This scene in particular takes place in a sumptuous apartment located on the edge of Manhattan. Everyone is partying and getting drunk, but is slowly coming to terms with reality. Tom slaps Myrtle so hard that he breaks her nose and triggers a disturbance with the other people in the room. All men are given some sort of strength, but when it is not used to help others, they turn into cowards or monsters. The author uses complex word structure to create a more vivid painting of action. He draws out the simple act of slapping by answering the questions “how”, “what position” and “what damage” in relation to the hand as a result of the slapping. “Making a short deft movement” demonstrates the reflexes Tom has, despite being currently hungover. …show more content…
Tom therefore can be translated into a symbol of dictatorship because of his oppressive violence on the helpless. Tom’s aggressive actions towards Myrtle, re-illustrates the idea that women are weak …show more content…
Tom uses strength to break down the helpless, therefore presenting himself such as a ruthless tyrant because of his power. Because of this display of power, men and women do not have equal power in a relationship, especially if it is a highly intimate one. Because men tend to be physically stronger, they seem to have the upper hand in relationships. Power also comes in resources, such as Gatsby’s bootlegging business, influence over the law, as well by showing it in extravagant parties. As a result of this kind of power, cowardice can be blatantly expressed in promiscuous relationships or violence,by peer pressure, general appeal, and drugs or alcohol. Sure Mr McKee hardly displayed strength, but he should have summoned up courage to at least chastise Tom for being aggressive towards Myrtle. At minimum, this standard of strength would have been appeased because of his brave stand. Overall, Tom’s brutality is a reflection of the inner masculine monster similarly as McKee’s cowardness is a reflection of the inner fear in many