In this passage, Fitzgerald uses a variety of corrupt images to represent the horrific society in which the novel is based. He further underlines the brutal reality of these images and what they signify by his detailed use of language and syntax, and through the portrayal of certain characters.

Within their relationship, Fitzgerald strongly identifies Tom and Myrtle as symbols of a corrupt society - `[Tom's] acquaintances resented the fact that he turned up in popular cafes with [Myrtle] and...sauntered about, chatting with whomsoever he knew'. Fitzgerald's use of present participles communicates a sense of movement, which illustrates Tom's reckless flaunting of his adultery, and thereby represents the immoral society. Tom's arrogance is demonstrated highly when he obliges Nick to meet his mistress, `the supercilious assumption was that on Sunday afternoon [Nick] had nothing better...