Chapter+2

Chapter 2 The chapter opens at "The valley of ashes." It is a bleak place, where the only evidence of life is workers shoveling ash out of the streets. A commuter train runs through this town. The next setting in this chapter is on board the train, where Tom and Nick are riding back into the city. As they are riding, Tom forces Nick to come with him into "Wilson's Garage", a small automobile shop. The owner, Wilson, is a drab character. Later it is revealed that Tom's lover is Myrtle, who is also Wilson's wife. Tom, Nick, and Myrtle board the train and go to one of Tom's apartments, where there is a party. Nick meets Catherine and the McKee couple at the party, which he leaves intoxicated.

** Unfamiliar Vocabulary **
 * __Spasms__ - Involuntary flailing
 * __Unprosperous__ - lifeless, not supportive
 * __Countenance__ - To give permission to; to consent

Feminist Perspective:
In chapter two, we meet Myrtle Wilson, the woman that Tom is having an affair with. It seems that Tom is buying her company, because on the train, she asks for a puppy and Tom complies. Tom also lies to her to string her along. Finally, Tom hits Myrtle, breaking her nose, because she said the name "Daisy." Overall, Myrtle is shown in this chapter as a piece of property.

Marxist Perspective:
We see another gap between the working man and the wealthy man. There is a literal bridge between these classes, and that bridge is represented by the ash fields.

Theme:
One of the main themes in chapter two is decay. Nick describes the "valley of ashes" between the East and West Egg, which Fitzgerald is using to represent the decay and demise of the American Dream. The plain where the ashes of New York are dumped serves as a dividing point between the two parts of town and also as a gender divider. The men who work with the ashes are often covered in them and have a grey tint to them, while their women counterparts are fresh and vibrant in their appearance.

** Colors: ** Grey is used to represent gloominess and dullness. Often Wilson is described as having grey colored facial features such as eyes and pallor. Grey is also used to describe the "valley of ashes."

Works Cited //Dictionary.com | Free Online Dictionary for English Definitions//. Web. 08 Apr. 2011. . Fitzgerald, F. Scott. //The Great Gatsby//. New York: Scribner, 2004. Print. "New Insights into the Cohesive Forces of Crystal Structures." //Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology//. Web. 07 Apr. 2011. . "The Use of Colors in The Great Gatsby." //Lesekost. Lesen Ist Kino Im Kopf. Herbert Huber Bringt Alles Dazu//. Web. 08 Apr. 2011. . Web.