Hazel Tells LaVerne
Katharyn Howd Machan
I found that Katharyn Howd Machan conveyed Hazel Tells LaVerne as a quite humorous piece. Part of what created the poem's humor was the misspelling of words and the excessive usage of slang. I thought that this story was satirical toward fairytale stories. I felt as though it was making fun of "The Frog Prince" fairytale. Consequently, that just made the story a little bit funnier. "well i screams ya little green pervert an i hitsm with my mop.."(Howd Machan). The fact that she refers to a talking frog as 'a green pervert' made me laugh. I really thought that the improper use of grammar made the poem pretty funny. Most of the poems I have read have been gramtically correct for the most part and seeing a little of variation made it a little more enjoyable. I felt like Machan's humorous approach to poetry and satirical fairytales was very interesting and not typical in most poems.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Identity Unit Blog 4
Dream Deferred
Langston Hughes
I felt as though Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes was a very thought-provoking poem. Initially, I noticed that the poem started and ended with a question. I thought that this might have shown that each person could have had different inital and concluding thoughts upon reading the poem. Before learning that the author was African American, I felt as though the poem was put into a different perspective for me. I thought that maybe the poem stood for all of the dreams of African Americans that had to be put to rest because they simply did not have the right to pursue such things. Many of the dreams of African Americans did "fester like a sore"(Hughes, 805). Because of their race, they did not have the same freedoms as whites had to pursue their dreams. As a result, many African Americans had to settle. Consequently, their dreams were also compromised as well. I think that Hughes was speaking on behalf of all of the African Americans whose dreams were put to the side. This poem also serves as a type of warning for those who might be questioning the pursuit of their own dreams. Hughes is telling the reader that unless one pursues his dreams, the dream itself will dissipate somehow.
Langston Hughes
I felt as though Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes was a very thought-provoking poem. Initially, I noticed that the poem started and ended with a question. I thought that this might have shown that each person could have had different inital and concluding thoughts upon reading the poem. Before learning that the author was African American, I felt as though the poem was put into a different perspective for me. I thought that maybe the poem stood for all of the dreams of African Americans that had to be put to rest because they simply did not have the right to pursue such things. Many of the dreams of African Americans did "fester like a sore"(Hughes, 805). Because of their race, they did not have the same freedoms as whites had to pursue their dreams. As a result, many African Americans had to settle. Consequently, their dreams were also compromised as well. I think that Hughes was speaking on behalf of all of the African Americans whose dreams were put to the side. This poem also serves as a type of warning for those who might be questioning the pursuit of their own dreams. Hughes is telling the reader that unless one pursues his dreams, the dream itself will dissipate somehow.
Identity Unit Blog 3
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
As I read Everyday Use by Alice Walker, I found it to be extremely different from the other short story from this unit. Though there were some similar characteristics. Just like Interpreter of Maladies, Everyday Use had a variation of different types of characters throughout the story. I felt as though Maggie was a foil character in regards to her older sister, Dee. Both of the girls seemed very different to me. Maggie seemed slightly timid and a little bit clingy toward her childhood life. She seemed very wary of change and as I read the story, I could not help but feel a sense of pity for her. On the contrary, Dee was not timid at all. Ever since 'the fire' that was discussed in the story, Dee had a surge to create herself anew. She wanted to leave her old life behind and she even did so by creating a new name for herself, literally. Maggie is characterized as having her "chin on chest, eyes on ground, feet in shuffle..."(Walker, 175). She is indeed a foil character to her sister Dee who "was determined to stare down any disaster in her efforts" (Walker, 175). Both of these girls displayed their differences throughout the story. Walker's use of Maggie as a foil character makes the differences between Maggie and Dee more easily discernible.
Alice Walker
As I read Everyday Use by Alice Walker, I found it to be extremely different from the other short story from this unit. Though there were some similar characteristics. Just like Interpreter of Maladies, Everyday Use had a variation of different types of characters throughout the story. I felt as though Maggie was a foil character in regards to her older sister, Dee. Both of the girls seemed very different to me. Maggie seemed slightly timid and a little bit clingy toward her childhood life. She seemed very wary of change and as I read the story, I could not help but feel a sense of pity for her. On the contrary, Dee was not timid at all. Ever since 'the fire' that was discussed in the story, Dee had a surge to create herself anew. She wanted to leave her old life behind and she even did so by creating a new name for herself, literally. Maggie is characterized as having her "chin on chest, eyes on ground, feet in shuffle..."(Walker, 175). She is indeed a foil character to her sister Dee who "was determined to stare down any disaster in her efforts" (Walker, 175). Both of these girls displayed their differences throughout the story. Walker's use of Maggie as a foil character makes the differences between Maggie and Dee more easily discernible.
Identity Unit Blog 2
Interpreter of Maladies
Jhumpa Lahiri
I found that even though Interpreter of Maladies only had a few pivotal characters throughout the story, Lahiri was able to incorporate a dynamic character into the short story. I felt as though Mr. Kapasi was a dynamic character. Even though he was a tour guide when the story began and ended, his capricious opinions about Mrs. Das made his character dynamic. Near the beginning of the story, Mr. Kapasi felt as though "Mr. and Mrs. Das behaved like an older brother and sister, not parents" (Lahiri, 151). This was Mr. Kapasi's opinion of Mrs. Das early on in the story; however, his opinion changed drastically over the course of the story. Mr. Kapasi evolves into a dynamic character when his views of Mrs. Das become a little bit more romanticized when he imagines them exchanging letters with each other after she travels back home. "In time she would reveal the disappointment of her marriage, and he his. In this way their friendship would grow, and flourish" (Lahiri, 156). Mrs. Das's sudden interest in Mr. Kapasi began once he elaborated on his other job aside from a tourist. She had a new found fascination for him as an 'interpreter', so she felt as though she could explain all of her trivial problems to Mr. Kapasi and he in turn would assist her. However, he found this extremely insulting and lost all of his fantasizing views of Mrs. Das. If Mr. Kapasi had kept the same view of Mrs. Das throughout the entire story, then his course of action may have changed and he may have tried to pursue Mrs. Das. His inconsistent views of Mrs. Das are what make Mr. Kapasi a dynamic character.
Jhumpa Lahiri
I found that even though Interpreter of Maladies only had a few pivotal characters throughout the story, Lahiri was able to incorporate a dynamic character into the short story. I felt as though Mr. Kapasi was a dynamic character. Even though he was a tour guide when the story began and ended, his capricious opinions about Mrs. Das made his character dynamic. Near the beginning of the story, Mr. Kapasi felt as though "Mr. and Mrs. Das behaved like an older brother and sister, not parents" (Lahiri, 151). This was Mr. Kapasi's opinion of Mrs. Das early on in the story; however, his opinion changed drastically over the course of the story. Mr. Kapasi evolves into a dynamic character when his views of Mrs. Das become a little bit more romanticized when he imagines them exchanging letters with each other after she travels back home. "In time she would reveal the disappointment of her marriage, and he his. In this way their friendship would grow, and flourish" (Lahiri, 156). Mrs. Das's sudden interest in Mr. Kapasi began once he elaborated on his other job aside from a tourist. She had a new found fascination for him as an 'interpreter', so she felt as though she could explain all of her trivial problems to Mr. Kapasi and he in turn would assist her. However, he found this extremely insulting and lost all of his fantasizing views of Mrs. Das. If Mr. Kapasi had kept the same view of Mrs. Das throughout the entire story, then his course of action may have changed and he may have tried to pursue Mrs. Das. His inconsistent views of Mrs. Das are what make Mr. Kapasi a dynamic character.
Identity Unit Blog 1
Interpreter of Maladies
Jhumpa Lahiri
As I read the short story, Interpreter of Maladies, I noticed Lahiri's use of the literary technique of characterization. There were several points throughout the story where Lahiri revealed a great deal about the characters which really helped me to understand the background of the story a little better. When the Das family had first arrived, the characterization was revealed in the form of Mr. Das's clothing. "He had a sapphire blue visor, and was dressed in shorts, sneakers, and a T-shirt. The camera slung around his neck, with an impressive telephoto lens and numerous buttons and markings, was the only complicated thing he wore"(Lahiri, 148). This way in which Lahiri uses characterization reveals that Mr. Das seems to come off as the typical tourist. After reading this description of Mr. Das, I was able to picture what I thought he would look like. By describing the clothing that Mr. Das was wearing, Lahiri was able to utilize characterization in an effective way. Lahiri describes Mrs. Das's appearance as well, which reveals a great deal about her character also. Mr. Kapasi is also described in what he is wearing. Lahiri proves that through the revealing of something as menial as clothing can contribute a great deal to characterization in a story.
Jhumpa Lahiri
As I read the short story, Interpreter of Maladies, I noticed Lahiri's use of the literary technique of characterization. There were several points throughout the story where Lahiri revealed a great deal about the characters which really helped me to understand the background of the story a little better. When the Das family had first arrived, the characterization was revealed in the form of Mr. Das's clothing. "He had a sapphire blue visor, and was dressed in shorts, sneakers, and a T-shirt. The camera slung around his neck, with an impressive telephoto lens and numerous buttons and markings, was the only complicated thing he wore"(Lahiri, 148). This way in which Lahiri uses characterization reveals that Mr. Das seems to come off as the typical tourist. After reading this description of Mr. Das, I was able to picture what I thought he would look like. By describing the clothing that Mr. Das was wearing, Lahiri was able to utilize characterization in an effective way. Lahiri describes Mrs. Das's appearance as well, which reveals a great deal about her character also. Mr. Kapasi is also described in what he is wearing. Lahiri proves that through the revealing of something as menial as clothing can contribute a great deal to characterization in a story.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Perrine Blog
I found Perrine's article to be extremely insightful and helpful in interpretting poetry. After reading this article, I was able to understand that my interpretations of the poems in class were not entirely correct. I would have never guessed that Melville's poem had anything to do with the stars and constellations. However, Perrine states that "there are no correct or incorrect readings: there are only readings which differ more or less widely from a statistical norm." Though I feel that correct and incorrect interpretations of poetry exist, I believe that the interpretation of poetry is subject to change depending on the reader. I agree with Perrine that the interpretation of poetry can be judeged based off of two criteria: all details must be accounted for and too many assumptions cannot be made. Once too many assumptions are made, the validity of the interpretation becomes less reliable. All details are put in poems for a particular reason, the reader cannot just disregard details that they find inconsequential.
Many of Perrine's tools he uses when interpretting poetry are quite useful in my opinion. For example, I really enjoyed his thoughts on the usage of symbols in poems. As he analyzed Blake's poem, he stated that symbols can have many different interpretations, but they must all have the same general meaning. For example, the rose must stand for something "good" or "innocent", and the worm must stand for something "bad" or "deceitful." I believe that symbol interpretations can be multiple, but misinterpretting the symbols could lead to a false interpretation of the poem itself. Each person will interpret the symbols different, and as a result, there interpretations of their poems as a whole may differ. I think one problem I had with figuring the meaning of symbols was that my interpretations were too literal. I think that after reading this article, my interpretations of poetry will be more valid.(hopefully!)
Many of Perrine's tools he uses when interpretting poetry are quite useful in my opinion. For example, I really enjoyed his thoughts on the usage of symbols in poems. As he analyzed Blake's poem, he stated that symbols can have many different interpretations, but they must all have the same general meaning. For example, the rose must stand for something "good" or "innocent", and the worm must stand for something "bad" or "deceitful." I believe that symbol interpretations can be multiple, but misinterpretting the symbols could lead to a false interpretation of the poem itself. Each person will interpret the symbols different, and as a result, there interpretations of their poems as a whole may differ. I think one problem I had with figuring the meaning of symbols was that my interpretations were too literal. I think that after reading this article, my interpretations of poetry will be more valid.(hopefully!)
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Lonely Goodbye
As I reached the homestretch of The Great Gatsby, I could not help but notice Fitzgerald's theme of loneliness. I think that he was trying to convey that in the end, the only person that will truly be there for you is yourself. Carraway made efforts to plan a funeral for Gatsby in an attempt to honor the man that was so kind to everyone else. Naturally you would assume that a man who threw so many parties and was friends with so many people would have a large crowd at his funeral. Well you would be wrong in assuming that. As Carraway had arrived at the funeral, he noticed the empty facility and asked the minister to wait a little while longer. However, "it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerald, 174). As I read the final sentence "nobody came.", I felt as though Fitzgerald's short sentence really spoke volumes. I felt a sense of emptiness and sorrow for Gatsby. This really showed how alone Gastby was in his life. He was lucky to have someone like Carraway in his life who cared for him so much. However, not everyone will have that one person that will go through that kind of effort.
I learned from The Great Gatsby that you should not let one particular goal consume your entire life. Gatsby was not practical in his pursuing of Daisy. I think that if he had been a little bit more rational in his goals, then he would have been able to lead a fuller and happier life.
On a related note, I thoroughly enjoyed the Great Gatsby!
I learned from The Great Gatsby that you should not let one particular goal consume your entire life. Gatsby was not practical in his pursuing of Daisy. I think that if he had been a little bit more rational in his goals, then he would have been able to lead a fuller and happier life.
On a related note, I thoroughly enjoyed the Great Gatsby!
Fate: An Unavoidable Truth
As the tables turn in this portion of The Great Gatsby, I find myself to be correct on some of my observations earlier on in the novel. I had thought that perhaps Fitzgerald was mentioning all of Gatsby's houseguests who had died to foreshadow or insinuate that Gastby himself could be near his death or a rough patch in his life. Even though I had thought there was a chance thate he would die, I was still a little bit shocked that he died. All Gatsby had wanted his entire life was to be with Daisy. His parties, wealth, lavish home, and expensive belongings were all a part of his efforts to win Daisy's heart. When Gatbsy realized that she was not going to run away with him, this proved to him that his life was led for no purpose at all. Since Carraway had discovered Gatsby, he felt responsible for Gatsby and obligated to care for him. He had "called up Daisy half and hour after we found him, called her instinctively and without hesitation" (Fitzgerald, 164). He had assumed she would want to know that one of her loves had died, but it had appeared she had skipped town with Tom a few hours prior to Gatsby's death.
Many of the events that happened in this book could have easily been avoided and corrected to prevent any further harm. If Gatsby had realized that Daisy was not his only gateway to happiness, then he could have lived a fuller life up until he met Daisy again. I feel as though a great deal of this book dealt with chance and fate among the characters.
Many of the events that happened in this book could have easily been avoided and corrected to prevent any further harm. If Gatsby had realized that Daisy was not his only gateway to happiness, then he could have lived a fuller life up until he met Daisy again. I feel as though a great deal of this book dealt with chance and fate among the characters.
Wealth Wins
As Chapter eight begins in The Great Gastby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I notice that hope seems to be a common theme throughout the first portion. I feel as though Gatsby is clinging onto any chance that he might have with Daisy. Fitzgerald's literary techniques used in this chapter are plentiful and augment the meaning of each happening. However, I think that Daisy would never leave Tom because that would involve taking a huge risk and ultimately destroying her family. Daisy and Gatsby's relationship was not built on a strong foundation. There may have been an attraction, but Gatsby "had certainly taken her under false pretenses" (Fitzgerald, 149). Gastby was assuring Daisy that he could give her a life of happiness and security, but he was terribly poor and just never admitted it to her. Daisy found a man who was able to support her and care for her in ways that Gatsby would not have been able to do. I feel like if Gastby had received his inheritance earlier on in his life, then he would have stood a chance with Daisy. However, a great deal of life is learning to make the decisions regarding who you want in your life and for how long you wish to have them there. I know that I have blogged quite a bit about the love issues among Daisy, Tom, and Gastby, but it is only because I find them to be extremely important in the book. Their relationships have ultimately shaped multiple outcomes within the novel.
Drama and Trauma
Lately I have found there to rarely be a dull moment in The Great Gastby. Fitzgerald is quite good at catching me off guard with certain happenings within the novel. Tragedy strikes in the form of death in this portion of The Great Gatsby. At the close of one of the hottest days on record, a car crash took place. I personally had thought the fighting among Daisy, Tom, and Gatsby was enough drama for one chapter, but Fitzgerald proved me wrong. Myrtle Wilson was killed in a hit-and-run accident. Tom came across this accident on his way home from an exhausitng day and seeing this just made his emotions run wild. As Tom continued driving, "tears were overflowing down his face" (Fitzgerald, 141). Fitzgerald is able to use such descrpitive words which allow the reader to sympathize with the characters. I was able to feel bad for Tom at this moment in the book, and I never thought that I would be able to have an ounce of sympathy for him.
After the spat between the Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby, Tom had insisted that Daisy drive home with Gatsby because he knew that she would be back. Gatsby had let Daisy drive his car. I am not quite sure why he thought that was a good idea, but nevertheless, it happened. As a result, Myrtle's demise was a product of Daisy's driving. I was completely shocked when this happened! I just wonder how many people will find out that Daisy is the one who did this. I feel like Daisy's wealth and prominent status will save her from any possible consequences.
After the spat between the Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby, Tom had insisted that Daisy drive home with Gatsby because he knew that she would be back. Gatsby had let Daisy drive his car. I am not quite sure why he thought that was a good idea, but nevertheless, it happened. As a result, Myrtle's demise was a product of Daisy's driving. I was completely shocked when this happened! I just wonder how many people will find out that Daisy is the one who did this. I feel like Daisy's wealth and prominent status will save her from any possible consequences.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Living Harmonioulsy?
The temperatures are still steadily rising in this chapter of The Great Gastby. Fitzgerald makes an effort to indicate that the tempers of the people are becoming more and more heated as well. When Tom was informed about the affair, he was livid. He did not want to believe that Daisy could have ever loved another man besides himself. He is in such disbelief because he cannot fully comprehend Daisy living harmoniously with another man. I never really thought that Daisy would ever leave Tom even if he found out about the affair. However, I think Tom may have felt a little bit unsure on whether or not Daisy would leave him. "I think he was afraid they would dart down a side street and out of his life forever" (Fitzgerald, 126). Tom is figuring out all sorts of details on Daisy's affair. He begins asking Gatsby all sorts of questions just because he is curious. I feel as though whenever anyone is dealing with an undesirable situation, they find that figuring out as much as possible about the topic helps in some odd way. I think Tom was trying to figure out as many crucial details about their affair because he needed some strange form of reassurance. I think that Tom and Daisy will realize that they cannot continue in their deceitful ways and learn to move on with their lives...together.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
It's Getting Hot in Here
As The Great Gatsby continues, Fitzgerald proceeds to use a great deal of symbolism. When Nick, Jordan, Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom go went into New York, the themperatures were not the only things that were rising. Fitzgerald made note of the temperatures because with the temperatures, the tempers of everyone were rising as well. "The next day was broiling, almost the last, certainly the warmest of the summer" (Fitzgerald, 114). The truths among the love trianlge were beginning to come out. Daisy and Gatsby had been having an affair for awhile and this information was kept from Tom for obvious reasons. Though Tom does not know about the affair in its entirity, there are indications in this chapter that he will soon find out. However, Tom was hurting Daisy in the same way that she was hurting him. They were both being unfaithful to each other, which poses the question as to why they are still together. I think they are still together because they have a stable marriage and a child. I feel as though this could be applied to marriages today. Many people stay together for financial reasons or for the betterment of their family.
Frustration Nation
I am not going to lie, I felt a little bit awkward reading these next twelve pages of The Great Gatsby. First of all, Tom and Gatsby come into contact and Tom does not know of the history between Gastby and Daisy. I don't think their history will stay covert much longer though. Fitzgerald's use of dialogue between Tom and Gatsby makes the reader feel awkward. Gastby proceeds to invite Tom and Daisy to one of his extravagant parties. However, I am not sure if the party will end well or not. Nick also does not get a good vibe from the party as he says: "I felt an unpleasantness in the air, a pervading harshness that hadn't been there before" (Fitzgerald, 104). I think that this is Nick's way of indicating his doubts and feelings of uneasiness about Tom and Daisy attending the party. During the party, Daisy and Gatsby shared a dance! I am not quite sure how Tom felt about this. Presumably, he was quite angry. He started getting more and more curious as to how the two knew each other. As Tom's furstration grows, I assume that the truth about Gatsby and Daisy will start to come out.
Reunited
In order for Gatsby to be reunited with his love, Daisy, Gatsby needs to somehow get to see her again. He had devised a plan for Nick to invite him over while Daisy was also there. However, for some reason, Gatsby had Jordan propose this plan to Nick. Fitzgerald is really making The Great Gatsby interesting now.Will she still have feelings for him? I think she will still have feelings for him because of how she reacted to his name being mentioned earlier on in the novel.
Gatsby and Daisy will be reuinted! Though I am not really sure how I feel about this. When Daisy came over to Nick's house, Gatsby was acting a bit childish. When she entered the house, he hid from her. Ever since they had met though he was trying everything in his power to impress her. They ended up going over to Gastby's mansion and I think this was an effort to show Daisy the life that she could have with Gatsby. "He hadn't ceased looking at Daisy, and I think he revalued everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from her well-loved eyes" (Fitzgerald, 91). This just shows that even though the two had only just been reunited, Gatsby cared a great deal about her opinion of him. I think the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy will only become more involved and therefore, more complicated.
Gatsby and Daisy will be reuinted! Though I am not really sure how I feel about this. When Daisy came over to Nick's house, Gatsby was acting a bit childish. When she entered the house, he hid from her. Ever since they had met though he was trying everything in his power to impress her. They ended up going over to Gastby's mansion and I think this was an effort to show Daisy the life that she could have with Gatsby. "He hadn't ceased looking at Daisy, and I think he revalued everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from her well-loved eyes" (Fitzgerald, 91). This just shows that even though the two had only just been reunited, Gatsby cared a great deal about her opinion of him. I think the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy will only become more involved and therefore, more complicated.
Connections
The latter part of chapter four of The Great Gastby is where I made a great deal of my connections. As Fitzgerald varies between narrators for a brief portion of the chapter, Jordan Baker is able to tell some of her story and how it relates to Gatsby. I was a little bit confused at first because the narrators swtiched. In Jordan's narrative portion of the novel, I was able to find out that she knew Daisy when they were younger! Daisy was quite the catch when she was a young woman! "She dressed in white, and had a little white roadster, and all day long the telephone rand in her house and excited young officers from Camp Taylor demanded the pribilee of monoplizing her that night" (Fitzgerald, 74). This indicates that Daisy had many suitors that just wanted ot be with her even if it was just for a night. It was during this part of Daisy's life that she met Jay Gatsby. He was one of the officers and from the moment he laid eyes on Daisy, he was madly in love with her. However, they have not seen each other in five years. Earlier in the book when Gatsby was brought up in conversation between Daisy and Nick, she acted flustered by asking, "what Gastby?" I didn't realize it at the time, but it was because Daisy and Gastby had history years ago. I think that Gatsby is going to try to use Nick to get to Daisy somehow. I am really excited to find out what happens next!
Foreshadowing the Worst
One of the things that I have enjoyed about reading The Great Gatsby is that reading the novel is like putting together a puzzle. All of the pieces will slowly come together to unveil the character that is Jay Gatsby. I also noticed that Fitzgerald uses a few similes when describing some of the wealthier people that come to Gatsby's parties in the summer. Even though all of these wealthy people attend Gatsby's parties, I've noticed that very few of them truly know Gatsby. Many of these same people that have attended Gatsby's parties have been victims of tragic events in their own lives. Carraway mentions these wealthy people in the mix of those who attended the summer parties, "...the young Quinns, divorced now, and Henry L. Palmetto, who killed himself by jumping in front of a subway train in Times Square" (Fitzgerald, 63). Perhaps the mentioning of these life-altering, dangerous happenings is foreshadowing that something bad will happen to Gatsby.
Aside from Gatsby's not-so-promising future that may lie ahead, I also think that Gastby cares a great deal about what Nick thinks of him. Perhaps Gatsby is going to ask a favor of Nick? I am not entirely sure why Gatsby must form a good realtionship with Nick. Gatsby is well aware of the accusations made about him by others and he made an effort to clear those up for Nick. Clearly Gatsby wants something to do with Nick; however, I am not sure what that 'something' could be.
Aside from Gatsby's not-so-promising future that may lie ahead, I also think that Gastby cares a great deal about what Nick thinks of him. Perhaps Gatsby is going to ask a favor of Nick? I am not entirely sure why Gatsby must form a good realtionship with Nick. Gatsby is well aware of the accusations made about him by others and he made an effort to clear those up for Nick. Clearly Gatsby wants something to do with Nick; however, I am not sure what that 'something' could be.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Love on Long Island
Well it's about time Nick Carraway finally meets this Gatsby fellow! Thus far in The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald has been keeping things interesting by only diclosing parts of Gatsby's character throughout the novel. Though he is becoming more and more known, he still remains somewhat mysterious to the reader. As the novel continues, Nick Carraway has a full conversation with a man only realzing halfway through the conversation that this man is actually Gatsby! Fitzgerald uses excellent symbolism here in showing that Gatsby has gone through perhaps a great deal of his life as unnoticed or underappreciated. However, based off of Nick's description of Gatsby's characteristics and mannerisms, the reader can tell that he is a genuine person. Nick describes Gatsby's smile in the following exerpt: "It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life" (Fitzgerald, 48). As Gatsby's party continues, Nick Carraway gets to know a girl named Jordan Baker. The two of them really seem to have a connection in the book. I think that it may lead to something later on in the novel. I feel as though they both appreciate Gatsby for his genuity and that is how they truly come to realize the chemistry between them. Chapter five ends with Jordan letting Nick know that she wishes to keep in touch with him. I sense that there could be some love in the air!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Partially Gatsby
Finally there is some more ellaboration on Gatsby! Up until this point in The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald was doing a mighty fine job of keeping Gatsby as vague as possible. However, I was getting a little bit frustrated because all of the comments made about Gatsby were brief and not entirely specific. I really was picturing Gatsby as a somber character for some reason, but I'm not sure if I believe that anymore. The one thing that I found Gatsby to be quite famous for were his parties. "At least once a fortnight a corps of caterers came down with several hundred feet of canvas and enough colored lights to make a Christmas tree of Gatsby's enormous garden" (Fitzgerald, 40). These details indicate that Gatsby's parties are nothing short of extravangant. However, many of the people attending the parties do not even know Gatsby. I think that maybe the only way Gatsby can recognized by others is through his parties. I also think that Gatsby might be throwing these parties as means to create friends, but these people only come to the parties to experience the extravagance and not to see Gastby. I am also a little confused at the drunk man's significance in the book. Though I do not know his significance now, I think he may come back into play later in the novel.
Rolling with the Punches
Well as I continue to read The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald is just filling up the pages with drama! First of all, I feel like the the fact that Tom is open about his infidelties is just extremely odd. I mean don't get me wrong, unfaithfulness is an awful, terrible thing in the first place, but it's just strange when someone is so open about it in front of family and friends. "His acquaintances resented the fact that he turned up in popular restaurants with her and, leaving her at a table, sauntered about, chatting with whomsoever he knew" (Fitzgerald, 24). Tom insists on introducing his mistress to Nick. Even though Nick is intrigued, he does not really care to meet her. Fitzgerald uses excellent diction in describing the appearance and mannerisms of Myrtle (Tom's mistress).
As the chapter continues, Tom and Nick attend a party at the McKees. I had a bad feeling about this party the moment I read about it. Myrtle was going to be at this party as well as Tom. I still cannot get over the fact that their affair is not covert in the slightest! As the party carries on, Tom and Myrtle begin fighting and Myrtle proceeds to chant Daisy's name. Tom is so frustrated with Myrtle that he punches her in the face. There is some initial shock among the party guests. Of course Fitzgerald points out earlier on that there is drinking at this party, but punching a woman is simply unacceptable. Tom keeps losing more and more credit in my book.
As the chapter continues, Tom and Nick attend a party at the McKees. I had a bad feeling about this party the moment I read about it. Myrtle was going to be at this party as well as Tom. I still cannot get over the fact that their affair is not covert in the slightest! As the party carries on, Tom and Myrtle begin fighting and Myrtle proceeds to chant Daisy's name. Tom is so frustrated with Myrtle that he punches her in the face. There is some initial shock among the party guests. Of course Fitzgerald points out earlier on that there is drinking at this party, but punching a woman is simply unacceptable. Tom keeps losing more and more credit in my book.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Private (or Public) Affairs
Well as I continued reading The Great Gatsby, I finally was able to figure out the narrator's name in its entirity! I noticed that many of the other characters in the novel were calling him Nick, so I came to the conclusion that his name was Nick Carraway. F. Scott Fitzgerald does a lovely job of keeping the book running smoothly with the amount of dialogue. I really like the way that Fitzgerald writes because she writes in a way that is intriguing to the reader and I like the uniqueness. Well as I read more of The Great Gatsby, I'm just trying to figure out why Daisy is still with Tom! I am very intrigued by Daisy's character though. She has been able to be somewhat open to Nick, her cousin, even though she doesn't know him terribly well. I feel as though the fact that Tom is cheating on her is more of the elephant in the room. Daisy never really comes right out and says she knows, but there are clues that indicate she is well aware of the affair. As Nick is talking with Daisy, he thinks to himself, "I waited, and sure enough, in a moment she looked at me with an absolute smirk on her lovely face, as if she had asserted her membership in a rahter distinguished secret society to which she and Tom belonged" (Fitzgerald, 17). I am hopeful that Daisy does not put up with Tom's unacceptable behavior; I'll find out soon enough!
Who is it!
Well here I go jumping into book number two for summer reading! As I was reading the first bit of The Great Gatsby, I was instantly intrigued. Fitzgerald does a great job of luring the reader straight into the book. I found that even if the first few pages there were many insightful life lessons. As the narrator is speaking, he elicits on advice that his father once gave him, "Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages you've had" (Fitzgerald, 1). I really thought this quote was profound and quite deep for only being the first page of the book. As the first chapter continues, I am thoroughly confused as to who the narrator is! I can tell that the narrator is affluent and comes from a wealthy family, but other than that, I could not pinpoint who the narrator was specifically. I eventually was able to conclude that the narrator was a Carraway. The Carraways were indeed a wealthy and prominent family. Another question I asked myself while reading The Great Gatsby was, "Who is Gatsby?" He is referred to a few times by the narrator, but he remains a mysterious, somewhat ominous character. Obviously he plays an important role in the novel, I mean the it's not called The Great Gatsby just for fun.
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