Chapter Two of ‘The Great Gatsby’ explores a wide range of issues of social and ethical concern. The central theme of the chapter is conjugal infidelity. As Tom introduces Nick to Myrtle, his lover, and they have a party with excessive consumption of alcohol, Nick experiences a mixture of repulsion and interest as far as the guests and their lifestyles are concerned.
However, the end of the party when Tom breaks Myrtle’s nose after her mentioning the name of her wife is very illustrative.This episode clearly shows that unfaithfulness and lie, coupled with heavy drinking, can be devastating for a wide network of relationship. It is not only Tom and Myrtle who suffer, but also their spouses and even close friends. The chapter also explores deep social divisions that plagued American society at those times. Tom impersonates the world of rich and powerful, while Myrtle comes from the lower class.
The valley of ashes represents the poverty and desperation of people like Myrtle and George.Myrtle’s husband is perhaps the most tragic figure in the novel, since he seems to have given up on his life and his future. He is sharply contrasted with Myrtle who looks for opportunities to escape the despair of her life. However, Tom treats her as an object rather than person and even resorts to physical violence.
Apart from obvious gender motif, class motif is also present, as Myrtle is a second class citizen in the eyes of her rich and successful lover.Yet Myrtle is partially guilty of her own suffering, since cheating on her husband and trying to advance socially at the expense of her love is not the best way to improve one’s life. Furthermore, her heavy drinking illustrates her belonging to the lower class, as she gets obnoxious and aggressive as she gets drunk. Therefore, this chapter touches upon many social vices as well as portrays a broader picture of American society of that era.
