Chapter 9 Pgs. 163-180
Summary: Nick tries to get people to go to Gatsby’s funeral, finding out how hard it was to get into contact with any of his friends. Nick waits for a call from Daisy, but it never comes. He then goes over to Wolfsheim’s office, but Wolfsheim tells Nick that he isn’t going to go. Gatsby’s father, Henry Gatz, comes to Gatsby’s house and tells Nick about Gatsby’s strict schedule and how he helped pay for Henry’s house. At the funeral, Owl-Eyes shows up, but no one else, so everyone goes to his parties but none come to his funeral.
Character: Henry Gatz
Description: “A solemn old man very helpless and dismayed, bundled up in a long cheap Ulster against the warm September day. 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…”
Qualities: Since his son just died, Henry is very sad but also very proud of his son. While at Gatsby’s house, Henry walks through and sees how his son has accomplished so much, which makes him happy. With his interaction with Nick, Henry seems to be a very nice person and doesn’t really put down Gatsby during their talks.
Importance: Henry is in the book because he shows a side of Gatsby that is different from what he was before. Throughout the book, Gatsby just used people for his personal goals, but Henry shows a side of Gatsby that is selfless. He gives money to his parents in order to buy them a house and works really hard to get money and be whom he is. Henry makes Gatsby seem like a better person, someone that can’t be disliked because he has so many positive qualities.
Quote: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” (Pg. 180)
Significance: The quote gives lots of message. The first part talks about how people just keep on going and are pushed around. There is no defining our fate because the current can always change direction. We might seem to be going down a path and then it can change suddenly. This happened for Gatsby such as when Daisy admitted to loving Tom or to Myrtle when she is run over. The last part of the sentence is about how people dwell on the past. Gatsby reflected on the past to a point where he became obsessed with obtaining something he once had, dedicating his life to the goal of getting Daisy.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 Pgs. 147-162
Summary: Nick goes over to Gatsby’s house as soon as he sees lights go on in the house, suggesting Gatsby to go away and lie low for a little. Gatsby tells Nick of how he became Jay Gatsby and met Dan Cody, then explained how he can’t leave Daisy. He tells Nick how when he went to war, the were separated for too long after Gatsby was accidentally shipped to Oxford and when he came home, Tom and Daisy were married. Nick goes to work and talks to Jordan, ignoring her for the most part. As Michaelis tries to calm down George, George gets up and goes to Gatsby’s house, shooting him.
Character: Michaelis
Description: “The young Greek, Michaelis, who ran the coffee joint beside the ash heaps was the principal witness at the inquest.” (Pg. 136)
Qualities: Michaelis is a good guy who isn’t really close friends with George but stays by his side for hours into the night after Myrtle died. He tries to get to George, helping him out and get through the grieving period. While all others abandon George, he stays by his side.
Purpose: Michaelis was the primary witness to the murder, making him important in the investigation of the death of Myrtle. He is also there to watch after George and to help show how hurt and damaged George is.
Quote: “She was the first ‘nice’ girl he had ever known. In various unrevealed capacities he had come in contact with such people, but always with indiscernible barbed wire between.” (Pg. 148)
Significance: The past is where Gatsby builds his dreams. Daisy was the first and only girl he liked, making her very important and desirable. Gatsby built his life around achieving her love once again because it was the happiest time of his life when he was with her. With everybody else, Gatsby felt there was a barrier separating them from the truth, but with Daisy, he truly connected in a way he had never done before, making her different and lovable.
Summary: Nick goes over to Gatsby’s house as soon as he sees lights go on in the house, suggesting Gatsby to go away and lie low for a little. Gatsby tells Nick of how he became Jay Gatsby and met Dan Cody, then explained how he can’t leave Daisy. He tells Nick how when he went to war, the were separated for too long after Gatsby was accidentally shipped to Oxford and when he came home, Tom and Daisy were married. Nick goes to work and talks to Jordan, ignoring her for the most part. As Michaelis tries to calm down George, George gets up and goes to Gatsby’s house, shooting him.
Character: Michaelis
Description: “The young Greek, Michaelis, who ran the coffee joint beside the ash heaps was the principal witness at the inquest.” (Pg. 136)
Qualities: Michaelis is a good guy who isn’t really close friends with George but stays by his side for hours into the night after Myrtle died. He tries to get to George, helping him out and get through the grieving period. While all others abandon George, he stays by his side.
Purpose: Michaelis was the primary witness to the murder, making him important in the investigation of the death of Myrtle. He is also there to watch after George and to help show how hurt and damaged George is.
Quote: “She was the first ‘nice’ girl he had ever known. In various unrevealed capacities he had come in contact with such people, but always with indiscernible barbed wire between.” (Pg. 148)
Significance: The past is where Gatsby builds his dreams. Daisy was the first and only girl he liked, making her very important and desirable. Gatsby built his life around achieving her love once again because it was the happiest time of his life when he was with her. With everybody else, Gatsby felt there was a barrier separating them from the truth, but with Daisy, he truly connected in a way he had never done before, making her different and lovable.
Chapter 8
Chapter 8 Pgs. 147-162
Summary: Nick goes over to Gatsby’s house as soon as he sees lights go on in the house, suggesting Gatsby to go away and lie low for a little. Gatsby tells Nick of how he became Jay Gatsby and met Dan Cody, then explained how he can’t leave Daisy. He tells Nick how when he went to war, the were separated for too long after Gatsby was accidentally shipped to Oxford and when he came home, Tom and Daisy were married. Nick goes to work and talks to Jordan, ignoring her for the most part. As Michaelis tries to calm down George, George gets up and goes to Gatsby’s house, shooting him.
Character: Michaelis
Description: “The young Greek, Michaelis, who ran the coffee joint beside the ash heaps was the principal witness at the inquest.” (Pg. 136)
Qualities: Michaelis is a good guy who isn’t really close friends with George but stays by his side for hours into the night after Myrtle died. He tries to get to George, helping him out and get through the grieving period. While all others abandon George, he stays by his side.
Purpose: Michaelis was the primary witness to the murder, making him important in the investigation of the death of Myrtle. He is also there to watch after George and to help show how hurt and damaged George is.
Quote: “She was the first ‘nice’ girl he had ever known. In various unrevealed capacities he had come in contact with such people, but always with indiscernible barbed wire between.” (Pg. 148)
Significance: The past is where Gatsby builds his dreams. Daisy was the first and only girl he liked, making her very important and desirable. Gatsby built his life around achieving her love once again because it was the happiest time of his life when he was with her. With everybody else, Gatsby felt there was a barrier separating them from the truth, but with Daisy, he truly connected in a way he had never done before, making her different and lovable.
Summary: Nick goes over to Gatsby’s house as soon as he sees lights go on in the house, suggesting Gatsby to go away and lie low for a little. Gatsby tells Nick of how he became Jay Gatsby and met Dan Cody, then explained how he can’t leave Daisy. He tells Nick how when he went to war, the were separated for too long after Gatsby was accidentally shipped to Oxford and when he came home, Tom and Daisy were married. Nick goes to work and talks to Jordan, ignoring her for the most part. As Michaelis tries to calm down George, George gets up and goes to Gatsby’s house, shooting him.
Character: Michaelis
Description: “The young Greek, Michaelis, who ran the coffee joint beside the ash heaps was the principal witness at the inquest.” (Pg. 136)
Qualities: Michaelis is a good guy who isn’t really close friends with George but stays by his side for hours into the night after Myrtle died. He tries to get to George, helping him out and get through the grieving period. While all others abandon George, he stays by his side.
Purpose: Michaelis was the primary witness to the murder, making him important in the investigation of the death of Myrtle. He is also there to watch after George and to help show how hurt and damaged George is.
Quote: “She was the first ‘nice’ girl he had ever known. In various unrevealed capacities he had come in contact with such people, but always with indiscernible barbed wire between.” (Pg. 148)
Significance: The past is where Gatsby builds his dreams. Daisy was the first and only girl he liked, making her very important and desirable. Gatsby built his life around achieving her love once again because it was the happiest time of his life when he was with her. With everybody else, Gatsby felt there was a barrier separating them from the truth, but with Daisy, he truly connected in a way he had never done before, making her different and lovable.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Chapter 7
Chapter VII Pg. 113-145
Summary: The chapter starts on an extremely hot summer day where Gatsby and Nick go to Daisy’s house for lunch. Once there, they meet Daisy’s child and find nothing to do so go into the city. On their way to the city, Tom, Nick, and Jordan stop at George Wilson’s shop. Once in the city, the group goes into a hotel room and an argument involving Tom, Gatsby, and Daisy erupts. The group is on their way home when they find out that Daisy killed Myrtle Wilson by running her over. Gatsby waits outside the Buchanan’s house to make sure Tom doesn’t hurt Daisy for what she did to Myrtle.
Character: George Wilson
Description: “then I saw Wilson standing on the raised threshold of his office, swaying back and forth and holding to the doorposts with both hands. Some man was talking to him in a low voice and attempting, from time to time, to lay a hand on his shoulder, but Wilson neither heard nor saw. His eyes would drop slowly from swinging light to the laden table by the wall, and then jerk back to the light again, and he gave incessantly his high, horrible call.” (Pg. 138)
Qualities: George is not the smartest guy, believing that going to the West with is wife will save his marriage. He cares deeply about his wife and doesn’t seem to show hatred towards those who have done him wrong. After his wife’s death, George is depressed and sick.
Importance: George Wilson knows that Tom and Myrtle were having an affair, hence the locking her in the attic of the shop. Perhaps he will go for revenge on Tom, or even on Daisy since she killed Myrtle. The future for George seems to be some type of interference in someone’s life. He seems mad about the fact his wife is dead and perhaps wants to get payback.
Quote: “’Even alone I can’t say I never loved Tom,’ she admitted in a pitiful voice. ‘It wouldn’t be true.’ ‘Of course it wouldn’t,’ agreed Tom. She turned to her husband. ‘As if it mattered to you,’ she said.” (Pg. 133)
- Although Daisy has strong feelings for Gatsby, she still has at least had feelings for Tom, making him interference in the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. Although she has feelings for Tom, she knows that he truly doesn’t care. Tom isn’t interested in the love or passion, but just wants the reward of being loved. Daisy knows the truth, but is still drawn a bit to him.
Summary: The chapter starts on an extremely hot summer day where Gatsby and Nick go to Daisy’s house for lunch. Once there, they meet Daisy’s child and find nothing to do so go into the city. On their way to the city, Tom, Nick, and Jordan stop at George Wilson’s shop. Once in the city, the group goes into a hotel room and an argument involving Tom, Gatsby, and Daisy erupts. The group is on their way home when they find out that Daisy killed Myrtle Wilson by running her over. Gatsby waits outside the Buchanan’s house to make sure Tom doesn’t hurt Daisy for what she did to Myrtle.
Character: George Wilson
Description: “then I saw Wilson standing on the raised threshold of his office, swaying back and forth and holding to the doorposts with both hands. Some man was talking to him in a low voice and attempting, from time to time, to lay a hand on his shoulder, but Wilson neither heard nor saw. His eyes would drop slowly from swinging light to the laden table by the wall, and then jerk back to the light again, and he gave incessantly his high, horrible call.” (Pg. 138)
Qualities: George is not the smartest guy, believing that going to the West with is wife will save his marriage. He cares deeply about his wife and doesn’t seem to show hatred towards those who have done him wrong. After his wife’s death, George is depressed and sick.
Importance: George Wilson knows that Tom and Myrtle were having an affair, hence the locking her in the attic of the shop. Perhaps he will go for revenge on Tom, or even on Daisy since she killed Myrtle. The future for George seems to be some type of interference in someone’s life. He seems mad about the fact his wife is dead and perhaps wants to get payback.
Quote: “’Even alone I can’t say I never loved Tom,’ she admitted in a pitiful voice. ‘It wouldn’t be true.’ ‘Of course it wouldn’t,’ agreed Tom. She turned to her husband. ‘As if it mattered to you,’ she said.” (Pg. 133)
- Although Daisy has strong feelings for Gatsby, she still has at least had feelings for Tom, making him interference in the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. Although she has feelings for Tom, she knows that he truly doesn’t care. Tom isn’t interested in the love or passion, but just wants the reward of being loved. Daisy knows the truth, but is still drawn a bit to him.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Chapter 6
Chapter 6 Pg. 97-111
Summary: The chapter begins by explaining how Jay Gatsby came to be, changing his name from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby, becoming friends with Dan Cody, and living at sea. He follows Cody on his journey around the continents, learning from him but not inheriting his money. Then, Gatsby is ditched by a couple of horseback riders, including Tom Buchanan, who invite Gatsby over to dinner. Daisy and Tom come to one of Gatsby’s parties and don’t have much fun. Gatsby explains to Nick how he is looking that he had 5 years ago with Daisy, putting everything in the hope of recapturing that feeling.
Character: Dan Cody
Description: “Cody was fifty years old then, a product of the Nevada silver fields, of the Yukon, of every rush for metal since seventy-five. The transactions in Montana copper that made him many times a millionaire found him physically robust but on the verge of a soft-mindedness, and, suspecting this, an infinite number of women tried to separate him from his money.” (Pg. 99)
Qualities: Cody seems to be a drunk, who worked hard in the past but now just spent his time sailing around the continent on his boat, teaching Gatsby and drinking. He also is described to be a hard worker before, getting all he could out of mines across the country. Eventually, his death was brought upon him and all his money went to a gold digger.
Role: Cody is important for the reason Gatsby is who he is, a very determined and hard working individual. Gatsby also learned from Cody’s mistakes, never drinking in fear of death or being taken advantage of, like Cody was. Dan Cody is the teacher or mentor of Gatsby, so by learning about Cody, you learn about Gatsby.
Quote: “’I wouldn’t ask too much of her,’ I ventured. ‘You can’t repeat the past.’ ‘Can’t repeat the past?’ he cried incredulously. ‘Why of course you can!’” (Pg. 110)
The quote explains Gatsby’s goals of getting the exact same women he had 5 years ago. He is determined to find that girl, and if she isn’t there at first, dig her out. He doesn’t want any new feelings, but wants the same feeling of love he experience when he was young and in love.
Summary: The chapter begins by explaining how Jay Gatsby came to be, changing his name from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby, becoming friends with Dan Cody, and living at sea. He follows Cody on his journey around the continents, learning from him but not inheriting his money. Then, Gatsby is ditched by a couple of horseback riders, including Tom Buchanan, who invite Gatsby over to dinner. Daisy and Tom come to one of Gatsby’s parties and don’t have much fun. Gatsby explains to Nick how he is looking that he had 5 years ago with Daisy, putting everything in the hope of recapturing that feeling.
Character: Dan Cody
Description: “Cody was fifty years old then, a product of the Nevada silver fields, of the Yukon, of every rush for metal since seventy-five. The transactions in Montana copper that made him many times a millionaire found him physically robust but on the verge of a soft-mindedness, and, suspecting this, an infinite number of women tried to separate him from his money.” (Pg. 99)
Qualities: Cody seems to be a drunk, who worked hard in the past but now just spent his time sailing around the continent on his boat, teaching Gatsby and drinking. He also is described to be a hard worker before, getting all he could out of mines across the country. Eventually, his death was brought upon him and all his money went to a gold digger.
Role: Cody is important for the reason Gatsby is who he is, a very determined and hard working individual. Gatsby also learned from Cody’s mistakes, never drinking in fear of death or being taken advantage of, like Cody was. Dan Cody is the teacher or mentor of Gatsby, so by learning about Cody, you learn about Gatsby.
Quote: “’I wouldn’t ask too much of her,’ I ventured. ‘You can’t repeat the past.’ ‘Can’t repeat the past?’ he cried incredulously. ‘Why of course you can!’” (Pg. 110)
The quote explains Gatsby’s goals of getting the exact same women he had 5 years ago. He is determined to find that girl, and if she isn’t there at first, dig her out. He doesn’t want any new feelings, but wants the same feeling of love he experience when he was young and in love.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Chapter 5
Chapter 5 Pg. 81-96
Summary: Nick is on his way home when he notices that Gatsby’s is lighted to a point where it almost looks as if Nick’s house was on fire from a far. Gatsby comes out to tell Nick that he doesn’t want Nick to struggle too much to make a specific time for the tea between him and Daisy, and also gives Nick a job proposition. After Gatsby’s butlers cleans up Nicks grass, Daisy comes over, but Gatsby hides at first. After coming to see each other, the three of them go over to Gatsby’s house for a tour. Daisy cries at the beauty of Gatsby’s shirts and they all go down to listen to Mr. Klipspringer play the piano. After being forgotten, Nick slips out of the house go back home, leaving Gatsby and Daisy alone.
Character: Ewing Klipspringer
Description: “…an embarrassed, slightly worn young man, with shell-rimmed glasses and scanty blond hair. He was now decently clothed in a sport shirt, open at the neck, sneakers, and duck trousers of a nebulous hue.” (Pg. 94)
- Ewing seems to be not very confident, continuing to repeat the fact that he hasn’t played the piano in a long time and won’t be very good. He also is very upset of the fact that he is working for Gatsby, thinking that he shouldn’t be interrupted because he was sleeping. Judging from the lyrics of his song, he is pessimistic, talking about how the rich get richer but the poor get poorer.
- The importance of this character is to emphasize the love affair between Gatsby and Daisy. His song selection, a love song, is used to amplify the fact that there are strong feelings between the two. Through the lyrics, he suggests that they must use the time they have now to love each other. Ewing also interrupts the two, complaining that he doesn’t play often, perhaps foreshadowing of an interfering person or event, breaking up the affair between Gatsby and Daisy.
Quote: “As I watched him he adjusted himself a little, visibly. His hand took hold of hers, and as she said something low in his ear he turned toward her with a rush of emotion. I think that voice held him most, with its fluctuating, feverish warmth, because it couldn’t be over-dreamed- that voice was a deathless song.” (Pg. 96)
- There is more then Gatsby trying to get with a girl he did before he went to war in this relationship. Throughout the chapter, there are examples that portray the fact that these two are in love, such as the quote here. It is the begging of a strong, loving relationship that through the whisper is deathless. The rush of emotions and holding hands creates a relationship between the two already, the first time they see each other. Although it might cause controversy and problems in the future, a new relationship that would be banned by society has been created.
Summary: Nick is on his way home when he notices that Gatsby’s is lighted to a point where it almost looks as if Nick’s house was on fire from a far. Gatsby comes out to tell Nick that he doesn’t want Nick to struggle too much to make a specific time for the tea between him and Daisy, and also gives Nick a job proposition. After Gatsby’s butlers cleans up Nicks grass, Daisy comes over, but Gatsby hides at first. After coming to see each other, the three of them go over to Gatsby’s house for a tour. Daisy cries at the beauty of Gatsby’s shirts and they all go down to listen to Mr. Klipspringer play the piano. After being forgotten, Nick slips out of the house go back home, leaving Gatsby and Daisy alone.
Character: Ewing Klipspringer
Description: “…an embarrassed, slightly worn young man, with shell-rimmed glasses and scanty blond hair. He was now decently clothed in a sport shirt, open at the neck, sneakers, and duck trousers of a nebulous hue.” (Pg. 94)
- Ewing seems to be not very confident, continuing to repeat the fact that he hasn’t played the piano in a long time and won’t be very good. He also is very upset of the fact that he is working for Gatsby, thinking that he shouldn’t be interrupted because he was sleeping. Judging from the lyrics of his song, he is pessimistic, talking about how the rich get richer but the poor get poorer.
- The importance of this character is to emphasize the love affair between Gatsby and Daisy. His song selection, a love song, is used to amplify the fact that there are strong feelings between the two. Through the lyrics, he suggests that they must use the time they have now to love each other. Ewing also interrupts the two, complaining that he doesn’t play often, perhaps foreshadowing of an interfering person or event, breaking up the affair between Gatsby and Daisy.
Quote: “As I watched him he adjusted himself a little, visibly. His hand took hold of hers, and as she said something low in his ear he turned toward her with a rush of emotion. I think that voice held him most, with its fluctuating, feverish warmth, because it couldn’t be over-dreamed- that voice was a deathless song.” (Pg. 96)
- There is more then Gatsby trying to get with a girl he did before he went to war in this relationship. Throughout the chapter, there are examples that portray the fact that these two are in love, such as the quote here. It is the begging of a strong, loving relationship that through the whisper is deathless. The rush of emotions and holding hands creates a relationship between the two already, the first time they see each other. Although it might cause controversy and problems in the future, a new relationship that would be banned by society has been created.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Chapter 4
Chapter 4 Pgs 61-80
Summary: Nick starts to describe the types of people who attended Gatsby’s parties and talked trash about him. After, Gatsby arrives at Nicks door and picks him up to have lunch in New York. During their drive over, Gatsby explains his past with pictures to use as proof. When arriving at the lunch place, Nick meets Mr. Wolfsheim and they all have lunch, running into Tom after Mr. Wolfsheim leaves. Nick then has tea with Jordan and she explains how Daisy was in love with Gatsby and Gatsby has been trying to get back with her ever since. At the end of the chapter, Nick makes a move on Jordan, kissing for the first time.
Meyer Wolfsheim
Description: “A small, flat-nosed Jew raised his large head and regarded me with two fine growths of hair which luxuriated in either nostril. After a moment I discovered his tiny eyes in the half-darkness.” (Pg. 69)
- Meyer is a gambler who seems to be dangerous, being involved in illegal bets such as rigging the 1919 World Series and also being around murders. He is very fond of Gatsby, telling Nick of all the good attribute of Gatsby while he is away. He seems as not the nicest guy, but not very mean. He is a man who speaks his mind, but not sure if he is very trustworthy considering he is a gambling man who cheats.
- The role of Meyer in this chapter is to explain how Gatsby is the type of man you can take to your family and trust that he won’t try anything on a friends wife or sister. It brings up the idea that Gatsby doesn’t want to be friends or even talk to Tom because he doesn’t want to loose his status of being a gentleman. Meyer also talks about a job briefly, getting off the subject when recognizing that Nick is the wrong man. Perhaps later, Nick takes Meyer up on some sort of job, illegal or not.
Meaningful Quote:
“’ Yeah, Gatsby’s very careful about women. He would never so much as look at a friend’s wife’” (Pg. 72)
- Gatsby has to live up to this status of being a gentleman, almost a set of personal morals that he must live by. If Gatsby becomes friends or even acquaintances with his loves husband, Tom, his guidelines for life would be broken. Therefore, when Tom comes over to talk to Nick, Gatsby suddenly disappears from the scene. It sets up almost a scary event in which wherever Tom will be, Gatsby won’t, perhaps setting up future problems getting in the way of the reunion of Gatsby and Daisy.
Summary: Nick starts to describe the types of people who attended Gatsby’s parties and talked trash about him. After, Gatsby arrives at Nicks door and picks him up to have lunch in New York. During their drive over, Gatsby explains his past with pictures to use as proof. When arriving at the lunch place, Nick meets Mr. Wolfsheim and they all have lunch, running into Tom after Mr. Wolfsheim leaves. Nick then has tea with Jordan and she explains how Daisy was in love with Gatsby and Gatsby has been trying to get back with her ever since. At the end of the chapter, Nick makes a move on Jordan, kissing for the first time.
Meyer Wolfsheim
Description: “A small, flat-nosed Jew raised his large head and regarded me with two fine growths of hair which luxuriated in either nostril. After a moment I discovered his tiny eyes in the half-darkness.” (Pg. 69)
- Meyer is a gambler who seems to be dangerous, being involved in illegal bets such as rigging the 1919 World Series and also being around murders. He is very fond of Gatsby, telling Nick of all the good attribute of Gatsby while he is away. He seems as not the nicest guy, but not very mean. He is a man who speaks his mind, but not sure if he is very trustworthy considering he is a gambling man who cheats.
- The role of Meyer in this chapter is to explain how Gatsby is the type of man you can take to your family and trust that he won’t try anything on a friends wife or sister. It brings up the idea that Gatsby doesn’t want to be friends or even talk to Tom because he doesn’t want to loose his status of being a gentleman. Meyer also talks about a job briefly, getting off the subject when recognizing that Nick is the wrong man. Perhaps later, Nick takes Meyer up on some sort of job, illegal or not.
Meaningful Quote:
“’ Yeah, Gatsby’s very careful about women. He would never so much as look at a friend’s wife’” (Pg. 72)
- Gatsby has to live up to this status of being a gentleman, almost a set of personal morals that he must live by. If Gatsby becomes friends or even acquaintances with his loves husband, Tom, his guidelines for life would be broken. Therefore, when Tom comes over to talk to Nick, Gatsby suddenly disappears from the scene. It sets up almost a scary event in which wherever Tom will be, Gatsby won’t, perhaps setting up future problems getting in the way of the reunion of Gatsby and Daisy.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Chapter 3
Chapter 3 Pg. 39-59
Summary: Nick talks about the parties that Gatsby is having constantly. Eventually, he is invited to one. Once at the party, he meets up with Jordan Baker and joins her party. Nick runs into Gatsby, learning that they were both in the war together. Once leaving the party, Nick sees that someone driving away has lost their wheel, and has no idea of what just happened. Nick then talks about how he is growing to enjoy New York more and more and how he is going to more parties with Jordan Baker.
Character: Gatsby
- “I was looking at an elegant young roughneck, a year or two over thirty, whose elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd. Some time before he introduced himself I’d got a strong impression that he was picking his words with care.” (Pg. 48)
- Gatsby seems to be one of a kind. The story gives a large description of his smile, saying it’s the type you only see four or five times in your life. He is very polite and nice to Nick, offering him a ride on his hydroplane before they exchanged names. He also is a businessman, constantly being called by Chicago and Philadelphia. At the end of the party, Jordan talks about her amazing conversation with Gatsby, making him even more interesting.
- Since Gatsby is the person who the book is named after, he will probably be a very important part of the novel. He seems as if he will be a very good friend of Nick’s. Although they just met, they seem to be very friendly towards each other, already arranging times to “hang out”.
Meaningful Quote: “He smiled understandingly- much more than understandingly. It was 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, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.” (Pg. 48)
- This quote is the first part and longest part of the description of Gatsby. From this quote alone, Gatsby is portrayed a good person who wants to be friends and wants to help out, probably later in the story. There is such a description of being understanding, meaning that maybe Gatsby is someone Nick turns to in time of distress or confusion. It makes Gatsby seem as the person you want to be around.
Summary: Nick talks about the parties that Gatsby is having constantly. Eventually, he is invited to one. Once at the party, he meets up with Jordan Baker and joins her party. Nick runs into Gatsby, learning that they were both in the war together. Once leaving the party, Nick sees that someone driving away has lost their wheel, and has no idea of what just happened. Nick then talks about how he is growing to enjoy New York more and more and how he is going to more parties with Jordan Baker.
Character: Gatsby
- “I was looking at an elegant young roughneck, a year or two over thirty, whose elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd. Some time before he introduced himself I’d got a strong impression that he was picking his words with care.” (Pg. 48)
- Gatsby seems to be one of a kind. The story gives a large description of his smile, saying it’s the type you only see four or five times in your life. He is very polite and nice to Nick, offering him a ride on his hydroplane before they exchanged names. He also is a businessman, constantly being called by Chicago and Philadelphia. At the end of the party, Jordan talks about her amazing conversation with Gatsby, making him even more interesting.
- Since Gatsby is the person who the book is named after, he will probably be a very important part of the novel. He seems as if he will be a very good friend of Nick’s. Although they just met, they seem to be very friendly towards each other, already arranging times to “hang out”.
Meaningful Quote: “He smiled understandingly- much more than understandingly. It was 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, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.” (Pg. 48)
- This quote is the first part and longest part of the description of Gatsby. From this quote alone, Gatsby is portrayed a good person who wants to be friends and wants to help out, probably later in the story. There is such a description of being understanding, meaning that maybe Gatsby is someone Nick turns to in time of distress or confusion. It makes Gatsby seem as the person you want to be around.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 Pgs 23-38
Summary: The chapter begins with the description of the ashy road between West Egg and New York. During Tom and Nicks journey to New York, they stop off and go to George B. Wilson’s garage. There, Nick meets Myrtle Wilson, Tom’s mistress. After arriving in New York, Nick, Tom, and Myrtle go to their apartment and get drunk. They invite the McKee’s over and Nick doesn’t leave until 4 in the morning.
Character: Myrtle Wilson
Description: “She was in the middle thirties, and faintly stout, but she carried her surplus flesh sensuously as some women can. Her face, above a spotted dress of dark blue crepe-de-chine, contained no facet or gleam of beauty, but there was an immediately perceptible vitality about her as if the nerves of her body were continually smouldering.” (Pg 25)
-During the chapter, Myrtle seems to be someone who takes advantage of others. She takes advantage of her husband by going behind his back, not trying to hide the fact she is cheating on him too much. She takes advantage of Tom by constantly buying things, whether it is a dog or a new dress. She seems to be nice to Nick, offering him to stay and meet her sister. She also thinks she is beautiful, wanting to take pictures with Mr. McKee.
-Her most important role in the story is the fact that she is ruining the relationship between Daisy and Tom. Considering that Daisy is hurt by Myrtle, there could be a feud between the two later in the story. She defiantly plays a large role in the life of Tom.
Meaningful Quote:
“’I live at West Egg.’ ‘Really? I was down there at a party about a month ago. At a man named Gatsby’s. Do you know him?’ ‘I live next door to him.’ ‘Well, they say he’s a nephew or a cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm’s. That’s where all his money come from.’ ‘Really?’ She nodded. ‘I’m scared of him. I’d hate to have him get anything on me.’ This absorbing information about my neighbor was interrupted by Mrs. McKee’s pointing suddenly at Catherine.
-During certain points of the first chapter, Nick was able to get a little bit of information of his mysterious neighbor. In this chapter, Nick is once again hinted to information that he seems to be trying to gather about his neighbor. Once again, Nick is cut off from learning more. It seems to be a reoccurring event, and through enough conversations involving Gatsby, Nick might be able to form an idea of who he actually is without meeting him.
-Jack Kauffman
Summary: The chapter begins with the description of the ashy road between West Egg and New York. During Tom and Nicks journey to New York, they stop off and go to George B. Wilson’s garage. There, Nick meets Myrtle Wilson, Tom’s mistress. After arriving in New York, Nick, Tom, and Myrtle go to their apartment and get drunk. They invite the McKee’s over and Nick doesn’t leave until 4 in the morning.
Character: Myrtle Wilson
Description: “She was in the middle thirties, and faintly stout, but she carried her surplus flesh sensuously as some women can. Her face, above a spotted dress of dark blue crepe-de-chine, contained no facet or gleam of beauty, but there was an immediately perceptible vitality about her as if the nerves of her body were continually smouldering.” (Pg 25)
-During the chapter, Myrtle seems to be someone who takes advantage of others. She takes advantage of her husband by going behind his back, not trying to hide the fact she is cheating on him too much. She takes advantage of Tom by constantly buying things, whether it is a dog or a new dress. She seems to be nice to Nick, offering him to stay and meet her sister. She also thinks she is beautiful, wanting to take pictures with Mr. McKee.
-Her most important role in the story is the fact that she is ruining the relationship between Daisy and Tom. Considering that Daisy is hurt by Myrtle, there could be a feud between the two later in the story. She defiantly plays a large role in the life of Tom.
Meaningful Quote:
“’I live at West Egg.’ ‘Really? I was down there at a party about a month ago. At a man named Gatsby’s. Do you know him?’ ‘I live next door to him.’ ‘Well, they say he’s a nephew or a cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm’s. That’s where all his money come from.’ ‘Really?’ She nodded. ‘I’m scared of him. I’d hate to have him get anything on me.’ This absorbing information about my neighbor was interrupted by Mrs. McKee’s pointing suddenly at Catherine.
-During certain points of the first chapter, Nick was able to get a little bit of information of his mysterious neighbor. In this chapter, Nick is once again hinted to information that he seems to be trying to gather about his neighbor. Once again, Nick is cut off from learning more. It seems to be a reoccurring event, and through enough conversations involving Gatsby, Nick might be able to form an idea of who he actually is without meeting him.
-Jack Kauffman
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Great Gatsby Journal #1
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Chapter 1 Pg. 1-21
Summary: The chapter brings an introduction to new characters such as Nick Carraway, Tom Buchanan, Daisy, and Miss Baker. Nick has come back from the war and is looking for a job in bonds. He moves West Egg and buys a little shack that lies between two big mansions. After, he goes over to his cousin, Tom’s, house where he has a nice dinner and meets Miss Baker, who is a professional athlete. After a long dinner, Nick goes home to see Gatsby, his neighbor, standing outside, and then suddenly disappearing.
Character: Tom Buchanan
“Now he was a sturdy straw-haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner. Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward. Not even the effeminate swank of his riding clothes could hide the enormous power of that body- he seemed to fill those glistening boots until he strained the top lacing, and you could see a great pack of muscle shifting when his shoulder moved under his thin coat. It was a body capable of enormous leverage- a cruel body.” (Pg.7)
Tom is a very rich man who moves around a lot. He is interested in things such as polo, taking around his horses wherever he goes. It is mentioned that he has a women in New York, along with his wife that he lives with. From his description, Tom is a very powerful man, getting what he wants. Daisy, his wife, mentions that Tom, meaning that he might be controlling, bruised her. He might be a racist, considering he believes that the white race must maintain their dominance.
Tom will probably help out Nick in the future considering that he is very rich and Nick doesn’t have as much money. Tom also introduced Nick to Miss Baker, who could turn out to be married to Nick.
“’Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’” (Pg. 1)
The quote is very significant because it brings upon an idea or moral within the first two chapter of the story. The moral will probably be a reoccurring theme throughout the story. I liked the quote because it taught a good moral that is very important to learn in life.
-Jack Kauffman
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