The Great Gatsby | Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis | F. Scott Fitzgerald

Summary

In Chapter 2 of 'The Great Gatsby,' the desolate Valley of Ashes symbolizes the waste of capitalism. Tom introduces Nick to Myrtle, his mistress, in New York City. A lavish party ensues, where Myrtle's facade of affluence crumbles as Tom's brutality is exposed. The stark contrast between the classes and the moral decay of the era are vividly portrayed, with the billboard of Dr. TJ Eckleburg's eyes serving as a haunting reminder of lost spirituality.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ The Valley of Ashes is a desolate and symbolic location between West Egg and New York City, representing the waste and moral decay of capitalism.
• 👓 Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's billboard with its faded eyes is a recurring symbol, possibly representing the lost spirituality and the 'eyes of God' overlooking the corruption.
• 🚂 Tom and Nick's journey to New York City sets the stage for introducing Myrtle Wilson, Tom's mistress, and her discontent with her life and marriage.
• 🛍️ Myrtle's insistence on buying a puppy symbolizes her superficiality and desire to mimic the lifestyle of the wealthy, showing no genuine affection for the animal.
• 🍸 Excessive drinking at the party reflects the hedonistic and careless attitude of the characters, highlighting the moral decay of the era.
• 🗣️ Myrtle's complaints about her life and her obsession with Daisy's name indicate her envy and desire for a different social status.
• 🤬 Tom's violent reaction to Myrtle's complaints, breaking her nose, reveals his brutish nature and the power dynamics in their relationship.
• 🚫 The abrupt end of the party and Nick's departure underscore the tension and the collapse of the illusion of wealth and happiness.
• 🏚️ The description of the unprosperous garage owned by George Wilson contrasts with the opulence of the other characters, emphasizing the class divide.
• 🎭 Myrtle's pretense of being a wealthy socialite during the party highlights the theme of social climbing and the facades people maintain to fit in.
• 🔑 The geographical motif of the novel uses different settings to differentiate social classes and the characters' aspirations and contentment with their station in life.

Q & A

What is the Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby?

The Valley of Ashes is a desolate and grim location situated between West Egg and New York City. It is characterized by a coating of grey dust and serves as a dumping ground for the city's waste.

What is the significance of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's billboard in the Valley of Ashes?

The billboard featuring Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's eyes symbolizes the moral decay and spiritual emptiness prevalent in the society. George Wilson later refers to these eyes as 'the eyes of God,' indicating a longing for divine judgment or intervention.

Who is Myrtle Wilson and what is her relationship with Tom?

Myrtle Wilson is the wife of George Wilson, the garage owner. She is Tom Buchanan's mistress, and their affair is a reflection of the moral corruption and infidelity in the novel.

Why does Tom want to introduce Nick to Myrtle Wilson?

Tom wants to introduce Nick to Myrtle to show off his affair with her, further demonstrating his disregard for social norms and his own marriage.

What is the state of the Wilson's garage?

The Wilson's garage is unprosperous and bare, reflecting the economic struggles and the lower social class of the Wilsons.

What does Myrtle do when she meets up with Tom and Nick in New York?

Myrtle insists on buying a puppy from a street vendor, which she later shows off as a new accessory, indicating her superficiality and desire to mimic the wealthy.

How does Myrtle behave during the party in New York?

Myrtle pretends to be a wealthy socialite, mimicking the attitudes she perceives as belonging to the upper class. However, her facade is eventually exposed by Tom, who reminds her of her lower social status.

What is the significance of the puppy in the party scene?

The puppy serves as a symbol of Myrtle's superficiality and her attempt to fit into a higher social class. It also highlights the lack of genuine affection and the moral decay in the characters' relationships.

How does Tom react when Myrtle complains about her life and Tom's merits?

Tom reacts violently, striking Myrtle and breaking her nose. This act of brutality reveals his true nature and his lack of empathy.

What is the geographical motif used in the novel to differentiate social classes?

The novel uses geography as a motif to differentiate between the upper and lower social classes, with the Valley of Ashes symbolizing the lower class and West Egg representing the upper class.

How does the party in New York end?

The party ends abruptly after Tom's violent outburst towards Myrtle. Nick, disturbed by the events, leaves and takes an early morning train back to Long Island.