March 3, 2011: Two Gatsby postings
Assignment requirements: for your initial posting, you should thoughtfully reflect on some literary element or historical aspect of the novel (i.e. theme, character, setting, symbolism, conflict, style, allusions, etc.) and include a direct quotation (in MLA format) that compliments, supports, or illuminates your reflection in some way and concludes by posing an open-ended question that has been carefully designed to inspire class discussion (you must submit your initial post by midnight on Friday, March 4). You should also carefully craft a thoughtful post in response to the open-ended question posed by one of your class member’s in his or her initial post (to be completed by Sunday, March 6 at midnight). Be sure to incorporate at least six of your vocabulary words correctly over the course of your two posts.
God, I hope I'm doing this right. I really don't want to have to go back and type this on my computer. So far, this book has been pretty good to me. It has promise, but I haven't been wowwed by the characters, other then Nick. I sure hope that this doesn't turn into one of those books that people find a ridiculous amount of symbolism that just isn't there. It's whatever though. If my opinion actually mattered, I would hold more power then that of a student in some hick Georgia town. I haven't read this chapter yet, eff. I'll go read it right now and finish this after I'm done reading. Done! What a chapter, must say that the storyline is really heating up now;) When Gatsby says "Suppose we take a plung in the swimming pool, I haven't been able to make use of it all summer", do you think it is annoying that he has so much money and all of these belongings, but struggles to find uses for them? I couldn't find a quote, so I just opened my book and put my finger down and, BAM there we go. I like that Gatsby an Tom's wife are about to start hooking up. I really hope they have some sort of scandalous sexual encounter and there is eventually a battle between Tom and Gatsby. Do you think that Gatsby and Daisy will have a good, and promising relationship, or do you think it is destined for failure, like me.
ReplyDeleteOh, and this is Harrison. Incase you can't see my email or something.
Gatsby shows himself to be a very mysterious character. He is obviously one of the wealthiest or at least most extravagant men in the area of Long Island Sound though no one seems to know how he got the superfluous money. Of course, it has already become clear that the wealthy people of the novel have nothing better to talk about than what gossip they hear or simply invent, however erroneous such talk might be, and are not complacent to talk about facts or ideas. There are many rumors about the origin of Gatsby’s money and it seems even more about his elusive past, which remains unknown as well. Everything about him seems a bit obscure and abstract; no matter how long he talks with a person, they still will not know any more about him at the end of their conversation. Of course if someone were to learn a little bit of his story, they would probably be incredulous of its truth and just as likely to make up their own version of what they heard rather than repeat simply what Gatsby told them. Gatsby frequently throws incredibly extravagant parties, using his seemingly infinite store of wealth to finance them, but while his garrulous guests, invited or not, talk, dance, and drink their fill, the host himself seems to draw back into himself. He is polite and speaks with his guests but never drinks or participates in the impetuous acts that the majority of the attendees of his party seem to constantly incite. The reader could be inclined to wonder what more there might be to Gatsby than just his money and the gossip surrounding him. A reader is inclined to wonder for what reason Gatsby throws all of these parties when Nick describes Gatsby’s house as it is abandoned of guests. He notices that “A wafer of a moon was shining over Gatsby’s house, making the night fine as before, and surviving the laughter and the sound of his still glowing garden. A sudden emptiness seemed to flow now from the windows and the great doors, endowing with complete isolation the figure of the host, who stood on the porch, his hand up in a formal gesture of farewell.”
ReplyDeleteAs an attendee of his parties with a complete lack of knowledge about him, how would you have formed an opinion of Gatsby? Would you like him as a person? Why?
-Anna G.
In the book so far there isn’t that much to say in detail about a lot of the characters. All of the characters in the book so far seem to have a superfluous amount of wealth and riches, and somewhat fame in their “neck of the woods”. Gatsby cannot really be identified yet. No one knows about him but everyone jumps to conclusions about him. People are very incredulous about his actions and the way he portrays himself. Such as when Nick grows suspicious when he is talking to Gatsby in the car. “He looked at me sideways- and I knew why Jordan Baker has believed he was lying. He hurried the phrase “educated at Oxford,” or swallowed it, or choked on it… and I wondered if there wasn’t something a little sinister about him, after all.” Nick thinks this because he has heard rumors about Gatsby being a murder, or a German spy. Although nobody knows this to be true or not, they find ways to try to convince themselves or others that this is true. Nick has noticed that Gatsby was somewhat reticent and not very garrulous. This did disappoint Nick, so he thought Gatsby was an undefined consequence of some sort. There are still so many things to find out about Gatsby and this is what makes him the abstruse kind of character that he is.
ReplyDeleteDo you think Gatsby is really this mysterious guy people make him out to be? Or do you think he is just an ordinary man who people are suspicious about just for the sake of gossip?
Being as we have only read four chapters in "The Great Gatsby," it is difficult to go into great depth of the novel. However in this chapter we learn a little bit more about the elusive Jay Gatsby. All of the upper class society in Long Island seems to know who he is and know of his superfluous wealth, but create erroneous facts about his past. When Nick attends his luncheon with the garrulous Mrs. Baker he learns his secret. Mr. Gatsby and Daisy were previously involved before he went off to war, during his absence she accepted a proposal from her now husband, Tom Buchanan. Yet when Gatsby returns to New York he never talks to Daisy, but buys the mansion across the river in hopes that one day she will happen across the water and recognize the relationship they once had. And so he arranges a meeting at Nick's house to finally see Daisy in person for the first time in years. As Miss Baker describes her story to Nick she says, "The officer looked at Daisy while she was speaking, in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at some time, and because it seemed romantic to me I have remembered the incident ever since." What do you think Daisy will do when she sees Gatsby? Do you think she still feels the same way as she once did?
ReplyDeleteIn "The Great Gatsby," Daisy is protrayed as a character married into riches and who is living a superfluous lifestyle. Quickly into the book, Daisy confides in Nick and Jordan about her desires for her daughter. She tells them, "I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool." By stating this, it shows how Daisy isn't naive about the social standing of women during this time era, as people erroneously suspected she is. Her hopes for her daughter conveys that she too wants to be merely a beautiful little fool. Daisy believes that by being a fool, She would be too complacent to realize the harshness and bitterness of reality. She would rather choose to be ignorant about her husband's infidelities than to be forlornly aware of it. Why do you think she doesn't confront her husband about this? Do you agree with her statement? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteOkay, I hope I am doing this right.
ReplyDeleteNick Carraway is a fascinating character. He is non-complacent. Carraway left a comfortable life in the mid-west for a life in the east because everyone he knew was doing well in stocks and also to avoid an engagement with a girl he does not want to marry. He has family that lives in East Egg and he visits them when he first arrives. Daisy, his second cousin once removed, and Jordan Baker are made to seem different from other women of the time period. Daisy is intelligent, and for women at this time, that was not common. Jordan Baker is shrewd, another characteristic not commonly found in women at this time. Most women were made to seem thoughtless and ignorant. These two "broke the stereotype." Nick finds Jordan's clever thinking and compulsion to lying disconcerting, yet he is attracted to her. This poses a question about Mr. Carraway. Why is he attracted to things that frighten or intimidate him? The book was written in first person, with the narrator as Nick. Nick says at the beginning of the book that he was "inclined to reserve all judgements." This is an interesting thing for him to say because throughout his telling of the story, he judges others by their imperfections. While he may not be extremely open about what his judgements are, there is a subtle hint of judgement in almost every description of people that he writes. What makes it even more interesting is that the imperfections he notices are not things that most would notice on first meeting. He is definitely a detail orientated individual. Why would the author go to so much trouble to make Nick Carraways character ironic? Why is the story titled "The Great Gatsby" when, so far, it has focused more on Mr. Carraways background and thoughts?
In the novel the "Great Gatsby" The one symbol that really sticks out to me is the way that Fitzgerald uses the 1920's as a time period of social and economical rebellion. Before this time period most people were very conservative and did not take many risk in the way that wore or even in the way that they talked and socialized with other people. The way that they throw these wild parties and got drunk and what not is not very similar to the ways of this time period. "I believe that on the first night I went to Gatsby's house I was one of the few guests who had actually been invited. People were not invited--they went there." Is what Nick said when he showed up to the party. Before this time period it would have been very uncommon . The 1920's really was the start of the modern age in my opinion. The way that the clothing got smaller and the sexual affairs got larger, it showed how times were starting to change. The question i have for you is............................... What suddenly started this great rebellion of the 1920's?
ReplyDeleteOkay i dont know if I can go ahead and anwser somebodys but I am going to do it anyways. I am anwser katie's post. The reason why they call it "The Great Gatsby" is becauseThe whole story up to this point has been about Nick but, Nick has just met Gatsby. The reason Why it is titled like that is because it is foreshadowing how great Gatsby must be. When you read the title the first thing that you think of is Dang who is this Gatsby guy. So this is why the book is titled like it is. Good question though Katie.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNick Carraway narrates the story through his point-of-view. His thoughts are what keeps it more intriguing. He was taught by his father to never judge the people he encounters. With this, he goes through life with an open mind. Nick is a young man who decided to move out East to New York City and enter the world of the bond buisness. He was also said to be engaged but told people he didn't have the superfluous wealth to. He moves into the area of Long Island which occupies the upper class elites. While visiting his cousin on the East Egg, he befriended the garrulous Jordan Baker. He didn't think of anything of her at the time, but that'll soon change. Attending at one of Mr. Gatsby's parties, Nick felt a bit forlorn by not knowing many of the people and being by himself. As he set his sights on Jordan Baker, he immediately accompanies her with exultation. As the book continues, Nick's relationship with Ms. Baker grows. When they met up again to discuss the background of Mr. Gatsby and Daisy, they both seemingly became closer. Nick begins to develop feelings toward Jordan Baker. Walking through the park, he did an impetuous action in which he put his arm around her to draw her closer to him. He thought to himself "Unlike Gatsby and Tom Buchanan, I had no girl whose disembodied face floated along the dark cornices and blinding signs, and so I drew up the girl beside me, tightening my arms. Her wan, scornful mouth smiled, and so I drew her up again closer, this time to my face." (Fitzgerald, 80). How would you imagine the relationship between Nick and Jordan Baker grow farther into the story? Would you think that this was just a little fling for Nick, and if so, would you say that he has commitment issues?
ReplyDeleteIn chapter three of “The Great Gatsby,” we are finally introduced to the profound Mr. Jay Gatsby. Mr. Gatsby is not only the wealthiest man in Long Island but he also has the most questionable character, considering he is known through “grapevine stories,” and rumors. So far he is characterized by his materialistic aspects, but everyone’s question is, “is Jay Gatsby just a well known name or does he truly have the substance of “greatness”?” Mr. Gatsby has yet been able to respond to the rumors but he doesn’t seem to notice or be bothered by them either. We have to wonder if Mr. Gatsby is hiding himself underneath a tailored suit of fakeness or is he just simply being judged by jealous party attendees. One significant attendee was the drunken man who was titled by his “owl eyes” stated “It’s a bona-fide piece of matter. It fooled me. This fella’s a regular Belasco. It’s a triumph. What thoroughness! What realism.” This further explains how much Mr. Gatsby’s persona was questioned.
ReplyDeleteWhen meeting new people with such high popularity and social value, is it quicker to judge them or is the “judging” already done?
-Tyra B. Wimpye
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ReplyDelete(Sorry for being a perfectionist, I deleted my other post/whatever because I think I did something wrong but this should be to my liking.)
ReplyDeleteAs we progress further into the book and the lifestyles of the tragically and incredulously rich, we also delve further into the personal lives of our characters, particularly that of the famed Jay Gatsby himself. His seemingly complacent wealth actually hides the emptiness created by the loss of a girl he loves, and that girl is Daisy. Daisy serves as a symbol; she is the unattainable for the man who has anything he sets his eyes on. Gatsby is the man who has everything, and simultaneously nothing as well, as long as he can't have her. Gatsby's guests view him with a questioning respect, for he reveals very little about himself. Perhaps Gatsby's elusive attitude is triggered by his repressed love for Daisy, and he always will feel as though his parties are inadequate until Daisy arrives. In conversation, Nick hears, "'I think he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night,' Jordan said. 'But she never did.' (79)" Gatsby bides his time with real books and fabulous parties, but he will never truly have something of importance to him until he has Daisy. Daisy is the one thing he can't have, but he wants the most. Daisy serves to show that people who seem to have it all are usually missing what makes life memorable (sorry for the cliché, but as Kerouac said, "All clichés are truisms and all truisms are true."). So, if Daisy is the only thing Gatsby is missing in his life, but she is also impossible to have, does he want her because he honestly loves her? Or does Gatsby want Daisy because he sees a challenge in Her being the only thing that is impossible for him to have? Also, Nick says in chapter four, "There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired.(79)" Which of these traits is Gatsby and which trait is Daisy? Could they be more than one of these traits?
in this book, the author Fitzgerald portrays himself as the main character Nick Carraway. Nick is a slightly complex character, he has just recently returned from the war and is not really sure what to do with himself. He decides to move east and become a bondsman simply because many of his friends are doing the same thing, which shows his lack of purpose and willingness to conform so he can have a relativly good life. Nick thinks of himself as a self sustaining and morally upright figure in the midst of the careless and shallow inhabitants of the the upper class during this time as illustrated by fitzgerald, " i am one of the few honest people that i have ever known. pg 59". While nick is living in his west egg apartment he is at first quite incredulous of mr. gatsby and his lifestyle because he suspects him of sharing traits of those socially obsessed pricks during this age whom which nick prides himself for not becoming, untill they are aquainted and become friends. Nick is somewhat content in living his languid life in new york, and not engaging or concerning himself with unneccecary things outside of his somewhat lonely lifestyle. this might change however as he begins to have feelings for ms baker. will he continue to live this life in new york, or will he start to expand and engage himself in something new? if so how will this dynamically change his character?
ReplyDeleteGatsby is not stuck up and arrogant like the rest of the higher class so far. The way he calls Nick “old sport” supports this. Old sport is something that close friends would say to each other and Gatsby is already acting like he and Nick are great friends. Gatsby is also a mystery so far. At his big party, with a superfluous amount of people, people were spreading rumors about him and this shows how little people know about him. They are making accusations and discussing things that they have heard. You also don’t see Gatsby at the party until Nick talks to him. You can tell that he is a down to earth character because Nick didn’t even realize he was talking to Gatsby until the end of the conversation. Most of the upper-class and wealthy people of this time period would show off their wealth and possessions. In the fourth chapter it shows Gatsby’s past. His family has passed away and left him with heartache. He was left a bit forlorn. “Then came the war, old sport. It was a great relief, and I tried very hard to die, but I seemed to bear an enchanted life” (Fitzgerald, 66). This idea shows how Gatsby has had so many struggles and that he just wanted to die. I think that this is part of the reason he does not flaunt his wealth. He is not as garrulous about his wealth. Why do you think Gatsby does not flaunt his wealth like the other affluent people of this time?
ReplyDeleteMeow. Alright cool, so in Ms. Lloyd's wonderful English 3 class, she has assigned her beloved students to read a novel called, "The Great Gatsby." Apparently it is one of the great classics of 20th century literature. So far it's pretty good. The novel takes place during the Jazz Age in 1920s New York. A major theme of the book is that although the upper class possesses riches and wealth, they are plagued by shallowness. Two socities exist in New York's Long Island. West Egg and its denizens represent the newly self made money, while East Egg and its denizens represent the old aristocracy. West Eggers are portrayed as having no taste and lack social graces, where as East Eggers have taste but they are arrogrant and complacent, which is probably a result of being the established elite. Both "Eggers" however are immensely wealthy and possess ridiculous amounts of money. One particular denizen of West Egg stands out. None other than the great Jay Gatsby himself, is lavishly rich and throws extravagant parties. His superfluous home as describe by Nick (ch.2), "That one on my right was a colossal affair by any standard...with a tower on one side, spanking under a thin beard of raw ivy, and a marble swimming pool, and more than 40 acres of lawn and garden. It was Gatsby's mansion," futher reinforces this status among the wealthy echelon. Gatsby's elusive nature and mysteriousness has spawned several rumors of how he had obtained his wealth, ranging from being a German spy and being a murderer. Sounds like a pretty cool fellow, Another example of the shallowness of the upper class occurs when Nick and Jordan meets one of Gatsby's guest at his party. This guest, nicknamed Owl Eyes is astonished that the books in Gatsby's library are real and are not cardboard substitutes. This represents the ignorance of the of the elite. They possess little knowledge and are just mere socialites. Do you believe that this relationship between West Egg and East Egg exists today? (New Money vs. Old Money) Desribe some examples of this and extra brownie points, analyze how this often leads to conflict. BAM. SU-FI.
ReplyDeleteIght hopefully this doesnt delete like someone else's did. In this book "The Great Gatsby"
ReplyDeleteone thing that has really stuck out to me was this one phrase that Nick recollects while driving with Daisy and it states, "There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired." This quote has something to do with all of the characters. Gatsby is pursuing in away by trying to hook up with Daisy and also he's the pursued because he has tons of money to blow. Nick is pursuing a career in in bonds and figuring out his neighbor Gatsby. Every other character so far hasnt been developed enough to tell what they are. My pen ended question is what part of that quote do you fit into in your point in life and what would you like to end up as?
By the way i forgot to put that the quote i found was on pg.79.
ReplyDeleteIn “The Great Gatsby”, it seems that Gatsby is different from what everyone sees him as. Gatsby is a polite and rich man who is not normally shy towards anyone. He is incredibly wise, and is able to tell when the guests at his party spread rather vicious rumors about him. Even in all of this, he is friendly towards people no matter how they may act. Gatsby seems like an interesting man, yet a bit mysterious. What could he be hiding? In Chapter 4 Nick, Gatsby, and Gatsby’s friend, Mr. Wolfsheim, were talking in the restaurant, and then Gatsby’s left the table for a while for unexplained reasons. Meanwhile, Mr. Wolfsheim tells Nick how Gatsby is an intelligent and laudable man that he has known for many years. “There’s the kind of man you’d like to take home and introduce to your mother and sister. Gatsby’s very careful about women. He would never so much as look at a friend’s wife” (pg. 72), he told Nick. Gatsby is definitely a different person in Mr. Wolfsheim’s eyes. Ms. Jordan Baker tells Nick how four years ago she and Daisy met Gatsby, and Daisy and Gatsby seemed to enjoy each other’s company, which is why Daisy was so surprised when Nick talked about who Gatsby was. I suppose you get a little excited after hearing about a person you were fond of, and whom you haven’t seen in four years. What could someone say about Gatsby? Are their opinions of him accurate? Is the infatuation between Gatsby and Daisy enough to lead to true love? The question for me is, would a future between Gatsby and Daisy lead to happiness or tragedy?
ReplyDeleteSo the Great Gatsby hasn't yet varied much setting wise. We've only read through chapter five, but so far we have learned that it's the 1920's crazy jazz age, filled with parties and fun. Also, that it's set in New York city's more less fashionable side of town, in the West and East egg. The main character lives in the West side, where the older homes and old money are. The 1920's were the age where alcohol was prohibited, however Gatsby, Nick's neighbor form east egg, throws raging alcohol filled parties which I found ironic. In chapter 3, it says: I've been drunk for about a week now and I thought it might sober me up to sit in a library", shows that they're is much wealth and that this was a crazy time, since even though it was illegal large amounts of alcohol were consumed. Why do you think the 1920's was such a prosperous time period?
ReplyDeleteFrom the beginning of the novel, it is said that it is about 1922 on Long Island, New York. During this time period, there are many social boundaries between class and even several dividing the wealthy. As expressed by Fitzgerald,Nick lived in "West Egg, the-well the less fashionable of the two, though this is a most superficial tag to express the bizzare and not a little sinister contrast between them.....Across the courtesy bay the white palaces of fashionable East Egg glittered along the water" (pg. 5). The island is divided between the posh old money and the nouveau riche (a mere inuendo of the old money), east and west just as America was at the time. Among other aspects of the Roaring Twenties was the growing idea that the young should forlorn the Victorian morals of the previous generation. These characteristics of the setting have taken great effects on character such as the fact that the characters have not taken great reproach to the large amount of ecstatic "partying" going on at Gatsby's and Tom Buchanan's erroneous affair with a woman living in the "valley of ash." Will the time period and the unwritten social laws have more affects on the continuing plot and characterization in the novel? If so, will this setting prove to be a dilatory of the re-blossoming love between Gatsby and Daisy?
ReplyDeleteI'm Alex...
ReplyDeleteIn The Great Gatsby the green light on Daisy’s dock to me symbolizes Gatsby’s hope. In chapter one when he is standing apathetic and alone in his backyard, he reaches his hands up toward the green light. I think that Gatsby wants Daisy and that he is so forlorn living in a nice house by himself. Not only does Gatsby want Daisy, but he is also looking into his wants and dreams. You can sort of tell that Gatsby looks at Daisy’s house a lot and thinks of her when he says in chapter five on page 92. “If it wasn’t for the mist we could see your home across the bay, you always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.” .......Do you think Gatsby is happy with his life?
ReplyDeleteProgressing through the book, we discover Gatsby’s love for Daisy. They had met during the war and he has longed to be with her ever since then. After five years of waiting he finally is able to meet her again in chapter five, and he has no idea how to handle himself. Not only does he worry about impressing her, but he also knows she is married now and worries she won’t love him too. This is a major conflict. Daisy, however, does remember him and her feelings she once had for him. Nick helps Gatsby set up their afternoon tea date and stays with them to relieve the awkwardness. Gatsby knocks over a clock out of nervousness and trying to achieve “strained counterfeit of perfect ease” (86). As they explore Gatsby’s mansion, Daisy cries over how beautiful his shirts are. She explains, “It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such---such beautiful shirts before” (92). Do the shirts symbolize the life she could have had? Is this why she cries? Her husband, Tom, is unfaithful and she is unhappy although, she does not want to admit he is cheating. This could be a turning point for Daisy in her realization of her potential happiness with Gatsby. As for my question...Do you think Daisy will leave her unsatisfying life to be with Gatsby?
ReplyDeleteF. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatspy" has been celebrated for almost a century. It is considered to be an extremely laudable novel. It contains an infinite amount of historical value and is known as one of the greatest works of American literature. The Roaring 20's was a time consumed by the infatuation for extravagance and prosperity. This fact is thoroughly represented by his character, Jay Gatsby. My understanding of Gatsby is still quite elusive. Gatsby is, in my opinion, a bit too complacent for my idea of the most significant character and symbolization of the novel. I feel like there is still much to learn of the true Jay Gatsby. "'I don't like mysteries,' I answered, 'And I don't understand why you won't come out frankly and tell me what you wan't.'" (Nick: page 71) I feel like Gatsby is always working an angle. I do realize that my opinion of Gatsby is completely different from the rest of the class, but something about him still eludes me. Take Daisy for instance, does he trully care for her? Or is the irresistable challenge of attaining her just too powerful to ignore?
ReplyDeletePS: I SO HAD THIS DONE ON TIME, BUT FIRST IT DELETED AND THEN AFTER RETYPING IT I DISCOVERED THAT I HAD TO MAKE AN ACCOUNT (STUPID ON MY PART) BUT I HATE THIS AND LETS NEVER DO IT AGAIN.
So far in The Great Gatsby, the story has been a superfluous story of mystery and wonder. The protagonist, Nick is a misplaced person in an elusive society where money say it all. His play role to this point has developed into being the middle man between his second cousin removed Daisy and his complacent neighbor, who has been planning an encounter with Daisy for a long time, “Five years next November” (Fitzgerald 87). Gatsby, Daisy long lost admirer has been counting the days since their last meeting. He is an extravagant man who has everything: wealth, luxuries, and fame; except Daisy’s ecstatically correspondence of love to him. The problem is Daisy’s languid manner to leave her husband Tom who has mistreated her since they married. Daisy has put up with this forlorn married where love is hard to obtained.
ReplyDeleteThe Great Gatsby is certainly composed of drama. The web of the love triangle going on with Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom is slowly integrating more people in. Nick, being the main manipulated character, could be the resolution to the web triangle. What could he possibly do to solve the web?
In the book the Great Gatsby, the book so far is about a guy named Nick and he moves out east to be a bonds man. A lot of people are moving out east to be a bonds man so it shows that he does not have a lot of confidence in himself. when Nick gets to his apartment and says he had a dog for a few days then he lost. The dog shows a symbol of irresponsibility and not caring about any one but himself. " I had a dog at least for a few days until he ran away and an old dodge and finish woman , who made my bed and cooked breakfast and muttered finnish wisdom to herself over the electric stove." pg 3 and 4). Some conflict I see with Nick based upon the quote is that he is a lonely man. Why do you think that Nick is not responsible and does not seem to care that his dog ran away?
ReplyDeleteIn response to Catherine’s questions, “do you think Gatsby is happy with his life?
ReplyDeleteIt becomes clear that Gatsby is unhappy with his life when Nick finds out about his connection to Daisy and desire to see her again but there were clues prior to that moment. The very first clue is before Nick ever meets the man but sees him at night trembling and reaching his hand out toward a green light on the opposite side of Long Island Sound which Nick would later find out to be on the end of Daisy’s dock. Though Gatsby throws extravagant parties that include lots of liquor, dancing, entertainment and fun, the host never seems to fully be a part of it. He is obviously looking for something that is just out of his reach, something to satisfy his empty heart. We later find out that he believes the answer to his longing is Daisy, but I am not so sure. He has built up a dream of her over the five years in which they have been separated and of course he wants to see her again. I suspect, however, Daisy was the first thing that his mind found to grab hold of and hang onto for hope. He had nothing to live for and was even trying to die in the war. Gatsby needed a reason to live and he knew it. After all that he thought about her, he thought Daisy would the answer to it all. It remains to be seen, however, whether this rekindled relationship will be all that Gatsby hopes and needs it to be.
-Anna G.
This is my response to what Anh Nguyen said in her post discussion the issue over Daisy wishing her daughter to be an innocent beautiful fool in the world. “Why do you think she doesn't confront her husband about this? Do you agree with her statement? Why or why not?” Perhaps in Daisy’s mind, her daughter acting joyous and naïve would prove to be a way to avoid certain dangers and heartache she may face otherwise. In her marriage to Tom, the apathetic, complacent, power hungry man we all know, Daisy believes this kind of lifestyle without protest would be right for her daughter, too. Daisy causes even more pain for herself by being with Tom, knowing of his infidelities and pretending as if they don’t exist. For some reason Daisy stays obstinate about knowing anything involving Tom’s secret affairs, because it may disrupt the lifestyle she wants to maintain. Maybe she wants her daughter to have her life, even though Tom sees her as a sentimental fool. She may act likes this just so she won’t be alone, maybe one of her fears is being alone. However, I don’t agree with Daisy, she should be impetuous in this regard. By choosing not to confront her husband, she sends the wrong message to her daughter about how to address such things as infidelity. Also, in order to be truly happy with yourself, you have to be willing to fight for your happiness no matter the risk.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Anna Goode’s question: “As an attendee of his parties with a complete lack of knowledge about him, how would you have formed an opinion of Gatsby? Would you like him as a person? Why?”
ReplyDeleteI think that if I was attending one of Jay Gatsby’s evening extravaganzas I would be more curious than judgmental. I would be curious to see if Mr. Gatsby was truly laudable. Meeting a man who already has infinite amounts of public value would either leave a person ecstatic or forlorn. I assume that I would like Mr. Gatsby because he doesn’t seem any qualities that would make him a bad man…yet. Even though the many rumors some maybe true and some erroneous that comes up when his name is mentioned. Being that I would be meeting him at a party, I’m sure that our conversation wouldn’t be too garrulous, considering that he would have many other people to meet and converse with. So far Mr. Jay Gatsby’s persona consists of business and minding his own personal life qualities that I don’t find alarming but in his time essential.
Tyra B. Wimpye
This is a response to Lillian's question: "What do you think Daisy will do when she sees Gatsby? Do you think she still feels the same way as she once did?"
ReplyDeleteDaisy will sure be stunned and surprised in the beginning when she first sees Mr. Gatsby. She haven't seen him in about five years. Her actions toward him would be affected by her nerves. He was once her lover, and I'm sure that they'll be quite shy and apathetic towards each other at first. After the nerves have set aside, Daisy and Mr. Gatsby probably will soon talk to one another as if normal. They would both seem like they have never been apart. There is a possibility that Daisy would still feel the same way as she once did. As she continues to talk and hang out more with Mr. Gatsby, those feelings for him would rise up again. The tricky part of the whole situation though would be that Daisy is married. It would be a difficult choice for her to actually leave Tom for him. She's the type of person that wouldn't want to be looked down upon by society. She cares about her reputation and place in the community. Aside from that note, if Daisy's and Mr. Gatsby's feelings are vehement enough toward each others, maybe Daisy would leave Tom and ride off into the sunset with Gatsby.
Responding to Ana N.'s blog..:
ReplyDeleteDaisy does not confront her husband because she thinks that it's better to be "dumb" and not know about it, then being with him and having no choice but to live with it.I belive Daisy's issue is having valor to stand up to Tom. MAybe it has to do with her fear of loosing all the "riches" and well life she has.
I largely disagree with her statement. Being ignorant does not solve anything. It's better to be smrt about making decisions because does decision can lead into things that you might not want to happen.
So far to me the F. Scott Fitzgerald”s novel “The Great Gatsby” has been pretty good, i have really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteSo in the novel there is what I think is a back and forth love war over Daisy between Gatsby and Tom. During the beginning of the book we were exploring Gatsby”s love for Daisy when they met during the war, and it was really love at first sight for Gatsby. But for 5 years he never saw her again. But in chapter 5 they reunited, so Gatsby was very shocked, and was so excited he was about to flip out! But Gatsby’s problem was that Daisy was already married to Tom. Tom is a very independent man who is very selfish and unfaithful, or not a loyal husband to daisy. To Gatsby “this is a terrible mistake” (87) for Tom to be with Daisy. Gatsby thinks that she deserves better. And i think Gatsby knows that Daisy has been crying, and she doesn’t want Tom to admit that he was cheating on her for some odd reason. So my question for all my fellow classmates is...Who do you think Daisy will choose? Tom? or Gatsby? Will she be happy? Or continue to live in misery?
I forgot to cite my quote,"inclined to reserve all judgements." (Fitzgerald 5) I am sorry.
ReplyDeleteOkay, in response to Catherine's question, I think Gatsby is forlorn to an extent, but his character is so elusive, it is hard to tell. He is a conscientious and would not want to take another man's wife, but his feelings for Daisy are vehement. This is clear when he displays how nervous he is while talking to Nick Carraway. Just the fact that he has a chance to see Daisy has him scared and giddy. It is his one shot to restore things-for his life to not be lonely anymore. Gatsby is surrounded by people at his parties, but he still longs for something more. A deep friendship or romance would benefit him greatly. He is dilatory in finding a time to talk to Daisy, which is laudable. He wants more from life and Daisy, he feels, is the only way he can get more. Gatsby wants to make sure that when they first speak after a long period of time, everything goes well. If things work out for Gatsby and Daisy, Gatsby will undoubtedly be happy with his life, but if things do not work out, Gatsby will be crushed and will never be happy with his life again.
In response to Anh's question: Why do you think she doesn't confront her husband about this? Do you agree with her statement? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI think Daisy does not confront her husband because she is afraid of losing him. She remains apathetic on the outside and shows no emotion about how Tom is a deceitful person. Conscientiously she know that he has done many erroneous things to her but she refuses to see it. I do not agree with her statement because she thinks all men will be this way. She thinks that her daughter will have to go through the pain that she is going through with Tom. I think that she does not believe that her daughter will be able to find a kind and genuine guy that is unlike Tom.
In response to Anna Kate's qustion: Why do you think Gatsby does not flaunt his wealth like the other affluent people of this time?
ReplyDeleteI don't think its a matter of whether or not he flaunts his wealth like others around him but more like in which circumstances would he. During all of his parties, he creates an almost apathetic image and doesn't showcase his infinite amount of wealth. However, when he was showing Daisy around, he was almost garrulous about his possessions. Gatsby seems like a person who doesn't really care about impressing those around him but he would go all out for the girl he likes.
This is in response to Jordan's post. I do think Gatsby is truly in love with Daisy. If Gatsby is as complacent as you desscribe him he would not have had to arrange such a meeting through Nick and then have been so ecstatic about it. If it was all about the chase I do not believe Gatsby would have tracked her down, bought a mansion across the water, and then silently watched her for five years. He has been waiting for the right moment for so long, because I believe he is rather shy.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Anna Kate's qustion: Why do you think Gatsby does not flaunt his wealth like the other affluent people of this time?
ReplyDeleteI believe that Gatsby doesn't have to "flaunt" his wealth. Basically what he owns and the parties he throws and where he lives already tell people this guy is pretty rich. I guess you can say what he does with his money is him "flaunting."
In response to reed's question i think daisy will choose Gatsby. i think she wants someone to love that isnt apathetic and complacent like tom. i think daisy has a vehement love for gatsby but she is elusive with her feelings. i think if she hooks up with gatsby she will have infinite joy and she won't be forlorn.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Laura Beth's question: Do you think Gatsby is really this mysterious guy people make him out to be? Or do you think he is just an ordinary man who people are suspicious about just for the sake of gossip?
ReplyDeleteI believe that Gatsby is one of those people that know that people talk about them, but he never says anything. He knows who he is and does not put on an act for people. Gatsby comes off to most people as mysterious, but I think people are just jealous of him. I think they are jealous of him because he is complacent with where he is living while others complain. Most people think erroneous things about Gatsby when they hardly know him yet. I believe that a person would really have to get to know him first to be able to say something about him.
In response to Catherine's question: "Do you think Gatsby is happy with his life?"
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that Gatsby may not be fully satisfied with his life, even though on the outside it looks pretty fabulous. To the outside world he has got the ideal life; throws great parties, is very wealthy, and rather well-known around New York. However, it's clear one thing is missing, love. Throughout the book we find out his longing love for Daisy, who is married to Tom. That becomes obvious that it is the main reason he is not completely happy with his life.
In the book “the great Gatsby” the symbol that stuck out the most, threw the first 5 chapters. Shows up in chapter two through the valley of the ashes which symbolizes the destruction left behind the pursuit of wealth. “This is a valley of ashes - a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air. Occasionally a line of gray cars crawls along an invisible track, gives out a ghastly creak, and comes to rest, and immediately the ash-gray men swarm up with leaden spades and stir up an impenetrable cloud, which screens their obscure operations from your sight”(23). This symbolizes the wealthy doing anything they can to become more affluent, by any means necessary, leaving only ashes and destruction behind. My question, is this the American dream for most characters?
ReplyDeleteI am re-posting because i forgot my vocabulary words. I am answering Katie's post. The reason why they call it "The Great Gatsby" is because The whole story up to this point has been about Nick who is some of an elusive person but, Nick has just met Gatsby. The reason Why it is titled like that is because it is foreshadowing how great Gatsby must be. When you read the title the first thing that you think of is Dang who is this Gatsby guy. Gatsby seems to be a impetuous person the way that he asks them suddenly to get on the plane. It is a good title though it is not garrulous. Which in most cases will keep the reader from being incredulous. You also can tell by the title that Gatsby has an infinite amount of resources. "The Great Gatsby" obviously means that he has something great which by the time period you can most likely determine that it is money.
ReplyDeleteResponse to Shannon:
ReplyDeleteThe 1920s was a very prosperous time. There are many reasons for this; I believe one of the main reasons was because they had just gotten out of World War I, which was a successful war for the U.S. People were very wealthy and they had lots of time. Time meant partying and drinking for them. The parties seem to be sporadic and people just come and go as they please even if they are not invited to the party. Also the women had started being freer by wearing clothes that were more revealing for that time period. The people tended to be complacent. New dances were being introduced and money was not a problem for many of the folks and few people seemed to be languid of anything. The 20s was an extremely happy time for many people.
In response to Catherine's question "do you think Gatsby is happy with his life?
ReplyDeleteIn a way i think Gatsby is happy with his life, but still i dont think he is because, i think Gatsby is very apathetic towards Daisy. Sometimes in the novel i think he is elusive sometimes on his wanna be relationship with Daisy. But i dont think he wants to be very superfluous, or garrulous. Gatsby's mood is very unpredictible, in my opinion it's languid, and he doesn't like feel irreverent around Daisy. But we will just have to wait and see what happens in the novel. I think he will have his ups and his downs.
Who do you think Daisy will choose? Tom? Or Gatsby? Will she be happy? Or continue to live in misery?
ReplyDeleteI think that Daisy will still stay with tom because of the fact that she is a shallow, bored and sardonic. I feel that she and Gatsby would not match; because of she is just another item Gatsby must have to show his success. To add Daisy is in love with the money, ease, and material lavishness. Daisy will be happy with her wealth but she might regret her decision later on.
Answering Tyra's question, I believe people will always judge another regardless of social standing, but they will immediately be judged more when they have notoriety. Judgement is a human mechanism that comes in many different forms, and though we find this who do not "judge" laudable, this is simply a lie. Everyone judges everyone an infinite amount of times in their life. What we call "judging" someone is a human trait that cannot be avoided, as sad as that may be. Even Nick, a seemingly good guy (although he has his faults, as well) judges people, as he did Tom: "Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face...(7)". Judging is an obstinate and vehement thing with humanity; evolution will never wipe it out. So, when meeting people, the judging of them has been done. This is especially true with people of wealth or fame, because we know more about them without actually knowing them. To not immediately judge someone would be identical to not forming opinions, regardless of how ignorant (or intelligent) one's opinions may be.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Lillian's question What do you think Daisy will do when she sees Gatsby? Do you think she still feels the same way as she once did? I think when Daisy sees Gatsby she will be surprised to see him, but I do not think that she will feel the same way she once felt for him because I think she is happy with her life now.
ReplyDeleteI will respond to Katie's question! The book is titled "The Great Gatsby" due to the almost myth like characterization of Gatsby. Since this book is from a first person point of view, the "great" part of the title is the narrators opinion. I haven't read far enough to make a full length analysis, but I would think that the reason the book is titled "The Great Gatsby" is because of the narrators fascination with Gatsby, thus bestowing the book with the title glorifying the character Gatsby. Gatsby will probably turn into a figure of success in the American 1920's, symbolizing money and a lavish lifestyle that most Americans craved at this point in time. Fitzgerald was, obviously, influenced by his time period, a time period of success. My prediction is that Gatsby will turn into a synonym for the American dream, to the narrator. Woo, done with my homework. Time to get my chill on;)
ReplyDeleteThis is in response to Martha’s question. "There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired. (79)" Which of these traits is Gatsby and which trait is Daisy? Could they be more than one of these traits?
ReplyDeleteBecause of Gatsby’s superfluous wealth, he is constantly pursued by people trying to figure out the story behind his elusive nature. Their infinite erroneous stories make him intriguing to everyone and he is always hosting events at his house. He is also a busy person trying to please everyone and at the same time is planning every second he wants to spend with Daisy. Daisy is the only person he truly wants to pursue and he is conscientious of how he wants to go about doing it. Daisy would definitely take upon the trait of the pursued but also the tired. She may seem joyful and inviting toward others, but she is secretly forlorn about her broken marriage. She tries to be complacent but it hurts more to know how harsh the world is. Perhaps Gatsby is a breath of fresh air for Daisy, exactly what she yearns for.
In response to Martha's question, "Does he want her because he honestly loves her?", yes Gatsby vehemently loves her. She is his reason for living. Everything he has conscientiously done has been an effort to win her favor. He feels fornlorn emptiness wihtout her in his life. By throwing incredibly lavish parties, Gatsby attempts to get Daisy to fall in love with him. For question 2 regarding the pursuing and pursed, it is obvious that Gatsby is the pursuring (I just explained his motives in the passage before this) and Daisy is the pursued. To futher analzye this, the reason why Gatsby loves Daisy was because he was attracted to her aura of grace, luxury, and charm. She cannot leave Tom because he on top of the social order. He represents old money, inherited money. Daisy must stay with him to maintain the status quo. Gatsby is new money and his family is not well established. Looks like Daisy has a choice to make! Oooh!
ReplyDeleteIn response to Laura Beth's question: "Do you think Gatsby is really this mysterious guy people make him out to be? Or do you think he is just an ordinary man who people are suspicious about just for the sake of gossip?"
ReplyDeleteI do believe that he is mysterious. I have yet to form an opinion of Gatsby. He obviously is a man who is often the center of gossip, but I am predicting that he has earned that center spot. Gatsby is beginning to seem sort of emotionally conflicted. I think that he has sertainly worked hard for what he has, but maybe not in such an admirable way. But I stand behing my opinon in which we have much to learn about Gatsby's character.
so this is a couple days late but my internet wasnt working but ill accept any grade you want to give me as long as its a grade
ReplyDeleteSo Gatsby seems to be the mysterious one out of all the characters.On the outside he appears to be a big shot who throws outrageous parties that everyone attends.He is a charming man, and never wants to have a problem with anyone. " He had one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced, or seemed to face, the whole external world for an instant and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself." This quote shows Gatsbys sort of spell he casts on people, which slowly makes them forget they know nothing about him. People make acusations of him, saying he killed a man and such , but later on in the book we find out Gatsby is really James Gatz and changed his name to jay Gatsby at 17. As the book goes on we slowly find out more and more about this mysterious protagonist.
whoops i forgot the questions, How does Gatsbys life seem suspicious to you? Or do you think hes just a private person that people like to wander about?
ReplyDeletei have decided to respond to Alexs question. I dont think the time period and social factors will have as much influence as the story progresses. Instead i think a series of sporadic confrontations between Gatsby and Tom, also involving Nick over the issue of Daisy will come to dominate the plot of the novel. And yes i believe Gatsby and Daisys love will be rekindled and develope into a very ecstatic and intimate relationship, bringing along with it a large amount of heated and impetuous situations involving Nick, Tom, Jordan, Daisy, and Gatsby as i said earlier. Now that this obstinate relationship has begun, i look forward to seeing it progress in the story. and as for Alex, top notch old boy, top notch!
ReplyDeleteVery insightful point of view Mr. Whitson! I have decided to respond to your question as well. We all know how Nick could be slightly judgmental, though he doesn't think so and it isn't as high a degree as the other "Eggers." He seems to be accustomed to his lavish lifestyle as you have said. Yet, we all know the formula for a great novel often includes a, though sometimes gradual, dynamic change in a character. I believe that a climax in the plot could possibly lead him to an almost realization that lethargy, when it comes essentially to goals, is not the right road. Whether he will change or not can be debatable, however, because as far as Nick goes, there isn't a cornucopia of substance. He might change if he ever hits a "great depression."
ReplyDeleteBallin' word play....... Top Notch Ol' Sport!
i forgot to answer a question so in response to catherines question " do you think gatsby is happy with his life?" I dont think Gatsby is happy with his life right now and i feel like he never has or will be untill he gets Daisy. He will be a truely happy man if Daisy leaves Tom for him.
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