Review (Ch5-7)

Quotation #2

This scene is appeared when Daisy,Nick, and Gatsby were looking around the Gatsby's house. In this passage, the green light symbolizes many things. Gatsby had been looking at the green light at the Daisy's house, and he didn't try to approach Daisy but just waited. The green light was Gatsby's hope and dream that he meets her again. Right before this passage, Gatsby says, "you always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock," to Daisy. He says his hope carefully to Daisy, and she answers through her action, putting her arm through Gatsby. And then, “that light had now vanished forever.” Gatsby’s only hope to meet Daisy came true and to him, the light meant nothing anymore.

To the Class - from Dr. No

To my 3rd period class--

First of all, an explanation . . . my father had a serious heart attack last Sunday, the 10th, and my wife and I drove down to Georgia to see him.  (For the record, he's still seriously ill and will be in cardiac intensive care for some time to come.)

Second, thank you for carrying on in my absence.  I've finally caught up on all the blogs and made comments (most of them brief) on 15 or 16 of them.  It's been helpful to see what you're thinking about the novel, and I'm impressed by the generally high level of commentary.

Finally, here's a suggested plan for the week.  On Monday, the 18th, let's have a final discussion of Gatsby--so I'd like for everyone to bring in one final question or observation about the novel (or you might have a passage in mind to look at).  On Tuesday we'll put together some possible writing prompts, so please be thinking about a topic you'd like to address.  (I find any number of excellent ideas in the posts you've made on the blog.)  For Tuesday night's homework I'd like to ask you to write an introductory paragraph to your essay.  On Wednesday we'll go to the lab and have a work day on Gatsby papers, and on Thursday please bring Death of a Salesman to class, for we'll start reading that play aloud.  Gatsby essays will be due on Monday, February 25th.

Any questions?  Please write.  And thanks again for carrying on in a difficult time.

Dr. No

Question #1

Nick thinks that Gatsby's dream cannot be achieved. The death of Myrtle will anger Tom much more than before, so he wouldn't let Daisy go to Gatsby. Although Daisy killed Myrtle, Gatsby said he want to put all the fault on him. Thus, Tom would think Gatsby as an enemy and never do whatever Gatsby will like. Gatsby has no choice but getting all blame to protect Daisy from Tom. 

Quotation #5

This quote shows that Gatsby is desperate to have Daisy. He thinks all the pasts can be repeated again. Nick tells Gastby to give up since Daisy is married and can’t be divorced. But, Gatsby see nothing but getting Daisy. We could say that he spent at least half of his life getting Daisy. Only to satisfy Daisy and himself, he built a huge mansion near her house. Gatsby held parties in order to see Daisy at his parties. He stayed close to Nick because he was Daisy's second cousin. 

in class blog

All the characters have a disillusion about who they are and what they want. Myrtle for example is on the outside of high class status looking in. She has this hope and dream to get to be at the same level as Tom, she changes dresses to change her persona. Acting all mighty to the people that she thinks are “below” her, when really she is at there exact level. Another character that does this is Jordan she wants to be respected but in reality she cheats at golf and is an incessant liar. The most important character that has this disillusionment though is Gatsby. Nick picks up on it at the end of chapter 5 when Gatsby and Daisy are alone, “Daisy put her arm through his abruptly but he seemed absorbed in what he had just said. Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever. Compared to the great distance that separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her. It had seemed as close as a star to the moon. Now it was again a green light on the dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one.” Nick states that Gatsby has always been trying to get Daisy. He believes that once he gets her his dream of reaching the elite class will also be met. Gatsby is reaching for something that is unattainable, the green light; because he doesn’t really want Daisy he wants the image that daisy resembles. Nick says that Daisy has fallen short of Gatsby’s 5 year dream.

-Michael Spinosa

quotation

"i want to wait here till daisy goes to bed. good night, old sport." 'He put his hands in his coast pocketss and turned back eagerly to his scrutiny of the house, as though my presence marred the sacredness of the vigil. So i walked away and left him standing there in the moonlight-watching over nothing.' This is the last passage summery of chapter seven after we discovered that it was initially daisy who ran over myrtle with the yellow car causing her to die; it was considered an accident. what struck me the most was the fact that gatsby was willing to give up his own life and was ready to take the blame for myrtle's death for daisy's sake. after the night cooled down and it became dark, gatsby decided the least he could do for daisy at a distressed time like this was to watch over her throughout the night. he still somehow managed to grasp on the hope that daisy would decide to leave everything and come to him and in that case he wanted to be at a convinient location and accessible. it is also impressive to see gatsby prove just how desperately he wanted daisy by the physical exhaustion and slomber he would have to endure while waiting all night. this proves that he is ready to do about anything at any measure to acheive his dream. nick describes gatsby's wait as "watching over nothing" because as far as the realistic eye can see, it is not probable that daisy would come around because the odds are too great. gatsby just cannot give the impression of getting over himself and he will not because daisy could not become his daisy and the world cannot function on his favor constantly.

what does gatsby want daisy to do?

the moral of the story is that gatsby wants everything to fall according to his plan and desire including daisy's love and affection. gatsby wants daisy to pick up the left pieces of the long-gone, innocent kentucky romance they shared before his departure for the war. despite all that has happened including daisy's getting married to tom and having a child with him, gatsby wants her to forget it all and relive the past with him. for example, the reunion instance was initially in gatsby's imagination and fantasy but he managed to make it a reality which is why he carries that-if you can dream it, you can live it-motto throughout everything he does and believes. in other words, he wants to pretend that nothing happened in between his departure to europe and his becoming extremely wealthy because he treats the reality of these facts as if their accurance did not matter and the only thing that did is was what daisy thought of him and how he could get her back. he simply wants the world to fade away with its harsh realities and pain and their love to emerge from the horizon growing bigger and more compassionate with everyday that passes by with daisy in his arms .

Gatsby's Idealism

Throughout the entire story, Gatsby truly does possess an “extraordinary gift for hope” and a “romantic readiness” that seems to conquer all worldly cynicism and material corruption. Gatsby’s life’s goal is to return from the war and marry Daisy. Even though she is already married and has a family, Gatsby has the unwavering belief that Daisy will drop everything she has and join him. When he confronts Tom in the hotel room, he tells him that “You’re not going to take care of her anymore.” This shows that Gatsby has the romantic assumption that Daisy’s love for him will conquer her ties to her family and the material world, and she will be able to marry him. Gatsby “wanted nothing less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say, ‘I never loved you.’ After she had obliterated three years with that sentence they could decide upon the more practical measures to be taken.” Gatsby believes that he can “repeat the past” and live happily with Daisy without outside conflicts. At the end of the chapter, Gatsby waits outside of Daisy’s house to make sure she is not injured by Tom. In fact, Gatsby may be still clinging to the romantic hope that Daisy will run away from Tom. He fails to acknowledge that Daisy may have conflicting interests and may not be able to leave Tom. Gatsby idolizes Daisy throughout the entire novel, but Daisy seems to be unable to achieve these lofty ideals.

Hope/Disillusionment

Hope defines Gatsby. He is a dreamer, an illusionist. Gatsby longs to be with Daisy who is so close, yet so far away. Gatsby bought a mansion in West Egg for the soul purpose of being near to Daisy. (Pg 21) “Involuntarily I glanced seaward-and distinguished nothing except a single green light.” The green light is at the end of the dock at the Buchanan’s house. To Gatsby it is a light of hope, a sign that Daisy is just within his grasp, and that he can find his true love again. At the same time Gatsby has placed Daisy on a pedestal, a level above all others. In her absence he has idolized her to the point where she can not live up to his expectations.

idealism/cynicism in the great gatsby

the whole story of jay gatsby and daisy buchanan is centered around idealism because from a realistic perspective, their feelings for each other are not obtainable and cannot easily be established in reality. the whole book is evolved around characters like nick and jordan that seem to dominate the story but truly, it is gatsby's tale. according to the events in the book(the parties, picnics etc.), the situations and circumstances that surround gatsby and his reaction and solution to them suggest that he is an idealist. for instance, he does everything according to how it would have been done in his imaginary utopian such as the case with daisy, the appearance of his house and the kind of people that would be at his lavish parties. he is also a perfectionist according to the instance where he had nick invite daisy for a tea party so that he could reunite with her. he cut nick's grass just so it could resemble the grass he had in mind; maybe the grass would have made things seem more realistic to him. he also invisioned daisy to look and behave in a certain manner according to his dreams and hopes of her. the reason he allows anyone to come to his extravagent parties without an invitation is because he once invesioned daisy being amongst the guests and once he spotted her there, they would reunite somehow. unfortunately, his party-throwing habits proved to be a fiasco in terms of catching daisy's attention because realistically, daisy had too much sophistication and elegance to just barge in peoples' parties and he should have known that. now that there is quite a few examples of gatsby's perspective on life, it can be determined that he perhaps lived his entire life in persuit of his ideal dreams and how he would fulfill them; that is why once he achieved material wealth and prestige, he had no true sense of direction on what to do next other than getting daisy.

Waiting for the Light

As the night progresses Nick finds Gatsby in the yard all alone. Nick finds it strange and ackward that Gatsby is alone standing in the dark. In a sense, though, Gatsby isn't alone. He is staring into the night across the bay waiting for a sign from Daisy. She is with Tom and Gatsby is afraid that he will try and hurt Daisy. In quote 4 is shows Gatsby as desperatly waiting for a sign from Daisy. I think that Gatsby's true reason for staring across the bay is because he's afraid that he is losing her. He is afraid that Daisy will realize that Tom will protect her and no longer need Gatsby. So Gatsby waits, and waits and waits. But Daisy never puts on the light. This signifies that Daisy does not need Gatsby any more. And so that is it. Daisy and Gatsbys affair is over. She will run of with Tom and Gatsby dies alone, just like he feared. He's perfect plan alomost ahieved what he had dreamnt about for years.

Gatsby's Need for Daisy

As I adressed in my last post, Gatsby is living entirely in a dream world. Upon changing his name, he set his sights completely upon "his platonic conception of himself" and sought only to achieve that goal by whatever means necessary. Soon enough, this "conception" became seeing himself with Daisy and nothing else. This was his ultimate dream, an almost magical relationship. "He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God." At this moment, all of his previous dreams flooded into this single hope of getting Daisy. From Nick's introduction we knew that this was Gatsby's greatest feature, "his extraordinary gift for hope". And he never stops hoping this whole time even when this hope may seem disillusioned in the eyes of the reader. He continues to strive for this ideal dream even after he hasn't seen Daisy for years and she is married to another man. But after latching on to Daisy as the ultimate goal of all of his hope, he cannot let go no matter what. Every thing he does in his life must build to this ultimate purpose. If she doesn't accept him when all is said and done, all of his life will have been for nought.

Turn Back Time

As the perfect idealist, Gatsby not only holds high expectations and utopic dreams for his future with Daisy, but his love does not falter when she fails to reach these heights. In his illusion, Daisy would abruptly leave Tom, publically declaring her mistake in marrying the hulking brute of a man whom she does not love. With her husband out of the equation, Gatsby and Daisy would pick up right where they left off, as if their painful time apart never existed. The more time Nick spends with his neighbor, listening to the numerous quixotic fantasies, the more he feels Gatsby has seeded his goals too deeply in the past, making them unattainable. Gatsby displays his unwavering belief in his ability to recreate his former relationship with Daisy by telling Nick, "Can't repeat the past? . . . Why of course you can!" (116). Gatsby expects sacrifices and radical changes from Daisy, like leaving Tom, which she is not quite prepared to undertake.

Theme: Hope/Disillusionment

Question: What does Gatsby want Daisy to do?

Quotation: #5

Jay Gatsby is a mysterious man; no one really knows where he came from, where he got his money, or why he hosts parties that he never enjoys. Nick is finally informed by Jordan that his purpose for all of these things is to be reunited with his long lost love, Daisy. Gatsby has obsessed over meeting her again for years. All the money and the parties have all been an attempt to catch Daisy's eye. When he finally learns Jordan and Nick know Daisy, he wants them to help him see Daisy again. Nick invites Daisy to tea at his house, she doesn’t know it but he’s also arranged for Gatsby to come as well. The two meet again and within hours the old flame appears to be rekindled. Daisy is taken will Gatsby’s new wealth; she even cries when she sees all of his “beautiful shirts”. Nick notices Daisy's reactions, and Gatsby's reactions to Daisy's reactions. Gatsby seems to seek the approval of Daisy on all of his possessions. This visit with Daisy sparks hope in Gatsby; he thinks maybe she is still in love with him, as he is with her. After much secret time spent together, Gatsby is convinced Daisy is in love with him and not Tom. After a lunch at the Buchanan's house, Daisy suggests they all travel to New York. Tom begin to realize Daisy's attraction to Gatsby when she and Gatsby take a separate car, leaving Nick, Jordan and Tom riding together. In New York Tom finally confronts Gatsby; Daisy tries to get him to calm down but he responds ,"I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife,". Gatsby can only think of one thing to say back to Tom and that is, "your wife doesn't love you!". Tom obviously argues this point until Gatsby asks Daisy to say she doesn't love her husband. Eventually, with some reluctance, Daisy says it. This is what Gatsby has dreamed of for years: Daisy. "He wanted nothing less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say: 'I never loved you.'" However, all of this progress Gatsby thinks he's made with Daisy is merely hope. He can only hope Daisy loves him, there is no guarantee. Later we learn, that after all of this, Daisy really does love Tom. All of Gatsby's perseverance has in turn, pushed Daisy away.  

Hope

Hope defines Gatsby.

Chapter 7

The suspicion about Mr. Gatsby and Daisy has finally gotten to Tom. At his house he hosted a lunch for Jordan, Nick and Mr. Gatsby, it soon began to get awkward and boring for Daisy so she asked Mr. Gastby to take her into the city. By then Tom realizes their feeling for each other and decides to get everyone ready so they all can go together. While they are in the city Nick, Tom and Jordan stop for gas at Mr. Wilson garage. He has found out about his wife Myrtle's affair, but hasn't found out about her lover's identity. So he plans to move her out to the west. At this point Tom and Mr. Wilson are in the same position. Back in New York City everyone is all together and Tom and Mr. Gatsby have a confrontation about Daisy. She admits that she loves them both which shocked both Tom and Mr. Gatsby. In the heat of the argument Tom sends Gastby and Daisy back to Long Island to show Gatsby that he can't hurt him. When everyone gets back Daisy and Tom talk the situation out and they are back to basics in their relationship. But unfortunately Gatsby's dream is shattered.

Enlightened Eyes

In the valley of ashes under the omniscient eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, several relationships unravel, bringing to light unwanted realizations of infidelity. Tom hastily decides to trek into town after he witnesses the intimate interaction between Daisy and Gatsby. While the sun's rays radiate down onto Daisy and Gatsby, "she had told him that she loved him, and Tom Buchanan saw. He was astounded" (125). The use of Tom's surname emphasizes his marital connection with Daisy and gives the observation an underlying serious tone, like a news report. The following sentence tersely displays Tom's blatant shock, completely at a loss of words. Upon arriving in town under the blazing sun in the gray wasteland, which reflects the physical dimension of immorality, Tom encounters sickly Mr. Wilson, who plans to move out West with Myrtle. The realization of his wife's affair weighed on the poor garage owner to the point of corporeal distress. Nick, having observed these lateral discoveries, finds "no difference between men, in intelligence or race" (131). The polar opposite men find themselves in the same eye opening situation after realizing the true nature of their wives under the wide blue eyes of Dr. Eckleburg. Another pair of eyes "wide with jealous terror" belonging to Myrtle, focused on Jordan, incorrectly labeling the young golfer as her lover's wife (131). Later that day, under Gatsby and Tom's pressure, Daisy admits that she has loved them both, making "Gatsby's eyes open and close" (140). With one breath, Daisy brings Gatsby a little closer to reality out of his fantastical dream world where he imagined her painfully pining for him during their five years apart.

"Oxford" Man

"He killed a man once!" "He was a German spy during the war." "He told me he was an Oxford man, however I don't believe it." Rumors about Gatsby are thrown all over the place, mostly because he is a mystery. He was not bred in the high society of East and West Egg in New York, but rather came from a poor family and worked his way up to the top, and as we find out later, all in the name of Daisy. A reoccurring rumor however that shows up in the novel is wether Gatsby is, or is not, an "Oxford man." Jordan Baker has her doubts as she voices them to Nick at the party, and her reasoning is slightly unclear as her response when asked why not is, "I don't know. I just don't think he went there." Perhaps it is the way that Gatsby rushes through the subject when he mentions his education, rather than boasting about it that makes the idea seem unlikely. Later on, in chapter 7, Tom mocks Gatsby saying he "wears a pink suit" and is is from "Oxford, New Mexico, or something like that." The attack on Gatsby's background might be purely out of feeling inferior or jealousy, but it raises a question of why he chose to comment on the fact that Gatsby attended such a prestigious institution. However, despite these disbeliefs, the story is actually true. Gatsby did attend Oxford after the war and received a top notch education. It is not clear why Gatsby does not advertise this fact, but it seems as though he prefers to keep such accomplishments hidden as to not be conspicuous, much like he stays on the outskirts of the parties. Most of what he does is for Daisy, and he feels he doesn't need to advertise or bother with anything that is not directly related to her.

Ch. 7 Journal Response

The controversy of double-standards has been around for a long time. Mostly between men and women, which is illustrated in this chapter of The Great Gatsby. Tom Buchanan has a definite mistress, of whom he's not the least bit ashamed. Talk of previous mistresses leads us to believe it's not a first time thing for Tom. However, as Gatsby and Daisy are reunited and slowly growing closer, he begins to suspect Daisy is having an affair. Tom's suspicions peak after he hosts a lunch with Jordan, Nick, and Gatsby. After the meal, Daisy suggests a trip to the city. Gatsby eagerly agrees, and after some debate, Gatsby and Daisy take a separate car. In the car, Tom is all worked up about Daisy's choice to ride with Gatsby. He asks Nick and Jordan, "did you see that?" (pg. 121) to which Nick responds "see what?". It doesn't take Tom long to realize Nick's nonchalant answer was insincere. "You think I'm pretty dumb, don't you?" (pg 121) Tom demands. Tom only becomes angrier when they arrive in New York when he confronts Gatsby. He eventually sends Gatsby and Daisy back to Long Island together, to show how he isn't the least bit threatened by Gatsby's evident affection for Daisy. My first thought after reading Tom's reaction to it all was that he was a hypocrite. How could he possibly be angry at Daisy for having an "emotional affair" when he has had several physical affairs? Perhaps that is why Tom is so angry. The situation might just have been his "wake up call"; he realizes he never loved any of his mistresses. Daisy is the only woman he feels serious about.

Pammy

So far in The Great Gatsby, we have only seen Daisy and Tom's daughter, Pammy, once- when Tom, Nick, Gatsby, Jordan, and Daisy are having a get together. If Pammy didn't have any lines in the novel, I would have to assume she was Daisy's pet rather than her daughter. Pammy is described as "well-disciplined" (p. 117). She has a nurse maid, whom she seems to spend most of her time with. Daisy refers to her daughter as "Bles-sed pre-coius" and an "absolute little dream" (p. 117). From the few lines Pammy has, she appears to be a very rational little girl. She speaks in sentances very advanced for the age of the girl Daisy seems to be speaking to.
Daisy and Pammy's relationship seems to be like, as I said before, one between a pet and its owner. Daisy makes a lot of references to her daughter's appearence, like her dress and her hair. Daisy doesn't seem to have very serious communications with her daughter- that's probably what the nursemaid is for anyway.
The family relationship, like Tom and Daisy's, appears to be fine on the outside but is actually very tense underneath. When Pammy asks where her father is, Daisy goes on to say some nonesense about how Pammy looks more like her than her father, rather than answering the question.
Pammy seems like a very good representation of the steriotypical priveleged New York child. Her parents are for the most part absent, and have a tense relationship with eachother. Pammy really wants to impress her mother, but is usually ignored. Pammy is important to the novel because she helps to further develop Daisy's character, by showing her shallowness towards her daughter.

The Other Man

Tom is scared. In chapter 7 his eyes are opened to the reality of Daisy having an affair with Gatsby. "You think I'm pretty dumb, don't you?' (121) He can no longer ignore the constant shy stare and the "accidental" brush of the arm. Tom, the hulking man, is being replaced in his wifes eyes and heart by a man he greatly dislkes. Tom has a mistress who he is satisfied with but he still finds it completely unacceptable for his wife to have the same. Tom confronts Gatsby with blatant questions that lead to Gatsby saying," You're wife doesn't love you. She's never loved you. She loves me." Tom refuses to believe what Gatsby says is true. Tom becomes angry and starts to feel the loss of control that he used to have over Daisy. For Tom having a mistress was satisfying because he knew that no matter what Daisy was still his wife, whom he controlled. Now that Daisy has another man, Tom can see his whole life with Daisy slipping away. Tom questions Daisy by saying, "You never loved me?" Daisy can't deny that she never did and Tom begins to regain his control. " I'm going to take better care of you from now on." Tom says this to Daisy in hopes that she will just say, "Yes Tom, I believe you, lets forget about Gatsby and your mistress and start over." Unfortunatly, for Tom, Daisy is stuck in the middle of two loves. One man she secretly never stopped loving and the other, a man whom she loves despite his treatment of her. Daisy is forced to decide who she wants to be with. Neither Tom nor Gatsby are in control of Daisy any loger. Finally her decision and her life are in her control.

Destiny

Gatsby is motivated purely by what he deems to be his own destiny. He puts himself in a position of total control over what his future will be. First of all though, he must shed all that holds him back to his past life. First to go was his original name, James Gatz, which kept him attached to his farming parents, because "his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents at all" (98). Fitzgerald's choice of the word "imagination" in this context simply adds to the reader's conception of Gatsby as a dreamer. he doesn't like his parents because they aren't up to snuff with what his dream parents would be. For Gatsby, everything must exist as it would in his fantasy world. He simply decides the way he wants things to be, envisions them being so, and then makes them that way. He "sprang from his Platonic conception of himself...and to this conception he was faithful to the end" (98). Whatever impedes his ability to march to the "drums of his destiny", as St. Olaf's College did, he simply casts it aside and begins anew (99). But when something promoting his fantasies comes along, he reels it in right away and uses it until he can't anymore. This is precisely the way he sees Nick, an object to be uses to get Daisy, his ultimate dream, and then casts away when its purpose is used up. But something prevents Gatsby from only using Nick in that way. Despite his tendencies, he holds on to Nick for some reason I'm sure will be revealed in the chapters to come.

The Oppressive Heat of Tension

In Chapter 7, the tension between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom reaches the highest point of the book so far, and this tension is shown through the oppressive heat that seems to pervade the entire chapter. Nick describes the temperature as “broiling” and the seats of the car “hovered on the edge of combustion,” just like the tempers of these three lovers. As Jordan and Nick watch awkwardly, the three try unsuccessfully to salvage their day and leave the subject of the relationship between Daisy and Gatsby. Throughout the chapter, many of the characters strain under the “oppressive” and “relentless” heat, as the tension between Tom, Daisy and Gatsby grows to a climax. As the three argue in their room, there is a wedding proceeding outside, in response to which Jordan says, “imagine marrying anyone in this heat.” This is interesting, because Tom and Daisy were also married, not in the literal heat of the summer, but in the heat of tension and worry. Daisy still loved Gatsby, and was uncertain about her future. In this chapter, we also begin to see a “chink in the armor” of Gatsby, as he seems to lose some of his idealism and romantic trust in Daisy. When he first saw Daisy and Tom’s daughter, Gatsby “kept looking at the child with surprise” as if he “had never believed in its existence before.” Here, Gatsby realizes that Daisy truly loves her husband and has her own family with Tom, which is completely separate from him. She cannot simply leave everything behind and come with him. Later, Gatsby seems to be stunned by Daisy’s reluctance to deny her love for Tom. After being asked to do so, Daisy said, “you want too much.” This shows that Daisy can never fully live up to Gatsby’s romantic image of an ideal woman. She is human, and has human flaws, even though Gatsby seems desperate to ignore them.

gatsby and his character!

as irrelevent as gatsby's first impression may be, he is actually the main character of the book. gatsby started as a mysterious and glorious character that was only seen through the eyes of nick, the narrator, and everything we knew about him was revealed to us through nick's perception of him. "...-he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, as far as i was from him. i could have sworn he was trembling. involuntarily i glanced seaward-and distinquish nothing except and single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of the dock. when i looked once more for gatsby, he had vanished, and i was alone again in the unquiet darkness."pg-20-21 i wanted to follow his character evolution throughout the book and so far what i have discovered is that gatsby is a fragile, consistent and an admirable character. that however does not interfere with his fantasies that have become his only priority to make real. daisy is one example of his fantasies. she is everything gatsby lives for and everything he wishes to have. he is one of those ambitious people that will let no dose of reality overtake or control their dreams. for instance, he still fantasizes about daisy and would do everything in his power to obtain her love and effection despite the fact the she is happily married to another man. to farther my explanation, let's put gatsby's life in a tree category: the branches being his wealth and prestige, the leaves being his past (he does not have to explain his past and his confidence about it falls and changes according to the season/mood he is in) and the roots being his burning desire and longing to be with daisy which he would sacrifice and achieve anything in order to obtain. gatsby's life is soley focused on daisy and what she thinks of him.

reminder

Dear Class:

This is just a reminder/reiteration of the assignment I made yesterday (Tuesday).  You should choose one of your postings to use as a rough draft for a more formal essay/reflection to be handed in tomorrow.  Please don't merely cut and paste--rework, reshape, and revise.  Your polished essay should be approximately 2 pages, typed and double-spaced.

Thanks.

Dr. No

Gatsby&Daisy (Ch.5)

Almost FIVE YEARS. The reunion of Daisy was what Gatsby eagerly wanted. Before that, Gatsby was so timid to approach her although she lives close to his house. But they met each other again ,and between them, there was Nick. To connect them, there had to be Nick, but they didn't seem really care about him. The relationship between Gatsby and Daisy had seemed akward, but soon turned to bright. Their relationship was strong although they didn't say anything to each other about their ex-relationship. Gatsby's heart toward Daisy was shown through some descriptions of several sceneries in his house, "...Daisy admired this aspect or that of the feudal silhouette against the sky, admired the gardens, the sparkling odor of jonquils and the fronthy odor of hawthorn and plum blossoms and the pale gold odor of kiss-me-at-the-gate(p.90)." Well, this description might also mean the past relationship between the couple. Although Daisy had already married Tom, Gatsby still loved her. He also seemed that " he hadn't once ceased looking at Daisy..(p.91)." He also had collected clipings about Daisy, and seemed that "he was consumed with wonder at her presence. He had been full of the idea so long, dreamed it right through to the end..(p.92)." In the last part of this chapter, the two spent a sentimental time like their past time. They still loved each other.

Chapter 5 Daisy and Gatsby

The relationship between Daisy and Gatsby is all wrong. You have a woman who is only interested in Gatsby because of his wealth. For example when she gets overly emotional about the shirts, “They’re such beautiful shirts,” she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. “It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such-such beautiful shirts before” (p 92). Come on there just shirts, shouldn’t she be crying over the fact that the man she wanted to marry in the first place is back with her. Not eyeing every lavish ornament in his house. Gatsby is no better he just wishes for something he can not get. The thrill of the chase excites him. Daisy is the green light he wants to worship from afar. Once he can attain that light it’s no longer exciting for him. This is explained when Gatsby has gotten daisy and Nick is right about to leave, “As I went over to say good-by I saw that the expression of bewilderment had come back into Gatsby’s face, as though a faint doubt had occurred to him as to the quality of his present happiness. Almost five years! There must have been moments even in that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams-not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusion” (p 95). Gatsby has put her image on a pedestal making her super unattainable, only seen in dreams, now that she’s real he doesn’t know what to do.
-Michael Spinosa

Daisy and Gatsby's relationship

Daisy and Gatsby were in a relationship some time ago. Jordan Baker explaines the affection between these two people on page 75, and it is clear that they were in love. When Gatsby went off to war, a change came over Daisy. She had some trouble with her family, but then seemed to go back to normal. I think it is clear her personality changed at the loss of Jay Gatsby when he went overseas. By the February after the summer he left, she was already engaged to a man she had presumably only known for about five months. It is my opinion that Daisy did this because, after Jay left, she came to realize that love can be a fleeting thing. She married Tom because she didn't want him to leave her, the way Jay did. Unfortunetely, Daisy mistook security for love, which resulted in her leading an unhappy life with Tom.
In chapter 5, Jay Gatsby, obviously returned from the war and living across the Sound from Daisy, not to her knowledge, makes up his mind to re-connect with Daisy after many years. At first, their meeting is somewhat awkward, but after some time, the two seem to go right back to where they left off. Nick describes Daisy's reaction to Jay as "unexpected joy" (p. 89) and Jay as "literally glow(ing)" (p. 89)
Later, when Gatsby is showing Nick and Daisy all the nice things in his home, Daisy unexpectantly bursts out crying. She claims it is because she has never seen such beautiful shirts as the ones Gatsby owns, but there is obviously a different reason. It think Daisy was crying because she had come to the realization of what she had missed; the opportunity lost when she went off and married Tom. Daisy was filled with grief because she knew that she would have been much happier wit hGatsby, if only she had waited.

Gatsby and Daisy

I think Fitzgerald does an incredible job of portraying the depth of feeling between Gatsby and Daisy. He describes it as "wonder" towards each other as if every moment that they interact is beautiful in itself. Being apart for so long, they seem to treasure veery second even more as if it is the last they will spend together. It is especially interesting to read this as high school students because, most likely, none of us have experienced anything quite like this. Seeing this sort of love right before our eyes is a foreign, yet fascinating thing. The different levels of emotion that Filzgerald paints onto the page are what really struck me. I am definitely not in agreement with what Alexa said about this being like a highschool crush. I believe Gatsby and Daisy's relationship goes far beyond that boundary...But at the same time, this love does not live up to the way Gatsby had dreamed it up. In preparing to see Daisy, Gatsby had created the ultimate fantasy of how they would be together, but nothing, not even love could ever match what we can construct in our minds and our hearts. The world of dreams and fantasies goes so far beyond anything that exists on the earth and "No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart" (96).

"A Highschool Crush"

Surprisingly in chapter 4 the readers found out that Gatsby and Daisy had a past. Gastby doesn't seem to be over Daisy. Even though Daisy has clearly moved on. She married another man but Gatsby can't let her go. Gatsby is acting like he has a highschool crush on Daisy. He won't ask Daisy himself to come over to his house. He needs Nick to ask Daisy. Gatsby is immature or afraid of rejection? Gatsby is trying to get Daisy to come see how he lives and maybe she would come back to him. Gatsby may have all the money he needs, a mansion, and may throw the parties everyone wants to go to. But he is missing one thing. Daisy, is the one thing/person he is missing in his perfect 20's life.

In chapter 4 we have learned much more about Mr. Gatsby. He was awarded medals in the war for his dedication for saving lives. This is much so American because he dedicated himself for his country. He is known to be a man who people talk about in bad ways. He took it upon himself to talk to Nick about the situation of his life, but their was still some strangeness in his voice when he talked about Oxford and the situation with his family and the money. When Nick finally knew about the love situation between Daisy and Mr. Gatsby it was a shock. But Mr. Gatsby decided to be the bigger person and try and keep the way he felt about Daisy away from Tom, knowing that she left him after he entered the war.

Is Gatsby an American?

Restlessness. This is what I always feel toward Americans. I feel Americans are so active and diligent. Here, in the Great Gatsby, Gatsby seems restless. 'He was never quite still; there was always a tapping foot somewhere or the impatient opening and closing of a hand.' I felt that Gatsby would never give up until he reaches the goal. I could tell that from Baker's telling. Baker said Gatsby moved his house, and wanted Nick to invite Daisy to his tea party so that Daisy can see Gatsby's house. I am pretty sure he wouldn't stop until he reaches the goal just like most enthusiastic Americans. He was also the patriot. Most Americans that I saw was patriots. He attended the War for America. Since Americans have the proud that they are living in the best country and everyone wants to live in there, patriotism comes naturally. Thus, I think he is a true American.

Gatsby, the Great

In chapter 5 Gatsby seems to let down his "great" side. Instead he becomes the young man who has a crush on a girl named Daisy. His whole personality changes when he is with Daisy. He becomes a happier person with her. In chapter 4 at his party, he seems to be this wise guru who sits back and observes life and peoples actions. In someway he comes off as one of those "cool" kids that almost every high school has. He is looked up to by so many, yet he can't seem to see that so well. In chapter 5 this cool kid image melts away and he looks up to Daisy and only wants to make her happy, forgetting all about his faults and past. We gradually realize that there are two, very different sides to Jay Gatsby.

Is Gatsby a true American?

In Chapter 4, the character of Gatsby is developed further, but the more we learn about him the more mysterious he becomes. In many ways, Gatsby does represent a true American as he shows that he has a sense of resourcefulness. When Nick sees Gatsby, he describes him as having “resourcefulness of movement that is so peculiarly American.” This resourcefulness or knack for innovation is a key American quality, which Gatsby seems to possess. Gatsby also appears “restless” as he is constantly thinking about achieving his goals. The ability to be innovative and the “rags to riches” story is truly a part of the American Dream. Gatsby also seems to have fought bravely in the Great War, earning a Medal of Honor for his actions, and this patriotism shows that Gatsby embodies the American ideals of honor and perseverance, but also freedom, which he fought for. However, even though Nick learns much about Gatsby, he becomes an even more complicated and mysterious individual. Besides the rumors that Gatsby has committed murder and is part of a bootlegging scheme, Nick also meets one of Gatsby’s friends, who wears a coat with buttons made of human molars and was supposedly responsible for the fixing of the 1919 World Series. Also, while Gatsby was explaining his history, Nick increasingly felt a tension, as if Gatsby were lying or “pulling [his] leg.” Gatsby also “hurried the phrase ‘educated at Oxford,’ or swallowed it, or choked on it, as though it had bothered him.” This shows that, while Gatsby does have some traits, which are American, he also has a mysterious side to him and it is impossible to tell if he can be trusted.

A Quintessential American

Gatsby is American not only in his body language, but also in his patriotism through participation in the war, his fall into love and money, his strong nature, and finally his restlessness due to wealth. When he arrives to pick up Nick for lunch, "he was balancing himself on the dashboard of his car with that resourcefulness of movement that is so peculiarly American" (68). Gatsby's constant yet subtle motions display his American lack of discipline to sit still and his impatience to never waste time and to always make some sort of progress towards his goals. His time as a soldier and his tangible honors of bravery and dedication from war medals reflect his loyalty to his country. Gatsby also partially achieved the American dream by falling in love and acquiring a vast fortune. Jordan describes him as "a regular tough underneath it all" in reference to how he waits for Daisy and would not dare offend Nick with his plan to see and impress her (84). Jordan alludes to Gatsby's stubborn resilience of never giving up on Daisy after all these years, a very American quality of never stopping the chase to catch a dream. His restlessness also comes from his wealth, which cannot satisfy him. In a Chicago newspaper, a contemporary Gatsby explains the exact same sentiments, "Yes, I have a nice apartment, a great job, a great degree, great clothing. But I feel empty inside rather often. . .There is so much more to life than materialistic possessions." Although Gatsby has a beautiful mansion and immense popularity, he knows his life lacks a deeper level of happiness and satisfaction. Nick observes this "purposeless splendor" when Gatsby opened his lonely arms to Daisy across the bay (83). Gatsby's most American trait lies in his realization that he cannot rely solely on wealth to quench his desires.

Hey sorry for taking so long everybody. I unfortunately was not capeble of figuring out how to log-on by myself until the other day (thank you Kyle).

Anyway, going back to chapter one, I wanted to post one of my thoughts about Nick.
It's safe to say that Nick has had a fairly interesting life. A Yale graduate, growing up in the midwest as well as fighting in World War I. After returning from the war he tried staying in the midwest but was not able to because he was looking forward to more interesting things since life had become bland to him. He looked to move east, to the city, where he could move forward. There seems to be a theme to his attitude of getting more, and moving up and on to greater things. I was wondering though, after his visit to Tom and Daisy's if he began to question the lifestyle of upperclass people. I think he felt they were superficial, and fake. It will be interesting to see if his goals change or if he composes a new attitude towards the meaning of success, especially as the novel progresses and he interacts more with this lifestyle.

Image and nick as narrator

Nick endlessly foreshadows and dishes out hints about the people in this book with his beautiful imagery. One place where this is shown is the book scene where the drunken man is astonished as he explains that the books are real on the shelf. “Absolutely real-have pages and everything. I thought they’d be a nice durable cardboard. A Matter of fact, they’re absolutely real. Pages and –Here! Lemme show you” (p 45). This alludes to the fact that Gatsby is a fraud. The drunken man can no believe that the books are real because everything about these people are fake. They invite themselves to parties uninvited…He even admits he was brought by someone else. The act as thought they are friends when in fact they know nothing about each other, they don’t even know the host. Nick foreshadows that this fortune is very superficial on page 46, when he describes how Owl eyes takes the book back. “He snatched the book from me and replaced it hastily on the its shelf, muttering that if one brick was removed the whole library was liable to collapse.” Obviously this relates to Gatsby and his elaborate disguise that can be picked apart and once is discovered all will crumble; just like if one brick is out of place the shelf with collapse. This is even more explained when Nick talks about Gatsby’s almost choice of words when talking to him, “Some time before he introduced himself I’d got a strong impression that he was picking his words with care” (p 48). He must pick his words carefully because if he changes character people will know his true self.
-Michael Spinosa

Gatsby's Party

Chapter 3 opens with yet another house party and we are finally introduced to Gatsby. From the very beginning, the reader can detect that there is something different about Gatsby that sets him apart even at his own house and at his own party. Many of the guests at the party are wealthy and also seem to be very vain. Most guests are drunk, and seem to talk with other guests just to fit in. At the beginning of the party, the men and women, “glide on through the sea-change of faces and voices and color under the constantly changing light.” This constant change and external stimuli show that the guests are incapable of simply interacting with each other, but need materials and worldly entertainment in order to be happy. At the party, Nick hears even more rumors and speculation about Gatsby. This “romantic speculation [Gatsby] inspired” caused much whispering by the guests, “who found very little that it was necessary to whisper about in this world.” All of the guests are wealthy, well off, and feel no reason to be insecure or to whisper. As we learn from the description by the other guests, Gatsby does not fit in well in these parties and almost never engages in conversation or drinking that often occurs. Also, Gatsby is the only character, with which Nick seems to connect and admire. While Nick feels awkward trying to talk with the other guests, he is “reassured” by Gatsby’s “rare smiles.” Gatsby seems to be disconnected from the stereotypes of the Twenties. During this time, many people drank alcohol and partied openly, but Gatsby seems reserved and contented with himself, not needing to establish false relationships with others in order to boost his self-esteem. Gatsby seems to be content with the world and distant from its problems. Even as “the caterwauling horns had reached a crescendo… a wafer of a moon was chining over Gatsby’s house, making the night as fine as before.”

some comments

To the class (again!):

I'm generally pleased with what I've been seeing thus far, but please don't feel you need to spend much time simply retelling the story.  Let's assume that everyone's reading and at least "getting it" at a superficial level.  As Katie M. pointed out, there really hasn't been much plot yet.  We shall continue to focus on character and setting in class.  We now have three parties to compare.  I'd like to see more comments on the connections between the party in ch. 2 (at Myrtle's apartment) and the party in ch. 3 (at Gatsby's).  

I welcome your speculations on Gatsby (the character).  The words that recur in your postings are "mysterious," "lonely," and the like--and it's good that you see this.  I believe Fitzgerald wants to give Gatsby a mythic dimension, to make him larger than life, ultimately undefinable, so he does remain elusive and continually evades our attempts to pin down his identity (but again, that's part of the plan).

On Thursday I'd like to spend some time looking at the Valley of Ashes (beginning of ch. 2) and at Fitzgerald's descriptive techniques (beginning of ch. 3).  Please be sure to continue reading the postings, and feel free to respond to each other's observations.

Dr. No

assignments (the mundane)

To the class:

Here's a reiteration of assignments for next week:

Monday, 2/4 - ch. 4

Tuesday, 2/5 - ch. 5

Wednesday, 2/6 - Something Else

Thursday, 2/7 - ch. 6

I'll save a few comments for a separate post . . .

Dr. No

The image of Gatsby

Gatsby was described to be a mysterious person who lives in a huge mansion through out the book so far. When Nick was invited to his party I thought all the myteries of him  would be revealed. At the party Lucille even talked about Gastby killing a person as a  German spy. I think Lucille thought in this way because of the time period. 20's is the period after World War I, thus Lucille might have thought Gatsby got rich because he spied for Germany. When Nick complained about the absence of the host Gatsby, Gatsby informed that he is the host. (I think Nick couldn't have recognized Gatsby at the end of chapter 1, in the dark. He could have just imagined that the person trembling was Gatsby. Otherwise, why couldn't Nick recognized Gatsby at the party?)

Enchanted

The life of Gatsby in this chapter is elegant and everything anyone could want. His parties are to die for filled with laughter, gossip, drinking, music, dancing; it's the wild side and everyone wants be on it. When Nick attends the first party, he is formally invited by Gatsby, and arrives in a sent chauffeured car; and he's immediately enchanted. There is something about this party unlike the other two we have seen that grabs Nick and pulls him in. Perhaps its the constant jazzy music, or the "two finger-bowls of champagne" that had turned the scene into "something significant, elemental, and profound." At any rate, Nick actually says he is enjoying himself at this party, and unlike the others, does not leave with a feeling of disgust or confusion. It brings up the questions, is Nick getting used to the way of life in the East? Or is he just easily influenced by the sugarcoated life-style? Or perhaps is it his interest in Gatsby, a man of mystery and one who is not influenced by this life style, but rather just lives among it (he doesn't even have anything to drink according to Nick)?

Nick the Narrator

Nick posseses several qualities that define him as a good narrator of the book, The Great Gatsby. Nick is very observant. His descriptions are very detailed, which helps the reader understand what's going on. For example on page 30, "Mr. McKee was a pale, feminine man from the flat below. He had just shaved, for there was a white spot of lather on his cheekbone..." Other narrators may have simply said, Mr. McKee lived in the flat downstairs, but Nick takes the time to explain things. This says something about Nick's personality too; that he is understanding and a good listener. It also shows that Nick picks up on his surroundings. Because of this, he is able to know what kind of mood everyone is in, and then tell the reader.
Obviously, Nick didn't write this book. In real life, it was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. By complimenting Nick, I suppose I'm actually praising the author. Thus far in Gatsby, I find myself very satisfied with this book. It is extremely well written, and enjoyable to read. When you stop and think about it, very little has happened polt-wise in the book yet. But because of the descriptive writing style that Fitzgerald possesses, the book seems like a lot has happened already. I am enjoying this book, and I look foreword to reading more about what Nick (Fitzgerald) has to say.

Smile like you mean it

After Nick has the slight embarrassment of unknowingly talking to the mysterious host, Gatsby breaks into "one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life" (52). In contrast to the superficial and cynical guests, Gatsby has a genuinely strong, quiet, radiant air about him, which makes him irresistibly appealing even if solely through the subconscious. Although Gatsby attracts many by his wealth and his elaborate parties, Nick finds a deeper understanding of his appeal. Gatsby does not directly draw attention to himself and does not feel the need to become inebriated to mask or forget his past, passion, or problems. He smiles at Nick in a way that makes his guest feel of great importance as if he provides the utmost interest and entertainment. Nick feels as if he is the one being kind to Gatsby and even feels the need to apologize for not recognizing him when in reality Gatsby is the understanding one. Gatsby also has an independent spirit and what appears to be a general love for everyone he encounters, but he needs them less. During the party, Nick sees his neighbor "standing alone on the marble steps and looking from one group to another with approving eyes" (54). Not only does Gatsby's sobriety separate him from the crowd, but also his philanthropic "extraordinary gift for hope" sets him in stark contrast with any cynacism. Nick's innocent and somewhat naive nature connected with Gatsby's pure loving smile, which opened his eyes to a fresh optimism.

Gatsby's Party

Nick is cordially invited to one of Gatsby's infamous parties. Unlike most people that attend Gatsby's parties he was actually invited. A car was sent to his house and he was picked up. Most people just show up to his parties. Nick is surprised that he gets invited so formally. When he gets to the party he immediately wants to find his host and thank him for the invite. I can picture Nick aw struck with what he sees. He has probably never seen such an extravagant party before. What I found interesting was that no one at the party seemed to know anything about Gatsby. They all had different stories to tell about his life and what they think he has done. "Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once," or " I don't think its so much that, it's more that he was a German spy during the war." Almost every person has an opinion on Mr. Gatsby. But no one really knows anything about the man that throws lavish parties. So, it was no surprise that Nick had no idea who he was talking to. It was Mr. Gatsby, believe it or not. Nick was apologetic when he did not realize who he was. This proves that Mr. Gatsby is some what of a loner. People don't know who he is and most of them don't even know what he looks like. So far all we know is that Mr. Gatsby may or may not be a "murderer" and he may or may not have been a "German spy." These are assumptions but all that is apparent about him is that he is a very wealthy man that enjoys throwing extravagant parties for people that apparently no nothing about him.

Drinking

Drinking is more of a central theme in The Great Gatsby than in any book I've ever read. This is due in large part to prohibition occuring in the same era. As with many things, when something is denied, you tend to want it more. You don't necessarily truly have a stronger desire for it, but its allure is greater when you have to "rip the system" to get it. This most certainly can be applied to alcohol during prohibition. When the government enacted this measure, their aim was to eliminate the severe drinking problem in the U.S., but it instead made drinking a more central part of society. The three chapters of the book so far have been entirely centered around parties. And especially at the latter two, the alcohol has been flowing freely. Even Nick, who gives off an impression of innocence, seems to show some pride in getting drunk for the second time in his life at Myrtle's apartment, and then proceeds to do it again (although not quite to the same extent) at Gatsby's party. Drinking seems to be a central part of everybody's life, at least the wealthy people we have come in contact with so far. The man in the library has been "drunk for a week" and although he is attempting to "sober up" he is clearly failing miserably. Then there are the two drunk women begging there husbands to stay longer because they're "always the first ones to leave" even though at that point in the party, the majority of the guest were gone. These two had to literally be carried out of Gatsby's house. Finally, there is the man who wrecks his car and takes off a tire but assumes he has simply run out of gas and only needs to get to a gas station. But in the midst of all this drunkenness, Gatsby seems to remain entirely sober. This just adds to the mystery surrounding Fitgerald's title character. He is almost above human desire, able to withstand the allure of alcohol and remain sober while every one around him succumbs to it. Nick notices this in Gatsby as well and finds it incredibly interesting. There is omething about the way Gatsby carries himself that fascinates Nick and this sobriety may be a part of it. "I wondered if the fact that he was not drinking helped set him off from his guests, for it seemed to me that he grew more correct as the fraternal hilarity increased" (50). Not only is Gatsby able to withstand the temptation of alcohol, but he is able to offset the increasing drunkenness of his guests by becoming more level headed.

chapter two talks and confirms tom's mistress and his slightly unexpected lifestyle when he is around her. in chapter one, it was just a rumor that tom had a mistress but in this chapter, he actually confirms it and takes nick along to her place only to witness the shocking lifestyle myrtle, the mistress, leads. she is actually married to a man she thought she had compatibility with only to regret later that he barely had what it took to make a man. myrtle and her sister catherine both married the wrong men and their relationships are awkward and unsatisfactory. even though it might seem unacceptable or awkward to talk about their unhappy marriages, the sisters openly express their true feelings about their marriages. maybe that could be what drew tom to myrtle.

In chapter 2 we meet Myrtle, Tom's secret lover. We soon realize she is the classic, annoying, obnoxious drunk. When Tom and Nick host a small party, things slowly get out of control. During the end of the party, Myrtle starts talking about Daisy and Tom tells her not to. Instead of shutting up, Myrtles wasted self keeps saying "Daisy, Daisy, Daisy...". Tom then punches her in the nose. Owch! The party then ends on a low note. Nick seems to be upset that he let himself get as drunk as he did. I think he likes to watch these people, who have it all, mess things up. He likes to see things go downhill for people who put on a mask--it's fun to watch. I think he's hoping to never end up like Tom.

The Buchanan's and Myrtle's Place

In this chapter we met the character Myrtle. She is Toms mistress, who is also married. Tom goes to see her in New York and Nick unwillingly goes along. The two houses are very differently described. The Buchanan's home is a mansion and everyone inside it is expected to act accordingly. Be respectful, neat, and talk about how they are better than the rest of the world. At the Buchanan's the people seem to be very narrow minded and ignorant. Tom is the epitome of ignorance and narrow mindedness. The atmosphere at Myrtle's apartment is quite different. They speak openly about divorcing there spouses. I find out odd that Tom would associate with people of a lower class them him. It's almost as if he is a different person with Myrtle than he is with Daisy. Maybe Tom feels like he has to hide who he really is with Daisy but with Myrtle he can be himself.

Ch. 2 Journal Response

Nick Carraway just can't seem to keep himself out of awkward situations. In the second Chapter, Nick is invited to another dinner party alongside Tom Buchanan. The party is to be hosted by Myrtle Wilson, Tom's new mistress. Nick describes her as "in the middle thirties, and faintly stout, but she carried her surplus flesh sensuously as some women can..." (pg. 25). She is also married; to a man named George B. Wilson, the owner of a car garage.  The motley trio continues their travel to New York, and in an attempt to be inconspicuous, Tom convinces Myrtle to ride on a different train car, just in case any "East Eggers" happen to be on the train. Myrtle acts on a whim in the cab and buys a puppy to bring to the simple apartment where everyone will gather for the party. At the party, Tom breaks out the whiskey before the guests even arrive. We then meet Myrtle's sister, Catherine and the McKees. Tom and Nick engage in small talk, but even in this less-pressure atmosphere, Tom still seems to have his stone-faced disposition. Nick finds the whole situation very strange, and struggles to understand what exactly Tom finds appealing about this situation. As mentioned by Nick in the first chapter, Tom is a man who moves around a lot, searching for the same glory he felt playing football. He seems to be a man of change. Perhaps Myrtle being the opposite of Daisy is what draws him to her. She is lower class, not as good-looking, but not necessarily more down-to-earth. It seems Myrtle finds the same contradiction between her husband and Tom appealing. Her husband is not the wealthiest man, and she complains she married him "because I though he was a gentleman...I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe," (pg. 34). Maybe she's attracted to Tom's wealthy, arrogant persona because she also wants change. However, as the night progresses, the two get into a pretty intense dispute: "Tom Buchanan and Mrs. Wilson stood face to face, discussing in impassioned voices whether Mrs. Wilson had any right to mention Daisy's name..." (pg. 37). Myrtle proceeds to repeat Daisy's name until she gets punched out by Tom, leaving her with a broken nose. As we saw in Chapter 1, Tom doesn't appreciate that behavior; Daisy calls him a "hulking man" and when he tells her he doesn't like that word, she uses it again. At this point, as Myrtle sits on the couch bleeding and wailing, Nick is desperate to leave. At Daisy's party, he didn't feel this way. He felt comfortable, like he was supposed to be there. At this party he just felt out of place and awkward. Everyone was drunk at Myrtle's, while at Daisy they were much classier. Nick leaves the with yet another bad impression of Tom.

Daisy's vs. Myrtle's party

Not only do the differences in Daisy's and Myrtle's parties show two very different social situations, they also exemplify some of the main differences between these two women. Daisy and Myrtle actually have a lot in common. They are both unsatisfied with their lives, and this dissatisfaction is in both cases caused by Tom at its core. Myrtle, married to another man, is unhappy because she wants to be with Tom, her boyfriend. Daisy, on the other hand, is married to Tom with a baby. She feels unsatisfied with her life because she doesn't love Tom and wishes she wasn't tied down for life with someone she doesn't even like being with. In the first chapter of The Great Gatsby, Daisy and Tom host a party at their fancy home in West Egg. The party, whom Daisy is hostess of, mirrors part of her personality, especially her relationship with Tom. The location of the party is important. It takes place in their home, a spacious mansion. Although this home is much bigger than Myrtle's apartment, only four people are present at the party. Also at this party, there is a fair amount of tension between Tom and Daisy, especially when Daisy repeatedly calls him "hulking" against his will. (12) It is doubtful that anyone would describe this party as much fun, but it was a pleasant party, although awkward and lonely beneath its shiny surface. This is also a good representation of Daisy who seems nice enough on the outside, when she is really quite alone actually. On the other hand, Myrtle's party was more of a stereotypical 1920s blowout. It is apparent that the booze is kept free-flowing, made obvious when Nick gets drunk for the second time in his life, many guests show up, and the hostess, like her party, is much more flamboyant. From the little we know about Myrtle thus far, it seems she is much more open about her situation than Daisy. She doesn't love her husband, but instead of keeping it bottled up inside like Daisy, she makes it known to the world by being Tom's "girl". Daisy and Myrtle have contrasting personalities, which are shown in their very different parties.

further questions

I have a few questions to complicate the issues . . . and a few observations as well.

• can anyone suggest a connection between the Valley of Ashes and the Buchanans' place?
• why do people party?  and to what extent do the parties we've seen thus far fulfill what parties are supposed to provide?
• what does Tom see (or have) in Myrtle that he doesn't see (or have) in Daisy?  In other words, what does Myrtle give Tom that Daisy doesn't?
• interesting comments on Dr. T. J. Eckleberg!
• If you see this in time, please bring in a small piece of one blog that you find intriguing or particularly insightful--either from your own or from another blog.

Dr. No

The Eyes and the Valley of Ashes

The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg “They look out of no face, but, instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a non-existent nose” (p23). Looking over the Valley of ashes, pacing judgment as it sees the inhabitants of west and east egg meet at the train. When Nick follows Tom to meet Tom’s “girl” Nick even mentions the eye’s “persistent stare” (p 24). Tom’s wrong actions can be hidden from every soul, he can even make Mrs. Wilson (Myrtle) stay in another car to avoid suspicion from “those East Eggers who might be on the train” (p 26). But the eyes of the Doctor will always see his sin. And because of his eyes the only “real” place in this book is the Valley of Ashes. This is mostly shown when we meet Mr. Wilson. He lives on the edge of the valley symbolizing his morality but still his eagerness to fit in with the Eggers. He has an honest business that he works hard to maintain unlike Tom who inherits his money, but is still looked down upon by his wife, Tom, and other Egger snubs at the party. Not to mention his wife is having an affair with Tom; the woman he would do anything for. She would rather be with someone that gives her a broken nose. But this is all the norm for the shallow people in this story. For example Myrtle’s idea of a Gentleman is a good breeder, “I married him because I thought he was a gentleman, I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn’t fit enough to lick my shoe” (p 34). What has she done to make her so great? He is the one bringing home the bacon. The Eggers live in a fake world that is the “Roaring 20’s”. They think all is grand and they can do anything they want. But in reality the valley of ashes is closer then they think they have to cross it everyday and it’s the train in the valley that keeps the rich upper class world connected. Just like the large amount of poor people in the 20’s kept the rich up on their pedestal. When the rich have a problem they toss it aside and it’s left for the “ash-gray men” to “stir up the impenetrable cloud” (p 23).
-Michael Spinosa

Parties of Myrtle and Daisy

In the second Chapter, Nick is invited to another dinner party with Tom Buchanan, this time with his mistress, Myrtle Wilson, and her friends. This party seems to be very different than the one in the first chapter as the setting, tone, and people are all different. While at Daisy’s house, everyone at the party seemed to be civilized and polite there was only a hint of tension below the surface. At this party, the guests are constantly arguing with each other, are drunk, and by the end of the night, Tom has broken Myrtle’s nose. Nick explains that whenever he tried to leave, he was “entangled in some wild strident argument.” In addition to the behavior of the guests, there is a great contrast between the living spaces of Myrtle and Daisy. Daisy’s larger-than-life mansion is described as welcoming nature, “gleaming” with light, and “allowing fresh grass” to almost grow into the house. However, Myrtle lives in a shabby apartment, which was “crowded to the doors with furniture entirely too large for it.” Throughout the first two chapters, Nick does not seem to play a major role in either of the parties, but he passively sits and observes the others. Another interesting trend is that right when information about Gatsby begins to be revealed, there is an interruption, and the story cannot be completed. This reinforces the mystery and obscurity associated with Gatsby.

comparison of the two parties

Different from the huge mansion of Tom which has a great view, Myrtle's apartment was 'on the top floor-a small living room, a small dining-room, a small bedroom, and a bath'.(pg.29) The party at Tom's mansion was somewhat luxurious and graceful. People only had dinner together at Tom's place. At Myrtle's party, people drank alcohols. I felt Myrtle shows cheap culture during 20's while Tom shows wealthy living. The topics that people dealt with in each party was different. At Tom's house, people talked about the book although it was about radical racism. At Myrtle's place, the topic that she talked about was divorce. Compare to the topic at Tom's place, Myrtle's place's was cheaper culture. (The mysterious phone call was from Myrtle in my opinion).

The Parties

At the Buchanon's party Nick and Tom acted much more conservative and well mannerd than they did at the party at Myrtle's apartment. The Buchanon party was a get together with friends who were rich and much so snobby. This is the same way Nick and Tom acted only in order to keep the party interesting. At Myrtle's apartment Tom showed the true side of him, which was arrogant. He was married but was able to keep his affair going only because of this apartment. The friends that attended this party weren't from the same background as Tom, but they remained close friends. The Mckee's were from the same apartment which sat on the edge of the valley of ashes so their was no reason for Tom to have to act snobby that night. According to Nick the party got out of hand and he felt a little disgusted by it. They were drinking and eventually Tom hit Myrtle in the face because she kept saying Daisy's name and wouldn't stop. This reaction from him was out of anger and he also wanted her to know that he was in control of their relationship. The party eventually ended after the incident and Nick was raedy to go, he later caught a train back home around 4 am.

Opposingly similar

While the Buchanans' and Myrtle's parties contrast in appearance and magnitude, their overall structure mirrors one another. Myrtle's apartment, in complete disaray compared with the Buchanans' mansion, flows with whiskey while Daisy's party remained relatively dry. Although the second party's amplified chaos far exceeds the second, similar events take place. In both scenes, the subject of Nick's mysterious neighbor, Gatsby, greatly intrigues the listeners, but other distractions quickly dismiss the topic. At the Buchanans' mansion, the supper call discontinues any further discussion of Gatsby, and at Myrtle's apartment, Nick disappointedly observes that "this absorbing information about [his] neighbor was interrupted by Mrs. McKee's pointing suddenly at Catherine" (37). Also, just as Daisy plays matchmaker to Nick and Jordan, Myrtle also hints about the immense beauty of her sister, Catherine, in the presence of Nick. At both parties, the "other woman" becomes a topic of discussion, but the abundance of disorder and alcohol magnifies the conflict at Myrtle's apartment. While a tersely hushed telephone call alludes towards Myrtle at the first party, Mrs. Wilson outwardly exclaims Daisy's name and subsequently "making a short deft movement Tom Buchanan broker her nose with his open hand" (41). Although the two parties have opposing exterior qualities, the conversation subject of Gatsby, the desire to pair a woman with Nick, and the conflict of Tom's mistress remains similar.

Two Types of Parties

So far in The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway has been to two parties, one at the Buchanan's and one at Myrtle's apartment. While at the Buchanan's, the party they have seems to be a very proper party where everyone converses properly with formal conversations while everyone is around. Tom is very formal and tries to be a polite gentleman when a guest is at his home. At the Buchanan's, Tom shows obvious signs of anger towards Daisy, "'Well, these books are all scientific," insisted Tom, glancing at her impatiently." (pg. 13) But at Myrtle's apartment, Tom seems to be more open about his attitude, and the party seems to be more of a get together, rather than a proper party. There are separate conversations happening, and they are drinking and having fun. Later in the party Tom hits Myrtle because of an argument they had about mentioning Daisy's name. The party seems to be hectic, "and women's voices scolding, and high over the confusion a long broken wail of pain."(pg. 37) Both parties seem to be hectic and open Nick to the problems going on in the Buchanan's life.

Perfect Party?

When I think of parties, it usually involves cake, ice cream and an ample amount of laughter. I enjoy parties whether its to dance, talk, or just hang out. However the two parties Nick attended at the Buchanans and at Myrtle's apartment is hardly what I would call fun.  The first party, at the Buchanans, Nick arrives to a beautifully furnished home in East Egg. Pretty people are present, such as Miss Baker and Daisy, and they are waited on by a butler. The party's sole purpose was to be a lighthearted night of catching up for some old friends, and make small talk over dinner. The conversation is polite and civilized and parallels the lifestyle and imagery of the scene, sophisticated. With the exception of masked tension between Tom and Daisy, and her confession to Nick on the porch, the dinner ran smoothly, almost in a fake, structured way. In contrast, the second party that Nick attends is much more chaotic and filled with public drama that leaves you wanting to know more. Myrtle's apartment party was originally for a few people to get together and drink, as well as introducing Nick to Tom's mistress, Myrtle, a stout woman in her 30s. The apartment is described as small with "furniture too large for it" and one has to "stumble about." Again, the disorganization of the apartment reflects the overall atmosphere of the party. There is an assortment of people mostly lower class with the exception of Tom and Nick somewhat and lots of drinking, in fact Nick notes that this is his second time ever in his life to be drunk. The conversation jumps around with the McKees talking about photography, to studies, to gossip, and finally ending the night in a dramatic climax of Tom punching Myrtle in the nose. Though both parties are vastly different, they both give Nick a perspective on the lifestyles of those that live on the East.

The Parties

In the first two chapters of Gatsby, you can see two very different types of lifestyles going on during the "roaring twenties". This contrast is most clearly seen when looking at the party at the Buchanans and the party at Myrtle Wilson's apartment. At the first location, the reader gets the sense of a very refined way of living. That characteristic is first exemplified by the Buchanan's house. Beautiful lawns and gardens decorate the exterior, and upon entering, Nick gets an impression that the interior is simply an extension of the beaty outside with the "fresh grass outside that seemed to grow a little way into the house" (8) and the breeze filtering in and setting the room into motion. The house has a feeling of decorative perfection. The refined nature of the house seems to be carried over into the dinner and the conversation. The dinner seems to be perfectly arranged with a butler waiting on all of the guests. And although there is some verbal sparring between Tom and Daisy, the feeling of the conversation seems refined and almost structured. This party is very different from the one Nick experiences in chapter 2 at Myrtle's apartment. As soon as Nick walks in the door, he gives an image of the setting that sharply contrasts the Buchanan's house, describing the apartment as overcrowded with furniture and poorly decorated. The disorder of the room is an augury of the disorder of the party to come. It involved Nick getting drunk, one of just two times he has ever done so, conversations about Tom and Myrtle cheating on their spouses, and finally, Tom breaking Myrtle's nose. The chaotic, action-filled scene at this party shows another side of twenties life that displays a sharp contrast to the well-mannered party at the Buchanans.

Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby

Nick Carraway

Nick Carraway is the narrator in the book and a cousin of Daisy. Growing in a wealthy and famous family, he graduates from Yale. For the bond business, he moves to West Egg in the Long Island, New York where the Buchanans also live on the other side of the Long Island. When Nick reunites with Daisy and her husband, Tom, he gets acquainted with Daisy's friend, Jordan Baker whom Daisy wants him to be interested in. He is a tolerant and genuine man who would be involved in rekindling Daisy and Gatsby who lives across Nick’s house.

Character Sketch of Daisy part. 2

When the phone rang during dinner she did not seem faded. She must have known that it was her hunsbands "other women" but it did not seem to bother her. Miss Baker even said "She might have the decency to not call him during dinner." If Miss Baker knows then Daisy most definatley knows. Daisy is the common example of the women in the 20's. Men are the head of the house and are able to do anything. The women like Daisy are unable to conntradict the "man of the house." So they fake happiness and fake that everything is okay, when everything really isn't.

Character Sketch of Daisy

I've read the first chapter. The character I found to be quite interesting was Daisy. She seems to be a very complex women and character. I feel like she hides her intelligence from her husband and the men around her. It bothers me that she doesn't care about her husbands adultry. I don't understand why she doesn't seem to care. But perhaps she is just trying to hide her pain under her cheerfulness. I think that she wil be a very interesting character to follow in this book.

Ch. 1 Journal Response

Daisy Buchanan seems to contradict her husband Tom's personality. While Tom is a serious, intimidating figure, Daisy is light-hearted and full of classic charm. Nick describes her disposition as "a promise that she had done gay, exciting things just a while since and that there were gay, exciting things hovering in the next hour". Daisy is an approachable character and although her and Nick don't know each other very well (despite them being family), she still has a way of making him feel comfortable. Daisy seems to be a child stuck in a woman's body. She enjoys simple things like the longest day of the year and a bird on the lawn and engages people in endearing yet unsubstantial conversation. It seems odd that Tom and Daisy would be together, while he drones on about science and polo ponies, Daisy ridicules him for being a brute or a hulking type of man. Daisy doesn't seem to take too much seriously at first. However, when she pulls Nick aside she admits to him that she's cynical about everything. Although Daisy comes off as optimistic I have a feeling as the story progresses we'll learn more about her deeper, "sophisticated" side.

Daisy, the little debbie

Daisy Buchanan would make an exemplary southern belle. Not only does she wear a beautiful flowing white dress, but she also engages her company with infinite charm. Nick Carraway, the narrator and Daisy's second cousin once removed, pays her a visit, and she greets him as if "there was no one in the world she so much wanted to see" (13). He describes her melodious voice as "an arrangement of notes that will never be played again" when she murmurs charmingly in order to bring him closer (13). Daisy anticipates the longest day of the year just as a small child counts down the days until Christmas; just one of her many appealing qualities that make for brilliant company. She even strives to do a little matchmaking between Nick and Miss Baker, but in a polite delightful manner that would never embarrass or annoy a single soul. Daisy also playfully teases her husband, Tom, for bruising her little finger, calling him "a brute of a man, a great big hulking physical specimen" (16). Yet even with her polite personal magnetism which makes her the ideal hostess, several strategically placed winks and cold responses to Tom give her a strength and lead the reader to think she might be aware of her husband's other woman in New York. By the end of The Great Gatsby's first chapter, Fitzgerald introduces the appealingly elegant Daisy who is irresistibly loveable.

Character sketch of Jordan Baker

“The younger woman of the two was a stranger to me. She was extended full length at her end of the divan, completely motionless, and with her chin raised a little, as if she were balancing something on it which was quite likely to fall. If she saw me out of the corner of her eyes she gave no hint of it indeed, I was almost surprised into murmuring an apology for having disturbed her by coming in” (p.8). This small passage is all Nick has to say to describe Jordan to the reader. She is an actress trying to appeal to the crowd. A very fake person, she struggles to save face with the company she so desperately wants to be apart of. Just as she struggles with her balancing act, trying to keep her chin raised. Nick wants to apologize for making her lose focus on what she wants. Nick is not apart of the “scene” so she doesn’t even bother to acknowledge him walking into the room. To keep her persona she rejects cocktails claiming “I’m absolutely in training” (p.10). But she is questioned as if something is up. But questions are halted because as Nick says “I enjoyed looking at her” (p.11). Her outer appearance keeps her inner qualities hidden to the reader. Her true colors are brought out when she quietly speaks to Nick about Tom and Daisy in the other room as she tries to eavesdrop on their conversation. The last trick Jordan has is near the end of the chapter when she goes to bed at 10:00 because she has a tournament the next day, “Time for this good girl to go to bed” (p.18). She finds it necessary to exclaim that good girls go to bed early like her. She wants everyone to believe she is a good girl.
-Michael Spinosa

Character sketch of Tom Buchanan

Living in East egg of New York, wealthy Tom Buchanan is the husband of Nick's second cousin, Daisy. When Nick mentioning about where he graduated from and who lives next to his neighbor, I thought he is the materialist. But he was not quite as much as Tom Buchanan. Tom was arrogant, suspicious, rich racist. When Nick answered to Tom's question about who he works with, Tom said arrogantly, 'never heard of them' as if he knows all the bond men. Tom have never seen his daughter. It is quite suspicious that he was not with Daisy when she gave birth to their daughter. I think the call from some woman in New York might explain why Tom has never seen his daughter. The book that he mentioned, 'The Rise of the Colored Empire' shows that only Nordics is superior and other races are inferior. Tom said everyone should read the book which means that he agrees with the book. 

Daisy

Thus far in The Great Gatsby, we have gotten to know a little bit about three characters: Nick (the narrator of the story), Daisy, and Tom. Although there isn't much physical description or background information given about Daisy, it seems as though Fitzgerald is trying to make her character show through her words and her actions, rather than by simply describing her. This is an interesting and highly effective technique, because after reading only one chapter of the book, I feel as though I know the most about Daisy. Nick is visiting Daisy, his second cousin once removed; her husband Tom; and their friend Miss Baker. Nick encounters Daisy lounging on a couch, and right away the reader starts to experience Daisy's personality. By the fact that she didn't even rise from her perch to greet her cousin, but instead laughs and makes a witty comment, it is apparent that Daisy feels a sense of entitlement in life. She thinks that people and things should come to her rather than her going to seek them. Something else about Daisy's personality is that she's fun loving and appears to be carefree, although she isn't really. Nick's description about Daisy's intoxicating voice and laugh might make it seem as though she lives a charmed life, but really, she's just masking her true feelings of sadness. She misses her old life in Chicago, and doesn't really love her husband or baby girl. Sophisticated Daisy, who has done everything, describes her life as "a very bad time" and thinks "every thing's terrible." (p. 16-17) The last bit of Daisy's personality that I've picked up is that she spends a lot of her life waiting for something exciting to happen. When it's over, she goes on waiting rather than finding excitement in her every-day existence. An example of this is when Daisy makes the comment about waiting for the longest day of the year, and then missing it when it's through (p. 11) Daisy is an intriguing character, and I look foreword to learning more about her and how she got to be that way.

Tom and Daisy's Relationship

In The Great Gatsby, Nick goes to dinner at his cousin, Daisy's, house. He already knows Tom, but as he stays there longer he begins to learn things about him and Daisy's relationship. In the first chapter Nick makes Tom out to be a powerful, mean man. Nick says Tom has "two shining arrogant eyes" that had "established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward." Tom and Daisy are basically described by Nick as complete opposites, as Tom is the aggressive man and Daisy appears to be the quiet woman that is very innocent. During the dinner there are a couple moments that show there are problems between Daisy and Tom. There is the obvious fact that Tom has a woman in New York, but there are also smaller things like when Tom asks Nick what he does for a living. Nick says he is a bond man and he will know about it if he stays in the East. The Tom responds back, "Oh, I'll stay in the East, don't you worry, I'd be a God damned fool to live anywhere else." and after he says this he looks at Daisy, then back at Nick "as if he were alert for something more." I believe these issues between Tom and Daisy could be an important issue and I believe that the fact that they are almost polar opposites could lead to more issues between them later on in the book.

Daisy, Delicately Insecure

In the beginning of The Great Gatsby, there are six characters mentioned, Nick, the narrator, Tom, Daisy, Jordan Baker, and Gatsby. The relationships between each character is some what vague except that Daisy, Nick's cousin, is married to Tom, Miss Baker is a friend of Daisy, and Mr. Gatsby is a well-known man in the New York community and lives in a mansion neighboring Nick. However, despite the little known relationships, secrets are revealed about characters from the start, specifically Daisy. At first Daisy appears to be a quiet woman who stands by her husband. She is described as being delicate, having "bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth"  and having a "charming little laugh." She is dressed in white which suggests innocence and and the soft adjectives used to describe her every move show her calm, at ease side. The delicate and almost angelic illusion, however, is somewhat tarnished when her insecurity begins to shine through. Daisy reveals a secret to Nick on the porch, that she felt abandoned by Tom especially after she had her little girl. After learning that Daisy felt neglected, her previous delicate image turns more fragile and easily broken. Her laugh seems more of a self-lifting exercise rather than a reaction to something funny. Also, she is seen as needy and insecure when she continuously inquires about those who miss her in Chicago and "jokingly" suggests they move back. Overall, the first impression of Daisy seems to be that she is insecure, and feels abandoned or overshadowed by her husband and a women who is seeking neglected attention.

Nature and Daisy

In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses much nature imagery to describe the setting and many of the characters, especially Daisy. Besides the fact that her name is that of a flower, Daisy is also described as being “flower-like” and her house is described as “blooming with light.” While we do not learn a lot about Daisy in the first chapter, there is a sense of tension between her and her husband, Tom Buchanan, who Nick learns has “some woman” New York and holds many racial prejudices. Through reading books such as the “Rise of the Colored Empires,” Tom believes that Nordics are the only group of people who contribute to society and that other races are inferior in every way. This view represents much of the Anti-immigrant sentiment present during the Twenties, which was also known as the Age of Intolerance. It seems that this view of racial supremacy is not shared by Daisy and is also a source of tension. Later, Nick finds that Daisy felt abandoned by Tom, who was not present at the birth of his daughter. We find that Daisy seems to feel that women are inferior and that they can only grow up to be “beautiful little fools.” This seems to show some of Daisy’s cynicism on the view towards women during the Twenties, where being a “flapper” was the cultural norm. Besides this tension and anger directed at her husband, who she at one point referred to as “hulking,” Daisy is mainly portrayed in a positive manner and often by references to nature. Daisy is often said to be “glowing” with the light of the sun. Nature and the outside world are welcomed into her house as “breezes blew through the room” and the grass seemed to “grow a little into the house.” At the very end of the chapter, Nick sees Gatsby for the first time standing on his lawn and looking up at the stars and serenely enjoying the “bright night” and the “organ sound of the frogs.” It is interesting that Gatsby also seems to have a close connection with nature.

Tom Character Sketch

Throughout the first chapter of The Great Gatsby, there is not a ton of information released about the characters. The people at the dinner party, Tom, Daisy, Jordan, and Nick, all maintain an air of mystery about them. It almost seems as if Fitzgerald is trying to withold as much as possible from the reader at this point in order to pull him in little by little. Of all the characters in this scene, it seems like the author is willing to reveal the most about Tom. Because of his years playing football at Yale, he became a sort of national figure. But as he stopped playing, he has disappeared from the scene. But Tom continues in search for this past glory. Even Nick believes that "Tom will drift on forever seeking, a little wistfully, for the dramatic turbulence of some irrecoverable football game". But despite Fitzgerald's willingness to expose some of Tom Buchanan's personality, he keeps a lot of it mysterious. One of the most interesting things we find out about Tom is his strange fascination towards Nick. The two have strikingly different personalities, yet Nick is concinced that Tom "approved of me and wanted me to like him with some harsh, defiant wistfulness of his own". Adding to Tom's mystery is his "woman in New York". But we find out no more than that about this woman, because the author cleverly cuts off the conversation at that point to leave the reader hanging. The last thing we learn about Tom is his belief in white supremacy. Although this is something not uncommon for people to believe in this time peiod, it is worth noting because it seems to make Nick slightly uncomfortable.

i'm in

i'm in. this web blog is off-da-chain. whooooo hooooo let's learn

everyone in?

By my count there are about 12 or 13 bloggers on the site, and we have 16 in the class--so we're almost there!  Did anyone have trouble getting in?

Please remember the purpose of the blog (yes, an ugly word)--to keep an academic journal of musings, reflections, and ideas on Gatsby.  (If this is successful, as we move through the semester we'll try to continue.)

I hope you're enjoying what you're finding out on the 1920s.  Tomorrow it should be interesting to see what you've latched onto.

Till then . . .

Dr. No

hola

Hey.I'm in and ready to blog!!!! =]

Isa here

I like this blog stuff. What a word. Blog

like yay!

like this is so awesome! im like totally obsessed like facebook! im like excited to learn about james gatz! :)

roger

Thanks for the invite Sean Connery.

Blog Entry

I am in the blog!
(fist pump)

here

Mmk. I logged in.

i got it!

mine worked
-cara giaramita

Kiel Phillips Reporting

yeahhhhhhhh Kiel's here in the blog, great idea, i love english

welcome!

Hi 3rd period English 11 - and welcome to our blog!

 I hope we'll use this to explore ideas, images, passages, and impressions of our reading this term.  We'll start with The Great Gatsby, of course.  I'd like to ask you to post your journal entries to this blog rather than to write them out and hand them in, for there can be a real advantage both in sharing our thoughts and in having others respond to them.  As I add you into this blog, please write back to confirm you're officially signed up.

I'm looking forward to a good semester with you all.

Dr. No