meeting with Tom's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, at George Wilson's garage in the Valley. Despite the desolation, Myrtle exudes sensuous vitality. Tom, Myrtle, and Nick travel to the city where Myrtle transforms into a haughty character at her apartment. A party ensues with the McKees and Myrtle's sister Catherine, where alcohol flows freely. Conversations reveal Tom's and Myrtle's dissatisfaction with their spouses, with Catherine gossiping that Gatsby is related to Kaiser Wilhelm. The party spirals into chaos, leading to Tom violently striking Myrtle after she repeatedly says Daisy's name.
Characters
  • Nick Carraway
    • About - The story's narrator, who finds himself involved in the events unfolding between Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby. He reluctantly participates in the party at Tom's New York apartment.
  • Tom Buchanan
    • About - Daisy's immensely wealthy husband, known for his power and roughness. He violently assaults Myrtle, revealing his brutal nature and sense of entitlement.
  • Myrtle Wilson
    • About - Tom's mistress who lives in the Valley of Ashes and is married to George Wilson. She longs for a more glamorous life and is physically and emotionally abused by Tom.
  • George Wilson
    • About - Myrtle's husband and the proprietor of a run-down garage in the Valley of Ashes. He is unaware of his wife's affair with Tom.
  • Catherine
    • About - Myrtle's sister who attends the party and reveals information about Gatsby being related to Kaiser Wilhelm, a clear falsehood.