Post by thethoughtpolice on Sept 27, 2011 13:22:17 GMT
The valley of ashes' is located half way between West Egg and New York.It has been created by industrialization, created by men. Nick refers to the eyes of 'T.J Eckleburg' and his eyes which he says
''brood over the solemn dumping ground''
This may highlight Nicks thoughts on the American dream, this reference to the image symbolizes how early Americans would try and instill their dreams and aspirations on others, which may mirror the industrialization of ''the valley of ashes''
It's appearance is desolate and dull due to the heavy pollution emanated by such industry. It is the fires of industry which have created this bleak and Gray landscape. It's somewhat barren and lifeless appearance may represent broken dreams and the failed aspirations of those who inhabit it. The lower-middle class live here, this is connected to the meeting of Wilson and Myrtle.
Myrtle Wilson :
Described as "middle aged, fairly stout." - She is nothing particularly special to look at and lacks any discernible beauty. However she carries her self 'sensuously'.
Despite living at the Vally of ashes and being dowdily dressed she has a perceptible vitality and is full of life unlike her husband George who has a very deftest attitude on life. This may be due to her association with moneyed people and suggests that only the wealthy can afford to have dreams.
Despite not being particularly wealthy she likes to think of herself as being part of the upper class and certainly above her husband. She appears to love the power and glamor of the high class lifestyle with is illustrated by her laughing about the servant (porter) " She raised her eyebrows in despair at the shiftlessness of the lower orders.
When she reaches New York with Tom she changes her dress in an attempt to replicate moneyed people ( like Gatsby's house) but once again it is an obvious imitation due to the dress being cream not white as Daisy's was which indicates that she is neither as elegant nor meek and innocent as Daisy is. This point is further by her use of coarse language.
This new outfit amplifies her confidence and personality - it is an affectation to seem more like an upper class lady. "The intense vitality that had been so remarkable in the garage was converted into impressive hauteur."
She then downplays the dress in an attempt to fish for complements whilst also ensuring that people believe that she looks as good as she does then all the time , if not better. "It's just a crazy old thing. I just slip it on sometimes when i don't care what i look like."
George Wilson :
Working/middle class 'everyman' and is physically bland and dull man. He lacks luster. "As if he were a ghost."
Lives in the Vally of ashes which is a desolate and desperate place and mirrors his personality as he has a deadbeat, defeated outlook. He is a "Spiritless man."
Works in an, "unprosperous and bare," garage. The fact his business is failing ie decaying complements the ash theme. It is a place of broken, lifeless dreams.
The 'foul dust' which floated in the wake of Gatsby's dreams is connected to the Valley of ashes and George as for every person who achieves the American Dream there are many people stuck in the broken, decaying society left with no dreams or hope which here represents George Wilson.
''brood over the solemn dumping ground''
This may highlight Nicks thoughts on the American dream, this reference to the image symbolizes how early Americans would try and instill their dreams and aspirations on others, which may mirror the industrialization of ''the valley of ashes''
It's appearance is desolate and dull due to the heavy pollution emanated by such industry. It is the fires of industry which have created this bleak and Gray landscape. It's somewhat barren and lifeless appearance may represent broken dreams and the failed aspirations of those who inhabit it. The lower-middle class live here, this is connected to the meeting of Wilson and Myrtle.
Myrtle Wilson :
Described as "middle aged, fairly stout." - She is nothing particularly special to look at and lacks any discernible beauty. However she carries her self 'sensuously'.
Despite living at the Vally of ashes and being dowdily dressed she has a perceptible vitality and is full of life unlike her husband George who has a very deftest attitude on life. This may be due to her association with moneyed people and suggests that only the wealthy can afford to have dreams.
Despite not being particularly wealthy she likes to think of herself as being part of the upper class and certainly above her husband. She appears to love the power and glamor of the high class lifestyle with is illustrated by her laughing about the servant (porter) " She raised her eyebrows in despair at the shiftlessness of the lower orders.
When she reaches New York with Tom she changes her dress in an attempt to replicate moneyed people ( like Gatsby's house) but once again it is an obvious imitation due to the dress being cream not white as Daisy's was which indicates that she is neither as elegant nor meek and innocent as Daisy is. This point is further by her use of coarse language.
This new outfit amplifies her confidence and personality - it is an affectation to seem more like an upper class lady. "The intense vitality that had been so remarkable in the garage was converted into impressive hauteur."
She then downplays the dress in an attempt to fish for complements whilst also ensuring that people believe that she looks as good as she does then all the time , if not better. "It's just a crazy old thing. I just slip it on sometimes when i don't care what i look like."
George Wilson :
Working/middle class 'everyman' and is physically bland and dull man. He lacks luster. "As if he were a ghost."
Lives in the Vally of ashes which is a desolate and desperate place and mirrors his personality as he has a deadbeat, defeated outlook. He is a "Spiritless man."
Works in an, "unprosperous and bare," garage. The fact his business is failing ie decaying complements the ash theme. It is a place of broken, lifeless dreams.
The 'foul dust' which floated in the wake of Gatsby's dreams is connected to the Valley of ashes and George as for every person who achieves the American Dream there are many people stuck in the broken, decaying society left with no dreams or hope which here represents George Wilson.