It’s all about…
I read chapter two last week and realized how many important details had melted away over the years since I last read The Great Gatsby. I’m no spoiler, but I kept returning to the thought that the entire chapter was all about a major character absent from the scenes in that chapter. What do you think of my odd proposition?
Early in the chapter I recognized a literary technique that I believe is best described as anthropomorphism. Did you catch that and would you assign that term, or would it be personification?
Settings play an especially important role in this chapter, particularly the valley of ashes where tonight’s chapter begins. Contrast the descriptions of that location with the personalities present later at the party in Tom’s New York apartment and see if this prompts any thoughts.
See you here exclusively at 8:00 p.m. EST!
Thank you all for your contributions tonight. I know we’ve gone past the designated end time, but the level of discussion seemed too wonderful to stick with that time.
I hope you’ll take the time to continue with comments after this evening. Thursday night should be really fun as we cover Gatsby’s party. May I suggest we all begin the discussion with a handy high ball or martini?
I’ve always thought that in some ways, Fitzgerald wants us to see that everyone is playing some kind of outlandish part, except perhaps Nick who seems to describe everything as though he’s watching a play and trying to figure out what it means. Tom is very theatrical with his physical posturing and his propelling Nick about the place when he decides it’s time to move to the next room. Jordan Baker is so affected and superior. Even Daisy is putting on a show with her alternating charm and cynicism, now and then playing up her rich attitude. He may want us to sympathize a bit with Daisy and think Tom’s a jerk, but he also wants us to know that we can’t believe what they tell us.
That is a good point about what we can believe or not. I guess I will have to see where the next chapter goes. It’s leading up to something that is for sure.
Yes, Tammy, everyone is not as they seem or would like other to see. Chapter 3 gives us our first good look at Gatsby, though during a gala Gatsby describes as “a little party.”
Of course, this isn’t really dinner is it? It’s a drunken brawl of a party. What do you make of the closing scene in Chapter 2 between Nick and Mr. mcKee?
Chrystal, are you referring to the part where the elevator doorman chastens Mr. McKee for touching the handle of the elevator? Cuts him down to size.
No…after the elevator scene…..
Oh! Call me dense, but I’m not sure what happened there. What gives?
I think someone should have put the cap on that bottle earlier in the evening! ;^)
The nonsensical conversation Daisy makes in the first chapters establishes her emotionally as a frail character for me. Has she already suffered violence from Tom’s hand at this point?
I don’t notice any evidence suggesting that Daisy has been physically abused, though the first chapter makes clear that she’s aware the Tom has “a woman in New York” as Jordan puts it. While there’s no question of Tom’s abominable behavior, I believe that Fitzgerald is setting us, the readers, up for a twist by building sympathy for Daisy.
I am grieving over Tom’s violence and the blood on Myrtle’s cream chiffon dress. I think it was common in this era for polite society to “dress for dinner.” Anyone care to back me up on that?
Welcome, Crystal! I’m scurrying back to the scene to discover whether or not the other guests had “dressed” for dinner as well. Of course Nick would not have that opportunity, but I’m curious as to the others.
Yes, especially for people with money who wanted to be looked up to.
I’ve always loved the image of the eyeglasses and the way everyone wants to impose their private business on Nick as if he should be vitally interested.
Nick is the perfect narrator. Valkyrie, were you aware of the connection between the cover art for the book and the image you just described?
Yes, I was. And frankly, I don’t trust Hemingway’s description of any events involving Fitzgerald. I think he was terribly jealous and trying to undercut Fitzgerald at every chance.
Great point about Hemingway. I have to agree.
I’ll get the ball rolling by sharing an article I think appropriate for tonight’s discussion of chapter 2.
http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/mfs/summary/v037/37.2.mesher.html
I’m very excited about this information as it’s new to me, though I suspect that Gatsby fans may already know of the connection described in the link.
Good evening! It’s 8:00. Who’s here?
I am here. Good evening!
Hi, Tammy! What are your thoughts on Chapter 2?
Seems like everyone knows whats going on but Daisy. I have know idea what Gatsby’s role is so far. I can tell its the roaring twenties by the emphasis on the lavish and wild behaviors.
Tom’s treatment of his mistress, Myrtle, at the end of the apartment scene further solidifies contempt for Tom. Do you feel a growing sympathy for Daisy as a result of Tom’s cruelty?
Yes I do.
This is just my view, but I think Fitzgerald wants us to like and sympathize with Daisy, a character about whom we still know very little besides the superficial.
Tammy, compared to East Egg and West Egg, what significance do you see with the area known as the valley of ashes?
I think the valey of ashes must represent some kind of utopia. It is the center of the city where everything is relevant. If you do not go there and participate life passes you by.
I’m here!