The Great Gatsby: Chapter II (pages 22-38)

This next chapter of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald allows the reader to observe the character of Mrs. Wilson, also known as "the mistress." When we first meet this character, she lives in a very poor area and has very little money. Once Tom and Mrs. Wilson are able to meet up, Mrs. Wilson's character begins to show. At the party they throw, Mrs. Wilson acts as though she is more important when she says, "'I told that boy about the ice... These people! You have to keep after them all the time'" (Fitzgerald, 32). Tom is finally able to provide to Mrs. Wilson whatever she wants and needs. She finally is experiencing money in her life. Money changes people, and Mrs. Wilson is a direct example of this cliche. Mrs. Wilson becomes very bossy, acts as though purchased items are not a big deal, and altogether acts as though she is more important than anyone else at the party. From this section the reader may conclude that Mrs. Wilson thinks that having money means that one can be snobby and stuck up. I personally do not like the character of Mrs. Wilson, especially because she is way less attractive than Daisy. I really just do not understand this whole situation because Mrs. Wilson seems to be worse than Daisy.