The novel's commentary on the American Dream and rags to riches story is depicted in "The Great Gatsby". Dan Cody and James Gatsby live a rag to riches story and accomplish the American Dream. They both face through hard times, but accomplish somethings they aimed for.
Both Dan Cody and James Gatsby had a dream of being rich. Dan Cody had became wealthy during the Gold Rush. While James Gatsby became rich by being a bootlegger.
In conclusion, Dan Cody and James Gatsby fulfill their dreams of being wealthy. They had both lived a rags to riches story. Though in the end they had accomplished the American Dream.
Topic: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald’s commentary on the “modern woman”?
Quotes:
“A subdued impassioned murmur was audible in the room beyond and Miss Baker leaned forward, unashamed, trying to hear.”
'I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."
“The sister, Catherine, was a slender, worldly girl of about thirty with a solid sticky bob of red hair and a complexion powdered milky white. Her eyebrows had been plucked and then drawn on again at a more rakish angle but the efforts of nature toward the restoration of the old alignment gave a blurred air to her face.”
I think you can spend a paragraph talking about Miss Baker (Jordan) and Pammy, but I would skip Catherine. We don't know that much about her life so it would be difficult to discuss her opportunities (or lack thereof). The other women in the novel, despite their "jazz age" freedom and newfound suffrage, are pretty dependent on the men, financially, esp. Daisy.
Topic: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald's commentary on the "modern woman"?
In the novel "The Great Gatsby", woman are depicted as being able to be just like men. They were able to drink and be wild at parties, they played the role in being known as a "Flapper". Woman are coming out more and expressing themselves.
Woman in the Great Gatsby are also potrayed as being "foolish" "I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool...that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool." Woman are also considered being used by their man. For example Myrtle is being used by Tom because he runs to her any time he wants when he wants pleasure. Tom breaks Myrtles nose at a party when Myrtle constantly says Daisy's name. This shows that she is not treated well and it also shows that Tom does not want a serious relationship with her, he just wants her on the side.
- Woman get intoxicated where they cannot walk or think. - quote from Jordan gossiping - conclusion, behaviors of woman American dream. Everybody wants to be rich and have material things.
Are Pammy, Daisy, and Myrtle really "independent" from men (economically)? They may seem "free" but what could they do career-wise on their own, really? Maybe do some research into women in the workplace in the 1920's. I didn't have too many options.
Topic: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald's commentary on the "modern woman"?
In the book "The Great Gatsby, the woman of this time loved to party, have, fun, and drink. Just like the men these women had the same rights as them. In the book it states the Gatsby has big parties filled with alcohol and lots of rich people. The women at these parties would drink away. The women also dressed differently showing more skin. Their attitudes changed. The women in this novel were known as flappers. They drank, partied, and smoked. These are the things that the women before never did. Fitzgerald's commentary on the modern woman is having fun and being wild. Also women having their own minds and thinking of how they make themselves appear.
I think we definitely see women who have their own mind--Daisy has her own affair right in front of Tom. But what options did the women have if they divorced their husbands--really? What were the job prospects like for these women? For Myrtle? For Daisy? for Pammy?
Topic: Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
I think that Fitzgard chose Nick as the main character because he had the most connections towards everyone in the novel. He also knew what was going on in every situation and helped everyone out. He was Gatsby's neighbor and guide to try get Daisy back since Nick was Daisy's second cousin. He also gets to know everyone like Tom, Jordan, and Gatsby's connections in the business. I think it was also an appropriate choice to make him the main character because he was the most likable person in the novel. He gets connected to everyones' situations in someway and he gets involved in many parties and events.
He is definitely connected to each of the characters--I think you could spend one paragraph on this. But go back and take a look at the opening pages of the novel. How else is Nick appropriate as the narrator? He is not really involved in the story and is oftentimes literally a bystander. So why do you think Fitzgerald made him the narrator?
Fitzgerald chooses to have Nick Carraway as the main character because to have this story told by Gatsby himself would not be as interesting. Since Nick is telling the story as the main character the reader is able to understand more about Gatsby but there will also be some mystery included. Nick was made as the main character because he was passive and he would do what people asked him to do. This allowed the readers to see Nick’s impression on the other characters in the book. I do think that making Nick as the main character was a good choice because if the narrator was not Nick then I think that the book would be too boring. If Fitzgerald made Gatsby the main character then I think that the love he has for daisy would be emphasized throughout the whole book and that would not be very interesting.
Nick and Gatsby certainly have an interesting friendship. Starting the book off, Nick and Gatsby were close friends. Eventually, Nick found out how Gatsby really was and thing changed in their relationship. I'd say it was a true friendship even though it seemed like Nick may gave used Gatsby to get to Jordan. In the end, Nick was one of the only ones that stood by Gatsby like a true friend would. Nick was the only one that showed up to the funeral to show his love for Gatsby. To me, that's a true friend.
Nick and Gatsby were NOT close friends at the beginning of the story but Nick definitely stayed true to Gatsby at the end. However, just showing up for someone's funeral doesn't make a person a "true friend". I've gone to people's funerals just to pay my respects, without being their best friend. Nick says he admires Gatsby and yets hates him "from beginning to end". What does Nick admire about Gatsby exactly? (Find a quote.) Why does he "disapprove" of him?
Topic: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald’s commentary on the “modern woman”?
In "The Great Gatsby," women are depicted as more independent, free, and unlike what men and society expects them to be like. In this novel, women party, drink, smoke, apply bold amounts of makeup, play sports, and more. While society expects women to be more grounded and more feminine. For example, there are flappers in this book. Flappers drink, smoke, wear and apply makeup in public, wear clothing seen as scandalous, party, and more. Another example is Jordan, who is a professional athlete in this book which isn't a normal occupation for a woman. In this book, women express themselves more and act more like who or what they want to be.
They are definitely flirtatious and a little independent but what are the options for the women in the novel--Myrtle, Daisy, Jordan, Pammy, really? You may want to do some research on job prospects for women during this time period.
Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not? Fitzgerald chose Nick as the main character because seeing Nick's point of view is better than any others. There are certain characters in the book who are known as and are talked about in a specific way. Gatsby is known for the parties and loving Daisy. Daisy is known for going from one place to another, and so on. I think this was the right choice. Because these specific characters in the book have a reputation in some sort of way and are known for what they feel and do, it wouldn't be a good story. Seeing from Nick's point of view, he has feelings of all kinds, and sees things in different ways which keeps the story going.
But if we heard the story from Daisy's or Gatsby's point of view, we would get to know those characters better. Think about Nick's personality. Also, think about his role in the different stories (with Myrtle and Tom, and with Gatsby and Daisy). Get good quotes!
Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not ?
Fitzgerald chose Nick as the main character because witnessing the events of the book Nick's point of view is more interesting than any of the other characters. There are certain characters in the book who are known as and are talked about in a specific way, like for example Gatsby is known for his extravagant and massive parties, as well as his devoted love for Daisy. Daisy is known for not being very faithful to any one man, and being sort of shallow I think choosing Nick to be the main character was the right choice. Because these specific characters in the book have a reputation and the way they are portrayed through the point of view of Nick is interesting. Nick is a passive character and he would do what people asked him to do. This allows the readers to see Nick’s impression on the other characters in the book. I think Nick was an appropriate choice for main character because other wise I feel that the book would not be as interesting to read.
Why does Nick's passivity make the book more "interesting"? Wouldn't it make it more boring? Think about his personality and his role in the various stories.
Also, be careful: Daisy is NOT known for being unfaithful. Tom is known for being unfaithful. As far as we know, Gatsby is the first man Daisy had an affair with. Tom, it sounds like, had many many more.
Question: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald’s commentary on the “modern woman”?
In this novel, I think that women are depicted as sort of free willed and carefree. Also a little independent. These women don't just stay home and watch the house, clean the house, and wait for their man to come back home. They go out, they drink, they have fun, & some of the characters even cheat on their husbands. Women in these days were seen to be as powerless. They didn't really have to do anything except stay at home and stay faithful to their man. But the women that Fitzgerald made these women out to be were totally opposite of the storybook kind of woman. A great example is the woman, Jordan. Jordan is a professional golfer in this novel & you wouldn't usually expect that in a woman in these days. Overall, the women in this novel are different than the women in older times.
Nikki, You have a couple of good examples of women being free and independent: Daisy cheating and Jordan being a professional golfer. But does Daisy really have any options if she wasn't married? What would her status be without a husband? What about Myrtle? What were Myrtle's options in life?
The women in "The Great Gatsby" are depicted as free women. They don't get in trouble for their actions and have no consequences. For example, Daisy was a selfish, arrogant, conceited, woman. She didn't love Gatsby the way he loved her, she showed no emotion or took any action on his death, and she killed Myrtle but never admitted it. Women in the book got to do and be whoever they wanted to be. Fitzgeralds take on "modern women" is young, wild and free. Women didn't stay at home, women could become flappers and could dress freely. There were no rules for women, and thats the way they liked it.
I don't know if that's what Fitzgerald "liked" but you do give several good examples of the modern woman being "free". Is this just because of their status? What were Myrtle's options in life? Were all of the rich characters (male and female) "free" because of their money and status? What did that "freedom" get them in life? (Tom and Daisy keep moving cities, probably because of Tom's extra-marital affairs and Nick, who's not poor, seems to be drifting and not knowing what he wants.)
Question/Topic: Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
I think that Fitzgerald chose Nick to be one of the main characters of the book because Nick is always involve with anything that is going on. Nick is always helping Gatsby so that he can get back with Daisy but it doesn't happen. He keeps things to himself such as, when he was with Tom at the Valley of Ashes and had an affair with Myrtle; Nick didn't say anything to Daisy even though they are cousins. He also helps Gatsby with arranging things for him with Daisy.
So Nick was a good narrator because he actually saw all of the events of the story take place. But think also about his personality and what he says at the beginning of the book.
Nick and Gatsby's relationship: Nick and Gatsby's relationship was kind of strange. At first, there friendship didn't seem real. It felt like Gatsby was just getting to know Nick because he knew of Daisy. As the time went on he really got to know Gatsby. When Gatsby dies, Nick was the only friend that was there for him. I believe that they had a pretty good relationship.
But Nick says he "disapproves" of Gatsby from beginning to end. What did Nick admire about Gatsby? What did he "disapprove" of? There is clear evidence that Gatsby was kind of using Nick at the beginning too so be careful.
Topic: Does Fitzgerald use parties to highlight his characters’ failures to relate to one another? Do Gatsby’s parties reflect genuine celebration or a kind of mourning?
When one thinks of parties of the Jazz Age, one would probably first think of how drunk the people get. However we learn more about the characters when they are drunk or in general at these parties. For example, we learn much about Tom: Tom's attachment to Daisy, Tom's jealousy, his arrogance, etc.
This is an interesting thesis: that we find out the most about people when they are drunk. When Tom confronts Gatsby at the hotel, they are all drinking. And we find out a little bit about Daisy's character when she's involved in the hit and run (drinking while driving). Sounds good. Come up with your examples and think about the best ordering for your examples.
Don't we also get a lot of misinformation when people are drunk?
Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
I think that Fitzgerald chose Nick to be the main character because he is basically the one who uncovers the truth about other characters. Nick is connected to the other main characters in the book. He clearly had an objective observation on the events that were happening around him. Fitzgerald's decision to have Nick as a main character was an appropriate choice because he tells the readers the story. His characteristics are perfect for the narrators role. He is tolerant, slow to judge, and trustworthy, which is important to have in a story filled with secrets.
Topic: Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
I think that Fitzgerald picked Nick as the main character because Nick related to everybody in the story, and nobody really disliked him. Even though Fitzgerald relates to Gatsby more, he picked Nick to be the main character perhaps to show an outsiders perspective/opinion of himself (Gatsby).
What is the novel's commentary on the American Dream and classic rags to riches story?
The novel portrays two rags to riches story with Dan Cody and Jay Gatsby. The two of them aspired to be rich and worked hard in order to earn that title. Jay Gatsby looked up to Dan Cody for his success and found him inspirational. Both Cody and Gatsby fulfilled their American dream as well as are advocates of the classic rags to riches story.
But was there anything wrong with their Dream? (Wasn't it just about status and wealth? Why was Gatsby even attracted to Daisy?) Also, what was wrong with the way they achieved it?
What is the novel’s commentary on the American Dream and classic rags to riches story?
The “American Dream” is the United States’ philosophy, which points out that freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success. American writer and historian, James Truslow Adams, wrote about the American Dream in his 1931 book The Epic of America. In this book he dreamt of, “a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” The novel, The Great Gatsby, represents the American Dream mainly through its protagonist and title character, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby comes from a poor family background, but later works his way to being a very wealthy man. The whole idea of the American Dream is related to the classic rags to riches story because both ultimately end up with success. The novel portrays both of these points through characters like, Dan Cody and Gatsby, who started their life poor, but in the future, became richer through their achievements.
Very nice! Does Gatsby achieve his dream, however? What was his dream? And was there anything wrong with the way he achieved it? Your essay also seems to beg for an analysis of Myrtle and George Wilson. What was their American Dream? Were they able to achieve it and, if not, what were the obstacles to their achieving their dream?
Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
Nick doesn't have a strong opinion so he tells what actually happens not what he wants to happen or what his emotions told him happened. He keeps an open mind and is a good listener so the characters open up to him; actions are not clouded or corrupted by his feelings. The reader can make their own opinions about what happened instead of just reading someone else's. His opinion isn't biased. Because of the aforementioned reasons I do believe Nick is an appropriate narrator for the story.
Okay, looks good. Need to dig up quotes that support each of your statements above. "doesn't have a strong opinion", "keeps an open mind", "is a good listener". Go back to the opening lines of the novel. Wasn't there also ultimately something wrong with him not having much of an opinion as all these amoral acts were going on around him?
What is the novel’s commentary on the American Dream and classic rags to riches story?
The "American Dream" is something many people want to achieve. It is to find work, start a career and earn money. To become wealthy and to be able to spend as much money as you want. To be able to feel like you are stable and you don't have to worry about not having money. In the book one of the characters who is an example of the "American Dream" is Gatsby. Gatsby did not come from a rich family. He worked to get to where he is today. He did anything he could to get to a point in his life where he was happy with what he has done in his life. He is now very rich and he feels like he can do anything.
The novel's commentary on the American Dream and rags to riches story is depicted in "The Great Gatsby". Dan Cody and James Gatsby live a rag to riches story and accomplish the American Dream. They both face through hard times, but accomplish somethings they aimed for.
ReplyDeleteBoth Dan Cody and James Gatsby had a dream of being rich. Dan Cody had became wealthy during the Gold Rush. While James Gatsby became rich by being a bootlegger.
In conclusion, Dan Cody and James Gatsby fulfill their dreams of being wealthy. They had both lived a rags to riches story. Though in the end they had accomplished the American Dream.
Is there anything wrong about the way he achieves his wealth? Is there anything wrong with his desire to achieve wealth?
DeleteChloe Yim
ReplyDeleteTopic: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald’s commentary on the “modern woman”?
Quotes:
“A subdued impassioned murmur was audible in the room beyond and Miss Baker leaned forward, unashamed, trying to hear.”
'I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool--that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool."
“The sister, Catherine, was a slender, worldly girl of about thirty with a solid sticky bob of red hair and a complexion powdered milky white. Her eyebrows had been plucked and then drawn on again at a more rakish angle but the efforts of nature toward the restoration of the old alignment gave a blurred air to her face.”
I think you can spend a paragraph talking about Miss Baker (Jordan) and Pammy, but I would skip Catherine. We don't know that much about her life so it would be difficult to discuss her opportunities (or lack thereof). The other women in the novel, despite their "jazz age" freedom and newfound suffrage, are pretty dependent on the men, financially, esp. Daisy.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLiana Ang
ReplyDeleteTopic: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald's commentary on the "modern woman"?
In the novel "The Great Gatsby", woman are depicted as being able to be just like men. They were able to drink and be wild at parties, they played the role in being known as a "Flapper".
Woman are coming out more and expressing themselves.
Woman in the Great Gatsby are also potrayed as being "foolish"
"I'm glad it's a girl. And I hope she'll be a fool...that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool." Woman are also considered being used by their man. For example Myrtle is being used by Tom because he runs to her any time he wants when he wants pleasure. Tom breaks Myrtles nose at a party when Myrtle constantly says Daisy's name. This shows that she is not treated well and it also shows that Tom does not want a serious relationship with her, he just wants her on the side.
- Woman get intoxicated where they cannot walk or think.
- quote from Jordan gossiping
- conclusion, behaviors of woman
American dream. Everybody wants to be rich and have material things.
Are Pammy, Daisy, and Myrtle really "independent" from men (economically)? They may seem "free" but what could they do career-wise on their own, really? Maybe do some research into women in the workplace in the 1920's. I didn't have too many options.
DeleteTopic: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald's commentary on the "modern woman"?
ReplyDeleteIn the book "The Great Gatsby, the woman of this time loved to party, have, fun, and drink. Just like the men these women had the same rights as them. In the book it states the Gatsby has big parties filled with alcohol and lots of rich people. The women at these parties would drink away. The women also dressed differently showing more skin. Their attitudes changed. The women in this novel were known as flappers. They drank, partied, and smoked. These are the things that the women before never did. Fitzgerald's commentary on the modern woman is having fun and being wild. Also women having their own minds and thinking of how they make themselves appear.
I think we definitely see women who have their own mind--Daisy has her own affair right in front of Tom. But what options did the women have if they divorced their husbands--really? What were the job prospects like for these women? For Myrtle? For Daisy? for Pammy?
DeleteTopic: Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI think that Fitzgard chose Nick as the main character because he had the most connections towards everyone in the novel. He also knew what was going on in every situation and helped everyone out. He was Gatsby's neighbor and guide to try get Daisy back since Nick was Daisy's second cousin. He also gets to know everyone like Tom, Jordan, and Gatsby's connections in the business. I think it was also an appropriate choice to make him the main character because he was the most likable person in the novel. He gets connected to everyones' situations in someway and he gets involved in many parties and events.
He is definitely connected to each of the characters--I think you could spend one paragraph on this. But go back and take a look at the opening pages of the novel. How else is Nick appropriate as the narrator? He is not really involved in the story and is oftentimes literally a bystander. So why do you think Fitzgerald made him the narrator?
DeleteFitzgerald chooses to have Nick Carraway as the main character because to have this story told by Gatsby himself would not be as interesting. Since Nick is telling the story as the main character the reader is able to understand more about Gatsby but there will also be some mystery included. Nick was made as the main character because he was passive and he would do what people asked him to do. This allowed the readers to see Nick’s impression on the other characters in the book. I do think that making Nick as the main character was a good choice because if the narrator was not Nick then I think that the book would be too boring. If Fitzgerald made Gatsby the main character then I think that the love he has for daisy would be emphasized throughout the whole book and that would not be very interesting.
ReplyDeleteFind good quotes that show Nick's passivity. Why would have a passive narrator make for a better story?
DeleteNick and Gatsby certainly have an interesting friendship. Starting the book off, Nick and Gatsby were close friends. Eventually, Nick found out how Gatsby really was and thing changed in their relationship. I'd say it was a true friendship even though it seemed like Nick may gave used Gatsby to get to Jordan. In the end, Nick was one of the only ones that stood by Gatsby like a true friend would. Nick was the only one that showed up to the funeral to show his love for Gatsby. To me, that's a true friend.
ReplyDeleteNick and Gatsby were NOT close friends at the beginning of the story but Nick definitely stayed true to Gatsby at the end. However, just showing up for someone's funeral doesn't make a person a "true friend". I've gone to people's funerals just to pay my respects, without being their best friend. Nick says he admires Gatsby and yets hates him "from beginning to end". What does Nick admire about Gatsby exactly? (Find a quote.) Why does he "disapprove" of him?
DeleteTopic: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald’s commentary on the “modern woman”?
ReplyDeleteIn "The Great Gatsby," women are depicted as more independent, free, and unlike what men and society expects them to be like. In this novel, women party, drink, smoke, apply bold amounts of makeup, play sports, and more. While society expects women to be more grounded and more feminine. For example, there are flappers in this book. Flappers drink, smoke, wear and apply makeup in public, wear clothing seen as scandalous, party, and more. Another example is Jordan, who is a professional athlete in this book which isn't a normal occupation for a woman. In this book, women express themselves more and act more like who or what they want to be.
They are definitely flirtatious and a little independent but what are the options for the women in the novel--Myrtle, Daisy, Jordan, Pammy, really? You may want to do some research on job prospects for women during this time period.
DeleteWhy did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteFitzgerald chose Nick as the main character because seeing Nick's point of view is better than any others. There are certain characters in the book who are known as and are talked about in a specific way. Gatsby is known for the parties and loving Daisy. Daisy is known for going from one place to another, and so on. I think this was the right choice. Because these specific characters in the book have a reputation in some sort of way and are known for what they feel and do, it wouldn't be a good story. Seeing from Nick's point of view, he has feelings of all kinds, and sees things in different ways which keeps the story going.
But if we heard the story from Daisy's or Gatsby's point of view, we would get to know those characters better. Think about Nick's personality. Also, think about his role in the different stories (with Myrtle and Tom, and with Gatsby and Daisy). Get good quotes!
DeleteWhy did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not ?
ReplyDeleteFitzgerald chose Nick as the main character because witnessing the events of the book Nick's point of view is more interesting than any of the other characters. There are certain characters in the book who are known as and are talked about in a specific way, like for example Gatsby is known for his extravagant and massive parties, as well as his devoted love for Daisy. Daisy is known for not being very faithful to any one man, and being sort of shallow I think choosing Nick to be the main character was the right choice. Because these specific characters in the book have a reputation and the way they are portrayed through the point of view of Nick is interesting. Nick is a passive character and he would do what people asked him to do. This allows the readers to see Nick’s impression on the other characters in the book. I think Nick was an appropriate choice for main character because other wise I feel that the book would not be as interesting to read.
Why does Nick's passivity make the book more "interesting"? Wouldn't it make it more boring? Think about his personality and his role in the various stories.
DeleteAlso, be careful: Daisy is NOT known for being unfaithful. Tom is known for being unfaithful. As far as we know, Gatsby is the first man Daisy had an affair with. Tom, it sounds like, had many many more.
Question: How are women depicted in The Great Gatsby? What is Fitzgerald’s commentary on the “modern woman”?
ReplyDeleteIn this novel, I think that women are depicted as sort of free willed and carefree. Also a little independent. These women don't just stay home and watch the house, clean the house, and wait for their man to come back home. They go out, they drink, they have fun, & some of the characters even cheat on their husbands. Women in these days were seen to be as powerless. They didn't really have to do anything except stay at home and stay faithful to their man. But the women that Fitzgerald made these women out to be were totally opposite of the storybook kind of woman. A great example is the woman, Jordan. Jordan is a professional golfer in this novel & you wouldn't usually expect that in a woman in these days. Overall, the women in this novel are different than the women in older times.
Nikki, You have a couple of good examples of women being free and independent: Daisy cheating and Jordan being a professional golfer. But does Daisy really have any options if she wasn't married? What would her status be without a husband? What about Myrtle? What were Myrtle's options in life?
DeleteThe women in "The Great Gatsby" are depicted as free women. They don't get in trouble for their actions and have no consequences. For example, Daisy was a selfish, arrogant, conceited, woman. She didn't love Gatsby the way he loved her, she showed no emotion or took any action on his death, and she killed Myrtle but never admitted it. Women in the book got to do and be whoever they wanted to be.
ReplyDeleteFitzgeralds take on "modern women" is young, wild and free. Women didn't stay at home, women could become flappers and could dress freely. There were no rules for women, and thats the way they liked it.
I don't know if that's what Fitzgerald "liked" but you do give several good examples of the modern woman being "free". Is this just because of their status? What were Myrtle's options in life? Were all of the rich characters (male and female) "free" because of their money and status? What did that "freedom" get them in life? (Tom and Daisy keep moving cities, probably because of Tom's extra-marital affairs and Nick, who's not poor, seems to be drifting and not knowing what he wants.)
DeleteQuestion/Topic: Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI think that Fitzgerald chose Nick to be one of the main characters of the book because Nick is always involve with anything that is going on. Nick is always helping Gatsby so that he can get back with Daisy but it doesn't happen. He keeps things to himself such as, when he was with Tom at the Valley of Ashes and had an affair with Myrtle; Nick didn't say anything to Daisy even though they are cousins. He also helps Gatsby with arranging things for him with Daisy.
So Nick was a good narrator because he actually saw all of the events of the story take place. But think also about his personality and what he says at the beginning of the book.
DeleteNick and Gatsby's relationship: Nick and Gatsby's relationship was kind of strange. At first, there friendship didn't seem real. It felt like Gatsby was just getting to know Nick because he knew of Daisy. As the time went on he really got to know Gatsby. When Gatsby dies, Nick was the only friend that was there for him. I believe that they had a pretty good relationship.
ReplyDeleteBut Nick says he "disapproves" of Gatsby from beginning to end. What did Nick admire about Gatsby? What did he "disapprove" of? There is clear evidence that Gatsby was kind of using Nick at the beginning too so be careful.
DeleteTopic: Does Fitzgerald use parties to highlight his characters’ failures to relate to one another? Do Gatsby’s parties reflect genuine celebration or a kind of mourning?
ReplyDeleteWhen one thinks of parties of the Jazz Age, one would probably first think of how drunk the people get. However we learn more about the characters when they are drunk or in general at these parties. For example, we learn much about Tom: Tom's attachment to Daisy, Tom's jealousy, his arrogance, etc.
This is an interesting thesis: that we find out the most about people when they are drunk. When Tom confronts Gatsby at the hotel, they are all drinking. And we find out a little bit about Daisy's character when she's involved in the hit and run (drinking while driving). Sounds good. Come up with your examples and think about the best ordering for your examples.
DeleteDon't we also get a lot of misinformation when people are drunk?
Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI think that Fitzgerald chose Nick to be the main character because he is basically the one who uncovers the truth about other characters. Nick is connected to the other main characters in the book. He clearly had an objective observation on the events that were happening around him. Fitzgerald's decision to have Nick as a main character was an appropriate choice because he tells the readers the story. His characteristics are perfect for the narrators role. He is tolerant, slow to judge, and trustworthy, which is important to have in a story filled with secrets.
Good thesis in the first line above. Find examples where Nick "uncovers the truth" and figure out the best organization for your essay! Looks good!
DeleteTopic: Why did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteI think that Fitzgerald picked Nick as the main character because Nick related to everybody in the story, and nobody really disliked him. Even though Fitzgerald relates to Gatsby more, he picked Nick to be the main character perhaps to show an outsiders perspective/opinion of himself (Gatsby).
Why is it important that nobody disliked Nick?
DeleteHis being an outsider is definitely important.
Think about his personality as well. And also about the opening lines of the book.
What is the novel's commentary on the American Dream and classic rags to riches story?
ReplyDeleteThe novel portrays two rags to riches story with Dan Cody and Jay Gatsby. The two of them aspired to be rich and worked hard in order to earn that title. Jay Gatsby looked up to Dan Cody for his success and found him inspirational. Both Cody and Gatsby fulfilled their American dream as well as are advocates of the classic rags to riches story.
But was there anything wrong with their Dream? (Wasn't it just about status and wealth? Why was Gatsby even attracted to Daisy?) Also, what was wrong with the way they achieved it?
DeleteWhat is the novel’s commentary on the American Dream and classic rags to riches story?
ReplyDeleteThe “American Dream” is the United States’ philosophy, which points out that freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success. American writer and historian, James Truslow Adams, wrote about the American Dream in his 1931 book The Epic of America. In this book he dreamt of, “a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” The novel, The Great Gatsby, represents the American Dream mainly through its protagonist and title character, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby comes from a poor family background, but later works his way to being a very wealthy man. The whole idea of the American Dream is related to the classic rags to riches story because both ultimately end up with success. The novel portrays both of these points through characters like, Dan Cody and Gatsby, who started their life poor, but in the future, became richer through their achievements.
Courtney Seki, Period 7
Very nice! Does Gatsby achieve his dream, however? What was his dream? And was there anything wrong with the way he achieved it? Your essay also seems to beg for an analysis of Myrtle and George Wilson. What was their American Dream? Were they able to achieve it and, if not, what were the obstacles to their achieving their dream?
DeleteWhy did Fitzgerald choose to have Nick as the main character? Do you think this was an appropriate choice? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteNick doesn't have a strong opinion so he tells what actually happens not what he wants to happen or what his emotions told him happened. He keeps an open mind and is a good listener so the characters open up to him; actions are not clouded or corrupted by his feelings. The reader can make their own opinions about what happened instead of just reading someone else's. His opinion isn't biased. Because of the aforementioned reasons I do believe Nick is an appropriate narrator for the story.
Period: 7
Okay, looks good. Need to dig up quotes that support each of your statements above. "doesn't have a strong opinion", "keeps an open mind", "is a good listener". Go back to the opening lines of the novel. Wasn't there also ultimately something wrong with him not having much of an opinion as all these amoral acts were going on around him?
DeleteWhat is the novel’s commentary on the American Dream and classic rags to riches story?
ReplyDeleteThe "American Dream" is something many people want to achieve. It is to find work, start a career and earn money. To become wealthy and to be able to spend as much money as you want. To be able to feel like you are stable and you don't have to worry about not having money. In the book one of the characters who is an example of the "American Dream" is Gatsby. Gatsby did not come from a rich family. He worked to get to where he is today. He did anything he could to get to a point in his life where he was happy with what he has done in his life. He is now very rich and he feels like he can do anything.