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Thursday, February 17, 2011

ch.8 pages 147-162

Chapter 8 Pages: 147-162
*Summary: Nick goes to see Gatsby to warn Gatsby about people finding Gatsby. Nick tells Gatsby to leave Long Island, but Gatsby still wants to wait for Daisy. Gatsby tells Nick about Daisy and their relationship in Louisville. He adored how rich she was, as he was poor, and he lied about his background to please her. He says Daisy and he had an intimate/close relationship. After Gatsby went away for school and the war, Daisy meets new men. She finally meets Tom and feels he is the one she needs. Nick leaves for the city and tells Gatsby he is worth more than Daisy, Tom, and Jordan. Nick receives a call from Jordan for a date, but Nick does not go. Nick then talks about how devastated George Wilson was and someone always had to keep him calm. George talks to Michaelis and looks at Dr. T.J Eckleburg's eyes and believes Myrtle's lover killed her. Wilson then left the garage and walked west Egg. Gatsby meanwhile, was relaxing in his pool for the first time. When Wilson finally arrived at Gatsby's house, he shot him in the pool and then himself. The chauffeur heard the shots, but did not do anything. When Nick arrives, everyone rushes to the scene.
Character: Wilson "Then the same half knowing, half bewildered look came back into his faded eyes." (pg.157)
Qualities: Faithful/loving: He has not cheated on his wife, and cares about her very much. His plan to move is because he wants to make Myrtle's life better. Determined: He always tried to make his job successful by selling cars or making deals with others. Friendly: He is friends with Tom event though Tom is cheating with George's wife. He looks up to Tom for help and advice, and they talk about certain things often.
Role: George is Myrtle's husband and owns a car garage. He lives in the ash heaps, and is not very successful in life. In the beginning of the story he is focused on his job and marriage and seems content. After Myrtle is killed, he then turns into a man who has a great amount of grief and feels upset. He wanted the best for Myrtle in their marriage but then she died, and he found out she cheated on him. All this tragedy makes him want to kill her lover and eventually himself.
Quote:” The lawn and drive had been crowded with the faces of those who guessed at his corruption- and he had stood on those steps, concealing his incorruptible dream as he waved them good-bye." (154)
Nick says this about Gatsby as he leaves Gatsby's house before Gatsby dies. Nick remembers how many people used to come to Gatsby's house and felt Gatsby had something wrong with him. The parties he had were mainly for Daisy. Gatsby wanted to make her like him with all his wealth and possessions. She only came to two of his parties and Gatsby danced/participated in the party only then.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Ch. 7 pages 113-145

Ch. 7 pages 113-145
*Summary: Nick goes to see Gatsby because Gatsby is not acting the same. Gatsby has fired all his servants and has not had his extravagant parties. Nick, Daisy, Jordan, Gatsby, and Tom meet up for lunch, but instead go to the city together. Tom stops to fill up his car tank and sees George Wilson. George looks helpless, he says he needs money and is moving out West with Myrtle. Tom says he will let Wilson have the yellow car. When they arrive in the city, they decide to get a hotel room where they can drink. In the hotel room, Tom asks Gatsby about Oxford and silence arises. Tom then says Gatsby's trying to start a quarrel. Gatsby tells Tom Daisy loves Gatsby more than Tom. This makes Tom question Daisy about what's happening. Daisy finally said she loves Tom. After the argument, they all left. As they were driving they find out someone died. They find out it was Mrs. Wilson who was running away from George. When they arrive home Gatsby tells Nick he hit Myrtle.
*Character: Jordan Baker
"Jordan's fingers, powdered white over their tan, rested for a moment in mine." (pg.116)
*Qualities: Independent- She does not really have a boyfriend, besides Nick. Nick sometimes feels she does not notice him. Good athlete- She is a successful pro-golfer. Beautiful- Nick thinks she is beautiful and dates her. Friendly- She is friends with many of the people in the novel.
Role: Jordan is Daisy 's friend and Nick's love interest. She is the first to bring up Gatsby to Daisy and tells Nick about Tom's affair. She is at Gatsby's party and is always at Daisy and Tom's house. Nick does not like her dishonesty, but she likes Nick's company.
Quote: "There was an unmistakable air of natural intimacy about the picture, and anybody would have said that they were conspiring each other."(pg.145)
This quote talks about Daisy and Tom as they sit together and admire each other. It 's significant how the chapter ends with Daisy admiring and being intimate with Tom. In the middle of the story she seemed to care about Gatsby more. Now she has told Gatsby she loves Tom, and Gatsby does not take it too well.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Ch. 6 pages 97-111

CH.6 Pages 97-111
*Summary: A news reporter comes to Gatsby's house to interview him. We learn thatJames Gatz is Gatsby's real name. He changed it at the age of 17 because he felt Dan Cody made him a different person while working with him on a yacht.Gatsby then wants to become rich but not drink alcohol. Nick visits Gatsby one day and sees Tom Buchanan threr. Tom is with his friend having a drink.Tom does not really know Gatsby , but Gatsby wants to "know" Tom more. The next time Tom comes with Daiy to Gatsby's house for a party. Gatsby and Daisy spend most of the night together. Aftwe Daisy and Tom leave, Gatsby feels upset becuase Daisy did not have a good time.He also says she is not the same as she was in the past.
*Character: Dan Cody
"Cody was fifty years old then,a product of the Nevada solver fields, of the Yukon , of every rush for metal since seventy five."
Qualities: rich- He owns a metal company , has his own yacht, and bought Gatsby new clothes. Drinker/alcoholic- Gatsby had to make sure Dan did not drink too much. friendly/attractive- He allows Gatsby to work for him and treats him well. Gatsby receives $25,000 from Dan. Women like him for his money.
Role: Dan Cody is the person in the novel who helps reveal more about Gatsby. Once we meet Dan , we learn Gatsby was not rich as a kid, was not hardworking,and did not have a direct paln for himself career wise. When Gatsby works for Dan Gatsby's life changes. He changes his name , has a job, and seeks to be rich. Gatsby adored the beauty of wealthy Dan had. Gatsby still had a picture of Dan in his bedroom.
*Quote: "He was a son of God- a phrase which, if it means anything, means just that—and he must be about His Father’s business, the service of a vast, vulgar, and meretricious beauty."
(pg. 98)
This quote expalins how Gatsby is like Christ. He makes his own character/individuality. Gatsby imagines things and wants everything to occur like he dreams of it. He does not like to face reality becuase it does not appear the same as his visions.Reality hurts him becuase things do not work out.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Ch.5 pages 81-96

Chapter 5 pages 81-96
Summary:
Nick sees light around his house as he goes home and thinks its on fire. When he is closer he realizes its Gatsby’s house. Gatsby wants to go out, but Nick does not want to. Nick mentions to Gatsby about tea with Daisy and they debate about when to have it. Gatsby notices Nick’s grass is not cut well and has his gardener do it for Nick. It rains when Daisy comes over and Gatsby sends flowers to Nick. When Daisy comes, Gatsby feels embarrassed and shy. Nick leaves them alone for a while, and when he comes back the two look happy and like they are enjoying themselves. They all go to Gatsby’s house where he shows them his possessions.Daisy loves all of Gatsby's things which makes Gatsby feel good. Nick leaves when Gatsby and Daisy do not realize he is there.
*Character Daisy Buchanan "She turned her head as there was a light dignified knocking at the front door."
Qualities: beautiful/popular-Many men liked her in her past and Gatsby still finds her attractive. She was well known as a young girl in Louisville. Graceful- Nick always describes her with looking bright and cheerful. Wealthy- She married a wealthy man and is from a wealthy family. Smart/independent- She knows what's going on around her (like when Tom cheats on her), and knows what she wants.
Role: Daisy is Nick's cousin and one of the people of which the story is based on. Gatsby is in love with Daisy and does everything to have her attention. She is married to Tom Buchanan who cheats on her. Since she is rich she uses that advantage to protect herself. She is a good friend with Jordan Baker despite having opposite characteristics. Daisy is one who protects herself with Tom while Jordan is independent.
*Important Quote:
"The automatic quality of Gatsby's answer set us all back at least another minute." (87)
Nick says this when Gatsby remembers the last time he and Daisy met. Nick finds when Gatsby remembers the time so well, kind of surprising. Gatsby said this without hesitation or confusion which is significant. Gatsby usually has to make up or think about things thoroughly when talking, but he knew what he wanted to say right away and he was accurate.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Ch.4 pages 61-80

Ch. 4 pages 61-80


Summary: Nick takes a trip to New York past city of ashes. They go to lunch and on their way Gatsby gets pulled over by an officer. Gatsby then shows the officer a white card he received from the commissioner. They meet Meyer Wolfsheim there who is a gambler who fixed the World Series in 1919. Nick then sees Tom and goes to talk and introduce him to Jay. Gatsby leaves unexpectedly because he feels embarrassed and uncomfortable. Nick then tells about Jordan and the relationship Daisy had with Gatsby. He wants Nick to invite Daisy over so Jay can see her.


Character: Meyer Wolfsheim "I think that , except for my presence, he would have taken one short glance beneath our own table."(71)
*Characteristics: solemn- He politely leaves Nick and Jay because he feels he does not fit in. He compliments Gatsby when Gatsby is not there. dishonest- He is a gambler, and has not been caught for fixing the World Series in 1919. self-centered- He wants to be the center of conversion and attention.

* Role: He is Gatsby's friend and is wealthy and dishonest. He gambles for a living and finds ways not to get caught. He is about fifty years old which makes him separate himself from Nick and Jay.

Quote: "After a moment I discovered his tiny eyes in the half-darkness."

This quote is referring to Meyer and his eyes. Meyer is not a honest , "clean" person which is why Nick describes him this way. Not seeing his eyes clearly shows an introduction of how his personality might be. Nick often describes each character when he meets him/her and points out interesting or different aspects of him/her. We then find out Meyer's past and occupation as a gambler who does not receive punishment.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

ch.3 pages 39-59

Ch.3 Pages 39-59
 Summary: Nick goes to a party at Gatsby's house. He sees Jordan and hangs out with her. They wonder about Gatsby and cannot find him. After a while Nick ends up talking to Gatsby without even knowing it is him.Nick starts to feel fascinated by Gatsby more. Nick stays a little longer then leaves to go home.

Character- Gatsby: " It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in 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." (48)
  *Qualities: Rich- He has a big mansion on Long Island Sound and hosts lavish huge parties. Famous/friendly- Many people want to come to his parties and meet him. Modest- does not drink or dance or associate much with his guests.
 Gatsby is the center of attention in the novel for the most part. Many people like him and know him. He treats people well and acts friendly to him/her. People still do not know him well though. They speculate facts about him even though they enjoy going to his parties.
 *Quote: " It was testimony to the romantic speculation he inspired that there were whispers about him from those who had found little that it was necessary to whisper about in this world." (44)
    Nick says this when he , Jordan, and her friends talk about Gatsby. They wonder what his past was like and tell each other things they think or heard. Nick feels Gatsby knew people do this because he does not tel much about himself to others. The quote brings out a quality Gatsby holds, keeping to himself and being private.