Question

Does Tom try to keep his affair with Myrtle a secret? Explain.

Answer 1

Yes, Tom tries to keep his affair with Myrtle a secret. He avoids being seen with her in public and uses secret code words and gestures to communicate. Tom goes to great lengths to hide his affair from his wife Daisy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, Tom tries to keep his affair with Myrtle a secret. Throughout the play, Tom and Myrtle engage in a clandestine relationship while trying to avoid detection by others. Tom avoids being seen with Myrtle in public and uses secret code words and gestures to communicate with her. He also goes to great lengths to keep his affair hidden from his wife Daisy.

In Act 1, Tom and Myrtle meet in secret at a small apartment in New York City. Tom takes precautions to prevent anyone from discovering their relationship, such as having the apartment in a discreet location and using a different name when renting it.

In Act 2, Tom and Myrtle attend a party together but try to keep their relationship a secret from the other partygoers. Tom tells Myrtle not to say his name out loud and warns her not to attract attention to their affair.

Answer 2

Yes, Tom tries to keep his affair with Myrtle a secret.

Step-by-step explanation:

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," Tom Buchanan, married to Daisy, is involved in an extramarital affair with Myrtle Wilson. Tom does make efforts to keep this affair clandestine. He rents an apartment in the city where he can meet Myrtle discreetly, away from the prying eyes of his social circle.

Additionally, Tom's attempts to avoid discussing his personal life with Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, further indicate his desire to keep the affair hidden. Tom's attempts at secrecy reflect the societal norms and expectations of the time, where such indiscretions could tarnish one's reputation. Tom, being part of the wealthy elite, is particularly conscious of the impact his actions could have on his image and social standing.

The secrecy surrounding the affair contributes to the theme of deception and moral decay in the novel, underscoring the disparities between appearance and reality in the lives of the characters.