Comparative Essay Toms Party V.S. Gatsbys Party

Joanne Kwan April 24, 2012 Comparative Essay: Tom’s Party v.s. Gatsby’s Party The comparison between the two parties of Tom and Gatsby portrays the main difference between a Manhattan party and a West Egg (New money) party. F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author, uses this comparison to portray the 1920’s as an era of corrupted social and moral values. Although the parties at both Tom and Gatsby’s are drenched in alcohol, the motivation behind the parties is different. Tom’s main goal in throwing a party at Manhattan was to please Myrtle. The party was situated in Manhattan because Tom couldn’t risk affecting his social status by openly associating with his mistress, Myrtle, while his wife Daisy was resided in East Egg. Despite Tom’s†¦show more content†¦The description above illustrates an image of a small sized room, filled with expensive, over-sized materials that are too big for the small room they have. This portrayal informs us of how Tom is trying to bring the riches of East Egg into Manhattan to allow Myrtle to h ave feel as if she is a part of the wealthy society and parties. In contrast, Gatsby’s party was hosted at his own house, a mansion, filled with extravagant furniture, bars, gardens, orchestra, and workers. The guests all wore evening gowns charged with various colors and spirit. As opposed to Tom, Gatsby didn’t have to go to Manhattan to throw a party since he had nothing to hide. Instead, he wanted to make known of his lavish parties. He wanted people to talk about him as the mysterious wealthy man. He wished to be the main gossip of the town, hoping that one day it will grasp Daisy’s undivided attention and love. Overall, F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays the 1920s as an era of corrupted social and moral values. Fitzgerald supported its corruptness with never-ending skepticism, greed, and shallow pursuit of pleasure that was embedded into the atmosphere. Tom, the Old money, never had to work for his wealth. As a result, he is unable to be fully satisfied. Tom is u nconsciously required to be entertained. He seeks after pleasure and entertainment to save himself from realizing how pathetic and pointless he truly is, despite