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.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
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.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Tom Buchanan
Well, I find myself at chapter three in The Great Gatsby, still waiting to meet the mysterious Jay Gatsby. One character who is not so mysterious thus far would be Tom Buchanan.
From the second Daisy talked about the injuries on her knuckles, claiming it was Tom's fault (but an accident of course) I knew that either (a) it was no accident or (b) it was foreshadowing a future problem of abuse.
Later on, come to find out that Tom also has a mistress--Myrtle--that he forwardly introduces to Nick.
Then, come to find out, Tom punches Myrtle in the face (obviously no accident).
So basically Tom is scum. Well, any man that would hit a woman is scum (Chris Brown?).
I would just like to proclaim that Tom, Chris, others: I have zero respect for you. I'm sad that Chris Brown is still a very popular performer with a huge fan base. And Tom, I hope something very bad happens to you at the end of this book! Ladies, karma, make it happen.
From the second Daisy talked about the injuries on her knuckles, claiming it was Tom's fault (but an accident of course) I knew that either (a) it was no accident or (b) it was foreshadowing a future problem of abuse.
Later on, come to find out that Tom also has a mistress--Myrtle--that he forwardly introduces to Nick.
Then, come to find out, Tom punches Myrtle in the face (obviously no accident).
So basically Tom is scum. Well, any man that would hit a woman is scum (Chris Brown?).
I would just like to proclaim that Tom, Chris, others: I have zero respect for you. I'm sad that Chris Brown is still a very popular performer with a huge fan base. And Tom, I hope something very bad happens to you at the end of this book! Ladies, karma, make it happen.
The Great Gatsby
Prior to beginning the book The Great Gatsby I prematurely decided that:
1) I would have to force my mind to focus on every single boring passage at hand (classics are supposed to be boring..right?)
2) The only thing that would get me through the book was picturing Leonardo DiCaprio acting as the cosmopolitan Jay Gatsby in the remake of the book on film (in theaters around Christmas. Not that I'm counting days. But seriously, look at him.)
However, as I began reading, I immediately related with Nick Carraway; his introduction of his love/hate relationship/admiration for Gatsby, his rash decision to be in the "bond business" , his spontaneous move to Long Island. He is a young man living among such powerful characters. He mentions his affordable ($80 per month) rent and loves that his house was such a steal (last season's Betsey Johnson sale heels anyone?); even if it does sit next to Gatsby's elaborate mansion.
When Daisy was introduced, I immediately fell for her charming personality. At the same time, I despised Tom for being such a jerk, alpha male, arrogant, disrespectful, and degrading man towards her.
This is all after only one chapter that I'm actually enjoying the book. I haven't even had the chance to drool over Leo yet.
I guess the moral of the story would be don't judge a book because it's an old classic. But do judge a book by its cover, because the cover is beautiful. I'd like to have it framed on my wall, actually.
1) I would have to force my mind to focus on every single boring passage at hand (classics are supposed to be boring..right?)
2) The only thing that would get me through the book was picturing Leonardo DiCaprio acting as the cosmopolitan Jay Gatsby in the remake of the book on film (in theaters around Christmas. Not that I'm counting days. But seriously, look at him.)
However, as I began reading, I immediately related with Nick Carraway; his introduction of his love/hate relationship/admiration for Gatsby, his rash decision to be in the "bond business" , his spontaneous move to Long Island. He is a young man living among such powerful characters. He mentions his affordable ($80 per month) rent and loves that his house was such a steal (last season's Betsey Johnson sale heels anyone?); even if it does sit next to Gatsby's elaborate mansion.
When Daisy was introduced, I immediately fell for her charming personality. At the same time, I despised Tom for being such a jerk, alpha male, arrogant, disrespectful, and degrading man towards her.
This is all after only one chapter that I'm actually enjoying the book. I haven't even had the chance to drool over Leo yet.
I guess the moral of the story would be don't judge a book because it's an old classic. But do judge a book by its cover, because the cover is beautiful. I'd like to have it framed on my wall, actually.
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