Wilson's Atmosphere In 'Chapter 2 Of The Great Gatsby'

Bilal Jaffry ¬
Mrs. Gallagher
ENG4U1
26 October 2015
In Chapter II of the Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald, the scene as Nick arrives at Wilson’s garage during the chapter describes a strange atmosphere, sporting a mood with an unsettling vibe to it. Fitzgerald description of the areas as he approaches it on the train creates a gloomy outlook of the area. “This is a valley of ashes – a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of ash-grey men, who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air” (23). This description gives off a weird sense, having an unhealthy and even monstrous

Wilson himself is described by Fitzgerald a kin to the area he resides in. “He was a blond, spiritless man, anaemic, and faintly handsome. When he saw us a damp gleam of hope sprang into his eyes.” (25). Fitzgerald’s diction used to describe Wilson fits right into the atmosphere of the area. The gloominess and given up surroundings can be reflected towards Wilson himself. His ember with Myrtle is now is just ash, and it continues to grow more and more as the days pass. Wilson is the perfect example of the “ash-grey m[a]n”. The use of the valley of the ashes can also be thought as a commentary by Fitzgerald of the American Dream like most of his other works. It can be interpreted as it is also decaying and as barren as the valley of ashes. Literally and symbolically it is where the hopeless people live. The image of ashes also has implications of instability; the people like Wilson and Myrtle, who live there, have no real substance to their lives, as the reference to them 'crumbling' emphasizes that. Fitzgerald makes use of all these elements very effectively, conveying the surroundings and the characters with in

The instance the couple arrive in New York they purchase a dog and that too for a steep price. “’I think it’s cute,’ said Mrs. Wilson enthusiastically. ‘How much is it?’ ‘That dog?’ He looked at it admiringly. ‘That dog will cost you ten dollars.’…….’Here’s your money. Go and buy ten more dogs with it’” (28). With this instance it can be displayed Tom’s wealth and fortune in full effect. Tom lives in West Egg, a glamorous area of New York, a place of established wealth. His action with the purchase of the dog is clear example of his ability to be able to act commandingly and act of his wealth being able to drop ten dollars, a steep price in the twenties, let alone for a dog, with no second thought. Myrtle lives in a state lust for the world she wants, the glamour and lavish world becomes fulfilled by her relationship with Tom. Myrtle’s transformation from the way she acted and dressed is seen in the time she is able to escape her home with Wilson and act the way she chooses to act in her apartment in with