Plot Development

Chapter 2

Tom takes Nick to New York City to meet his mistress he is having an affair with. They go to a garage owned by George Wilson in the valley of ashes. Myrtle Wilson is Georges wife but she is having a secret affair with Tom. Tom talks to George in a way that mocks his status in society as a poor working class man. Tom, Nick and Catherine go to an apartment in N.Y.C to see Catharine, Myrtle's sister. At the apartment Nick is introduced to Catherine and a few other people. They have a small party and get drunk all night. During the party Catherine tells Nick that she has heard that Gatsby is the nephew or cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm, who was the ruler of Germany in WWI. This gossip interests Nick because he wants to find out more about Gatsby and his wealth. Nick begins to get bored at the party because he is not interested with the groups conversations about fashion or photography. As the night continues everyone drinks more and more and Myrtle becomes a loud and obnoxious drunk. She mentions Daisy to the other guests and Tom is not happy about that. He warns her not to mention her name but Myrtle says she can say whatever she wants. Myrtle begins to yell out her name and Tom becomes angry. He responds by punching her in the face and ends up breaking her nose. Tom's actions abruptly end the party. Nick leaves and waits for the 4 AM train back to West Egg.