The Great Gatsby

Halfway between West Egg and New York City is a gray valley where New York’s ashes are dumped. Standing tall is a billboard of big blue eyes; these are the eyes of doctor T.J. Eckleburg. When the book first introduces the big blue eyes of Eckleburg I did not know it was a billboard until I read further into the chapter. It seems like the big blue eyes of doctor T.J. Eckleburg watch over everything that happens in the valley of ashes.

One day as Nick and Tom are riding the train into the city Tom forces Nick to follow him to George Wilson’s garage that is located on the edge of the valley of ashes. Tom has been having an affair with Wilson’s wife Myrtle. Tom orders myrtle to come to the train with them and them Tom takes her and Nick to New York City to an apartment that Tom uses for his affair. Tom has a part here also inviting Myrtles sister, Catherine, and a couple named the McKee’s. The group of them really start to drink a lot and seem to be having a good time.

The behavior and the conversation at the party make Nick want to leave. Tom then gives Myrtle a puppy as a gift. Myrtle starts to talk about Daisy, Tom’s wife. Tom angrily tells her to never mention his wife but Myrtle says she will talk about whoever she wants and begins to chant Daisy’s name. Tom becomes even angrier and ends up braking Myrtles nose and bringing the party to an end. Nick leaves drunk and ends up taking the 4 A.M. train back to Long Island.