This chapter, amongst other things, narrates the first of
Gatbsy's parties that Daisy actually goes to. However, although this party had the same
lavish opulence about it that all his other parties are associated with, Nick feels that
something is different:
....but I felt an unpleasantness in the air, a
pervading harshness that hadn't been there
before.
This harshness comes
to light by the increasing antagonism between Gatsby and Tom and Tom's suspicions. This
causes Tom to want to find out more about his rival and to investigate his background.
Note his determination in what he says:
"I'd like to know who he is and what he does,"
insisted Tom. "And I think I'll make a point of finding
out."
This fulfils if you
like the feeling of unease that Nick experienced at the beginning of the party. The
"pervading harshness" relates to Tom's distrust of Gatsby and his increasing opposition
to him. Precisely at the time when Gatsby appears to be moving towards achieving his
dream, Nick is aware of other forces that threaten to destroy it
forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment