Tom Buchanan hit Myrtle Wilson in Chapter 2 of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
The Incident in Chapter 2
The violent altercation between Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson occurs during a gathering at the apartment Tom keeps for their affair in New York City. This pivotal moment starkly reveals Tom's aggressive and entitled nature.
Here's a breakdown of the incident:
- Setting the Scene: Tom brings Nick Carraway to meet Myrtle, and they end up at the apartment Tom uses for his affair. The evening is characterized by drinking and escalating tension.
- Myrtle's Provocation: During the party, Myrtle repeatedly insists on her right to utter Daisy's name aloud, despite Tom's clear disapproval.
- Tom's Warning: Tom tells Myrtle to stop saying his wife's name, asserting his dominance and control over the situation.
- Myrtle's Defiance: Ignoring Tom's explicit command, Myrtle defiantly shouts "Daisy! Daisy! Daisy!"
- Tom's Violent Reaction: In a sudden and brutal display, Tom strikes Myrtle across the face, breaking her nose. This act is depicted as quick and unthinking, suggesting that such physical force is a tool he frequently employs to enforce his will.
This violent outburst serves as a crucial moment, highlighting Tom's inherent brutality, his sense of ownership over Myrtle, and the stark power imbalances present in their illicit relationship. It also underscores the destructive undercurrents beneath the glittering surface of the Jazz Age society depicted in the novel.
