Meaningless Chatter

Fitzgerald uncovers one of the underlying themes in The Great Gatsby in one of the final scenes with Mr. Wilson.  Michaelis attempts to distract Mr. Wilson from the awful accident by getting him to talk and demanding his attention.  "'Come on there, try and sit still a minute and answer my question...Come on, George, sit still--I asked you a question'" (Fitzgerald, 157)  If George is talking, then he won't be thinking about the accident.  This may be the reason why Gatsby's parties were always so full.  People distract themselves and go to parties, drink, dance, and talk in order that they do not have to think about their problems.  Daisy probably talked so often and so erratically in order to not have her thoughts dwell on her poor marriage.  Everyone does this; we all look for escape.  Not necessarily an easy way out, but an escape for a few hours.  People come together to forget their problems and enjoy themselves in the company of their friends.  This time is obviously needed.  For George could not escape the thoughts of Myrtle and drove himself mad thinking about her.