The Valley of Ashes intrigued me in chapter two. I was curious to know what it represented and with further reading and research I was able to figure it out. It represented the moral and social decay that resulted from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure. The valley of ashes also symbolized the plight of the poor, like George Wilson, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result.
Well done! If you read the description of Wilson when Nick first meets him, he fits right into this symbolic place. How about the billboard with the Eyes of Dr. T.J. Ecklesberg? What does that symbolize?
Catholics are not allowed to get divorced (supposedly) this explains or at least is a cover story for why Tom hasn't left Daisy for Myrtle. Nick of course knows that Daisy is not Catholic.
He hits her because he's a brute used to getting his way (money has given him privilege). When Myrtle keeps reminding him of the woman he can't stand being married to after he's told her not to, he resorts to physical power (loses his temper) to shut her up. He's a bit of a jerk, don't you think?
The Valley of Ashes intrigued me in chapter two. I was curious to know what it represented and with further reading and research I was able to figure it out. It represented the moral and social decay that resulted from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure. The valley of ashes also symbolized the plight of the poor, like George Wilson, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result.
ReplyDeleteWell done! If you read the description of Wilson when Nick first meets him, he fits right into this symbolic place. How about the billboard with the Eyes of Dr. T.J. Ecklesberg? What does that symbolize?
DeleteI din't understand why Tom Buchanan lied about his wife being Catholic or why he punched Mrs. Wilson in the nose.
ReplyDeleteCatholics are not allowed to get divorced (supposedly) this explains or at least is a cover story for why Tom hasn't left Daisy for Myrtle. Nick of course knows that Daisy is not Catholic.
DeleteHe hits her because he's a brute used to getting his way (money has given him privilege). When Myrtle keeps reminding him of the woman he can't stand being married to after he's told her not to, he resorts to physical power (loses his temper) to shut her up. He's a bit of a jerk, don't you think?
When Myrtle starts chanting Daisy's name why does Tom get upset then slap her?
ReplyDeleteSee above
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete