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The Great Gatsby Chapter 2: Summary, Symbols, and Analysis

Chapter 2 of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece shifts from the glitz of West Egg to the bleak reality of the Valley of Ashes. This section introduces essential characters and symbols that highlight the social and moral decay at the heart of the novel.

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Setting the Scene: The Valley of Ashes

The chapter opens with a description of the Valley of Ashes, a desolate industrial wasteland located between West Egg and New York City. This setting serves as a powerful symbol of the plight of the poor who are left behind by the booming 1920s economy. Overlooking this grim landscape are the faded eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg on a forgotten billboard, which many literary analyses suggest represent a silent, judging God or the loss of spiritual values in a materialistic society.

Meet the Wilsons: George and Myrtle

Nick Carraway is taken by Tom Buchanan to a garage owned by George Wilson. Here, we meet Tom’s mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Unlike the refined and airy Daisy, Myrtle is described with a sense of vitality and desperation to escape her lower-class life. George Wilson appears as a spiritless, ash-covered man, unaware of the extent of his wife's betrayal. This interaction establishes the predatory nature of the upper class toward those in the working class.

The Apartment Party and Moral Chaos

The action moves to a small apartment in New York City that Tom keeps for his affair. As Nick, Myrtle, and various guests drink heavily, the atmosphere becomes increasingly chaotic and surreal. The party highlights the superficiality of the characters' social aspirations. The afternoon ends in violence when Tom strikes Myrtle for mentioning Daisy's name, asserting his dominance and showing his lack of respect for both women.

Key Themes for Essays and Quizzes

When preparing for class discussions, focus on the contrast between the 'ash' of the valley and the 'gold' of the Eggs. Note how Myrtle attempts to act like a socialite by changing her clothes and attitude, only to be violently reminded of her actual status by Tom. This chapter is vital for understanding Fitzgerald's critique of the American Dream and the rigid barriers between social classes.

What do the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg represent?

They are often interpreted as a symbol of God staring down at a moral wasteland, or the commercialization of American values where even 'God' is just an advertisement.

How does Myrtle Wilson differ from Daisy Buchanan?

While Daisy is portrayed as delicate, pale, and cynical, Myrtle is described as earthy, full of energy, and desperate to climb the social ladder through her affair with Tom.

Why does Tom Buchanan break Myrtle's nose?

Tom breaks her nose to assert his power and stop her from saying Daisy's name. It demonstrates that despite his affair, he maintains a double standard regarding his wife and views Myrtle as a disposable object.

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