Themes in Chapter 2

In Chapter 2, Nick meets Tom's mistress Myrtle and travels to the valley of ashes to get to New York City. I think that the valley of ashes contradicts The American Dream in this time period. He describes it as a place "where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air." (pg.27) A poor, depressing place such as this is not the American dream, it's not wealth or paradise or success. It represents the complete opposite of what Nick moved out East for, and the complete opposite of what the book tries to portray.

In New York, Nick ends up partying until late into the night at Tom and Myrtle's apartment; Nick is repulsed yet drawn to the interesting people and characters. I think this chapter highlights the adulterous, superficial and self centered life style that Tom and Myrtle lead. It revealed the corruption of the 1920's. Now, I'm not saying that all were superficial and adulterous during this time period but traditions and rules were starting to be broken. Nick, who was only drunk twice in his life, got drunk during this chapter. I think that in itself almost represents how someone from a strong background and morals, could be tempted and corrupted - giving a bad connotation to Myrtle and Tom. It shows how the times were changing.

Locations in Chapter 1

In Chapter 1, we are introduced to Nick's background and current life and location. He says that his family had been a prominent, well to do people in a middle-western city for multiple generations. It's in this chapter that the distinction between the Midwest and East come into play. "Instead of being warm center of the world the middle-west now seemed like the ragged edge of the universe - so I decided to go east and learn the bond business." (p.7)  

Once in New York, Nick describes where he lives, which he describes as one of the strangest communities in North America. I think this description immediately sets off the tone for the book and causes a hint of curiosity. Twenty miles due east of New York City were a pair of peculiar eggs. Now, at first, I actually thought he was talking about gigantic egg statues and was really confused. But in actuality, the eggs happen to be two land masses that resemble identical eggs separated by the Long Island Sound. 

The "eggs" prove to be peculiar and essential to the story. Nick lives in West Egg, which he describes as the less fashionable of the two. It's home to new money and Gatsby. The values are different, the parties are grander and the tightness on funds is looser. East Egg, which is where Tom and Daisy live, is considered the more fashionable of the two. It's founded on old money and mainly revolves around status and education. 

In my opinion, I think the eggs represent the changes in the 1920's time period. West Egg represents the new generation that is breaking away from the strict, obedient lifestyle of their parents. East Egg represents those who are still stern and proper and do not want to let go of old morals and traditions.

My Intial Reaction.

So far, surprsingly I actually really like the book. The 1920's is lively and interesting and I love the time period. I like how the story is being told and I like the style of writing by the author. It's not as complicated as other books we've had to read but it's still a challenge - which is good. The relationships and interactions make me want to keep reading and I can't wait to see what happens next.  :)

STARVING

I just really want a doughnut and a mint hot chocolate it's not even funny.

Buenos Dias

So, what's up? It's 9:25am and this is getting pretty serious. We're ~bloggers~ now, super cool bloggers.