Interpreter of Maladies
Jhumpa Lahiri
The Das family is visiting India as tourists from America. This somewhat shocks their tour guide, Mr Kapasi because they look Indian, but behave very American. It turns out Mr and Mrs Das' parents live in India, and they are just visiting them. Kapasi is a very observant man, and as the tour progresses he begins deciphering the family. The kids are unruly, and the parents don't do much to quell them. The father is very invested in the tour and his tour book, while the mother could care less about the vacation and seemingly only cares about herself. Kapasi notes that "Mr and Mrs Das behaved like older brother and sister, not parents. It seem that they were in charge of the children only for the day..." (Lahiri 151). Randomly Mrs Das begins asking about Kapasi's job and he reveals that he is an interpreter for a doctor. This interests Mrs Das, and she becomes more humanized and she seems kinder. The more questions she asks, the more Kapasi over-thinks the situation. He assumes she is interested in him, and he begins being interested in her. He observes her every physical feature, making me personally quite uncomfortable. He imagines their future love letters back and forth to each other. This thinking continues until Mrs Das reveals why she was so curious in his job; she wanted help on her marital troubles. She had slept with another man which made her son Bobby illegitimate unknowing to everyone but her. She had kept the secret and demanded Kapasi to help her, but he was so shocked to such behavior that he had no response. His response came in his actions when he saved the family from raging monkeys (this story is really all over the place). The chaos had united the family the way a family should be, caring for each other and loving them unconditionally.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Everyday Use analysis
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
The story begins with the tale of two sisters, one successful and pretty and one reserved and unsightly. A mother, which is more manly than motherly, cares for them in a shack of a house. The pretty daughter, Dee, leaves the home the moment she graduates in order to change her life from the poverty she had grew up in. Maggie, the shy daughter, stayed with her mother and lived a life similar to her, working hard and focusing on basic necessities. As time passed the mom and Maggie lived together, waiting for Dee to come back and visit. When she finally did, she brought a hippie of a "husband" back with her; but she had returned home for seemingly one reason, to take items from the home to use as petty decorations around her new home. This interaction shows how Dee has become successful, using her childhood tools now as table-toppers and wall decorations. Dee's growth demonstrates the growth of society as time moves on; it begins with humble beginnings but matures to not appreciate its once precious past. When Dee requested some quilts that were promised for Maggie, the mother snapped and refused to rob the daughter who never got anything in order to provide for the daughter who was handed everything. True irony strikes when Dee yells at her mother, claiming "'You just don't understand...' 'What don't I understand?' I wanted to know 'Your heritage'" (Walker 181). Their heritage is what Dee had abandoned and decided to now use to spice up her living room.
Alice Walker
The story begins with the tale of two sisters, one successful and pretty and one reserved and unsightly. A mother, which is more manly than motherly, cares for them in a shack of a house. The pretty daughter, Dee, leaves the home the moment she graduates in order to change her life from the poverty she had grew up in. Maggie, the shy daughter, stayed with her mother and lived a life similar to her, working hard and focusing on basic necessities. As time passed the mom and Maggie lived together, waiting for Dee to come back and visit. When she finally did, she brought a hippie of a "husband" back with her; but she had returned home for seemingly one reason, to take items from the home to use as petty decorations around her new home. This interaction shows how Dee has become successful, using her childhood tools now as table-toppers and wall decorations. Dee's growth demonstrates the growth of society as time moves on; it begins with humble beginnings but matures to not appreciate its once precious past. When Dee requested some quilts that were promised for Maggie, the mother snapped and refused to rob the daughter who never got anything in order to provide for the daughter who was handed everything. True irony strikes when Dee yells at her mother, claiming "'You just don't understand...' 'What don't I understand?' I wanted to know 'Your heritage'" (Walker 181). Their heritage is what Dee had abandoned and decided to now use to spice up her living room.
Sassy "Hazel Tells Laverne" how it is Analysis
Hazel Tells Laverne
Katharyn Howd Machan
Hazel is a cleaning lady who is telling Laverne about a pleasant surprise she encountered while cleaning a bathroom. She relives the fairy tale of the Princess and the Frog when a frog appears in the toilet bowl. The frog goes through the routine of kiss him on the nose and you become a princess. That's when Hazel "screams ya little green pervert an [she] hitsm with [her] mop" (Machan). This turns the fairy tale on its head, and actually is more believable. A talking frog who demands kisses is quite terrifying, and few people would actually be tempted by the promise of a princess. Another quality of the poem is her diction. The simple, poorly constructed sentences provide a comfortable setting for the conversation. The poem feels like Hazel is talking to me about her crazy day (and boy does Hazel have some hilarious stories). She concludes the story re-questioning herself as a princess, as if the frog was totally ridiculous for offering her princesship (which is now a word).
Katharyn Howd Machan
Hazel is a cleaning lady who is telling Laverne about a pleasant surprise she encountered while cleaning a bathroom. She relives the fairy tale of the Princess and the Frog when a frog appears in the toilet bowl. The frog goes through the routine of kiss him on the nose and you become a princess. That's when Hazel "screams ya little green pervert an [she] hitsm with [her] mop" (Machan). This turns the fairy tale on its head, and actually is more believable. A talking frog who demands kisses is quite terrifying, and few people would actually be tempted by the promise of a princess. Another quality of the poem is her diction. The simple, poorly constructed sentences provide a comfortable setting for the conversation. The poem feels like Hazel is talking to me about her crazy day (and boy does Hazel have some hilarious stories). She concludes the story re-questioning herself as a princess, as if the frog was totally ridiculous for offering her princesship (which is now a word).
Mr Z (not to be confused with Mr T) analysis
Mr Z
M. Carl Holman
Mr Z is a child of mixed race, presumably a mixture of white and black. He grew up in a time where blacks were thought to be inferior, and he tried desperately to escape that destiny. He studied, forsook his African-American culture, and made strides to become equals with whites. He had married a Jewish woman he also was displeased with her background, and together the ran away from themselves. They even avoided public dinners, because they feared the hosts may cater "to kosher accent or exoctic skin." Thier backgrounds did not define them, the way they had lived defined them. Mr Z especially seemed to rise above all others, seeming far superior to any white man. People acclaimed the fact Mr Z was so remarkable with the color of his skin, but he didn't want his color to have any effect on his prowess. Society simply couldn't see past race, and Mr Z died and was remembered dearly, but as a black man, not as a man. This is why I think he is called Mr Z, because his true self didn't matter to the world. All that they saw was his color, then they saw his achievements.
M. Carl Holman
Mr Z is a child of mixed race, presumably a mixture of white and black. He grew up in a time where blacks were thought to be inferior, and he tried desperately to escape that destiny. He studied, forsook his African-American culture, and made strides to become equals with whites. He had married a Jewish woman he also was displeased with her background, and together the ran away from themselves. They even avoided public dinners, because they feared the hosts may cater "to kosher accent or exoctic skin." Thier backgrounds did not define them, the way they had lived defined them. Mr Z especially seemed to rise above all others, seeming far superior to any white man. People acclaimed the fact Mr Z was so remarkable with the color of his skin, but he didn't want his color to have any effect on his prowess. Society simply couldn't see past race, and Mr Z died and was remembered dearly, but as a black man, not as a man. This is why I think he is called Mr Z, because his true self didn't matter to the world. All that they saw was his color, then they saw his achievements.
Dream Deferred analysis
Dream Deferred
Langston Hughes
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Perrine Poetry Reasoning.
I came into this reading thinking that poetry really has near infinite interpretations, but Perrine has somewhat changed my opinion. He states that there indeed can be multiple correct interpretations of a poem, but there is always one interpretation "relies on the fewest assumptions not grounded in the poem itself" (Paragraph 4) and is therefore the most economical. A correct analysis of a poem would provide a detail for every part of the poem, leaving no word undeciphered. The way he describes how his class interpreted the Dickinson poem much like how I did made me feel knowledgeable. However, he proves me to be incorrect and actually quite impressed by his own analysis. For me, daffodil triggered the image of flowers, and my interpretation completely revolved around that one nugget of information. Perrine points out that the interpretation could make sense, but assumptions must be made for it to be correct. That is why his conjecture of a sunset truly is the perfect analysis for the poem.
I do have one issue with this way of understanding poetry. That is that the interpretation may take ages to uncover. Unless someone spends most of their evening staring at sunsets, they wouldn't immediately think of one when reading the word purple or yellow. Nor would they jump to the conclusion of clouds when reading the word ships, or think of the sky when seeing the word wharf. The only way to completely and correctly understand a poem is to think of multiple scenarios of what the poem could be describing. Any preconceptions one might have going into a poem must be discarded. Without a trigger word to relate to sun, a sunset, dusk, etc., the reader may never arrive at the conclusion of a beautiful description of a sunset. Poetry also tries to trick the reader, making it even harder topass this class understand poetry, as illustrated by the pair of army poems. The reader gets the idea that both poems are related to war in some way, but the second poem is about stars. STARS?! How is any logical-thinking person supposed to unravel that mystery? Looking back, I understand that constellations could be the main focus of the poem, but that would not be my top five interpretations. Perrine basically states that poetry is hard, and you have to be an excellent analyzer to have a perfectly correct interpretation.
I do have one issue with this way of understanding poetry. That is that the interpretation may take ages to uncover. Unless someone spends most of their evening staring at sunsets, they wouldn't immediately think of one when reading the word purple or yellow. Nor would they jump to the conclusion of clouds when reading the word ships, or think of the sky when seeing the word wharf. The only way to completely and correctly understand a poem is to think of multiple scenarios of what the poem could be describing. Any preconceptions one might have going into a poem must be discarded. Without a trigger word to relate to sun, a sunset, dusk, etc., the reader may never arrive at the conclusion of a beautiful description of a sunset. Poetry also tries to trick the reader, making it even harder to
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Ch 9: That's....really sad
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I was halfway into this chapter before I fully realized that Gatsby was dead, so maybe I'm not the best analyzer of this book. Nevertheless, the conclusion of The Great Gatsby is very sad. Nick is left to take care of all the loose strings that Gatsby left, which includes the funeral. Daisy left down, making Gatsby's death nearly pointless. Then Gatsby's father, who knew his son as Jimmy Gatz, arrives upon hearing of his death. Mr. Gatz was so proud of his son, and so saddened that he couldn't provide for him such a lifestyle. Nick starts contacting Gatsby's business partners for the funeral, and no one commits to going. Scumbag Wolfsheim even blows off the funeral, claiming "'When a man gets killed I never like to get mixed up in it in any way'" (Fitzgerald 171). The father continues to show pride in his son, showing that even as a child Jay was determined to be a successful business man. In the end it was Nick, Mr. Gatz, and some servants who attended the funeral. Nick saw Tom later in the year who reveals to be a massive jerk by telling Nick he squealed on Gatsby to Wilson...big surprise. To make things worse Nick and Jordan never got back together. This is truly the most depressed I have ever been while reading a book.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
I was halfway into this chapter before I fully realized that Gatsby was dead, so maybe I'm not the best analyzer of this book. Nevertheless, the conclusion of The Great Gatsby is very sad. Nick is left to take care of all the loose strings that Gatsby left, which includes the funeral. Daisy left down, making Gatsby's death nearly pointless. Then Gatsby's father, who knew his son as Jimmy Gatz, arrives upon hearing of his death. Mr. Gatz was so proud of his son, and so saddened that he couldn't provide for him such a lifestyle. Nick starts contacting Gatsby's business partners for the funeral, and no one commits to going. Scumbag Wolfsheim even blows off the funeral, claiming "'When a man gets killed I never like to get mixed up in it in any way'" (Fitzgerald 171). The father continues to show pride in his son, showing that even as a child Jay was determined to be a successful business man. In the end it was Nick, Mr. Gatz, and some servants who attended the funeral. Nick saw Tom later in the year who reveals to be a massive jerk by telling Nick he squealed on Gatsby to Wilson...big surprise. To make things worse Nick and Jordan never got back together. This is truly the most depressed I have ever been while reading a book.
Ch 8 part 2: Someone finally became relevant
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As Nick travels past the crime scene, the focus shifts on over to Wilson. Reporters and relatives all flocked to his shack all because a woman was murdered. I'm not sure why everyone is still hanging around, because Wilson is an absolute bore of a man. The neighbor Michaelis does his best to keep Wilson's mind off of it, but Wilson is slowly slipping into madness. He is thinking methodically, seeking vengeance for his wife. Michaelis reveals that Wilson had nothing in his life, absolutely nothing besides his wife. The suspicion turns into pending disaster as Michaelis and Wilson talk about the accident, and Wilson suspects that "'he killed her...' 'Who did?' 'I have a way of finding out'" (Fitzgerald 158). He says things that that over and over, almost like he is predestined to murder his wife's killer. He promptly leaves Michaelis and goes to question about the yellow car. As Gatsby heads to the pool, Wilson figures out 'twas Gatsby's car that hit his wife. They meet at the pool and kill each other. It was so abrupt, that I'm not sure how it happened. Wilson had a gun, but yet He died too. I guess he could've killed himself, since he had very little left in this world.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As Nick travels past the crime scene, the focus shifts on over to Wilson. Reporters and relatives all flocked to his shack all because a woman was murdered. I'm not sure why everyone is still hanging around, because Wilson is an absolute bore of a man. The neighbor Michaelis does his best to keep Wilson's mind off of it, but Wilson is slowly slipping into madness. He is thinking methodically, seeking vengeance for his wife. Michaelis reveals that Wilson had nothing in his life, absolutely nothing besides his wife. The suspicion turns into pending disaster as Michaelis and Wilson talk about the accident, and Wilson suspects that "'he killed her...' 'Who did?' 'I have a way of finding out'" (Fitzgerald 158). He says things that that over and over, almost like he is predestined to murder his wife's killer. He promptly leaves Michaelis and goes to question about the yellow car. As Gatsby heads to the pool, Wilson figures out 'twas Gatsby's car that hit his wife. They meet at the pool and kill each other. It was so abrupt, that I'm not sure how it happened. Wilson had a gun, but yet He died too. I guess he could've killed himself, since he had very little left in this world.
Ch 8 part 1: He's got 99 problems...
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Gatsby has spent the disaster night watching over Daisy and Tom, making sure should was alright and didn't do anything crazy. He also had hoped that maybe, just maybe she would flee Tom for good and be with Gatsby through thick and thin. Alas, nothing had happened, and Gatsby has somewhat become a darker character because of it. He begins to reveal to Nick the truth of his love with Daisy. He almost instantly fell in love with her, tried to stop himself from doing so too, but she was too irresistible. Being poor and unable to support Daisy with a lavish lifestyle, young Gatsby had "'hoped for a while that she'd throw me over, but she didn't, because she was in love with me too'" (Fitzgerald 150). He had to leave her for the war, and continue to miss her as he went off to Oxford. By the time he dropped out, it was too late. Daisy had found Tom, and Gatsby was crushed. Even after all the success that came with being a charismatic, handsome, decorated war veteran, he felt empty without the girl of his dreams, as many men do. Their love nearly ended then and there, and Gatsby lost his sense of purpose. All he could do was to build up his empire and maybe, one day, have another go at finding love. Nick does his best to console Gatsby by missing his train and relaxing by the pool with Gatsby, finally a giving action done by Nick.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Gatsby has spent the disaster night watching over Daisy and Tom, making sure should was alright and didn't do anything crazy. He also had hoped that maybe, just maybe she would flee Tom for good and be with Gatsby through thick and thin. Alas, nothing had happened, and Gatsby has somewhat become a darker character because of it. He begins to reveal to Nick the truth of his love with Daisy. He almost instantly fell in love with her, tried to stop himself from doing so too, but she was too irresistible. Being poor and unable to support Daisy with a lavish lifestyle, young Gatsby had "'hoped for a while that she'd throw me over, but she didn't, because she was in love with me too'" (Fitzgerald 150). He had to leave her for the war, and continue to miss her as he went off to Oxford. By the time he dropped out, it was too late. Daisy had found Tom, and Gatsby was crushed. Even after all the success that came with being a charismatic, handsome, decorated war veteran, he felt empty without the girl of his dreams, as many men do. Their love nearly ended then and there, and Gatsby lost his sense of purpose. All he could do was to build up his empire and maybe, one day, have another go at finding love. Nick does his best to console Gatsby by missing his train and relaxing by the pool with Gatsby, finally a giving action done by Nick.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Ch 7 part 3: Jesus didn't take the wheel.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The commotion drastically settled from the last part when they left and Nick brought up his 30th birthday. The focus then jumps on over to Wilson and his neighbor Michaelis. They were having a chat about Wilson's soon-to-be departure to The West. Throughout the conversation, Wilson states that he suspects his wife is having an affair and slowly puts the pieces together assuming it was Michaelis as his wife's lover. For no obvious reason, Myrtle runs out of the house into the street where she was hit by a car, and the pandemonium re-ensues. Tom's car was one of the early cars to witness the aftermath, and he tried to help Wilson through the chaos. The cops show up, get the information, and all witnesses say that a yellow car hit her. A yellow car that was driving just ahead of Tom...that's Gatsby's. Tom realizes this and tells Wilson that the "'yellow car I was driving this afternoon wasn't mine--do you hear?'" (Fitzgerald 140). Though Tom didn't snitch on Gatsby, he did all in his power to prove he was at no fault. Nick gets back to his home and Gatsby knows of the events. Daisy was driving, but Gatsby was willing to fall on his sword to protect her. Gatsby is also confident that Tom and Daisy will never be together, which is what he always wanted. This book finally got interesting.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The commotion drastically settled from the last part when they left and Nick brought up his 30th birthday. The focus then jumps on over to Wilson and his neighbor Michaelis. They were having a chat about Wilson's soon-to-be departure to The West. Throughout the conversation, Wilson states that he suspects his wife is having an affair and slowly puts the pieces together assuming it was Michaelis as his wife's lover. For no obvious reason, Myrtle runs out of the house into the street where she was hit by a car, and the pandemonium re-ensues. Tom's car was one of the early cars to witness the aftermath, and he tried to help Wilson through the chaos. The cops show up, get the information, and all witnesses say that a yellow car hit her. A yellow car that was driving just ahead of Tom...that's Gatsby's. Tom realizes this and tells Wilson that the "'yellow car I was driving this afternoon wasn't mine--do you hear?'" (Fitzgerald 140). Though Tom didn't snitch on Gatsby, he did all in his power to prove he was at no fault. Nick gets back to his home and Gatsby knows of the events. Daisy was driving, but Gatsby was willing to fall on his sword to protect her. Gatsby is also confident that Tom and Daisy will never be together, which is what he always wanted. This book finally got interesting.
Ch 7 part 2: the roof, the roof, the roof is on Fi-ya!
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The heat is a constant reminder that the chaos is filling the atmosphere. Even as a someone who is just watching the events occur, Nick feels the heat/pressure as his "underwear kept climbing like a damp snake around my legs and intermittent beads of sweat raced cool across [his] back" (Fitzgerald 126). I simply had to include that quote, but he makes a good point. The pure disgusting feel of what Nick describes would be miserable to go through, and as a reader I was cringing through most of the section. Tom starts the craziness by revealing Gatsby didn't finish college, which Gatsby explains and frankly dodges a bullet. But Gatsby claims that Daisy loves him and always had, and never truly loved Tom. This is the driving force of the section, the absolute turmoil which ensues after this statement. Daisy was initially hesitant to admit her marriage was a lie, but she eventually gave in. Tom then reveals Gatsby's shady drug store business, and how he shouldn't be trusted, where I have to agree with Tommy boy again. Everyone is a mess and they decide to make their way back home.
Ch 7 part 1: Some people just want to watch the world burn
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
and Nick is one of them
Gatsby is fully invested into recapturing Daisy, and Tom is on to him. Tom is trying to figure out Gatsby so he can find a flaw in him that would make him undesirable to the world and especially Daisy. As they all converse everyone seems to be upset about the heat. This is slowly making everyone irritable, which seems to resemble the mounting tension of the group. They all decide on going into town, Tom, Nick, and Jordan would drive Gatsby's car and Gatsby would take Daisy in Tom's car. This is one of the examples in this section which brings forth confusion and chaos (don't worry, it gets better). During the car ride Jordan tries to explain how normal and safe Gatsby is, but it only makes Tom angrier. They stop for gas at Wilson's garage, where Tom nearly sells Gatsby's car right on the spot! Wilson also explains that he's planning on moving West with his wife, who is also Tom's mistress. Anger once again fills Tom, and confusion floods back into the scene when Myrtle Wilson comes out and assumes Jordan is Tom's wife. Nick, the watchful observer, illustrates the scene saying "there is no confusion like the confusion of a simple mind...Tom was feeling the hot whips of panic" (Fitzgerald 125). A house of cards is being built and is waiting for a clumsy hand or mighty wind to come and knock it down. disaster is on the horizon.
Ch 6: Ooooh, that makes sense.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Jay Gatsby is actually James Gatz. He was a poor kid looking towards the lofty hope of big success, and Dan Cody was his one way ticket to such a dream. Dan Cody, for some reason, wanted to help Gatz, so he pulled strings to build him into a successful business man. His goals were some what psychotic for he imagined a whole new persona and did anything necessary to achieve it. His own desires would consume him as his "most grotesque and fantastic conceits haunted him in his bed at night" (Fitzgerald 99). Here is where Gatsby most terrifies me, it's almost as though he is a serial killer, but his bliss comes from wealth and fame. His mentor, Dan Cody, had a horrible time with alcohol which led to his death; there was a silver lining which led Gatsby away from liquor and always gave him a clear mind when most of his business partners had no mind. The focus shifts back to current time and Gatsby is hosting another party where Tom and Daisy are invited. Tom proves to be even more unlikable by snooping around to figure out the truth of Gatsby. Even though I hate Tom, he has a good point. Is Gatsby totally legit, is he a bootlegger, a drug dealer, or involved in some sort of mafia?
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Jay Gatsby is actually James Gatz. He was a poor kid looking towards the lofty hope of big success, and Dan Cody was his one way ticket to such a dream. Dan Cody, for some reason, wanted to help Gatz, so he pulled strings to build him into a successful business man. His goals were some what psychotic for he imagined a whole new persona and did anything necessary to achieve it. His own desires would consume him as his "most grotesque and fantastic conceits haunted him in his bed at night" (Fitzgerald 99). Here is where Gatsby most terrifies me, it's almost as though he is a serial killer, but his bliss comes from wealth and fame. His mentor, Dan Cody, had a horrible time with alcohol which led to his death; there was a silver lining which led Gatsby away from liquor and always gave him a clear mind when most of his business partners had no mind. The focus shifts back to current time and Gatsby is hosting another party where Tom and Daisy are invited. Tom proves to be even more unlikable by snooping around to figure out the truth of Gatsby. Even though I hate Tom, he has a good point. Is Gatsby totally legit, is he a bootlegger, a drug dealer, or involved in some sort of mafia?
Ch 5: Whole lotta love
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
More like Whole lotta awkward!
Gatsby has convinced Jordan who convinced Nick to convince Daisy to have tea with Gatsby. Right off the bat I know this is going to go well. i guess it's common for friends to set other friends up on dates, but when Gatsby goes through so much trouble when he could easily just send a message to Daisy to get her to come! So Daisy agrees to meet Gatsby and Nick for tea at nick's house; since Gatsby wants to impress Daisy, he sends a gardener to Nick's house to cut his lawn. I mention this because it struck he as strange for a man to cut grass in pouring rain, because mushy grass tends to look much worse than long grass. Nevertheless Daisy arrives and Gatsby is no where to be found. She greets Nick saying "'Are you in love with me,' she said low in my ear, 'or why did I have to come here alone?' (Fitzgerald 85). Daisy clearly dislikes her current husband/marriage and is willing to hit on anyone who thinks she's pretty. Nick is heavily third-wheeling it here, and being as weird as he already is makes the whole arrangement so very awkward. I can't explain this book without saying awkward 5,000 times.
Somethings actually important comes from this encounter, a man named Dan Cody. He was Gatsby's mentor and a very influential person in his life. I'm starting to think he was the reason for Gatsby's success, but only time will tell.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
More like Whole lotta awkward!
Gatsby has convinced Jordan who convinced Nick to convince Daisy to have tea with Gatsby. Right off the bat I know this is going to go well. i guess it's common for friends to set other friends up on dates, but when Gatsby goes through so much trouble when he could easily just send a message to Daisy to get her to come! So Daisy agrees to meet Gatsby and Nick for tea at nick's house; since Gatsby wants to impress Daisy, he sends a gardener to Nick's house to cut his lawn. I mention this because it struck he as strange for a man to cut grass in pouring rain, because mushy grass tends to look much worse than long grass. Nevertheless Daisy arrives and Gatsby is no where to be found. She greets Nick saying "'Are you in love with me,' she said low in my ear, 'or why did I have to come here alone?' (Fitzgerald 85). Daisy clearly dislikes her current husband/marriage and is willing to hit on anyone who thinks she's pretty. Nick is heavily third-wheeling it here, and being as weird as he already is makes the whole arrangement so very awkward. I can't explain this book without saying awkward 5,000 times.
Somethings actually important comes from this encounter, a man named Dan Cody. He was Gatsby's mentor and a very influential person in his life. I'm starting to think he was the reason for Gatsby's success, but only time will tell.
Chapter 4 part 2: Book-ception
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As the lunch continues, Tom Buchanan shows up and the group has somewhat of an awkward exchange. This, for some odd reason, triggers a diary-like passage narrated by Jordan Baker. This serves as a more intimate look into Daisy & Co's life, since Jordan is a close friend to Daisy. It lets the reader learn about Daisy from a knowledgeable source, rather than the loafing Nick Carraway. Jordan reveals that 5 years ago Daisy had met Gatsby, and they somewhat fell in love. However, one thing led to another and they went their separate ways, a way that led Daisy to meet and marry Tom Buchanan. During the time before her wedding, Daisy is furious as well as miserable at the thought of marriage where "she began to cry--she cried and cried...and [Jordan had to] lock the door and get her into a cold bath" (Fitzgerald 76). But when the wedding day arrived, Daisy was all smiles and excited to be married. A normal reason for this would be pre-wedding nerves, which many people experience...but I think Daisy truly was against this, but saw no other option but to marry a wealthy man. This explanation leads the reader to start wishing Daisy and Gatsby had been together, but then their wouldn't be much of a driving plot now, would there? The focus switches back to Nick as the narrator, and he now has definitive feelings for Miss Baker. He thinks such sweet and beautiful things about her, but he says almost nothing. How can you screw up this much Nick?! I mean she's a girl, not the plague!! Anyway, I sense some serious problems on the Ocean of Love are ahead for this crew of characters.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As the lunch continues, Tom Buchanan shows up and the group has somewhat of an awkward exchange. This, for some odd reason, triggers a diary-like passage narrated by Jordan Baker. This serves as a more intimate look into Daisy & Co's life, since Jordan is a close friend to Daisy. It lets the reader learn about Daisy from a knowledgeable source, rather than the loafing Nick Carraway. Jordan reveals that 5 years ago Daisy had met Gatsby, and they somewhat fell in love. However, one thing led to another and they went their separate ways, a way that led Daisy to meet and marry Tom Buchanan. During the time before her wedding, Daisy is furious as well as miserable at the thought of marriage where "she began to cry--she cried and cried...and [Jordan had to] lock the door and get her into a cold bath" (Fitzgerald 76). But when the wedding day arrived, Daisy was all smiles and excited to be married. A normal reason for this would be pre-wedding nerves, which many people experience...but I think Daisy truly was against this, but saw no other option but to marry a wealthy man. This explanation leads the reader to start wishing Daisy and Gatsby had been together, but then their wouldn't be much of a driving plot now, would there? The focus switches back to Nick as the narrator, and he now has definitive feelings for Miss Baker. He thinks such sweet and beautiful things about her, but he says almost nothing. How can you screw up this much Nick?! I mean she's a girl, not the plague!! Anyway, I sense some serious problems on the Ocean of Love are ahead for this crew of characters.
Ch 4 part 1: Who is this man they call Gatsby?!
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
It's summer in West Egg and people are still partying at Gatsby's. Nick still remains the only person who goes to the parties to see Gatsby rather than to party. Nick tries to talk to Gatsby in order to understand his past, and this is the first instance in which Gatsby shares some of his secrets. Gatsby tells of his education, his family, his military service, and where he's from; from this, Nick collects that Gatsby is somewhat ashamed of his past. Nick isn't sure why, but he knows that Gatsby is uneasy for some reason. As the two go into town, a police officer pulls them over, then promptly lets them go upon seeing Mr. Gatsby, proving that Gatsby is either beloved or feared by many in New York. The meeting on Meyer Wolfsheim makes me think Gatsby is feared, for Wolfsheim is an assumed business partner of Gatsby's, and he is a disgusting man. He oozes shadiness and deceit, and he makes the reader wonder how Gatsby really is so wealthy. Wolfsheim was "the man who fixed the World Series back in 1919" (Fitzgerald 73), yet somehow got off clean. The man isn't to be trusted, and can only lead to bad things in Gatsby's future; and I do hope the best for Gatsby, because he still seems like he has an important purpose.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
It's summer in West Egg and people are still partying at Gatsby's. Nick still remains the only person who goes to the parties to see Gatsby rather than to party. Nick tries to talk to Gatsby in order to understand his past, and this is the first instance in which Gatsby shares some of his secrets. Gatsby tells of his education, his family, his military service, and where he's from; from this, Nick collects that Gatsby is somewhat ashamed of his past. Nick isn't sure why, but he knows that Gatsby is uneasy for some reason. As the two go into town, a police officer pulls them over, then promptly lets them go upon seeing Mr. Gatsby, proving that Gatsby is either beloved or feared by many in New York. The meeting on Meyer Wolfsheim makes me think Gatsby is feared, for Wolfsheim is an assumed business partner of Gatsby's, and he is a disgusting man. He oozes shadiness and deceit, and he makes the reader wonder how Gatsby really is so wealthy. Wolfsheim was "the man who fixed the World Series back in 1919" (Fitzgerald 73), yet somehow got off clean. The man isn't to be trusted, and can only lead to bad things in Gatsby's future; and I do hope the best for Gatsby, because he still seems like he has an important purpose.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Ch 3 part 2: I want to be his best friend.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
After an awkward introduction, Nick meets Gatsby! He seems like an upstanding individual, and actually reminds me of Christopher Nolan's Bruce Wayne (the Dark Knight Rises was a fantastic movie). They have a short conversation, but then Gatsby leaves to handle business over the phone. nick wants to learn more about him, but he can only be described as Gatsby without rumors getting swirled around his name. Something strange occurs when Gatsby's butler requests Miss Baker to go see Gatsby. At first thought, I assumed Gatsby was romantically interested in her, but we'll find out the true meaning of this later in the book. Nick is left alone with his thoughts, which is never good for the reader. The houseguests are getting progressively drunker and rowdier, and Nick does nothing but watch making this a very boring section of nothingness. As everyone is leaving, Gatsby says goodbye to Nick in an extremely awkward fashion when nick says "'Good night.' 'Good night...good night, old sport...Good night" (Fitzgerald 53). Why would anyone need to say that many "good nights"?! As the departures begin, some drunk guy gets into a wreck, knocking the wheel completely off of his car. At first i didn't think much of it, but then I began to suspect bad luck occurs with Gatsby, as though he is an unlucky charm. The chapter ends with Nick developing feelings for Jordan Baker, which probably won't go anywhere because Nick has no spine. I'm not a huge fan of Nick.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
After an awkward introduction, Nick meets Gatsby! He seems like an upstanding individual, and actually reminds me of Christopher Nolan's Bruce Wayne (the Dark Knight Rises was a fantastic movie). They have a short conversation, but then Gatsby leaves to handle business over the phone. nick wants to learn more about him, but he can only be described as Gatsby without rumors getting swirled around his name. Something strange occurs when Gatsby's butler requests Miss Baker to go see Gatsby. At first thought, I assumed Gatsby was romantically interested in her, but we'll find out the true meaning of this later in the book. Nick is left alone with his thoughts, which is never good for the reader. The houseguests are getting progressively drunker and rowdier, and Nick does nothing but watch making this a very boring section of nothingness. As everyone is leaving, Gatsby says goodbye to Nick in an extremely awkward fashion when nick says "'Good night.' 'Good night...good night, old sport...Good night" (Fitzgerald 53). Why would anyone need to say that many "good nights"?! As the departures begin, some drunk guy gets into a wreck, knocking the wheel completely off of his car. At first i didn't think much of it, but then I began to suspect bad luck occurs with Gatsby, as though he is an unlucky charm. The chapter ends with Nick developing feelings for Jordan Baker, which probably won't go anywhere because Nick has no spine. I'm not a huge fan of Nick.
Ch 3 part 1: ain't no party like a Gatsby party
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The reader gets a sense of hope now that they are plunged into one of Gatsby's amazing parties. However, the host seems to be no where to be found. Gatsby throws these parties for seemingly no reason, just to make random people happy. Women flock to these events just to have a good time. Actresses, businessmen, families, everyone goes to Gatsby's house just for the sake of a party. Nick notes that "people were not invited--they went there" (Fitzgerald 41). Nick seemingly was the only one who received an invite, most likely because Gatsby wanted to meet his neighbor. Nick spots Jordan Baker and decides to spend the evening along her side. As he talks with her and other guests, he finds out many rumors about Gatsby. None of them are connected in any way, so I doubt they are true; but if rumors exist about this Jay Gatsby then he can't be 100% clean and spiffy. As they wander through the house, they enter the library and find Mr. Owl Eyes (as he is so affectionately called).
couldn't stop thinking he looked like this
Owl eyes reveals Gatsby's immense wealth by showing of all the fancy books that are quite rare and amazing to him, but seemingly pointless to all non-historians. Furthermore the massive library adds mystery around Gatsby, as to why he has so many books and who he is trying to impress. Nonetheless, I'm eager to meet Gatsby and I hope he is as spectacular as everyone says.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The reader gets a sense of hope now that they are plunged into one of Gatsby's amazing parties. However, the host seems to be no where to be found. Gatsby throws these parties for seemingly no reason, just to make random people happy. Women flock to these events just to have a good time. Actresses, businessmen, families, everyone goes to Gatsby's house just for the sake of a party. Nick notes that "people were not invited--they went there" (Fitzgerald 41). Nick seemingly was the only one who received an invite, most likely because Gatsby wanted to meet his neighbor. Nick spots Jordan Baker and decides to spend the evening along her side. As he talks with her and other guests, he finds out many rumors about Gatsby. None of them are connected in any way, so I doubt they are true; but if rumors exist about this Jay Gatsby then he can't be 100% clean and spiffy. As they wander through the house, they enter the library and find Mr. Owl Eyes (as he is so affectionately called).
couldn't stop thinking he looked like thisOwl eyes reveals Gatsby's immense wealth by showing of all the fancy books that are quite rare and amazing to him, but seemingly pointless to all non-historians. Furthermore the massive library adds mystery around Gatsby, as to why he has so many books and who he is trying to impress. Nonetheless, I'm eager to meet Gatsby and I hope he is as spectacular as everyone says.
Ch 2: I don't even
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
This picture! This is an exact representation of me the whole time reading this section.
For starters, Tom forces Nick to go see his mistress with him. On the way there, Nick sees "the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust...[and] the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg [which] are blue and gigantic" (Fitzgerald 23). I was so confused reading this, thinking Nick was dreaming or something. But no! It turns out Eckleburg is just a billboard ad, and the scenery is just a boring side road off of the highway. Then Tom goes to see his girl Myrtle, who is married to a man named Wilson. Tom has some car business with Wilson, but is making Wilson struggle for what he wants, then Tom practically steals Mrs. Wilson right from under Mr. Wilson's nose! Tom is literally the worst person I have ever heard of and I despise him. the mistress is spoiled rotten too, begging Tom for a puppy as they pass a man selling some. A puppy?! Why would you want a puppy?!?! Myrtle has the mind and attitude of a six year old princess. They go back to the apartment and I am reminded that Nick is still with them. WHY?!?! Nick is just as confused as me, and he shares that "[he] has been drunk just twice in [his] life, and the second time was [that] afternoon" (Fitzgerald 29). Then the group starts a party which seems to have no importance.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
This picture! This is an exact representation of me the whole time reading this section.
For starters, Tom forces Nick to go see his mistress with him. On the way there, Nick sees "the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust...[and] the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg [which] are blue and gigantic" (Fitzgerald 23). I was so confused reading this, thinking Nick was dreaming or something. But no! It turns out Eckleburg is just a billboard ad, and the scenery is just a boring side road off of the highway. Then Tom goes to see his girl Myrtle, who is married to a man named Wilson. Tom has some car business with Wilson, but is making Wilson struggle for what he wants, then Tom practically steals Mrs. Wilson right from under Mr. Wilson's nose! Tom is literally the worst person I have ever heard of and I despise him. the mistress is spoiled rotten too, begging Tom for a puppy as they pass a man selling some. A puppy?! Why would you want a puppy?!?! Myrtle has the mind and attitude of a six year old princess. They go back to the apartment and I am reminded that Nick is still with them. WHY?!?! Nick is just as confused as me, and he shares that "[he] has been drunk just twice in [his] life, and the second time was [that] afternoon" (Fitzgerald 29). Then the group starts a party which seems to have no importance.
Ch 1 part 2: It started with a whisper
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The second part of Ch 1 is much more interesting for we learn about Tom and Daisy's disastrous marriage. For one, Daisy is a massive flirt, she hits on Nick right in front of Tom (also Nick and Daisy are related...). She also enjoys pushing Tom's buttons, which Tom detests. This may be the reason for Tom's secret mistress, which most of West Egg, but not Daisy, seems to know about. The reader is also introduced (yay, more descriptions) to Jordan Baker, a somewhat careless girl who is a professional golfer. It's hard to tell with Nick, since he seemingly has no emotions, but I think he is taking a liking to Jordan, but we shall see. Daisy and Tom ask Nick about his engagement, which took Nick by surprise. What had happened was the Nick had a female friend, but he was too poor to marry. However, gossip morphed it into a failed engagement. This section foreshadows the power of Gossip in New York, and demonstrates how it will be a main driving force throughout the novel. The chapter ends with Nick recounting the evening. It turns out the man is quite observant, already figuring out the doomed marriage of Tom and Daisy. He knew they had a child, but thought "that the thing for Daisy to do was to rush out of the house, child in arms--but apparently there were no such intentions in her head" (Fitzgerald 20). Once home, Nick gets he first, ominous glimpse of Gatsby; but that's all he could get, a momentary glimpse.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The second part of Ch 1 is much more interesting for we learn about Tom and Daisy's disastrous marriage. For one, Daisy is a massive flirt, she hits on Nick right in front of Tom (also Nick and Daisy are related...). She also enjoys pushing Tom's buttons, which Tom detests. This may be the reason for Tom's secret mistress, which most of West Egg, but not Daisy, seems to know about. The reader is also introduced (yay, more descriptions) to Jordan Baker, a somewhat careless girl who is a professional golfer. It's hard to tell with Nick, since he seemingly has no emotions, but I think he is taking a liking to Jordan, but we shall see. Daisy and Tom ask Nick about his engagement, which took Nick by surprise. What had happened was the Nick had a female friend, but he was too poor to marry. However, gossip morphed it into a failed engagement. This section foreshadows the power of Gossip in New York, and demonstrates how it will be a main driving force throughout the novel. The chapter ends with Nick recounting the evening. It turns out the man is quite observant, already figuring out the doomed marriage of Tom and Daisy. He knew they had a child, but thought "that the thing for Daisy to do was to rush out of the house, child in arms--but apparently there were no such intentions in her head" (Fitzgerald 20). Once home, Nick gets he first, ominous glimpse of Gatsby; but that's all he could get, a momentary glimpse.
The Great Gastby, Ch 1 part 1: Cast and Crew
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Chapter one is a whole smörgåsbord of character descriptions, and I don't like it! The author is a young man named Nick Carraway, and he has come to New York for business and a successful life. He lives next to a man named Gatsby, who he hasn't met yet, but has heard elaborate rumors about him. They live on West Egg, which is the less proper, famous island compared to East Egg. Nick takes a journey to East Egg one day to visit the only person he seems to know, his "second cousin once removed" Daisy. We are then introduced to Daisy's husband, Tom Buchanan. We quickly notice that Tom is a very hate-able character. For one he is a burly lumbering man who thinks he know more than he does. Also, the things that he is passionate about includes false science and racism. His one strong suit is that he's a decent conversationalist, because Nick is simply horrible at it. Every chat Nick has involves one or two word questions and responses. At one point, Tom wants to learn some more about Nick, and the conversation follows like "'What do you do Nick?' 'I'm a bond man.' 'Who with?' [Nick] told him" (Fitzgerald 10). How is a reader supposed to enjoy a book when the main character/narrator can't get a decent conversation going?!
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Chapter one is a whole smörgåsbord of character descriptions, and I don't like it! The author is a young man named Nick Carraway, and he has come to New York for business and a successful life. He lives next to a man named Gatsby, who he hasn't met yet, but has heard elaborate rumors about him. They live on West Egg, which is the less proper, famous island compared to East Egg. Nick takes a journey to East Egg one day to visit the only person he seems to know, his "second cousin once removed" Daisy. We are then introduced to Daisy's husband, Tom Buchanan. We quickly notice that Tom is a very hate-able character. For one he is a burly lumbering man who thinks he know more than he does. Also, the things that he is passionate about includes false science and racism. His one strong suit is that he's a decent conversationalist, because Nick is simply horrible at it. Every chat Nick has involves one or two word questions and responses. At one point, Tom wants to learn some more about Nick, and the conversation follows like "'What do you do Nick?' 'I'm a bond man.' 'Who with?' [Nick] told him" (Fitzgerald 10). How is a reader supposed to enjoy a book when the main character/narrator can't get a decent conversation going?!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)