Everyday Use by Alice Walker
In Everyday Use by Alice Walker, readers are introduced to Maggie, Dee and their mother. The mother is uneducated and works for the simple lifestyle she has managed for her two daughter. Maggie and Dee could not be more different though. Dee is lovely, educated and fashionable, whereas Maggie is more dull and less attractive like her mother. The whole story is centered around an occasion in which Dee came home to visit. Dee scuffed at the house and insulted her mothers way of living, but then wanted to take family quilts home with her. First off, if someone was so disgusted with her families lifestyle and heritage, why by any means would she be so interested in receiving passed down quilts? Dee is the exact opposite of her family, therefore I don't understand her sudden desire to be apart of family heirlooms. She even is disgusted with her own name, a name in which came from her multiple realities such as her grandmother and aunt. Dee declares,"I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me," (Walker, 177). So her family oppresses her, yet she wants items personally passed down from those oppressors? There is no wonder why her mother stepped in and announced that the quilts belong to Maggie. Maggie has been a loyal child and a respectful child, therefore it would make no sense for the resentful Dee to be granted with such gifts over Maggie. I suspect that the point of this short story is that there is no picking and choosing when it comes to family, one either choosing to appreciate all a family has to give, or disconnects themselves from them entirely.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Interpreter of Maladies
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
This short story gives a glimpse at the marriages the American culture tend to create. The typical young couple that gets marriage too soon and has kids way too early, who fall out of love and ignore the children. This is what Mr.Kapasi sees when he encounters the Das family for the first time. As he begins to take the family on a tour, he becomes very fascinated with Mrs.Das. It appears that this man has not received any attention or admiration from a woman for many years, so he is automatically drawn to Mrs.Das when she gives him the slightest bit of attention. Both these people seems to be connected to one another due to their longing from something missing in their lives. Mrs.Das is bored and unloving towards he husband and her children, while Mr.Kapasi desires excitement and social interaction. He has lived a life far too by the norm for his liking due to his cold wife, so when Mrs.Das takes an interest in Mr.Kapasi, he mentally takes things a little too far. But as fate would have it, Mrs.Das was only interested in Mr.Kapasi's advice, shutting down any fantasy Mr.Kapasi had created. In just a few hours, Mr. Kapasi had mapped out his and Mr. Das's whole relationship, so it was too ironic for Mrs.Das to approach Mr. Kapasi about her child and his secret father. She thought of him as a fatherly figure, while he is planning their relationship. The author states,"It disturbed Mr.Kapasi to learn that she thought of him as a parent,"(Lahiri, 162). It was only too appropriate for her to burst his bubble by declaring she solely wanted his advice. As Mr.Kapasi's contact information floated away, it was as if an omen to solidify his shattered delusion.
This short story gives a glimpse at the marriages the American culture tend to create. The typical young couple that gets marriage too soon and has kids way too early, who fall out of love and ignore the children. This is what Mr.Kapasi sees when he encounters the Das family for the first time. As he begins to take the family on a tour, he becomes very fascinated with Mrs.Das. It appears that this man has not received any attention or admiration from a woman for many years, so he is automatically drawn to Mrs.Das when she gives him the slightest bit of attention. Both these people seems to be connected to one another due to their longing from something missing in their lives. Mrs.Das is bored and unloving towards he husband and her children, while Mr.Kapasi desires excitement and social interaction. He has lived a life far too by the norm for his liking due to his cold wife, so when Mrs.Das takes an interest in Mr.Kapasi, he mentally takes things a little too far. But as fate would have it, Mrs.Das was only interested in Mr.Kapasi's advice, shutting down any fantasy Mr.Kapasi had created. In just a few hours, Mr. Kapasi had mapped out his and Mr. Das's whole relationship, so it was too ironic for Mrs.Das to approach Mr. Kapasi about her child and his secret father. She thought of him as a fatherly figure, while he is planning their relationship. The author states,"It disturbed Mr.Kapasi to learn that she thought of him as a parent,"(Lahiri, 162). It was only too appropriate for her to burst his bubble by declaring she solely wanted his advice. As Mr.Kapasi's contact information floated away, it was as if an omen to solidify his shattered delusion.
Hazel Tells Laverne
Hazel Tells Laverne by Katharyn Machan Aal
This poem first struct me as rather comical and lighthearted, but when I analyzed the deeper meaning of the poem, I found there was a somber meaning behind it. Hazel, who is cleaning woman, recounts a story to her friend Laverne. The story resembles the tale The Princess and the Frog, only this time, our princess is rather reluctant to kiss the charming frog. Although Hazel had her chance to kiss the frog and become a princess, she was halted due to her self image and awareness. Hazel thought the idea of being a princess was absolutely ridiculous and unimaginable. Such a women of her position and lifestyle would never be able to rise above what she already was and become something magnificent and lovely. It is clear that Hazel believes she is permanently stuck with her current life. No means of magic nor make believe could even change her concrete life. Therefore, this poem construes missed opportunity and the chances people miss out on due to their own self constructed limitations. This poem contains a motif with the phrase, "me a princess," (Aal). She says this as if the idea itself is completely out of the question and impossible. The colloquialism used in the poem gives it a lot of character. The word usage and spelling used by the author adds to the on the surface comic part of the poem and gives readers a glimpse at Hazels personality.
This poem first struct me as rather comical and lighthearted, but when I analyzed the deeper meaning of the poem, I found there was a somber meaning behind it. Hazel, who is cleaning woman, recounts a story to her friend Laverne. The story resembles the tale The Princess and the Frog, only this time, our princess is rather reluctant to kiss the charming frog. Although Hazel had her chance to kiss the frog and become a princess, she was halted due to her self image and awareness. Hazel thought the idea of being a princess was absolutely ridiculous and unimaginable. Such a women of her position and lifestyle would never be able to rise above what she already was and become something magnificent and lovely. It is clear that Hazel believes she is permanently stuck with her current life. No means of magic nor make believe could even change her concrete life. Therefore, this poem construes missed opportunity and the chances people miss out on due to their own self constructed limitations. This poem contains a motif with the phrase, "me a princess," (Aal). She says this as if the idea itself is completely out of the question and impossible. The colloquialism used in the poem gives it a lot of character. The word usage and spelling used by the author adds to the on the surface comic part of the poem and gives readers a glimpse at Hazels personality.
Mr.Z
Mr.Z by M. Carl Holman
Mr.Z is poem about a black man who is unsatisfied and ashamed with his black heritage. The man does everything in his power to escape from the connotations that arise from being black. He was very educated and proper, he ate nice food and was respectful to women, but he never became more than, "one of the most distinguished members of his race,"(Holman). Although one would find this title to be satisfactory, it meant nothing to Mr.Z because what he really wanted was to be white. To be distinguished within his race was unfulfilling, for he wanted nothing to do with his race. The structure of the poem also voices Mr.Z's act at being a proper white man. The poem contains lengthy paragraphs and proper punctuation which emphasizes the man's education, somethings that was associated with white people. Although his writing and punctuation are acceptable, the man will still subside with black society. This poems stirs frustration because it is so clear that this man has faith that he can escape being black, but it is clear it will be impossible for him to excel beyond what he has already achieved. The man is striving for an unreachable goal, which is rather depressing, but also a fact during that time.
Mr.Z is poem about a black man who is unsatisfied and ashamed with his black heritage. The man does everything in his power to escape from the connotations that arise from being black. He was very educated and proper, he ate nice food and was respectful to women, but he never became more than, "one of the most distinguished members of his race,"(Holman). Although one would find this title to be satisfactory, it meant nothing to Mr.Z because what he really wanted was to be white. To be distinguished within his race was unfulfilling, for he wanted nothing to do with his race. The structure of the poem also voices Mr.Z's act at being a proper white man. The poem contains lengthy paragraphs and proper punctuation which emphasizes the man's education, somethings that was associated with white people. Although his writing and punctuation are acceptable, the man will still subside with black society. This poems stirs frustration because it is so clear that this man has faith that he can escape being black, but it is clear it will be impossible for him to excel beyond what he has already achieved. The man is striving for an unreachable goal, which is rather depressing, but also a fact during that time.
Dream Deferred
Dream Deferred By Langston Hughes
Dream Deferred is a rather pessimistic poem about unfulfilled dreams. All dreams are accompanied with a potential for success, but when a dream remains dormant, a once wonderful things may become altered. Such as " a raisin in the sun," or "rotten meat," dreams can start as a good things, but develop into something disturbing (Hughes). This poems uses figurative language to voice these gruesome dreams. Through similes, Hughes creates a visual aspect to lost dreams. Hughes uses phrases such as,"fester like a sore," and "like a heavy load," to construct the idea of a potential good turning into something disturbing and altered (Hughes). These similes shape the poem for almost every line contains a simile and uses them to connect unfulfilled dreams to something now grotesque. The end of the poem states," or does it explode?" This line infers that if this heavy burden is not lifted, the dream may just burst without any consent, leaving mass chaos and trouble in its path. I believe Hughes was referring to African Americans and their fight for equality throughout the years. African Americans had a dream to be equal to whites and to receive the same rights, but for many years, nothing happened. The dream then exploded with the civil rights movement, causing disarray for years to come.
Dream Deferred is a rather pessimistic poem about unfulfilled dreams. All dreams are accompanied with a potential for success, but when a dream remains dormant, a once wonderful things may become altered. Such as " a raisin in the sun," or "rotten meat," dreams can start as a good things, but develop into something disturbing (Hughes). This poems uses figurative language to voice these gruesome dreams. Through similes, Hughes creates a visual aspect to lost dreams. Hughes uses phrases such as,"fester like a sore," and "like a heavy load," to construct the idea of a potential good turning into something disturbing and altered (Hughes). These similes shape the poem for almost every line contains a simile and uses them to connect unfulfilled dreams to something now grotesque. The end of the poem states," or does it explode?" This line infers that if this heavy burden is not lifted, the dream may just burst without any consent, leaving mass chaos and trouble in its path. I believe Hughes was referring to African Americans and their fight for equality throughout the years. African Americans had a dream to be equal to whites and to receive the same rights, but for many years, nothing happened. The dream then exploded with the civil rights movement, causing disarray for years to come.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Perrine Poetry Blog
For the average poetry reader, this article is great tool to be used to phase into a more perceptive and intuitive poetry reader. Many believe that poetry should be open for all and any interpretations, but Perrine's article emphasizes that "for any given poem there are correct and incorrect readings." When I first began to read this article, I thought Perrine was very closed minded and almost haughty for acting like the poetry expert. I have always believed poetry could mean anything to any specific reader, but after reading Perrine's justification for his views, I have to come agree on the idea that poetry can mean many different things, but there is always a central point or idea. One can interpret a symbol with numerous assorted words, but these words all must meet one central idea. Perrine notes,"A poem- in fact, any pattern of words- defines an area of meaning, no more. Any interpretation is acceptable which lies within that area." A poem contains a purpose, therefore assuming a poem can just be about anything detaches the real meaning behind the poem.
Through reading this article, I have gained a more deeper understanding of what it means to evaluate poetry. Not only is it a about looking beyond the surface, but discovering a deeper meaning. After reading Perrine's interpretation of Emily Dickson's, Walt Whitman's and Melvilles's poems, I've realized that I am a very shallow poetry reader. I would have never realized that Melville's poem was actually about stars, rather than an army. I may have picked up on the more descriptive detailed used in Melville's poem compared to Whitman's, but I by no means recognized the image of stars. This article has definitely imprinted the importance of looking beyond the obvious in my mind, which will be a useful tool throughout this class. Perrine ends his article by saying," A rose is a rose, and more than a rose. But a rose is not an ink blot. Nor is a poem." Perrine is first noting symbolism, stating how a rose is a rose, but a rose can mean more than a rose. Then, as previously stated, Perrine mentions that a poem can mean many things, but is in fact not open to all interpretation. Although I started out disagreeing with Perrine, I have come to agree with most, if not all, his insight on evaluating poetry.
Through reading this article, I have gained a more deeper understanding of what it means to evaluate poetry. Not only is it a about looking beyond the surface, but discovering a deeper meaning. After reading Perrine's interpretation of Emily Dickson's, Walt Whitman's and Melvilles's poems, I've realized that I am a very shallow poetry reader. I would have never realized that Melville's poem was actually about stars, rather than an army. I may have picked up on the more descriptive detailed used in Melville's poem compared to Whitman's, but I by no means recognized the image of stars. This article has definitely imprinted the importance of looking beyond the obvious in my mind, which will be a useful tool throughout this class. Perrine ends his article by saying," A rose is a rose, and more than a rose. But a rose is not an ink blot. Nor is a poem." Perrine is first noting symbolism, stating how a rose is a rose, but a rose can mean more than a rose. Then, as previously stated, Perrine mentions that a poem can mean many things, but is in fact not open to all interpretation. Although I started out disagreeing with Perrine, I have come to agree with most, if not all, his insight on evaluating poetry.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Blog #15
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Conclusion anaylisis to chapter 9
After Gatsby's death, Nick decided New York was in fact not quite his ideal place to live. Fed up with the shallow and snobby inhabitants of the land, he moved back to the midwest. Nick made an interesting point when he says,"Tom and Gatsby, Daisy and Jordan and I, were all Westerners, and perhaps we possessed some defiency in common which made us subtly unadatable to Eastern life,"(Fitzgerald, 176). Maybe it is possible that East was in fact the worst place for this crew to subside. It is clear that living there has most obviously caused chaos in all of their lives. Nick describes the West Egg as containing," a quality of distortion,"(Fitzgerlad, 176), which is a pretty accurate characterization of the pompous and superficial island. Things turn once again on the more depressing side when Nick returns to Gatsby house one last time before leaving for the Midwest. He strolls down to the beach and looks across the bay, reflecting upon the idea of the idea of the American dream. America was thought to be place where goals could be achieved and men could break unreachable barriors, but I feel that Nick (Fitzgerald really) has become more pesimistic after his time in New York. It is believed that success is achieved through time and practice, but Nick makes seem as if progess is a figment of our imgination due to our unwillingness to let go of the past."So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."(Fitzgerld, 180). Humans push themselves couragously into the future to better themselves and accomplish new heights, but our incapablility to release past leaves people unknowningly behind, already restrained in a progressionless whole.
Blog #14
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 9
This last chapter of The Great Gatsby was rather depressing, but also very insightful. Everyone's true colors emerge after Gatsby's death and it appears that Nick is the only true friends to Gatsby. Since no one took the matter into their own hand, Nick volunteered himself to take care of Gatsby funeral arrangements. Although Gatsby's parties were filled to the brim with honored guest and party goers, Nick cannot manage to scrape a handful of friends to attend the funeral. Not even Gatsby's good friend Mr.Wolfsheim will take the time to come, although he does share some words of wisdom when he states,"Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead,"(Fitzgerald,172). An even bigger shocker is Daisy's reaction to Gatsby's death ( more like no reaction). Her and Tom apparently ran away somewhere, but being the good friends they are the literally said nor sent anything to Nick or the Gatsby residence. Nothing. Daisy tells Gatsby she loves him, has always loved him, has an affair with him and can't even send a note sympathizing his death? Can't even show up to the funeral? I have come to really loathe her. Way to go Owl Eyes for pulling through though, I couldn't complain about that one. Gatsby's father is another surprise guest that attended the funeral. I was glad to know that Gatsby did maintain some sort of a relationship with his family and even helped them out financially once he became wealthy. Even though a few guest did attend the funeral, I couldn't help but have a heavy heart for Gatsby lack of companionship. He was such a popular man, famous for his parties and his extravagant mansion. I guess in the end though, that really didn't mean anything. Sure Gatsby could throw a nice party, but he has wasted his life chasing down Daisy. He didn't care about making life long friends, but attaining his dream. I became even more depressed when I realized in the end, Gatsby ended up with absolutely nothing.
This last chapter of The Great Gatsby was rather depressing, but also very insightful. Everyone's true colors emerge after Gatsby's death and it appears that Nick is the only true friends to Gatsby. Since no one took the matter into their own hand, Nick volunteered himself to take care of Gatsby funeral arrangements. Although Gatsby's parties were filled to the brim with honored guest and party goers, Nick cannot manage to scrape a handful of friends to attend the funeral. Not even Gatsby's good friend Mr.Wolfsheim will take the time to come, although he does share some words of wisdom when he states,"Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead,"(Fitzgerald,172). An even bigger shocker is Daisy's reaction to Gatsby's death ( more like no reaction). Her and Tom apparently ran away somewhere, but being the good friends they are the literally said nor sent anything to Nick or the Gatsby residence. Nothing. Daisy tells Gatsby she loves him, has always loved him, has an affair with him and can't even send a note sympathizing his death? Can't even show up to the funeral? I have come to really loathe her. Way to go Owl Eyes for pulling through though, I couldn't complain about that one. Gatsby's father is another surprise guest that attended the funeral. I was glad to know that Gatsby did maintain some sort of a relationship with his family and even helped them out financially once he became wealthy. Even though a few guest did attend the funeral, I couldn't help but have a heavy heart for Gatsby lack of companionship. He was such a popular man, famous for his parties and his extravagant mansion. I guess in the end though, that really didn't mean anything. Sure Gatsby could throw a nice party, but he has wasted his life chasing down Daisy. He didn't care about making life long friends, but attaining his dream. I became even more depressed when I realized in the end, Gatsby ended up with absolutely nothing.
Blog #13
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 8
I think what it all comes down to is that Gatsby had to die. There is not other way this story could have concluded. Daisy had been Gatsby reason to live from the moment he fell in love with her. All throughout the war he waited her and continued to wait even after she betrayed him to marry Tom. The parties, the wealth, the bootlegging, it was all for her. Although it is not openly stated, it is clear Daisy is going to remain with Tom. Gatsby may not accept this fact and will remain in his hopeful denial, but Daisy will never give up her aristocratic lifestyle. With this fact in mind, it is clear that Gatsby now has nothing more to live for. His love for daisy is his one major character flaw that solely led to his death. Similar to Gatsby, Wilson was another man that fell for a lady who long for the finer things in life. Myrtle fell for the Tom, just like Daisy, due to his sophisticated lifestyle. It's Myrtle's affair with Tom that ultimately led to Wilson's death. Wilson was incapable for providing for Myrtle, therefore his dreams of pleasing her were crushed from the start. At least Gatsby stood a chance due to his wealth. It's a little ironic actually that both people the Buchanan's had and affair with, Myrtle and Gatsby, end up dead. Before Gatsby dies, Nick tell's Gatsby the he "is worth the whole damn bunch put together,"(Fitzgerald, 154). Although Nick has his controversy's with Gatsby, he recognizes that he is a good guy. I think he has more than enough reason to believe so. All Gatsby ever did was chase love. Tom is a brutal and ugly man. Daisy is selfish and careless. Jordan is deceptive and dishonest. All these people had disturbing qualities, but Gatsby was pure and honest. A dreamer until the very end.
I think what it all comes down to is that Gatsby had to die. There is not other way this story could have concluded. Daisy had been Gatsby reason to live from the moment he fell in love with her. All throughout the war he waited her and continued to wait even after she betrayed him to marry Tom. The parties, the wealth, the bootlegging, it was all for her. Although it is not openly stated, it is clear Daisy is going to remain with Tom. Gatsby may not accept this fact and will remain in his hopeful denial, but Daisy will never give up her aristocratic lifestyle. With this fact in mind, it is clear that Gatsby now has nothing more to live for. His love for daisy is his one major character flaw that solely led to his death. Similar to Gatsby, Wilson was another man that fell for a lady who long for the finer things in life. Myrtle fell for the Tom, just like Daisy, due to his sophisticated lifestyle. It's Myrtle's affair with Tom that ultimately led to Wilson's death. Wilson was incapable for providing for Myrtle, therefore his dreams of pleasing her were crushed from the start. At least Gatsby stood a chance due to his wealth. It's a little ironic actually that both people the Buchanan's had and affair with, Myrtle and Gatsby, end up dead. Before Gatsby dies, Nick tell's Gatsby the he "is worth the whole damn bunch put together,"(Fitzgerald, 154). Although Nick has his controversy's with Gatsby, he recognizes that he is a good guy. I think he has more than enough reason to believe so. All Gatsby ever did was chase love. Tom is a brutal and ugly man. Daisy is selfish and careless. Jordan is deceptive and dishonest. All these people had disturbing qualities, but Gatsby was pure and honest. A dreamer until the very end.
Blog #12
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 7 pages 129-145
Blog #11
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 7 pages 113-128
Tension is extremely high is this first section of chapter seven. Due to Gatsby's and Daisy's rekindled relationship, Gatsby is no longing hosting his extravagant parties. Since these parties were solely created in an attempt to catch Daisy's attention, they are of no use to him anymore given the fact that they are back together. Later in the chapter, Daisy invites Gatsby, Nick and Jordan over for tea. It's pretty evident from the start that things are going to take a turn for the worse. Tom leaves the room to go fetch some drinks and in his absence Daisy kisses Gatsby and tells him she loves him. She is an idiot. Her husband is right there! Only a room away! I honestly don't know what she is thinking. Later, Gatsby's and Daisy are caught looking at each with their puppy love, longing eyes and right then and there Tom knows what's up. Nick states,"She had told him that she loved him, and Tom Buchanan saw. He was astounded. His mouth opened a little, and he looked at Gatsby, and then back at Daisy as if he just recognized her as some one he knew a long time ago,"(Fitzgerald, 119). In an attempt to control his anger, Tom suggest they go downtown, but on the way Tom had to stop for gas. Where else would fate bring the crew another than to Wilson's Garage. Wilson informs Tom that he is trying to go West with his wife due to his recent realization that she is having an affair, whomever could it be with?! Gatsby and Daisy continue to be too obvious about their little affair and Tom's anger increases with every movement. I'm just waiting for him to blow. It will be soon and won't be pretty. Oh man this is getting good...
Tension is extremely high is this first section of chapter seven. Due to Gatsby's and Daisy's rekindled relationship, Gatsby is no longing hosting his extravagant parties. Since these parties were solely created in an attempt to catch Daisy's attention, they are of no use to him anymore given the fact that they are back together. Later in the chapter, Daisy invites Gatsby, Nick and Jordan over for tea. It's pretty evident from the start that things are going to take a turn for the worse. Tom leaves the room to go fetch some drinks and in his absence Daisy kisses Gatsby and tells him she loves him. She is an idiot. Her husband is right there! Only a room away! I honestly don't know what she is thinking. Later, Gatsby's and Daisy are caught looking at each with their puppy love, longing eyes and right then and there Tom knows what's up. Nick states,"She had told him that she loved him, and Tom Buchanan saw. He was astounded. His mouth opened a little, and he looked at Gatsby, and then back at Daisy as if he just recognized her as some one he knew a long time ago,"(Fitzgerald, 119). In an attempt to control his anger, Tom suggest they go downtown, but on the way Tom had to stop for gas. Where else would fate bring the crew another than to Wilson's Garage. Wilson informs Tom that he is trying to go West with his wife due to his recent realization that she is having an affair, whomever could it be with?! Gatsby and Daisy continue to be too obvious about their little affair and Tom's anger increases with every movement. I'm just waiting for him to blow. It will be soon and won't be pretty. Oh man this is getting good...
Blog #10
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 6
In the beginning of this chapter, the true Jay Gatsby is finally relieved. Nick learns that before there was Jay Gatsby, there was James Gatz. James was born in North Dakota to a family of impoverished farmers. While beating his way on Lake Superior, James met Dan Cody, a fifteen year old millionaire. Cody took James under his wing, but died shortly after. He left jay 25,000 dollars, but Ella Kaye got the sum taken away from him. The young Gatsby is described as," a platonic conception of himself,"(Fitzgerlad, 98). He is the physical representation of the self made man. When James changes his name to Jay Gatsby, he transforms himself into the man of his highest expectations. He is no longer the poor boy from North Dakota, but a hard working and successful American man. Back to present times, Gatsby has invited the Buchanan's to one of his acclaimed parties. Neither Tom nor Daisy have ever attended one of Gatsby's parties before, so they seem a little uneasy trying to mix in with the West Eggers. Too narrow minded to allow themselves to have a good time, the two show little interest in the party. They are people of old aristocracy and although the people at the party may be wealthy, the Buchanan's do not wish to associate themselves with new money. Sound awfully snobby to me. As the Buchanan's leave the party, Gatsby voices to Nick how he believes Daisy didn't have that great of a time. Nick tries to console him, but I think they both know the party wasn't really her ideal. Daisy represents everything Gatsby has ever wanted. She is the living example of sophistication and wealth, but what Gatsby doesn't realize is that there separation in class will ultimately keep them apart . Similar to Lilly Bart and Lawrence Selden, Daisy may love Gatsby, but not enough to loose her aristocratic lifestyle.
In the beginning of this chapter, the true Jay Gatsby is finally relieved. Nick learns that before there was Jay Gatsby, there was James Gatz. James was born in North Dakota to a family of impoverished farmers. While beating his way on Lake Superior, James met Dan Cody, a fifteen year old millionaire. Cody took James under his wing, but died shortly after. He left jay 25,000 dollars, but Ella Kaye got the sum taken away from him. The young Gatsby is described as," a platonic conception of himself,"(Fitzgerlad, 98). He is the physical representation of the self made man. When James changes his name to Jay Gatsby, he transforms himself into the man of his highest expectations. He is no longer the poor boy from North Dakota, but a hard working and successful American man. Back to present times, Gatsby has invited the Buchanan's to one of his acclaimed parties. Neither Tom nor Daisy have ever attended one of Gatsby's parties before, so they seem a little uneasy trying to mix in with the West Eggers. Too narrow minded to allow themselves to have a good time, the two show little interest in the party. They are people of old aristocracy and although the people at the party may be wealthy, the Buchanan's do not wish to associate themselves with new money. Sound awfully snobby to me. As the Buchanan's leave the party, Gatsby voices to Nick how he believes Daisy didn't have that great of a time. Nick tries to console him, but I think they both know the party wasn't really her ideal. Daisy represents everything Gatsby has ever wanted. She is the living example of sophistication and wealth, but what Gatsby doesn't realize is that there separation in class will ultimately keep them apart . Similar to Lilly Bart and Lawrence Selden, Daisy may love Gatsby, but not enough to loose her aristocratic lifestyle.
Blog #9
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 5 pages 90-96
In order to woo Daisy with all his material possessions, Gatsby takes Daisy on a tour of his lovely estate. From his extravagant gardens to his golden toilet, Gatsby present every item that might spark Daisy's eye. Daisy, being a fool for wealth, falls right into his little presentation, literally weeping over nice shirts. These people are sick. I can't get over how much money and nice things mean to them. Daisy is practically bursting at the seams, gawking at all the glamour contained in Gatsby's mansion. Poor Nick just kinda stands by and lets the two have there space, falling a few steps behind and keeping his distance. I feel pity for Gatsby because the longing he feels for the past is so evident. I feel as if he wants nothing more than to reverse the clock and get Daisy to wait for him instead of marrying Tom. I'm sure after seeing the life Gatsby lives Daisy is feeling a little remorseful herself. One of the main reasons she married Tom was for the security that came with him. Now seeing how her life could have turned out, Daisy is probably questioning her judgement once again. Irony is seen in this section of chapter five with the song that Gatsby makes Mr.Klipspringer play. The opening lyrics state "In the morning/In the evening/Ain't we got fun". Fun is the last thing this reunion has been. The song is carefree and lighthearted, but this encounter has been rather controlled and restricted. The chapter ends with Nick leaving the two alone. Quite the cliffhanger. Will the lover reunite? I think so...
In order to woo Daisy with all his material possessions, Gatsby takes Daisy on a tour of his lovely estate. From his extravagant gardens to his golden toilet, Gatsby present every item that might spark Daisy's eye. Daisy, being a fool for wealth, falls right into his little presentation, literally weeping over nice shirts. These people are sick. I can't get over how much money and nice things mean to them. Daisy is practically bursting at the seams, gawking at all the glamour contained in Gatsby's mansion. Poor Nick just kinda stands by and lets the two have there space, falling a few steps behind and keeping his distance. I feel pity for Gatsby because the longing he feels for the past is so evident. I feel as if he wants nothing more than to reverse the clock and get Daisy to wait for him instead of marrying Tom. I'm sure after seeing the life Gatsby lives Daisy is feeling a little remorseful herself. One of the main reasons she married Tom was for the security that came with him. Now seeing how her life could have turned out, Daisy is probably questioning her judgement once again. Irony is seen in this section of chapter five with the song that Gatsby makes Mr.Klipspringer play. The opening lyrics state "In the morning/In the evening/Ain't we got fun". Fun is the last thing this reunion has been. The song is carefree and lighthearted, but this encounter has been rather controlled and restricted. The chapter ends with Nick leaving the two alone. Quite the cliffhanger. Will the lover reunite? I think so...
Blog #8
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 5 pages 81-90
What starts out as an awkward and strange encounter between Daisy and Gatsby takes a turn for the better in this first section of chapter five. When Gatsby appears at Nick's door, pale and insecure, I thought there was not a chance that this "ironic" meeting between Daisy and Gatsby could end well. Gatsby walks in like a scared little boy and hides in the shadows until Nick forces Daisy and Jay to talk when he abruptly leaves them alone. Part of me wonders if Jay really does like Nick, or if he has simply been using him this whole time in order to get closer to Daisy? At times I really do believe Jay is fond of Nick, but then again he could just be using his money and power to win Nick over solely for his own purposes. When Nick returns about thirty minutes later, it appears that some connection between the two has been reestablished. "Daisy's face was smeared with tears," and Gatsby "literally glowed,"(Fitzgerald, 89). I'm not sure what was said between them, whether they confessed there still existing feelings for one another or just smoothed over the rough water, but obviously their talk ended in a positive outcome. Gatsby wants to take Nick and Daisy over to his mansion, which sounds lovely and what not, but I'm afraid he might get a little too cocky with all riches and acquired wealth. This will be entertaining, no doubt.
What starts out as an awkward and strange encounter between Daisy and Gatsby takes a turn for the better in this first section of chapter five. When Gatsby appears at Nick's door, pale and insecure, I thought there was not a chance that this "ironic" meeting between Daisy and Gatsby could end well. Gatsby walks in like a scared little boy and hides in the shadows until Nick forces Daisy and Jay to talk when he abruptly leaves them alone. Part of me wonders if Jay really does like Nick, or if he has simply been using him this whole time in order to get closer to Daisy? At times I really do believe Jay is fond of Nick, but then again he could just be using his money and power to win Nick over solely for his own purposes. When Nick returns about thirty minutes later, it appears that some connection between the two has been reestablished. "Daisy's face was smeared with tears," and Gatsby "literally glowed,"(Fitzgerald, 89). I'm not sure what was said between them, whether they confessed there still existing feelings for one another or just smoothed over the rough water, but obviously their talk ended in a positive outcome. Gatsby wants to take Nick and Daisy over to his mansion, which sounds lovely and what not, but I'm afraid he might get a little too cocky with all riches and acquired wealth. This will be entertaining, no doubt.
Blog #7
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 4
Some things are becoming more clear while other things just keep getting fuzzier. In chapter four, Nick gets the inside scoop from Gatsby about his true past. Gatsby claims his family was from San Francisco (but they are all dead now?), that he went to Oxford college and then joined the army. Nick right away seems rather skeptical. Gatsby's hesitant tone only further strengthened Jordan Bakers theory that Gatsby didn't attend Oxford. Later in the chapter, Nick is introduced to Mr.Wolfsheim, a friend of Gatsby. While enjoy a drink together, Gatsby hastily exits the room and Nick and Mr.Wolfsheim have a moment to talk privately. Unknowingly revealing a secret, Mr.Wolfsheim mentions how Gatsby went to Oggsford college in England. Why is Gatsby so keen to keep this fact a secret? I don't understand why he wouldn't just say he went to Oggsford unless something terribly bad occurred there (which I'm guessing something did). The truth continues to unravel with Nick meets with Jordan later that evening. She reveals the unknown past between Daisy and Jay Gatsby. Apparently, back in 1917, Daisy and Gatsby were madly in love. When Jay had to go off into the army, Daisy promised to wait for him, but she obviously failed miserably. Although a few years have past, feelings clearly still exist between the two. The extravagant parties, the location of the mansion, the green light. It all leads back to Gatsby's underlining feelings for Daisy. It was not a coincidence that they both live on Long Island, but an arranged occurrence. Jordan notes to Nick,"Gatsby bought the house so Daisy would be right across the bay,"(Fitzgerald, 78). Now, the plot is to bring Daisy and Gatsby together through Nick. I think it's rather strange that Gatsby is very persistent with the idea of Daisy being able to view his mansion. Why is that so important? My only guess is so that she will be able to see the great deal of wealth and success he has acquired. I'm dying to see how this little reunion will turn out.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Blog #6
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 3 pages 49-59
It's getting late and the party appears to be getting a little sloppy. The remaining guest are mostly women fighting with there husbands or winning about their husbands. Once again we find Nick being an on looker as he observes the guest in his solitude. Only moments before, Gatsby swept Jordan away from Nick's company, wishing to speak with her alone. Jordan has never met Gatsby nor has had any previous encounter with him, so I'm not quite sure what Gatsby would be wanting with her. Maybe he is fan of her golf skills? Not likely. It's about two in the morning and Nick is just about to leave when he sees Jordan and Gatsby walking into the hall. Although Jordan has to leave, she quickly tell Nick that she,"just heard the most amazing thing,"(Fitzgerald,52), but of course she is forbidden to tell him. Tease. She hints that she will inform him later though. As Nick exits the mansion commotion is taking place outside. The man referred to as "Owl Eyes" had apparently crashed his car. This encounter was hilarious to read, but I was slightly confused on the significance. I don't believe Fitzgerald to be author who writes without a purpose, so this accident must represent something. Maybe this is just used to show how careless the wealthy are. As the chapter concludes, Nick mentioned that although he has written about only parties and fun affairs, that he did a lot more that summer than just mess around. He worked in lower New York and started a fling with Jordan Baker. It turns out she is somewhat of a little liar, which I don't find to be a good match for Nick at all. I think she is mostly with Nick because she thinks he is so easy going and absent minded that he won't notice her dishonest ways. Nick claims he is," one of the few honest people that I have ever known,"(Fitzgerald,59), so I don't understand why he would want to be with someone so untrustworthy as Jordan.
Analysis over chapter 3 pages 49-59
It's getting late and the party appears to be getting a little sloppy. The remaining guest are mostly women fighting with there husbands or winning about their husbands. Once again we find Nick being an on looker as he observes the guest in his solitude. Only moments before, Gatsby swept Jordan away from Nick's company, wishing to speak with her alone. Jordan has never met Gatsby nor has had any previous encounter with him, so I'm not quite sure what Gatsby would be wanting with her. Maybe he is fan of her golf skills? Not likely. It's about two in the morning and Nick is just about to leave when he sees Jordan and Gatsby walking into the hall. Although Jordan has to leave, she quickly tell Nick that she,"just heard the most amazing thing,"(Fitzgerald,52), but of course she is forbidden to tell him. Tease. She hints that she will inform him later though. As Nick exits the mansion commotion is taking place outside. The man referred to as "Owl Eyes" had apparently crashed his car. This encounter was hilarious to read, but I was slightly confused on the significance. I don't believe Fitzgerald to be author who writes without a purpose, so this accident must represent something. Maybe this is just used to show how careless the wealthy are. As the chapter concludes, Nick mentioned that although he has written about only parties and fun affairs, that he did a lot more that summer than just mess around. He worked in lower New York and started a fling with Jordan Baker. It turns out she is somewhat of a little liar, which I don't find to be a good match for Nick at all. I think she is mostly with Nick because she thinks he is so easy going and absent minded that he won't notice her dishonest ways. Nick claims he is," one of the few honest people that I have ever known,"(Fitzgerald,59), so I don't understand why he would want to be with someone so untrustworthy as Jordan.
Blog #5
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 3 pages 39-48
The beginning of this chapter left me feeling like an excited, giddy guest at one of Gatsby's parties. First off, the setting and descriptions of his parties just sound so alluring, spectacular, and free. All the food, the drinks, the music, the glamour. The whole event just seems so extravagant every time. Due to the detailed accounts, I could literally imagine the hanging lights and the sky deepening into a dark blue as the moon began rise. I could see the guest migrating around the beautiful garden, mingling with strangers in there drunken haze. Nick expresses the enchantment of Gatsby party when he says," the lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun, and now the orchestra is playing yellow cocktail music, and the opera of voices pitches a key higher. Laughter is easier minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at cheerful word,"(Fitzgerald, 40). After multiple nights of witnessing Gatsby's parties from his house, Nick received an invitation for himself. Feeling slightly uncomfortable at first, Nick retreated to the cocktail bar until he ran into Jordan Baker. At first I thought nothing was going to happen between the two, but now I'm not quite sure. I definitely picked up on more chemistry between them this time around, but still nothing like I felt between Nick and Daisy. Later on in the evening, as Nick starts mingling with the other guest, rumors being the fly about who Gatsby really is. One girl believed him to be a German spy, while another woman had heard he was an American solider. It isn't till Nick finds out for himself, when he unknowingly talks to Gatsby about fighting in Seventh Infantry for America. When Nick actually finds out he has been talking to Gatsby, Gatsby is pulled away before he can get another word out of him. All he notes is his understanding smile. Nick states," He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life."(Fitzgerald, 48). He continues to say, " It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey,"(Fitzgerald, 48). Gatsby must be an incredible guy to convey all those emotions from a simple smile. I am very interested to see how and when Nick and Gatsby will cross paths again.
The beginning of this chapter left me feeling like an excited, giddy guest at one of Gatsby's parties. First off, the setting and descriptions of his parties just sound so alluring, spectacular, and free. All the food, the drinks, the music, the glamour. The whole event just seems so extravagant every time. Due to the detailed accounts, I could literally imagine the hanging lights and the sky deepening into a dark blue as the moon began rise. I could see the guest migrating around the beautiful garden, mingling with strangers in there drunken haze. Nick expresses the enchantment of Gatsby party when he says," the lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun, and now the orchestra is playing yellow cocktail music, and the opera of voices pitches a key higher. Laughter is easier minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at cheerful word,"(Fitzgerald, 40). After multiple nights of witnessing Gatsby's parties from his house, Nick received an invitation for himself. Feeling slightly uncomfortable at first, Nick retreated to the cocktail bar until he ran into Jordan Baker. At first I thought nothing was going to happen between the two, but now I'm not quite sure. I definitely picked up on more chemistry between them this time around, but still nothing like I felt between Nick and Daisy. Later on in the evening, as Nick starts mingling with the other guest, rumors being the fly about who Gatsby really is. One girl believed him to be a German spy, while another woman had heard he was an American solider. It isn't till Nick finds out for himself, when he unknowingly talks to Gatsby about fighting in Seventh Infantry for America. When Nick actually finds out he has been talking to Gatsby, Gatsby is pulled away before he can get another word out of him. All he notes is his understanding smile. Nick states," He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life."(Fitzgerald, 48). He continues to say, " It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey,"(Fitzgerald, 48). Gatsby must be an incredible guy to convey all those emotions from a simple smile. I am very interested to see how and when Nick and Gatsby will cross paths again.
Blog #4
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 2 pages 31-39
My head is spinning a little after that last section. A lot of commotion and a lot outbursts left me feeling slightly off balance. As the party progresses, Myrtle gets a little out of hand in her drunken haze. She models her high class dress for the photographer and babbles about how her and Tom met. She justifies her having an affair with Tom with the phrase,"Your can't live forever,"(Fitzgerald, 36), as if that advocates doing something completely morally wrong. She might as well go running around screaming "YOLO!" Honestly, she complains about how terrible her husband is the whole time and I just wanted to be like, "THEN LEAVE HIM." On the other hand, its obvious that she believes one day Tom will leave Daisy for her, but I highly doubt that will ever happen. Even her sister Catherine says,"When they do get married"(Fitzgerald, 34), referring to Tom and Myrtle. My instinct was reassured when Catherine say that daisy's," a catholic, and they don't believe in divorce."(Fitzgerald, 33). Daisy is not catholic, therefore Tom must be making up excuses as to why he keeps Myrtle as his lady on the side. Catherine also mentions that both Tom and Myrtle can't stand the person they are married to. This comment I am particularly unsure about. When Nick was at dinner with Tom and Daisy, it didn't appear to me that Tom was bothered by Daisy, but he may just put up a very good front. If that is not the case, then this could just be another lie to make is seems as if Myrtle and Tom were on the same page. In a finally event that brought the night to a warm close, Tom breaks Myrtle's nose because she kept saying Daisy(hahaha!). The way this book is written is starting to remind me a great deal of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Similar to the main character Charlie, Nick is never actually apart of the events occurring, but notes them and observes them none the less. Yes, he is apart of the story, but the story is more about the people and the lives around him.
My head is spinning a little after that last section. A lot of commotion and a lot outbursts left me feeling slightly off balance. As the party progresses, Myrtle gets a little out of hand in her drunken haze. She models her high class dress for the photographer and babbles about how her and Tom met. She justifies her having an affair with Tom with the phrase,"Your can't live forever,"(Fitzgerald, 36), as if that advocates doing something completely morally wrong. She might as well go running around screaming "YOLO!" Honestly, she complains about how terrible her husband is the whole time and I just wanted to be like, "THEN LEAVE HIM." On the other hand, its obvious that she believes one day Tom will leave Daisy for her, but I highly doubt that will ever happen. Even her sister Catherine says,"When they do get married"(Fitzgerald, 34), referring to Tom and Myrtle. My instinct was reassured when Catherine say that daisy's," a catholic, and they don't believe in divorce."(Fitzgerald, 33). Daisy is not catholic, therefore Tom must be making up excuses as to why he keeps Myrtle as his lady on the side. Catherine also mentions that both Tom and Myrtle can't stand the person they are married to. This comment I am particularly unsure about. When Nick was at dinner with Tom and Daisy, it didn't appear to me that Tom was bothered by Daisy, but he may just put up a very good front. If that is not the case, then this could just be another lie to make is seems as if Myrtle and Tom were on the same page. In a finally event that brought the night to a warm close, Tom breaks Myrtle's nose because she kept saying Daisy(hahaha!). The way this book is written is starting to remind me a great deal of The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Similar to the main character Charlie, Nick is never actually apart of the events occurring, but notes them and observes them none the less. Yes, he is apart of the story, but the story is more about the people and the lives around him.
Blog #3
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 2 pages 23-30
Fitzgerald introduces this chapter with an extended metaphor, materializing " a valley of ashes," watched over by the haunting eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. Here is where Nick is introduced to Tom's mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle is practically the opposite of Daisy is every way. Where daisy wears pale whites, Myrtle dresses in saturated colors. While Daisy is soft spoken and gentle, Myrtle is straightforward and almost obnoxious. Myrtle is all woman with her curvy body and outspoken demeanor, but I suppose Tom enjoys the change of pace. Tom takes Myrtle and Nick to the City where Myrtle takes advantage of her rich lover, obviously enjoying the good life while she has the chance. It is without a doubt that being with Tom is an entirely new world for Myrtle. Her husband, George B. Wilson, is describe as,"a white ashen of dust." and "mingling immediately with cement color of the walls."(Fitzgerald, 26). It is as if he is drowning in his own poverty, comparable to the walking dead. Once in the city, Tom and Myrtle insist Nick comes to their apartment, which I think is extremely strange...Anyways, Nick goes and Myrtle throws a little party were we are introduced to people such as Catherine, Myrtle's sister and Mr.Mckee and Mrs.Mckee. At the end of the section, Nick mentions the Myrtle changes her clothes. Instead of her usual colorful attire, she changes into a cream-colored chiffon. This outfit is a lot more sophisticated and wealthy, it almost sounds like something Daisy would wear. This may be used to symbolize the change wealth has over her usual personality. Instead of her normal audacity, Myrtle begins to control her gestures and her laugh, I'm fascinated to see how the party plays out.
Blog #2
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 1 pages 12-21
As all the guest join the table for dinner, things get a little scandalous in the second section of The Great Gatsby. A tiny bomb was dropped when Miss Baker announces, "Tom's got some woman in New York."(Fitzgerald,15). Okay, so he is married and has a kid and this big lovely house and he is fooling around with some lady from New York?! He sound like a catch to me. I'm not quite sure if Daisy knows about this other woman or not, but I am leaning more towards she does know. She quickly follows Tom inside when he receives the phone call from the gal and mentions to Nick that she,"thinks everything is terrible anyhow,"(Fitzgerald,17). She obviously isn't a very happy person these days and I think a rather large amount of that has to do with Tom. On the other end of the love spectrum, Daisy mentions that she would love to get Nick and Miss Baker together. I'm not quite sure how Nick feels about this. He didn't really say anything significant about Miss Baker or appear to be exceptionally intrigued by her, which leads me to think nothing we happen between them. On the other hand, Nick was extremely observant and interested in Daisy. Constantly noting her beauty and her sweet way of talking, it seemed as if Nick has a thing for his married, cousin.(what is it with these books and cousins?) My only other assumptions is that Nick is just simply describing Daisy for the readers, but I felt like there was a lot more chemistry there. The section ends with Nick returning to his home in the East Egg, but noticing a man reaching his arms toward a green light located on the West Egg. My first instinct is that this is clear symbolism. Being located on the more middle class island of the two, the man appears to being reaching his arms out to wealth and power of West Egg. I'm very curious to see if my prediction is correct.
Blog #1
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Analysis over chapter 1 pages 1-12
In these first few pages of The Great Gatsby, I already know the book is written in the first person narrative, which will mostly likely cause less confusion than the third person narrative seen in The House of Mirth. The story's perspective is told from the tolerant and nonjudgmental, Nick Carraway, who I assume will be the antagonist of the novel. Coming from a pronounced family from the Midwest and graduating from Yale, Nick is very aware of the advantages he has received. After fighting in World War 1, Nick moved to New York and now lives in the West Egg. The residents of the West Egg appear to be people of new money, not quite comparable to the the old aristocrats and people of inherited wealth that inhibit the East Egg. Nick's house is located right next to the Gatsby mansion, an old and enormous estate. I'm not quite sure how Nick will come to correlate with the Gatsby mansion, but I'm assuming since the name of the book is in fact The Great Gatsby, it is more than likely to happen. Later in the first chapter, Nick takes a trip to the East Egg to visit his cousin, Daisy Buchanas. Daisy is alluring and witty, "whose face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and bright passionate mouth, but there was an excitement in her voice that men who had cared for her found difficult to forget."(Fitzgerlad, 9). Daisy is very charming( reminds me of Lily...),but seems to be weighed down by her supercilious and macho husband, Tom. Tom shows Nick around his more than adequate mansion, probably to prove that even after his successful years at Yale, Tom is still number one. I don't care for him very much at all. Lastly, Nick is introduced to Miss Baker, she is a friend of Daisy's and supposedly a professional golfer. The section ends with the mention of Gatsby, but Nick is interrupted before he can declare that Gatsby is his neighbor.
Analysis over chapter 1 pages 1-12
In these first few pages of The Great Gatsby, I already know the book is written in the first person narrative, which will mostly likely cause less confusion than the third person narrative seen in The House of Mirth. The story's perspective is told from the tolerant and nonjudgmental, Nick Carraway, who I assume will be the antagonist of the novel. Coming from a pronounced family from the Midwest and graduating from Yale, Nick is very aware of the advantages he has received. After fighting in World War 1, Nick moved to New York and now lives in the West Egg. The residents of the West Egg appear to be people of new money, not quite comparable to the the old aristocrats and people of inherited wealth that inhibit the East Egg. Nick's house is located right next to the Gatsby mansion, an old and enormous estate. I'm not quite sure how Nick will come to correlate with the Gatsby mansion, but I'm assuming since the name of the book is in fact The Great Gatsby, it is more than likely to happen. Later in the first chapter, Nick takes a trip to the East Egg to visit his cousin, Daisy Buchanas. Daisy is alluring and witty, "whose face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and bright passionate mouth, but there was an excitement in her voice that men who had cared for her found difficult to forget."(Fitzgerlad, 9). Daisy is very charming( reminds me of Lily...),but seems to be weighed down by her supercilious and macho husband, Tom. Tom shows Nick around his more than adequate mansion, probably to prove that even after his successful years at Yale, Tom is still number one. I don't care for him very much at all. Lastly, Nick is introduced to Miss Baker, she is a friend of Daisy's and supposedly a professional golfer. The section ends with the mention of Gatsby, but Nick is interrupted before he can declare that Gatsby is his neighbor.
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