The Great Gatsby's Mr. & Mrs. McKee: Key Facts & Analysis

Mr. Eliseo Bartell III 11 May 2025

Do the minor characters in literature truly reflect the moral decay of an era? In F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," the characters of Mr. and Mrs. McKee serve as potent symbols of the superficiality, artistic pretension, and moral ambiguity that define the Jazz Age. Their brief but memorable appearance in Chapter 2 leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the novel's broader themes of wealth, class, and the elusive American Dream.

The McKees are introduced during the infamous party at Tom and Myrtle Wilson's apartment in New York City. Nick Carraway, the narrator, finds himself swept up in the drunken revelry and observes the various personalities present. Mr. McKee, a "pale, feminine" man, is an aspiring photographer, while Mrs. McKee is described as "shrill, languid, handsome, and horrible." Their interactions with Nick, and each other, offer a glimpse into the vapid and self-absorbed nature of the social circles that surround Tom Buchanan. The McKees, a couple that Nick seemingly does not like, appear to be somewhat intimidated by him, adding to their strange and unsettling presence.

Mr. & Mrs. McKee: Biographical and Professional Information
Full Names	Chester McKee (Mr. McKee), unnamed wife (Mrs. McKee)
Occupation	Mr. McKee: Photographer. Mrs. McKee: Vague aspirations, possibly related to the arts or fashion.
Appearance	Mr. McKee: "Pale and feminine." Mrs. McKee: "Shrill, languid, handsome, and horrible," wears a great deal of makeup.
Personality	Mr. McKee: Pretentious, somewhat effeminate, absorbed in his photography. Mrs. McKee: Shallow, attention-seeking, critical, and lacking empathy.
Social Standing	Part of Tom Buchanan's social circle, representing the "new money" crowd. Live downstairs from Tom and Myrtle's apartment.
Role in "The Great Gatsby"	Minor characters who exemplify the moral decay and superficiality of the Jazz Age. Their interactions with Nick provide insight into the decadent lifestyle of the wealthy.
Key Scene	Chapter 2 party at Tom and Myrtle's apartment.
Memorable Quote (Mrs. McKee)	"Chester, I think you could do something with her [Myrtle]."
Further Reference	SparkNotes: The Great Gatsby

One of the defining aspects of the McKees is their artistic pretension. Mr. McKee, with his self-proclaimed photographic talent, embodies the superficiality that often accompanies artistic endeavors in the novel. He analyzes Myrtle's appearance with a critical eye, suggesting changes in lighting and posing to "bring out the modeling of the features." His comments, while seemingly professional, are devoid of genuine appreciation for beauty and instead focus on technical perfection. Mrs. McKee, eager to promote her husband's work, attempts to draw attention to potential subjects, further highlighting their shared desire for recognition and validation.

Mrs. McKees attempts to garner attention for her husbands photographic skills often fall flat, and his responses are often dismissive or rude. This dynamic paints a picture of a strained relationship, where Mrs. McKee seeks validation through her husbands supposed talent, while Mr. McKee remains largely uninterested in her input. The power dynamics within their marriage, and the broader social dynamics of the party, are subtly revealed through their interactions.

Adding to the sense of unease surrounding the McKees is their peculiar behavior and strange interactions. Mrs. McKee's habit of scrutinizing people's feet, as highlighted in the novel, is both bizarre and unsettling. When she compliments Myrtle's dress, Myrtle dismisses it with disdain, revealing the underlying tensions and social competition among the characters. These small details contribute to the overall atmosphere of artificiality and superficiality that permeates the party.

The limited interactions between Nick and the McKees further emphasize their role as observers and commentators on the unfolding drama. Nick, as the narrator, provides a critical perspective on the characters and events he witnesses. His agreement to have lunch with Mr. McKee after the party, while seemingly innocuous, underscores his tendency to become entangled in the lives of those around him. This acceptance, however, is followed by a fragmented recollection of the evening, marked by ellipses, suggesting a sense of disorientation and moral ambiguity.

Catherine, Myrtle's sister, is another character who contributes to the novel's exploration of social dynamics and moral decay. She is described as having bright red hair, wearing excessive makeup, and presenting herself as a worldly girl. Catherine, along with the McKees, represents the superficiality and artificiality of the urban social scene. Her exaggerated appearance and affected mannerisms reflect a desire to project an image of sophistication and glamour, further highlighting the characters' obsession with appearances.

Catherine also plays a role in spreading rumors and misinformation about Jay Gatsby. She tells Nick that Gatsby is the nephew or cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm, the German ruler during World War I. This unfounded claim contributes to the mystique surrounding Gatsby and fuels the speculation about his past and his wealth. The fact that Catherine is willing to repeat such a far-fetched story reveals her gullibility and her willingness to participate in the gossip and intrigue that pervade the novel.

The excessive drinking that takes place at the party at Tom and Myrtle's apartment further underscores the moral decay and hedonism of the era. The characters indulge in alcohol as a means of escaping their problems and inhibitions. The drunken revelry contributes to the sense of chaos and disorientation that permeates the scene, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. The McKees, along with the other guests, participate in the excessive drinking, further highlighting their complicity in the moral decay of the society.

The scene at Tom and Myrtle's apartment is a microcosm of the larger social and moral landscape of "The Great Gatsby." The characters, including the McKees and Catherine, represent the superficiality, materialism, and moral ambiguity that define the Jazz Age. Their interactions with Nick and each other provide insight into the decadent lifestyle of the wealthy and the pursuit of the elusive American Dream. The McKees, in particular, serve as a reminder of the artistic pretension and social climbing that characterized the era, while Catherine's role in spreading rumors and misinformation highlights the pervasive gossip and intrigue.

F. Scott Fitzgerald masterfully uses these minor characters to enhance the novel's broader themes. The McKees and Catherine may not be central to the plot, but their presence is crucial in creating a vivid and compelling portrait of the Jazz Age. They embody the superficiality and moral decay that underlie the glittering facade of wealth and glamour, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing empty dreams and embracing superficial values.

Consider Mrs. McKees cruel comments about Myrtle Wilson. She exemplifies a lack of empathy, highlighting the coldness that exists beneath the surface of the wealthy elite. Her observations are not born of genuine concern or understanding, but rather from a place of judgment and superiority. This casual cruelty underscores the moral vacuum at the heart of the novel's social world.

Nicks encounter with Mr. McKee in the elevator, where he is invited to lunch, is a seemingly insignificant detail, but it contributes to the overall sense of unease and disorientation. The fragmented recollection of the evening, marked by the use of ellipses, suggests that Nick is struggling to make sense of what he has witnessed. This ambiguity reflects the moral confusion that permeates the novel and the difficulty of discerning truth from illusion.

The narrative structure itself contributes to the portrayal of the McKees as unsettling figures. Fitzgerald's use of ellipses when Nick recalls leaving the party with Mr. McKee creates a sense of fragmentation and disjointedness. This stylistic choice reflects Nick's own moral confusion and his inability to fully grasp the events that have transpired. The broken recollection stands out against the otherwise thoughtful and clear narration, indicating the profound impact of the experience on Nick's psyche.

Furthermore, the question of what is wrapped in tissue on Myrtle's bureau adds to the atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. While the contents remain unspecified, the detail suggests a hidden aspect of Myrtle's life, perhaps a symbol of her aspirations or her illicit affair with Tom. This subtle detail contributes to the overall sense of unease and the suggestion that there are secrets lurking beneath the surface of the characters' lives.

The significance of Myrtle's desire for a dog is another intriguing detail that sheds light on her character and her aspirations. The dog represents Myrtle's desire for upward mobility and her attempt to emulate the lifestyle of the wealthy elite. However, her shallow understanding of wealth and status is evident in her impulsive purchase of the dog, which she treats as a mere accessory rather than a living creature.

Examining the derogatory terms that Mrs. McKee might use to describe the man she is with can also reveal her underlying prejudices and biases. While the novel does not explicitly state such terms, it is possible to infer her attitudes based on her overall character and her interactions with others. Her potential use of derogatory language would further highlight her shallowness and her lack of empathy.

The scene where Tom breaks Myrtle's nose when she mentions Daisy's name is a shocking act of violence that underscores the power dynamics and the brutal reality of their affair. This act reveals Tom's possessiveness and his willingness to use physical force to maintain control. It also highlights the vulnerability of Myrtle, who is ultimately powerless in the face of Tom's wealth and social status.

In terms of wealth representation, several elements in the novel stand out. Gatsby's lavish parties, his mansion, and his expensive car are all symbols of his immense wealth. Tom Buchanan's inherited wealth, his polo ponies, and his exclusive social connections further illustrate the power and privilege associated with old money. These symbols of wealth contrast sharply with the poverty and desperation of the characters who live in the Valley of Ashes, highlighting the vast social and economic divide that exists in the novel.

The kinds of people who attend Gatsby's parties are also significant in understanding the social dynamics of the novel. Gatsby's parties attract a diverse crowd, including social climbers, celebrities, and those who are simply drawn to the spectacle of wealth and excess. These partygoers represent the superficiality and hedonism of the Jazz Age, and their presence underscores the emptiness and moral decay that lie beneath the surface of Gatsby's glamorous facade.

Nicks role as both participant and observer is crucial to understanding the events and characters of the novel. While he is drawn into the lives of the wealthy elite, he also maintains a critical distance, allowing him to provide commentary on their behavior and values. His tolerance and curiosity about people enable him to gain insights into their motivations and desires, but he also remains aware of their flaws and shortcomings.

The discussion between Tom and Myrtle regarding Myrtle's right to mention Daisy's name is a pivotal moment in the novel. It highlights the tensions and power dynamics within their affair and reveals the underlying conflict between their social classes. Myrtle's insistence on asserting her own desires and challenging Tom's authority ultimately leads to her tragic downfall.

The Great Gatsby chapter 3 and 2 provide further insights into the characters and events of the novel. A careful reading of these chapters reveals the complexities of the characters' relationships and the underlying themes of wealth, class, and the elusive American Dream. Analyzing the events and narrative techniques used in these chapters can enhance one's understanding of the novel as a whole.

The use of refraction, light, and color in the novel is also significant in creating mood and symbolism. The glittering lights of Gatsby's parties represent the allure of wealth and glamour, while the harsh sunlight of the Valley of Ashes symbolizes the bleak reality of poverty and despair. The colors associated with different characters, such as Daisy's white dresses and Gatsby's gold tie, further contribute to the novel's rich tapestry of symbolism.

In conclusion, the characters of Mr. and Mrs. McKee and Catherine, while seemingly minor, play a crucial role in shaping the themes and atmosphere of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." They represent the superficiality, moral ambiguity, and artistic pretension of the Jazz Age, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing empty dreams and embracing superficial values. Their interactions with Nick and the other characters provide valuable insights into the complexities of the novel's social world and the elusive nature of the American Dream. Their presence underscores the novel's enduring relevance as a commentary on wealth, class, and the human condition.

The Importance Of Mrs McKee In The Great Gatsby Nashvillescholars

Miranda McGee as Myrtle Wilson, Caitlin McWethy as Mrs. McKee, Justin

Tobey wilson where hi res stock photography and images Alamy

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The Great Gatsby's Mr. & Mrs. McKee: Key Facts & Analysis

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