Chapter 2, pgs. 23-38

Summary

In Chapter 2, Tom takes Nick with him to his mistress’s house. There they are greeted by the mistress’s husband, George Wilson. Tom’s mistress is named Myrtle. Myrtle invites Catherine, her sister, and her neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Kckee, to have a little party at her apartment in New York. Nick gets drunk here for the second time in his life. Nick is told by Catherine that the reason why Tom and Daisy don’t get a divorce is because Daisy is Catholic. This gets Nick thinking because Daisy isn’t Catholic. Tom punches Myrtle for saying Daisy’s name. The chapter ends with Nick waiting for a train to Long Island at four in the morning.

Character-  Myrtle Wilson

“there was an immediately perceptible vitality about her as if the nerves of her body were continually smouldering” (pg. 25)

-      - Middle thirties, slightly fat, carries herself well for a bigger woman, no gleam of beauty, smiles slowly, arrogant, self centered

Myrtle is Tom Buchanan’s mistress and George Wilson’s wife. Myrtle is able to sneak around behind her husband’s back with Tom because George trusts her very much and he is also very gullible. When she goes off to see Tom, she tells George that she is visiting her sister in New York. She doesn’t seem to mind that she is basically the reason why Daisy is acting like a fool and dumbing herself down.

Quote

“Neither of them can stand the person they are married to” (pg. 33)

This quote is about Tom Buchanan and his mistress Myrtle and the fact that they’d rather be together then who they are married to. I believe that this is a very important quote because it touches on the issue of adultery and also true love. Possibly Tom and Myrtle married the wrong people, but they have found each other and maybe this is their second chance at true love. I believe that adultery is wrong, but I also agree that it is wrong to deny true love. I’m excited to see where this affair takes us in the book and who will end up with who in the end. 

Chapter 1, pgs. 1-21

Chapter 1, pgs. 1-21

Summary

Nick Carraway introduces us into the book by beginning with some history on his father and himself. He tells us about the house that he rents in West Egg and how it is no comparison to Gatsby’s mansion that is next to him. Carraway goes to dinner with his cousin and meets Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker and Daisy. They discuss the book "The Rise of the Colored Empires" and Buchanan makes a racist remark. Also, Jordan tells Carraway that Buchanan is having an affair. After dinner, Carraway believes he saw Gatsby in the darkness.

Character- Tom Buchanan

“It’s up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out for these other races will have control of things.” (pg. 13)

Best qualities: wealthy, big man, alpha male, open, states opinions

Tom’s role in this novel is to show the exact opposite of the narrator, Nick Carraway. Showing the opposite of Carraway, shows the reads the difference in people during this time.

Quote

“Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” (pg. 1)

This quote stands out to me because I believe that it sets the stage for what is to come for the rest of the novel. It tells us that our narrator was privileged growing up. This quote is something that is very hard to live by, but should be. It is a reminder to people that not everyone grew up with certain privileges and to criticize them is wrong and unfair. I really like this quote and think that it helps to get to know Carraway’s father and his childhood.