Whether the Great Gatsby was meant to be a tragic love story, a story of class struggle, a story of the American dream, or a story of the journey of Nick Carraway, Nick Carraway is the example of the few honest and compassionate people out there.
The saddest part is that week after week Gatsby opened his house and his wallet to many people, but at his funeral there were three. This is this part that most disgusted Nick too. I don't think he could grasp how people could be so careless because it was so unlike him.
In the end, I think Gatsby was an ambitious young man that would do anything to get where he wanted to be--and I respect that. In the end, K think Nick Carraway is the real rare individual. He is caring, honest, and thoughtful. Daisy and Tom are careless. I hope that Daisy is just blissfully unaware of all the hurt she caused Gatsby, and unaware of the drive she gave him, for she would happily take the credit for his wealth and success.
I guess I just hope that, if Nick were to be a real person, he would have a successful and happy life and that he would find what he wants, that is if he ever figures out what he wants. Adventure, experience perhaps? He doesn't seem to seek love. And I would hope that, if Daisy and Tom were real people, their lives would suck.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
RIP Gatz
Perhaps Gatsby's death was for the best. For the reasons of: Daisy would not have left Tom for Gatsby, Tom knows his bootlegging secret, and if it wasn't for Wilson, someone else would have punished him for Myrtle's death. Also, Nick, his only real friend, is on the verge of leaving.
Nick cut ties with Jordan (called it) an the only thing holding him in West Egg was his concern for Gatsby. As far as I'm concerned, he's outta there.
It's funny how Nick again mentions his disapproval of Gatsby when it is so clear throughout the book that he cares for and admires him. He will be devastated by the news of his friend's death. As will Daisy.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking forward to Leo being killed off in the movie (but hey, nothing new--it is just me or does he die in every movie he's in?) but in my opinion, it's gonna save Gatsby a lot of hurt and in essence, put him out of his misery.
Nick cut ties with Jordan (called it) an the only thing holding him in West Egg was his concern for Gatsby. As far as I'm concerned, he's outta there.
It's funny how Nick again mentions his disapproval of Gatsby when it is so clear throughout the book that he cares for and admires him. He will be devastated by the news of his friend's death. As will Daisy.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking forward to Leo being killed off in the movie (but hey, nothing new--it is just me or does he die in every movie he's in?) but in my opinion, it's gonna save Gatsby a lot of hurt and in essence, put him out of his misery.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
The real truth comes out...
So Gatsby is a bootlegger? Is that the real truth? Is he also a wedding crasher--Biloxi? How could Daisy not have recognized him..otherwise what significance could Biloxi hold?
This "Biloxi" seems to click something in Toms mind.
This comes to that and Daisy is forced to choose between Gatsby and Tom. This decision is one that I know she never thought she had to make. She had no intentions of ever leaving Tom for Jay. I think that she didn't really know the extent of the situation until she was forced to choose. And even then she goes back and fourth between the two.
Poor Nick. The most dramatic series of events he has witnessed, all on his birthday. Which he doesn't even remember until the middle of the meltdown.
After the meltdown between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy, Tom regains his composure. He seems so confident in his relationship with Daisy that he insists that she drives back home with Gatsby. They then hit Tom's mistress with a car, Tom doesn't seem to upset about it (shocker).
They all come home and Gatsby reveals to Nick that Daisy hit Myrtle, but he's taking the blame. So here's to Gatsby's acts of love, and here's o Daisy's selfishness--again.
This "Biloxi" seems to click something in Toms mind.
This comes to that and Daisy is forced to choose between Gatsby and Tom. This decision is one that I know she never thought she had to make. She had no intentions of ever leaving Tom for Jay. I think that she didn't really know the extent of the situation until she was forced to choose. And even then she goes back and fourth between the two.
Poor Nick. The most dramatic series of events he has witnessed, all on his birthday. Which he doesn't even remember until the middle of the meltdown.
After the meltdown between Gatsby, Tom, and Daisy, Tom regains his composure. He seems so confident in his relationship with Daisy that he insists that she drives back home with Gatsby. They then hit Tom's mistress with a car, Tom doesn't seem to upset about it (shocker).
They all come home and Gatsby reveals to Nick that Daisy hit Myrtle, but he's taking the blame. So here's to Gatsby's acts of love, and here's o Daisy's selfishness--again.
Gatsby: the truth comes out
I think I miss when Gatsby used to be mysterious.
First of all, the money. The money was not passed down from his family. Gatsby actually worked very hard as a teenager, doing many odd jobs for food and shelter. It wasn't until he met Dan Cody that he was even close to money.
Gatsby works his way up and inherits money from Cody--not his family.
What I don't understand is why Gatsby doesn't tell people that. It's far more respectable and ambitious than simply being handed down money from his parents. Sure, that version is much simpler, but everybody and their brother suspects that he is lying. Would they still suspect he was lying if he had told the truth all along? I don't know. It is human nature to question everything.
So Daisy and Tom finally make an appearance at Gatsby's party. Gatsby and Daisy share a nice dance and seem to have a lot of chemistry. Which is why I don't understand how Gatsby could think their encounter went to horribly. Nick suggests that it is because "he wanted nothing less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say: "I never loved you."
Now that would make sense if Gatsby was the spoiled man that got everything handed to him from his parents, but he is not. He is a man that knows that you have to work your way up the ladder. He wants the past between himself and Daisy to be enough. Maybe his lavish lifestyle is spoiling him.
First of all, the money. The money was not passed down from his family. Gatsby actually worked very hard as a teenager, doing many odd jobs for food and shelter. It wasn't until he met Dan Cody that he was even close to money.
Gatsby works his way up and inherits money from Cody--not his family.
What I don't understand is why Gatsby doesn't tell people that. It's far more respectable and ambitious than simply being handed down money from his parents. Sure, that version is much simpler, but everybody and their brother suspects that he is lying. Would they still suspect he was lying if he had told the truth all along? I don't know. It is human nature to question everything.
So Daisy and Tom finally make an appearance at Gatsby's party. Gatsby and Daisy share a nice dance and seem to have a lot of chemistry. Which is why I don't understand how Gatsby could think their encounter went to horribly. Nick suggests that it is because "he wanted nothing less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say: "I never loved you."
Now that would make sense if Gatsby was the spoiled man that got everything handed to him from his parents, but he is not. He is a man that knows that you have to work your way up the ladder. He wants the past between himself and Daisy to be enough. Maybe his lavish lifestyle is spoiling him.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Gatsby + Daisy = ?
Is this a love story now?
About a hundred pages in, the main, juicy story line presents itself. Finally Daisy and Gatsby meet. Again.
It's cute how nervous Gatsby is. He paces, pale faced, unable to concentrate while waiting for Daisy at his arranged "accidental" run in at Nick's house. What starts off in a very awkward and uncomfortable manner turns serious during the time that Nick excuses himself (why nick, why?). Nick returns to find Daisy's face streaked with tears and Gatsby as happy as a clam.
I can't image what could possibly have happened between the two that left Gatsby love struck for 5 years, without even seeing Daisy. And no, I'm not taking undying, meant to be, love for an answer. And I will be very disappointed if that actually is the answer.
However, it does seem that the two have a lot of chemistry between them. And if Tom is allowed a mistress then you too Miss Daisy have the right to be unfaithful.
About a hundred pages in, the main, juicy story line presents itself. Finally Daisy and Gatsby meet. Again.
It's cute how nervous Gatsby is. He paces, pale faced, unable to concentrate while waiting for Daisy at his arranged "accidental" run in at Nick's house. What starts off in a very awkward and uncomfortable manner turns serious during the time that Nick excuses himself (why nick, why?). Nick returns to find Daisy's face streaked with tears and Gatsby as happy as a clam.
I can't image what could possibly have happened between the two that left Gatsby love struck for 5 years, without even seeing Daisy. And no, I'm not taking undying, meant to be, love for an answer. And I will be very disappointed if that actually is the answer.
However, it does seem that the two have a lot of chemistry between them. And if Tom is allowed a mistress then you too Miss Daisy have the right to be unfaithful.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Daisy
After reading chapter 4, there are a few assumptions I have made (I know, don't assume anything, but I can't help it):
1) Jordan Baker ultimately cannot be trusted to tell the whole truth. She seems like one to fabricate a story. She's definitely clever enough.
2) With that being said, I'm not sure how much of her story about Gatsby I believe (that part about him moving to be closer to Daisy and asking everyone about her)
3) That these elaborate parties Gatsby throws are rather just an attempt to lore Daisy to his home (how romantic).
4) And finally, the reason Jay Gatsby is so mysterious is because of Daisy.
It disappoints me to discover that the only reason Gatsby is pursuing a friendship with Nick is to get to Daisy (another assumption). I wanted them to have a real friendship!
As for Gatsby's history that he forces upon Nick, it seems he tried a little too hard. Maybe Miss Baker is right that Gatsby's stories are lies.
By the way, am I the only one that thinks Nick's relationship with Jordan is a little odd? It's seems like they're friends by default and are forcing something more upon their friendship that just isn't there. It won't last.
One thing that is for sure is that Mr. Nick Carraway moved into a whole lot of drama.
1) Jordan Baker ultimately cannot be trusted to tell the whole truth. She seems like one to fabricate a story. She's definitely clever enough.
2) With that being said, I'm not sure how much of her story about Gatsby I believe (that part about him moving to be closer to Daisy and asking everyone about her)
3) That these elaborate parties Gatsby throws are rather just an attempt to lore Daisy to his home (how romantic).
4) And finally, the reason Jay Gatsby is so mysterious is because of Daisy.
It disappoints me to discover that the only reason Gatsby is pursuing a friendship with Nick is to get to Daisy (another assumption). I wanted them to have a real friendship!
As for Gatsby's history that he forces upon Nick, it seems he tried a little too hard. Maybe Miss Baker is right that Gatsby's stories are lies.
By the way, am I the only one that thinks Nick's relationship with Jordan is a little odd? It's seems like they're friends by default and are forcing something more upon their friendship that just isn't there. It won't last.
One thing that is for sure is that Mr. Nick Carraway moved into a whole lot of drama.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Jay Gatsby
Finally, I am introduced to Jay Gatsby. Nick describes him as a sincere, genuine guy. In fact, Gatsby even invites him to try out his hydroplane with him the next morning, all within minutes of formally meeting for the first time. In my opinion, Gatsby seems sweet (in other words, a character worthy of the representation from Leonardo DiCaprio, and that's really saying something). What confuses me is that prior to meeting Gatsby, Nick is involved in a conversation concerning Jay. Apparently, Gatsby seems like the kind of person that would kill a man to his party guests.
On another note, women are having a real moment here. The wives are (finally) getting fed up with their husbands. The ladies complain to each other openly about their selfish spouses during Gatsby's party. Miss Baker on the other hand is ahead of the movement. She sure knows how to manipulate people (Nick). It seems the 1920's feminism is making an appearance in the novel.
Speaking of the 1920's, wasn't that during the prohibition? Gatsby must be some kind of powerful to have so much liquor. So, the mysterious Jay Gatsby remains mysterious.
On another note, women are having a real moment here. The wives are (finally) getting fed up with their husbands. The ladies complain to each other openly about their selfish spouses during Gatsby's party. Miss Baker on the other hand is ahead of the movement. She sure knows how to manipulate people (Nick). It seems the 1920's feminism is making an appearance in the novel.
Speaking of the 1920's, wasn't that during the prohibition? Gatsby must be some kind of powerful to have so much liquor. So, the mysterious Jay Gatsby remains mysterious.
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