Great Gatsby party comparison

Myrtle's party in chapter two and Gatsby's party at the start of chapter three of The Great Gatsby are one example of Fitzgerald's use of juxtaposition to contrast the two atmospheres. Some of these contrasting ideas include the difference in the two hosts' lifestyles and wealth. However, the two parties also share some similarities such as the shallow tendencies of the people involved and the endless drinking which ends in fights in both settings. One …showed first 75 words of 742 total…

…showed last 75 words of 742 total…home."(p. 56) The parties in chapter two and three are important in illustrating the similarities and differences between Gatsby, one of the wealthy, and the lower class' attitudes and aspirations. Though money is important to both, they possess different reasons for their desire. While Myrtle hungered for the "ritzy" life filled with its possessions and admirable social standing, Gatsby sought the wealth only to make Daisy happy, hopelessly believing he could win her with it.