David Pham's Gatsby Questions

Opening

How does separation affect relationships between individuals in the modern era as compared to in the time of war? (Is it more difficult or easier to go through a period of separation? How are the most influential times of separation, such as after graduation, affecting the mentality of a young adult?)

Core

Why is the land between New York and West Egg referred to as the "valley of ashes"?

The area between New York and West Egg is described as a “valley of ashes” (23). The imagery of this area seems to describe it as a literal valley of ashes, “a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat...of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air.” (23). However, the “valley of ashes” extends to more than just the scenery. It is obvious that poorer people live in the “valley of ashes”; Tom’s mistress, Myrtle, is described as someone who is resented by Tom’s acquaintances - who are most likely of the upper class. There are not many homes - the protagonist says that “the only building in sight was a small block of yellow brick…”(24) and “the interior was unprosperous and bare…” (25).

From this information, it can be inferred that the “valley of ashes”, so close to the prosperity of New York, represents the failing American Dream of the 1920s. This area, between Gatsby’s extravagant house in West Egg and the metropolis of New York, is home to people who are looked down upon - as shown by Tom’s condescending tone towards Wilson (“‘And if you feel that way about it, maybe I’d better sell it somewhere else after all.’”(25) - essentially a threat). The “valley of ashes” refers to the people who are burned out from trying to achieve the American Dream, and the ashes of their existence that remain near the booming metropolis that beckons to them so temptingly.

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1925.  Print. (25-27)

Why is Myrtle Wilson so adamant of her right to say Daisy’s name?

Before Tom breaks Myrtle’s nose, they have an argument regarding Myrtle’s right to say Daisy’s name. This is “some time toward midnight” (37) after a substantial amount of drinking and a lot of activity. The protagonist knows that Myrtle and Tom both do not like who they are married to, and Catherine tells him that “‘Tom’s the first sweetie she ever had’” (35). Earlier, Myrtle describes her first meeting with Tom, ending with saying that “‘you can’t live forever; you can’t live forever’”. From these statements it is assumed that Myrtle is a daring, adventurous type of person, which is why she has an affair with Tom to begin with.

During the argument, Fitzgerald calls Myrtle by the more formal name of “Mrs. Wilson” instead of “Myrtle”, emphasizing her marriage instead of her role as a mistress. Myrtle’s daring, uncompromising attitude is revealed when she refuses to stop saying Daisy’s name, saying that “‘[she’ll] say it whenever [she] wants to!’”(37). Knowing that this causes pain to Tom, as they both dislike their marriages, this is probably a side effect of the alcohol affecting Myrtle’s speech. However, this also shows that Tom still carries affection towards Daisy. Myrtle could have been testing the waters regarding Tom’s feelings by saying Daisy’s name - if Tom had no feelings, he would have disregarded the name and not been as angry as he was. Instead, Tom reacted violently and physically hurt Myrtle, acknowledging that Daisy's name still had meaning to him.

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1925.  Print. (35-37)

Closing

Due to Gatsby’s fame and wealth, he is able to bypass certain laws, as shown with his conversation with the policeman. To what extent does wealth allow a person to be above the law in our modern era?