In the first chapter of The Great Gatsby, the narrator, Nick Carraway, discusses East and West Egg, two neighborhoods which are the homes to the rich, powerful, and elite of society. He introduces many of his closest acquaintances who include Tom Buchanan and his wife Daisy. The entire first chapter discusses mostly positive experiences. At the beginning of chapter two, however, we move to a more dark and dreary description. Nick Carraway tells us of a new neighborhood that falls between New York City and West Egg: A valley of despair where New York’s ashes are dumped. He explains that this is the area where the poorest of society live. This is important because it shows the Nick is aware that beneath the well-polished streets of the Eggs, is the distraught neighborhoods filled with poverty and despair.
In chapter two, we are also introduced to the fourth and final major setting of the novel: New York City. In almost every way, it is the exact opposite of the valley of ashes, as it is loud, exciting, and eventful. To Nick Carraway, NYC is both appealing and repulsive at the same time. He believes that while it’s “happening” nature is admirable, the lack of a moral center makes it undesirable. Tom, who must keep his affair private in the valley of ashes, is able to be free with it in New York City.
With the party in chapter 2, we begin to see contrasts in the personality of Nick Carraway’s character. The actions and words of the other people at the party initially appall Nick, but eventually, he becomes strangely interested by them. We also see new characteristics within Tom Buchanan, as it is clear that he feels no mercy in cheating on his wife and feels no guilt for his immoral behavior.
In chapter two, we are also introduced to the fourth and final major setting of the novel: New York City. In almost every way, it is the exact opposite of the valley of ashes, as it is loud, exciting, and eventful. To Nick Carraway, NYC is both appealing and repulsive at the same time. He believes that while it’s “happening” nature is admirable, the lack of a moral center makes it undesirable. Tom, who must keep his affair private in the valley of ashes, is able to be free with it in New York City.
With the party in chapter 2, we begin to see contrasts in the personality of Nick Carraway’s character. The actions and words of the other people at the party initially appall Nick, but eventually, he becomes strangely interested by them. We also see new characteristics within Tom Buchanan, as it is clear that he feels no mercy in cheating on his wife and feels no guilt for his immoral behavior.