T+M

Question 2

What does Myrtle believe she can achieve through her relationship with Tom?

Answer 2

Myrtle believes she can achieve upward mobility through her relationship with Tom, hoping to escape her lower social class.

Question 3

How does Tom view Myrtle in their relationship?

Answer 3

Tom sees Myrtle as another one of his possessions, symbolizing the exploitation of the lower classes for the pleasure of the rich.
Tom’s got some woman in New York’ (Chapter 1)
The quote “‘Tom’s got some woman in New York’” highlights Myrtle’s ‘nobody’ status, emphasizing her low social standing relative to Tom.

Question 4

What does Myrtle’s death symbolize?

Answer 4

Myrtle’s death is symbolic of how the upper class will always take advantage of the lower class without feeling remorse or suffering repercussions.

Question 5

How does Tom assert control and dominance in his relationship with Myrtle?

Answer 5

Tom and Myrtle’s relationship serves as a way for him to assert his control and dominance over her
“short deft movement [of] his open hand” (Chapter 2)
The quote describes Tom’s violent behavior towards Myrtle, illustrating how the lower class are at the mercy of the upper class’ desires and actions..

Question 6

How does Tom and Myrtle’s affair compare to Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship?

Answer 6

Tom and Myrtle’s affair serves as a foil for Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship, highlighting the stark differences between the relationships of the wealthy and the lower class.