Chapter 9 - Pages 163-180
Two years passed since Gatsby's murder, and outlandish stories and rumors begin to go around about Gatsby. Nick tries to organize a funeral for Gatsby, but very few people show up, as most only cared about his wealth and parties, rather than him as a person. Nick decides he wants to return to the midwest, and breaks up with Jordan, who reveals her engagement to someone else. After a conversation with Tom, Nick begins to see Tom and Daisy's true colors, and realizes just how immoral and empty they are. The novel ends with Nick returning to Gatsby's mansion for a final farewell, and he begins to fantasize about people's vision of the American Dream, and their success and failures.
Henry Gatz: "His eyes leaked continuously with excitement and when I took the bag and umbrella from his hands he began to pull so increasingly at his sparse grey beard that I had difficulty getting off his coat” (Fitzgerald 167).
Henry Gatz, James Gatz/Jay Gatsby's estranged father, returns for Gatsby's funeral and tells Nick proudly of how his son rose to his high social status. Although Gatsby rose above the rest of his original society, and moved to the East, Gatsby's father never stopped loving his son, and although did not stay with him physically, always stayed with him in spirit.
Gatsby's father, Henry Gatz, arrives towards the end of the novel to, in a way, "resurrect" Gatsby to life, and provide a full back story to Gatsby's life. Although given small pieces sporadically, many aspects to Gatsby's origins remained anonymous throughout the novel, until the end. Henry's arrival also brings a more redeemable light to Gatsby, rather than his childish fantasies about Daisy, and eventually his affair with her.
“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy-they smashed up things and creates and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they made” (179).
Although typically remaining neutral on disputes, Nick lets down his barriers and begins to judge people based on their actions, Tom and Daisy being the most obvious. Throughout most of the book, Nick tried, if not forced himself, to be positive, and reserve his judgment, including at times such as Tom's affair with and abuse of Myrtle, Gatsby's lusting over Daisy, and Jordan's pretentious attitude. After seeing the other characters do extremely immoral and hateful things, Nick decides he no longer should reserve his judgment, and "find his voice," which involves him speaking his mind openly.
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Great gatsby Reading Journal - Chapter 8
Chapter 8, pages 98-108
When chapter eight begins, Nick visits Gatsby and suggests that he move on from Daisy, to which Gatsby disagrees. Nick then hears the detailed story of Gatsby and Daisy falling in love, and her leaving him for another man (Tom). Gatsby's and his gardener discuss the draining of the pool water, and Gatsby tells him to wait so he can swim later that day. At work, Nick feels distracted and distant from his work, and rejects Jordan's offer for a date. Wilson arrives at Gatsby's house and kills him, and then commits suicide.
Michaelis: “The young Greek, Michaelis, who ran the coffee joint beside the ash heaps, was the principal witness at the inquest" (136).
Michaelis, a brief and small character, is strong and honest, providing advice that does not involve violence or revenge, but self examination and spiritual growth. He also has the ability to separate church and state, as seen in his advice to avoid talking about God and Myrtle together.
Michaelis provides as a reflection of Nick, and binary opposition to nearly all of the other characters. Michaelis is an honest and likable guy, who tries hard to help George move on from his depression and rage filled obsession with seeking revenge on Gatsby, although not proven successful. His turning away from mixing religion with his personal life exemplify his independent and free thinking mind, which only Nick and Gatsby (somewhat) bear, and what Daisy and Tom lack.
“God sees everything" (160).
Wilson's mentioning of God knowing every person's actions imply his belief in karma, and even the Golden Rule from the bible. Throughout the novel, characters lied, cheated, and stolen, as seen through Daisy's secret past, Tom' affair, and Meyer's gambling, but failed to think about potential consequences. The passage also foreshadows the climax of the novel, Gatsby's death.
When chapter eight begins, Nick visits Gatsby and suggests that he move on from Daisy, to which Gatsby disagrees. Nick then hears the detailed story of Gatsby and Daisy falling in love, and her leaving him for another man (Tom). Gatsby's and his gardener discuss the draining of the pool water, and Gatsby tells him to wait so he can swim later that day. At work, Nick feels distracted and distant from his work, and rejects Jordan's offer for a date. Wilson arrives at Gatsby's house and kills him, and then commits suicide.
Michaelis: “The young Greek, Michaelis, who ran the coffee joint beside the ash heaps, was the principal witness at the inquest" (136).
Michaelis, a brief and small character, is strong and honest, providing advice that does not involve violence or revenge, but self examination and spiritual growth. He also has the ability to separate church and state, as seen in his advice to avoid talking about God and Myrtle together.
Michaelis provides as a reflection of Nick, and binary opposition to nearly all of the other characters. Michaelis is an honest and likable guy, who tries hard to help George move on from his depression and rage filled obsession with seeking revenge on Gatsby, although not proven successful. His turning away from mixing religion with his personal life exemplify his independent and free thinking mind, which only Nick and Gatsby (somewhat) bear, and what Daisy and Tom lack.
“God sees everything" (160).
Wilson's mentioning of God knowing every person's actions imply his belief in karma, and even the Golden Rule from the bible. Throughout the novel, characters lied, cheated, and stolen, as seen through Daisy's secret past, Tom' affair, and Meyer's gambling, but failed to think about potential consequences. The passage also foreshadows the climax of the novel, Gatsby's death.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Great Gatsby Reading Journal - Chapter 7
Chapter 7, pages 113-145
Since Gatsby currently has Daisy with him, he stops throwing his lavish parties. Later on another day, Nick attends lunch at Daisy and Tom's house, where he finds Jordan and Gatsby. Once Fitzgerald introduces Daisy's daughter for the first time, immediately she distances herself away from the baby and towards Gatsby, much to Tom's concern. During a trip to New York, Nick, Jordan, Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy run into George Wilson, who recently discovered Myrtle's affair. After Daisy and Gatsby accidentally hit Myrtle while driving, Gatsby proclaims that he will take the blame out of his love for Daisy.
George Wilson: "I've been here too long. I want to get away. My wife and I want to go West" (Fitzgerald 123).
George is a hard working, honest man, who is caught in the middle of an adulterous affair between his wife, Myrtle, and Tom. Although he recently found out, he decides to stay faithful to the vows he made with Myrtle, and instead of leaving her, decides to start over in a new location, again avoiding ending way out of his marriage, and keeping his faith in Myrtle as his wife.
George provides a conscience and normality in his marriage to Myrtle. While Myrtle is superficial, greedy, and manipulative, George does not lie or cheat his way through life, and works hard maintaining and keeping his business. In addition, although many characters, including his wife, hold superficial and materialistic attitudes throughout the novel, George, along with Nick, hold up the dignity of the human race, and provide likable qualities that very much lack throughout people during this time.
"Daisy and Tom were sitting opposite each other at the kitchen table....They weren't happy...yet they weren't unhappy either" (143).
Although both Daisy and Tom are stuck in a loveless marriage, they still find some happiness through it, presumably their wealth and social status, as they were both happy and sad in their marriage. The roaring 1920s were all about wealth and partying, which they have, but without some type of personal connection bringing them joy in their marriage, since the baby doesn't even seem to make either happy. While previous chapters only indicate unhappiness - seen through Tom's affair with Myrtle and many other women, as well as Daisy's true love for Gatsby. The "lost generation" myth also comes into significance here, seen through two 30 something year old people looking for a reason to be happy in their lives.
Since Gatsby currently has Daisy with him, he stops throwing his lavish parties. Later on another day, Nick attends lunch at Daisy and Tom's house, where he finds Jordan and Gatsby. Once Fitzgerald introduces Daisy's daughter for the first time, immediately she distances herself away from the baby and towards Gatsby, much to Tom's concern. During a trip to New York, Nick, Jordan, Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy run into George Wilson, who recently discovered Myrtle's affair. After Daisy and Gatsby accidentally hit Myrtle while driving, Gatsby proclaims that he will take the blame out of his love for Daisy.
George Wilson: "I've been here too long. I want to get away. My wife and I want to go West" (Fitzgerald 123).
George is a hard working, honest man, who is caught in the middle of an adulterous affair between his wife, Myrtle, and Tom. Although he recently found out, he decides to stay faithful to the vows he made with Myrtle, and instead of leaving her, decides to start over in a new location, again avoiding ending way out of his marriage, and keeping his faith in Myrtle as his wife.
George provides a conscience and normality in his marriage to Myrtle. While Myrtle is superficial, greedy, and manipulative, George does not lie or cheat his way through life, and works hard maintaining and keeping his business. In addition, although many characters, including his wife, hold superficial and materialistic attitudes throughout the novel, George, along with Nick, hold up the dignity of the human race, and provide likable qualities that very much lack throughout people during this time.
"Daisy and Tom were sitting opposite each other at the kitchen table....They weren't happy...yet they weren't unhappy either" (143).
Although both Daisy and Tom are stuck in a loveless marriage, they still find some happiness through it, presumably their wealth and social status, as they were both happy and sad in their marriage. The roaring 1920s were all about wealth and partying, which they have, but without some type of personal connection bringing them joy in their marriage, since the baby doesn't even seem to make either happy. While previous chapters only indicate unhappiness - seen through Tom's affair with Myrtle and many other women, as well as Daisy's true love for Gatsby. The "lost generation" myth also comes into significance here, seen through two 30 something year old people looking for a reason to be happy in their lives.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Great Gatsby - Reading Journal Chapter 6
Chapter 6, pages 97-111
People continue to spread rumors about Gatsby's background, so much that a reporter approaches him just to ask him what he wants to say in general. Nick then describes Gatsby's early life. Gatsby's real name is James Gatz, and Gatsby hails from North Carolina, not upscale New York. A rich sea man named Dan Cody died and left him a large sum of money, which the mistress prevented him from receiving the money, inspiring Gatsby to become a rich man. Daisy begins to spend more time with Gatsby, which angers Tom, who eventually admits Gatsby gets his wealth form bootlegging alcohol into the country.
Dan Cody: “Dan Cody sober knew that lavish doings Dan Cody drunk might soon be about” (100).
Dan Cody is a middle aged, kind man who owned a yacht and employed Gatsby when he was known as James Gatz. Cody eventually became Gatsby's best friend, even leaving him $25,000 in his will upon his death. Although a drunkard, Cody enjoyed living a lavish lifestyle.
Cody provides many different roles throughout chapter 6. In a way, he provides as both a binary opposition and mirror character to the wealthy society at the time, and a mirror to both Tom and Nick. Cody and Tom both have mistresses and a lot of money, however, unlike Tom, Cody seems to have a conscience and cares for other people besides himself, as made evident in Dan leaving money to his best friend Gatsby.
“He talked a lot about the past and I gathered that he wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy. His life had been confused and disordered since then, but if he could once return to a certain starting place and go over it all slowly, he could find out what that thing was…” (Fitzgerald 117).
Gatsby's years of dreaming up a fantasy version of Daisy poses a great threat to him. Although Daisy once again is a part of his life, his fantasy of her soon could wear off when he sees the real Daisy. The child like actions of Gatsby remind me of the class discussion and presented theme of dreams vs. reality, and how the roaring 1920s were all about idealism over realism.
People continue to spread rumors about Gatsby's background, so much that a reporter approaches him just to ask him what he wants to say in general. Nick then describes Gatsby's early life. Gatsby's real name is James Gatz, and Gatsby hails from North Carolina, not upscale New York. A rich sea man named Dan Cody died and left him a large sum of money, which the mistress prevented him from receiving the money, inspiring Gatsby to become a rich man. Daisy begins to spend more time with Gatsby, which angers Tom, who eventually admits Gatsby gets his wealth form bootlegging alcohol into the country.
Dan Cody: “Dan Cody sober knew that lavish doings Dan Cody drunk might soon be about” (100).
Dan Cody is a middle aged, kind man who owned a yacht and employed Gatsby when he was known as James Gatz. Cody eventually became Gatsby's best friend, even leaving him $25,000 in his will upon his death. Although a drunkard, Cody enjoyed living a lavish lifestyle.
Cody provides many different roles throughout chapter 6. In a way, he provides as both a binary opposition and mirror character to the wealthy society at the time, and a mirror to both Tom and Nick. Cody and Tom both have mistresses and a lot of money, however, unlike Tom, Cody seems to have a conscience and cares for other people besides himself, as made evident in Dan leaving money to his best friend Gatsby.
“He talked a lot about the past and I gathered that he wanted to recover something, some idea of himself perhaps, that had gone into loving Daisy. His life had been confused and disordered since then, but if he could once return to a certain starting place and go over it all slowly, he could find out what that thing was…” (Fitzgerald 117).
Gatsby's years of dreaming up a fantasy version of Daisy poses a great threat to him. Although Daisy once again is a part of his life, his fantasy of her soon could wear off when he sees the real Daisy. The child like actions of Gatsby remind me of the class discussion and presented theme of dreams vs. reality, and how the roaring 1920s were all about idealism over realism.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Great Gatsby Reading Journal - Chapter 5
Chapter 5 - Pages 81-96
As Nick comes home with Jordan, he notices Gatsby's mansion lit up and decorated, although unoccupied. After Gatsby presents himself, and begs Nick to help him get Daisy to his house, and Nick agrees, much to Gatsby's joy. Later on, Gatsby does a number of spontaneous things because of his fear of Daisy's rejection. Daisy arrives, and after an awkward start, the two break the ice and begin reminiscing. Nick ponders whether Daisy will live up to Gatsby's perfect image of her, and leave.
Daisy: " The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain. I had to follow the sound of it for a moment, up and down, with my ear alone before any words came through. A damp steak of hair lay like a dash of blue paint across her cheek and her hand was wet with glistening drops as I took it to help her from the car." (84)
By reading about Daisy, I know she has a conscience and remains faithful in her marriage, unlike her husband Tom. Although falling in love again with Gatsby, Daisy does not engage in sex (that we know of) and upholds her dignity. In addition, Daisy keeps her personal problems to herself and chooses not to air her dirty laundry out for everyone to see.
The character of Daisy has multiple roles in the novel. Her most important role is her position a friend and mirror character of Nick, who also avoids cheating and lying. Also, she provides as a binary opposition to Myrtle, who Fitzgerald described as short, unattractive, harsh, and greedy, while Daisy comes off as sweet and innocent, albeit sad and a major pushover.
Quote: " I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business. But I'm not in either one now" (87).
While the roots behind Gatsby's wealth remain somewhat anonymous, Fitzgerald finally reveals some of his shady past. His admittance of being involved in the drug business brings me back to the class conversation on why some characters in the media hold popularity, in spite of poor moral qualities. I feel although a lair with a shady past who lusts over another man's wife, future chapters will guarantee my interest in the character if Gatsby.
As Nick comes home with Jordan, he notices Gatsby's mansion lit up and decorated, although unoccupied. After Gatsby presents himself, and begs Nick to help him get Daisy to his house, and Nick agrees, much to Gatsby's joy. Later on, Gatsby does a number of spontaneous things because of his fear of Daisy's rejection. Daisy arrives, and after an awkward start, the two break the ice and begin reminiscing. Nick ponders whether Daisy will live up to Gatsby's perfect image of her, and leave.
Daisy: " The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain. I had to follow the sound of it for a moment, up and down, with my ear alone before any words came through. A damp steak of hair lay like a dash of blue paint across her cheek and her hand was wet with glistening drops as I took it to help her from the car." (84)
By reading about Daisy, I know she has a conscience and remains faithful in her marriage, unlike her husband Tom. Although falling in love again with Gatsby, Daisy does not engage in sex (that we know of) and upholds her dignity. In addition, Daisy keeps her personal problems to herself and chooses not to air her dirty laundry out for everyone to see.
The character of Daisy has multiple roles in the novel. Her most important role is her position a friend and mirror character of Nick, who also avoids cheating and lying. Also, she provides as a binary opposition to Myrtle, who Fitzgerald described as short, unattractive, harsh, and greedy, while Daisy comes off as sweet and innocent, albeit sad and a major pushover.
Quote: " I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business. But I'm not in either one now" (87).
While the roots behind Gatsby's wealth remain somewhat anonymous, Fitzgerald finally reveals some of his shady past. His admittance of being involved in the drug business brings me back to the class conversation on why some characters in the media hold popularity, in spite of poor moral qualities. I feel although a lair with a shady past who lusts over another man's wife, future chapters will guarantee my interest in the character if Gatsby.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Chapter 4, pages 61-80.
In this chapter, Nick starts by telling about his lunch he had with Gatsby, where we learn more about Gatsby's background. While driving in the city, Gatsby speeds and is pulled over by a police officer, who leaves after Gatsby shows a mysterious card. In New York, Nick meets a man named Meyer Wolfshiem, an older compulsive gambler who gambled his way to changing the World Series outcome in 1919, and implies that Gatsby also cheated his way towards wealth. While talking with Jordan, Nick learns that at the party, Gatsby told Jordan of his true love for Daisy. According to Gatsby, Daisy has always remained faithful to Tom, although remaining in deep love with Gatsby.
Meyer Wolfshiem: “He’s the man who fixed the World Series back in 1919... It never occurred to me that one man could start to play with the faith of fifty million people- with the single mindedness of a burglar blowing a safe” (73).
In chapter four, Meyer comes off as another materialistic and selfish cheater, like Tom. Fitzgerald also suggests Meyer, like virtually every character, gossips and, in the end, has little to no care for anybody but himself.
Meyer Wolfshiem appears to provide as another binary opposition to Nick, and possibly Gatsby. While in the previous chapter Gatsby throws parties for the purpose of meeting his true love, Daisy, and possibility the enjoyment of others, Meyer makes his decisions with only his possible benefit in mind. He not only changed the outcome of a baseball game, but potentially caused many other people to lose money in the process. In addition, while the general stereotype of Jewish people includes a large nose, his nose is flat, disproving the stereotype and causing dilemmas.
"There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired" (79). The passage stood out to me for multiple reasons. First, the vivid language depicting the negativity in the American people reminds me directly of the speech on the statue of liberty, which asks for all the negativity in exchange for promise in the new land. Also, the class discussion on the "lost generation" ties into this description, because the people who likely feel busy and tired include the members of the lost generation, who suffered a loss if individuality and hope during and after World War I, and still search for internal happiness.
In this chapter, Nick starts by telling about his lunch he had with Gatsby, where we learn more about Gatsby's background. While driving in the city, Gatsby speeds and is pulled over by a police officer, who leaves after Gatsby shows a mysterious card. In New York, Nick meets a man named Meyer Wolfshiem, an older compulsive gambler who gambled his way to changing the World Series outcome in 1919, and implies that Gatsby also cheated his way towards wealth. While talking with Jordan, Nick learns that at the party, Gatsby told Jordan of his true love for Daisy. According to Gatsby, Daisy has always remained faithful to Tom, although remaining in deep love with Gatsby.
Meyer Wolfshiem: “He’s the man who fixed the World Series back in 1919... It never occurred to me that one man could start to play with the faith of fifty million people- with the single mindedness of a burglar blowing a safe” (73).
In chapter four, Meyer comes off as another materialistic and selfish cheater, like Tom. Fitzgerald also suggests Meyer, like virtually every character, gossips and, in the end, has little to no care for anybody but himself.
Meyer Wolfshiem appears to provide as another binary opposition to Nick, and possibly Gatsby. While in the previous chapter Gatsby throws parties for the purpose of meeting his true love, Daisy, and possibility the enjoyment of others, Meyer makes his decisions with only his possible benefit in mind. He not only changed the outcome of a baseball game, but potentially caused many other people to lose money in the process. In addition, while the general stereotype of Jewish people includes a large nose, his nose is flat, disproving the stereotype and causing dilemmas.
"There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy, and the tired" (79). The passage stood out to me for multiple reasons. First, the vivid language depicting the negativity in the American people reminds me directly of the speech on the statue of liberty, which asks for all the negativity in exchange for promise in the new land. Also, the class discussion on the "lost generation" ties into this description, because the people who likely feel busy and tired include the members of the lost generation, who suffered a loss if individuality and hope during and after World War I, and still search for internal happiness.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Great Gatsby Reading Journal - Chapter 3
Chapter 3, Pages 39-59
Nick receives an invitation to a party of Gatsby's, which he has been throwing many of for a while. While at the party, he sees Jordan, and they discuss the mystery behind Gatsby. Nick then describes the elaborate features of the party, which include a pool and fruit buffet, among other things. Finally, Nick describes the finally seen Jay Gatsby, who refers to everyone as "old sport." Nick then describes his daily life, including that he works in new York City, rarely attends parties, and is now dating Jordan.
Gatsby: “I thought you knew, old sport. I’m afraid I’m not a very good host” (49).
From what I can see in this chapter, Gatsby is very inclusive and has a very warm and welcoming personality. However, his constant mysteriousness causes a huge stir over his true identity and secret past. Although friendly, he considers himself somewhat anti-social and keeps himself at a bit of a distance from everyone.
So far, I see Gatsby as somewhat of a comedic relief from the usual drama (the love triangles, lying, etc.) His friendly attitude provide a foil to the opposite, which presents itself consistently through the characters and serious situation. Although much more is learned about Gatsby in this chapter, much more information needs to be revealed, such as how everyone knows him so infamously, as mentioned when Daisy exclaims, "'Gatsby?' demanded Daisy. 'What Gatsby?'" (11).
The passage "She was incurably dishonest. She wasn’t able to endure being at a disadvantage and, given this unwillingness, I suppose she had begun dealing in subterfuges when she was very young in order to keep that cool, insolent smile turned to the world and yet satisfy the demands of her hard, jaunty body" (59) stood out to me for multiple reasons. First, as mentioned in chapter 1 through Jordan's appearance, she breaks the stereotype for many women of the time period through her controlling actions which thrust her into a position of power (somewhat). Many women during this time period were not even competing in athletics, so for Jordan to not only compete, but to have the intelligence to manipulate the odds to her advantage prove her a binary opposition to Daisy and even Myrtle. However, her lies and cheating also reflect the dishonesty seen in Tom and Myrtle, which still prove her the opposite of the stereotype of women in the 1920s. Jordan also provides opposition to the honesty and kindness seen in Nick and Gatsby.
Nick receives an invitation to a party of Gatsby's, which he has been throwing many of for a while. While at the party, he sees Jordan, and they discuss the mystery behind Gatsby. Nick then describes the elaborate features of the party, which include a pool and fruit buffet, among other things. Finally, Nick describes the finally seen Jay Gatsby, who refers to everyone as "old sport." Nick then describes his daily life, including that he works in new York City, rarely attends parties, and is now dating Jordan.
Gatsby: “I thought you knew, old sport. I’m afraid I’m not a very good host” (49).
From what I can see in this chapter, Gatsby is very inclusive and has a very warm and welcoming personality. However, his constant mysteriousness causes a huge stir over his true identity and secret past. Although friendly, he considers himself somewhat anti-social and keeps himself at a bit of a distance from everyone.
So far, I see Gatsby as somewhat of a comedic relief from the usual drama (the love triangles, lying, etc.) His friendly attitude provide a foil to the opposite, which presents itself consistently through the characters and serious situation. Although much more is learned about Gatsby in this chapter, much more information needs to be revealed, such as how everyone knows him so infamously, as mentioned when Daisy exclaims, "'Gatsby?' demanded Daisy. 'What Gatsby?'" (11).
The passage "She was incurably dishonest. She wasn’t able to endure being at a disadvantage and, given this unwillingness, I suppose she had begun dealing in subterfuges when she was very young in order to keep that cool, insolent smile turned to the world and yet satisfy the demands of her hard, jaunty body" (59) stood out to me for multiple reasons. First, as mentioned in chapter 1 through Jordan's appearance, she breaks the stereotype for many women of the time period through her controlling actions which thrust her into a position of power (somewhat). Many women during this time period were not even competing in athletics, so for Jordan to not only compete, but to have the intelligence to manipulate the odds to her advantage prove her a binary opposition to Daisy and even Myrtle. However, her lies and cheating also reflect the dishonesty seen in Tom and Myrtle, which still prove her the opposite of the stereotype of women in the 1920s. Jordan also provides opposition to the honesty and kindness seen in Nick and Gatsby.
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