Blog #3

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Analysis over chapter 2 pages 23-30

Fitzgerald introduces this chapter with an extended metaphor, materializing " a valley of ashes," watched over by the haunting eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. Here is where Nick is introduced to Tom's mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle is practically the opposite of Daisy is every way. Where daisy wears pale whites, Myrtle dresses in saturated colors. While Daisy is soft spoken and gentle, Myrtle is straightforward and almost obnoxious. Myrtle is all woman with her curvy body and outspoken demeanor, but I suppose Tom enjoys the change of pace. Tom takes Myrtle and Nick to the City where Myrtle takes advantage of her rich lover, obviously enjoying the good life while she has the chance. It is without a doubt that being with Tom is an entirely new world for Myrtle. Her husband, George B. Wilson, is describe as,"a white ashen of dust." and "mingling immediately with cement color of the walls."(Fitzgerald, 26). It is as if he is drowning in his own poverty, comparable to the walking dead. Once in the city, Tom and Myrtle insist Nick comes to their apartment, which I think is extremely strange...Anyways, Nick goes and Myrtle throws a little party were we are introduced to people such as Catherine, Myrtle's sister and Mr.Mckee and Mrs.Mckee. At the end of the section, Nick mentions the Myrtle changes her clothes. Instead of her usual colorful attire, she changes into a cream-colored chiffon. This outfit is a lot more sophisticated and wealthy, it almost sounds like something Daisy would wear. This may be used to symbolize the change wealth has over her usual personality. Instead of her normal audacity, Myrtle begins to control her gestures and her laugh, I'm fascinated to see how the party plays out.