From chapters 4-6 choose one passage that you find interesting for whatever reason. Perhaps it perplexes you, develops a character in an interesting way, seems to contain a symbol, or has beautiful imagery.
Whatever your reason, type your passage (with page number) and then analyze and discuss the heck out of it.
Sign your name please.
When reading chapters 4-6 in The Great Gatsby I stumbled across an interesting passage that I thought represented a symbol and a certain theme. "If it wasn’t for the mist we could see your home across the bay," said Gatsby. "You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock." Daisy put her arm through his abruptly, but he seemed absorbed in what he had just said. Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever. Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her. It had seemed as close as a star to the moon. Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one (98). This passage was peculiar to me because it partially did not make sense. It is strange for Gatsby to know that the green light is across the bay when all this time it represented Daisy and how she was so far away from him. In that scene, Daisy was right next to him. I think it is hard for Gatsby to realize that his dream is coming true and how she is near him even though he always thinks she's across the bay. The symbol that I dissected from this passage was the green light. Even though it was already mentioned in the novel it is still an important symbol. I think that the green light that Gatsby looks at represents an inaccessible dream for him. The light could also represent the future and how it is very hazy and unclear. This also poses a question: If the green light is the near future, why is it related to Daisy and Gatsby's past?
ReplyDelete-Tadas Buivydas
DeleteExcellent quote choice & ideas...maybe, in some ways, that light represents his dream, which even though it may be coming true will never be completely true in the way he imagined it would be. Think about how the light is "colossally significant" and how when we build things up to be so big, sometimes it's impossible for the reality to match up.
DeleteSmoke weed everyday
Delete““Have you known Gatsby for a long time?” I inquired.
ReplyDelete“Several years,” he answered in a gratified way. “I made the pleasure of his acquaintance just after the war. But I knew I had discovered a man of a fine breeding after I talked with him an hour. I said to myself: “There’s the kind of man you’d like to take home and introduce to your mother and sister.””(Page 72)
In Chapter 4 I noticed a conversation between Mr. Wolfsheim and Nick in regards to Mr. Gatsby and how well Mr. Wolfsheim knew him. During the conversation on page 72 Mr. Wolfsheim describes Mr. Gatsby as “The kind of man you’d like to take home and introduce to your mother and sister”. It seems that Mr. Gatsby has a very high and esteemed character that was admired by people of the time. He also says, further down the page, that Mr. Gatsby is very careful about women and “He would never so much as look at a friend’s wife” (page 72). This seems to be contradicted in Chapters 5 & 6 where we find out that Gatsby is trying to reconnect with Daisy and possibly rekindle his love for her even though she is married. It seems very out of character for Mr. Gatsby to try something like that because of this reputation to not even look at a friend’s wife. Maybe we’ll see a drastic character change to something more like what we see between Tom and Myrtle or maybe Daisy and Tom will get divorced and she’ll marry Gatsby, leaving Tom to his affair with Myrtle. To be honest I hope Daisy leaves Tom and go and marries Gatsby as living with Tom seems to be eating her from the inside, making her cynical and slowly destroying her happy attitude.
--Ben Feinberg
I'd also think about the source of this evaluation of Gatsby's character...Wolfsheim is a sketchy, actually ruthless guy. He's a very bad man. And he loves Gatsby.
DeleteWhile reading chapter 6, I came across a passage that was particularly intriguing. It starts at the very beginning of the chapter, while Nick tells the story of Gatsby’s past: “James Gatz, that was really, or at least legally his name. He had changed it at the age of seventeen and at the specific moment that witnessed the beginning of his career-when he saw Dan Cody’s yacht drop anchor over the most insidious flat on Lake Superior. […]The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg , Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself” ( 98). The fact the narrator mentions the word ‘platonic’ provokes this idea of Gatsby being “pure” and “perfect”, or at least striving to be. Perhaps “James” is striving to be the man he dreams of—Jay Gatsby. I think Jay is the quintessential picture of the American dream, having an abundance of wealth, living in an exclusive area, and having lavish parties every week. So perhaps changing his name from “James” to “Jay” parallels with the idea of him being a self-made man that tries to transform himself into the aristocrat. Dan Cody seems to be the inspiration for James, as he epitomizes the idea of “self made”. It isn’t said why Cody died, but one can conclude that he died prematurely. If James life parallels that of Dan Cody’s, does that mean James will also die prematurely?
ReplyDelete-Alyssa Canderozzi
Ohhh...excellent ideas, and very good choice of passage. Also, some critics / readers believe that the surname "Gatz" is foreign, perhaps eastern european or jewish sounding... why would he change it? A truly "self-made" man who even invents his identity?
Delete"'You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.' Daisy put her arm through his abruptly, but he seemed absorbed in what he had just said. Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever. Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her. It had seemed as close as a star to the moon. Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one" (93).
ReplyDeleteI believe that this passage is very significant in "The Great Gatsby" because it represents one of the most interesting symbols in the book: green light. Gatsby views green light as his hope that one day he could be with Daisy. In chapter one Nick reflects how he see's Gatsby on his dock reaching out to the green light. We soon find out that this green light is a light at the end of Daisy's dock, which shows the distance between Gatsby and Daisy. Now as Gatsby reflects back to the green light he realizes that it has "vanished forever" just like the distance between Gatsby and Daisy. Gatsby has waited a very long time to be by Daisy's side and now that he is the green light is starting to disappear. Also when I think of a green light I think of going forward, or safe to go. When Gatsby looks at this green light in the distance he can't help but going for Daisy, because the light is being perceived as a good sign.
Nice ideas, but Tadas already discussed this passage in some detail!
Delete"He wanted nothing less of Daisy than that she should go to Tom and say: 'I never loved you.' After she had obliterated three years with that sentence they could decide upon the more practical measures to be taken. One of them was that, after she was free, they were to go back to Louisville and be married from her house-just as if it were five years ago" (116).
ReplyDeleteThis passage is interesting because it reviels Gatsby's hopes for the future and starts to give him sort of a selfish personality. His desire is that Daisy throws away the past three year of her life, spent with Tom, by saying "I never loved you," and ending her relationships with Tom. He then wishes that they move back to Louisville and "be married from her house-just as if it were five years ago." These are huge hopes and expectations of Gatsby, especially after just finally seeing her again for his first time in five years. This creates a selfish personality of his that hadn't really been exposed to the reader before. He has always been generous, having parties all the time and being a polite host. Now, he has become selfish in a way, as he is only thinking about himself and what is best for him. He wants Daisy to end everything she has with Tom to be with him, and make him happy, but he has not thought about what she wants, and what will make her happiest.
Korey Dropkin
One passage that really stuck out to me was a conversation between Tom, Daisy and Gatsby.
ReplyDelete"'Daisy's leaving you." 'Nonsense.' 'I am, though,' she said with a visible effort. 'She's not leaving me!' Tom;s words suddenly leaned down over Gatsby. 'Certainly not for a common swindler who'd have to steal the ring he put on her finger!'" (132.
This passage intrigued me because for the first time you really see Tom show any emotion towards Daisy. The part that i specifically find interesting is that the emotion Tom shows isn't even a love or adoration for Daisy. More of a protective ownership almost as if she's property to Tom. It's like Tom doesn't even care about but it's the fact that she is his. It also interested me because it heightens Gatsby's obsession of Daisy. How he makes up fantasies over Daisy and has a fairy tale-esque view of his relationship with Daisy, even though to date it's null.
-Holly
“Gatsby, his hands still in his pockets, was reclining against the mantelpiece in a strained counterfeit of perfect ease, even of boredom. His head leaned back so far that it rested against the face of a defunct mantelpiece clock, and from this position his distraught eyes stared down at Daisy, who was sitting, frightened but graceful, on the edge of a stiff chair.
ReplyDelete‘We’ve met before,’ muttered Gatsby. His eyes glanced momentarily at me, and his lips parted with an abortive attempt at a laugh. Luckily the clock took this moment to tilt dangerously at the pressure of his head, whereupon he turned and caught it with trembling fingers, and set it back in place. Then he sat down, rigidly, his elbow on the arm of the sofa and his chin in his hand” (86).
This passage is quite lengthy for two reasons: to show Jay Gatsby's unexpected timidity and to reveal a very discreet symbol. In this chapter, we see a different side to Gatsby; in the presence of his long-lost lover, he becomes vulnerable and shy. In this passage, he tries to play off his mousiness by casually leaning on the mantel as hen greets Daisy. Although he does not want to show that he is nervous, Gatsby is very obvious with his stature, what he says, and his rigidity. As Gatsby leans against the mantel, he rests his head on a *"defunct mantelpiece clock."* This broken clock represents something very important about Gatsby that, just like the clock, he is trapped in time, living in the past, stopped when he realized that he could not have Daisy in his previous life. He has been so engrossed into the dream of one day being with Daisy that his life has ceased to grow and he has failed to grasp reality; he is trapped in a dream, trapped in time.
-Carl Lindgren
excellent choice & symbolic reading.
Delete"He wanted nothing less of Daisy that that she should go to tom and say: 'I never loved you.' After she has obliterated four years with that sentence they could decide upon the more practical measures to be taken. One of them was that, after she was free, they were to go back to Louisville and be married from her house-just as if it were five years ago."(page 109)
ReplyDeleteAs I read, for some reason, I loved the connection between Gatsby and Daisy. This passage that the author created for us really shows the complexity that Gatsby was feeling. As I was reading this i was feeling that same way. I wanted her to do that same thing! Tell Tom that she never loved him and just have a happy ending with Gatsby. Throughout the talk of their relationship, I felt that Gatsby really did want to travel back in time. His feelings for Daisy are so strong and he loved who she was. This passage really sums up his feelings for her and shows how he feels a deep connection. Enough that he thinks that she will leave her husband for him. It seems a little over done that they would just run off and get married but i do think that at this moment Daisy has some doubts. Tom will do everything he can to change that however. So far i am really enjoying this book!
I'm glad you like it & good ideas! However, someone already discussed this passage...
DeleteObviously one of the most intriguing parts of the book so far is Gatsby's mysteriousness. As I've been reading, one thing that makes Gatsby so mysterious is his willingness to let complete strangers into his home every single night. Nick is constantly commenting on the fact that more often than not the uninvited out number the invited at Gatsby's get-togethers. When Nick is describing the list of guests he encountered at the Gatsby residence, he says "But I can still read the grey names and they will give you a better impression than my generalities of those who accepted Gatsby's hospitality and paid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about him" (65). What makes Gatsby so mysterious is the simple fact that no one knows anything about him. However when speaking of his own parties, Gatsby says "I keep it always full of interesting people, night and day. People who do interesting things. Celebrated people" (96). I found it really interesting that Gatsby thinks all of these people who know absolutely nothing about him are so interesting. In a way I think it adds to his mysteriousness.
ReplyDeleteGabby
"...his children sold his house with the black wreath still on the door. Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry." (88)
ReplyDeleteThis passage is in the middle of chapter five, during Daisy and Gatsby's reunion. While it doesn't really have any significance to the actual plot, I still thought it was an interesting connection to F. Scott Fitzgerald's quote about the very rich. This passage is an example of a subtle aside in which Fitzgerald makes clear his obviously sincere belief that the very rich are fundamentally different from the middle class. He believes that they "think, deep in their hearts that they are better than [the rest of us]" and that "even when they enter deep into our world or sink below it they still think that they are better than we". However, in this passage from The Great Gatsby, it almost seems as though Fitzgerald believes that not only the very rich possess this superiority complex, but that Americans at large possess it as well. By saying that Americans are willing to be "serfs", he is referring to the attitude held by many Americans that a man can start with nothing and rise through the ranks until he is very successful, provided he is willing to put in the work. This attitude was especially popular around the turn of the century and in the New York area, where thousands of very poor immigrants from all over the world flocked to America in search of opportunity and the "American dream". Serfs were of course unpaid servants who slaved away on the fields of an overlord in return for protection. The overlords in this scenario are the wealthy elite and the serfs are the millions of working-class Americans struggling to make their way up the ladder to attain the same level of wealth. However, Fitzgerald counters this by saying that while Americans are willing to behave as serfs, they would never admit to their lowly status because that would make them "peasantry". This is determined by whether or not a person accepts their position as permanent. A poor worker can fuel himself with the belief that someday he will be rich as long as he works hard enough. However, a poor person without conviction has accepted his position and is unlikely to move up. This is why Americans, particularly at the time, who didn't consider themselves to be part of the "peasantry" felt a sense of superiority even though they are doing the same work. I Fitzgerald means that the very rich feel a sense of superiority towards the working class, even if they are no longer wealthy, because they simply refuse to accept their position as working-class citizens.
Excellent connections and analysis of a small detail that is very meaningful!!
Delete"He was balancing himself on the dashboard of his car with that resourcefulness of movement that is so pecularialy American--that comes, I suppose, with the absence of lifting work or rigid sitting in youth and, even more, with the formless grace of our nervous, sporadic games. This quality was continually breaking through his punctilious manner in the shape of restlessness. He was never quite still; there was always a tapping foot somewhere or the impatient opening and closing of a hand." (64)
ReplyDeleteI found this passage interesting in "The great gatsby" because it was an outstanding description of Jay Gatsby. The way Fitzgerald points out that the way Gatsby is presenting himself "with that resourcefulness of movement that is so peculiarly American" gives the reader a sort of idea of what was the ideal American. In particular though it portrays a wealthy american, as even though Gatsby does not have the distinct personality of being a snobby rich jerk like Tom Buchanon, he still has the tendencies of being impatient, almost implying that Americans with wealth have their own distinct way of showing their impatience. Another thing I found interesting with this passage is the examples that Fitzgerald used for Gatsby's natural wealthy impatience, his physical restlessness. The constant foot tapping or open-close movements of a hand are things that I myself see in everyday classrooms that even I do. However I don't consider myself wealthy, but maybe being brought up in this day in age has led people to this kind of physical restlessness from the privalages we have now. What Fitzgerald is enforcing is that wealthy privaleged people are always naturally impacient, and that this impatience is distinct to Americans at the time.
“He’s a bootlegger,” said the young ladies, moving somewhere between his cocktails and flowers. “One time he killed a man who had found out that he was nephew to Von Hindenburg and second cousin to the devil.” (81)
ReplyDeleteThe whole idea of Gatsby being this unknown, mysterious force is part of the appeal of the overall book, and these crazy rumors just keep adding more to the levels of mystery. As more and more people come to know about Gatsby, the more they want to know about him. For me, the draw of this quote in particular is the whole idea that it has to be exciting and dangerous. That Gatsby must have earned his money though illegal means, simply because these people have never heard of him or his family. I agree, it’s quiet likely, but moreover, the fact that they did not know his name is what got me. Just because they are the elite super rich of one place, does not mean that they are all knowing. Like everyone else, there will be things and people that they don’t know of or know personally simple because they either A) Prefer to be more private or B) Are new to it all. I think that’s what bothers me so much about this elite class; they think that they are all knowing simply because they have money.
~Stephanie Brown
In these 3 chapters, many things ocurred but I found that a very simple quote stood out to me the most. On page 64, the Nick describes one of his encounters with Gatsby and it struck me as somewhat unusual yet interesting. "He was balancing himself on the dashboard of his car with that resourcefulness of movement that is so peculiarly American—that comes, I suppose, with the absence of lifting work or rigid sitting in youth and, even more, with the formless grace of our nervous, sporadic games. This quality was continually breaking through his punctilious manner in the shape of restlessness. He was never quite still; there was always a tapping foot somewhere or the impatient opening and closing of a hand." To me this description was quite different. It not oly made a connection to other Amercicans and how they were raised in their childhood (which allowed for connection bewteen the reader and Gatsby), it also began to describe him in a peculiar manner. It was an extremely imaginative quote that expplained his odd behaviors in a perfect way. Most people when driving in a car find themselves relxaed, yet Nick stated that Gatsby was tense and poised. He also describes that Gatsby was in shakey and contstnaly moving during their encounter. This is very odd becasue two friends do not normally act this way towards one another.
ReplyDeleteFine ideas- but someone already analyzed this quote!
Delete"Here, dearis." She groped around in a waste-basket she had with her on the bed and pulled out the string of pearls. "Take 'em downstairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to. Tell 'em Daisy's change' her mine. Say 'Daisy's change' her mine!" (81).
ReplyDeleteThis passage illustrates a new side of Daisy; she confronts her feelings of not wanting to marry Tom, for she still has feelings for Gatsby. Daisy and Toms relationship is unfaithful on both Tom and Daisy’s part. But this passage allows for the reader to understand Daisy’s feelings on their marriage. Daisy getting drunk the night before her wedding expresses her doubt in their relationship. This is a significant moment for her because she now realizes her true feelings towards Tom and what he actually means to her. After reading the letter from Gatsby, Daisy reveals that she does not love Tom, and regrets her decision to marry him. Daisy deals with her uncertainty by getting belligerently drunk; this exposes how her life is complicated, and not as simple as she shows it to be. Daisy’s drinking brought her to think about her situation she’s stuck in, and wants Jordan to return her wedding gift to Tom. Daisy’s wish to return the necklace expresses her way of rejecting Tom and the wedding. In this passage Daisy owns up to her feelings of Gatsby, and reveals her loss of feelings for Tom. Eventually Daisy follows through with the wedding even though she admitted that she wanted no part of it. Daisy following through shows how much of a problem their marriage really is, for neither of them are dedicated to each other.
-Sarah Babcock
"The Exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain. I had to follow the sound of it for a moment, up and down, with my ear alone, before any words came through. A damp streak of hair lay like a dash of blue paint across her cheek, and her hand was wet with glistening drops as i took it to help her from the car."(85)
ReplyDeleteThis passage caught my eye because of the vivid desription of Daisys voice and the imagery of her wet hair. Also, I liked how he described him having to listen to her voice through the rain. Fitzgerald definetly seems to give a lot of description when speaking about Daisy and it makes me wonder. He seems to be trying to protray something about her to the reader. I always pick up on the beatuiful description of her because it so easy to imagine. Also connecting back to what Nick said about her doesnt judge people, you can tell her judges Daisy a lot throughout the book. It also develops her character as well, protraying her as the angel of the area.
-Lindsay
"I hadn't the faintest idea what 'this matter' was, but I was more annoyed than interested. I hadn't asked Jordan to tea in order to discuss Mr. Jay Gatsby. I was sure the request would be something utterly fantastic, and for a moment I was sorry I'd ever set foot upon his overpopulated lawn." (68)
ReplyDeleteThis passage struck me as interesting because it characterized Nick as somewhat uptight (at least, I saw it that way). He wasn't careless enough to let the matter wait to be settled later in the day as Gatsby had said it would be. Also, another view of Gatsby it revealed. In the beginning of the book, no one had ever described anything Gatsby did as "annoying". Nick brought forward that his mysterious nature got on his nerves, while other people seem to be fascinated by the questions Gatsby's presence always brought forth. I wonder if anyone else thinks of Gatsby this way... maybe he's not so "great" after all.
"The evening had made me light-headed and happy; I think I walked into a deep sleep as I entered my front door. So I didn’t know whether or not Gatsby went to Coney Island, or for how many hours he “glanced into rooms.” while his house blazed gaudily on. I called up Daisy from the office next morning, and invited her to come to tea."(83)
ReplyDeleteThis passage confirms Nicks extreme neutrality towards his experiences. Just as he had remained fairly neutral towards Toms affairs with Myrtle, he remains indifferent towards himself arranging a meeting between Gatsby and Daisy. Nick doesn't seem to give much sympathy towards his actions in facilitating an affair that could potentially wreck Tom and Daisy's marriage. This is produces a great deal of irony since Nick often appears disapproving towards the actions of the rich and fancy society he interacts with.This can also begin to seed doubt about Nick Carraway's honesty throughout the novel.
"'I wouldn't ask too much of her,' I ventured. 'You can't repeat the past.'
ReplyDelete'Can't repeat the past?' he cried increduously. 'Why of course you can!'
He looked around him wildly, as if the past were lurking here in the shadow of his house, just out of reach of his hand.
'I'm going to fix everything just the way it was before,' he said nodding determinedly, 'She'll see.'" (110)
This passage goes hand in hand with the one that Carl chose, as it focuses on Gatsby's fixation of the past. The manner in which he responds to Nick suggests that he is in denial that Daisy has moved on. Part of me finds it ironic, how he so desperately wants to fix this part of his life, while he seemed so determined to remove other aspects of his life, such as his old identity of James Gatz, entirely. I believe that focus on time is one of the most recurring themes throughout the novel. This passage also ties into the one that Korey chose, as it shows that Gatsby desperately wants Daisy to just drop her entire life to be with him and marry him. Despite being "educated at Oxford" Gatsby fails to understand one of the most simple aspects of life: that it moves on.
PS; Sorry this is so late! I was sick all last night as well as this morning so I was not on my computer until now.
-Steph Madigan
Good points...although, of course, we know now that he was not educated at Oxford. Yes, he seems to think money and desire can reverse time. Alas, it cannot.
DeleteWhen Nicks riding with Gatzby to meet mr. Wolfshein Gatsby says a very interesting thing that shows some possible flaws in his story. while talking about the war he says "We stayed there two days and two nights, a hundred and thirty men with sixteen lewis guns, and when the infantry came up at last they found the insignia of three german divisions among the piles of dead." He tells this story with such enthusiasim that it makes you think he is making it up. if it was true than he could eaither have ptsd or be a psycopath but he seems to be the opposite, just awkward. I think Nick plays this off too because he isnt sure of it, even with the medal he is given. And if his story was true the vivid detail would probrably come back to him or become lost in his mind for at least a breif time. but he quickly changes subjects and boasts his medals. I think this passage brings out his insecurity and that he rreally cares what people think- Aaron DeBruyn
ReplyDelete"But in the new silence I felt that silence had fallen within the house too...But there was a change in Gatsby that was simply confounding. He literally glowed; without a word or a gesture of exultation a new well-being radiated from him and filled the little room"
ReplyDeleteI thought this scene in the book, especially the outcome (which is depicted in the quote), gave the readers further insight into the mysterious Gatsby. I personally found this passage so interesting because not only do we learn more about Gatsby, but we finally see him acting like a real human being instead of a mysterious man living in the adjacent mansion. Fitzgerald characterizes Gatsby by describing his physical appearance as well as his behaviors. At the beginning of the scene, before his meeting with Daisy, Gatsby was nervous and irritable. At the beginning, this mood of nervousness blanketed the entire scene. All the preperations seemed to be rushed, clumsy, and urgent. By including his nervousness (like when he knocks over the clock), the reader can finally relate to Gatsby - everyone has been in an awkward boy/girl situation before. This emotionally unstable and awkward Gatsby is comical to picture. The fact that I even felt embarrassed when reading the scene, proves to me that Fitzgerald did his job while describing the chaos of the meeting. Another significant point to this quote is that, although we don't hear it, we know Daisy and Gatsby's conversation went well considering his "glow" immediately after. I particularly enjoyed that Fitzgerald did not share their conversation to the readers, for Gatsby's physical appearance said it all. The "silence" that fills the house symbolizes the "make or break" moment - Gatsby was going to come out of that room either happier or sadder than he went in. Fortunately, Gatsby becomes a "new well-being" and is happy with the outcome of their conversation. This scene showed an interesting switch of moods from completely nervous, to incredibly blissful. I enjoyed Fitzgerald's descriptions because, to me, they perfectly captured the shifts in mood, as well as making Gatsby's character easier to relate to.
Casino review and bonus code - Dr.MCD
ReplyDeleteCasino 춘천 출장마사지 review and 안양 출장안마 bonus code, game providers, payment 영천 출장샵 methods, games selection & payment 세종특별자치 출장샵 methods. Rating: 4.8 · Review 의왕 출장마사지 by Dr.MCD