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1) Fitzgerald scholar Matthew J. Bruccoli claims: "The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece." Do you agree? Use quote, passages, characters, and or themes to support your view.
2) What do the faded eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize? Is there a connection between this billboard and the green light at the end of Daisy's dock? Use specifics.
3) Is Fitzgerald writing a love story that embraces American ideals of the 1920's, or a satire that comments on American idealspf the 1920's? Use passages, quotes and characters to support your view.
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ReplyDeleteThe faded eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize God looking down upon the American society and judging it as a moral wasteland. These faded eyes come up throughout the story but it is George Wilson that makes it extremely clear to the reader. On page 167, Mr. Wilson is talking to his neighbor Michaelis who is kind enough to stay up with him all night trying to console him. Mr. Wilson then begins to say that he thought that Myrtle was fooling around and he told her so by showing her Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s faded eyes out the window. He says, “God knows what you’ve been doing, everything you’ve been doing. You may fool me but you can’t fool God,” thus, clearly expressing the symbolism of the eyes to God.
ReplyDeleteThe green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s dreams because there’s an instance where Nick sees him stretching his arms toward the light. This green light is guiding Gatsby to his goal and is explained when Nick narrates, “I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn and his dreams must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it.”
The connection of the billboard and the green light is that the faded eyes are staring down and judging society while society tries to reach their goals, which is where the green light comes in. Gatsby is just an example of a person following that green light to fulfill their goals. However, the way he goes about it is the deterioration of moral values and it is what the eyes of God are looking down upon. It was the making of quick money in an illegal way that brought people like Gatsby such a fortune. It is in the powerful words of George Wilson that is visible that God’s eyes will always see one following the green light in an unmoral way, “You can fool me but you can’t fool God,” this also brings up the class discussion of whether or not it is it is okay to do something wrong as long as nobody knows about it.
Sebastian P.
P.1
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFitzgerald is writing a love story that embraces American ideals of the 1920's. Not only by the piece’s allusion to the 1920’s, but also by the author’s diction, tone, and the time frame the story is presented in. Before reading “The Great Gatsby”, it is crucial to have a well built background on the 1920’s, the era of recession, fun, luxury and also depression. The novel “The Great Gatsby” is based on the ideal traditions of the old 1920’s, a time where people were all about money, buying enjoy life, and make extravagant expenses without any need; the main character, Jay Gatsby represents the perfect example of the American of such time, he was all about showing off his wealth, he had amazing parties which became very popular throughout town, and he thought he could buy anyone’s affection with money; yet, he couldn’t buy the love of Daisy.
ReplyDelete“The Great Gatsby” embraces all the qualities of the American ideals of the time of The Great Depression because it consists of the pure reflection of the American spirit during these arduous times…Love is present with mixture of power and reputation in the secret relationship of Gatsby and Daisy, their love was represented by money, fame, and a great position in society; these are also aspects that embellished Daisy’s perspective of Gatsby; he went from being “that guy”, “old sport” who was poor and belonged to the low economical class to a handsome, powerful, rich and educated gentleman.
This is just one perspective of Fitzgerald’s work, and I am sure there are classmates who see the story from a completely different perspective; anyway, “The Great Gatsby” will always be a masterpiece that set the standard for the recessive society.
Victoria H
Period 4
F. Scott Fitzgerald uses various symbols in his book, "The Great Gatsby". The most important symbol in the entire novel is the giant eyes that are painted on an advertisement billboard. The faded eyes are of Dr. T. J. Eckleberg, and they were described as blue and gigantic with a large retina. This billboard overlooks the Valley of Ashes, a wasteland where people have long polluted this area with dumped ashes, garbage, and manure. The eyes are representative of the eyes of God and they look down upon the people who pass through the valley and judge them. The fact that the eyes are fading can mean that the God that judge’s morality has been abandoned and replaced by the evils of money and status.
ReplyDeleteAnother important symbol in this novel is the green light at the end of the dock. This light represents Jay Gatsby’s hope for a future with Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby sees the light and believes that it is a sign that he should try to win Daisy back.
The billboard and the green light are related because the fading eyes upon the billboard are judging society. The green light at the end of the dock is symbolizing people in society trying to reach their goals. Gatsby is trying to win Daisy over but, he is being judged harshly by the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleberg because he is perusing Daisy in all the wrong ways. Gatsby isn’t sticking to any moral values; everything he does is in attempt to gain attention from Daisy. For example, Gatsby throws extravagant parties in hopes to impress Daisy. I think Sebastian made the accurate connection with our class discussion of whether or not it is it is okay to do something wrong as long as nobody knows about it.
Taylor C.
Period 1
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAs Matthew J. Bruccoli claimed, "The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece." After reading The Great Gatsby, one isn’t really left with any special message. It’s more of a story that was written for a fine piece of literature’s sake. By Tom Buchanan having an affair with his mistress, Mrs. Wilson, he absolutely destroys the nobility of the human spirit. In one of his conversations with one of his friends Tom says, “Wilson? He thinks she goes to see her sister in New York. He’s so dumb he doesn’t even know he’s alive.” This quote inquires that he takes Mr. Wilson for a fool and he simply takes pleasure in his wife behind his back.
ReplyDeleteThis novel is great masterpiece, yet it doesn’t reveal how to solve problems in life nor doesn’t it leave one with a comforting message. Instead, all we experience is an affair gone bad and what dishonest people will do to save their behinds. The Great Gatsby’s conflict revolves around Jay Gatsby and his non-corresponded love with Daisy Buchanan. At the end of Tom’s chaotic story, he ends up without a mistress and his life at stake so he must run away to another state. It stated, “But she and Tom had gone away early that afternoon, and taken baggage with them.” Clearly they both ran away to escape the truth that Daisy killed his mistress and that he didn’t have the guts to stay in the town and face the real aspects of life. Obviously, this isn’t any fashionable or comforting message. As with Gatsby, his story is worse; he chases after the love of his life after five years and ends up taking the blame for a murder that he didn’t commit and doesn’t even end up with the love of his life. Gatsby ends up dead and alone in his huge mansion, in the pool. It is because of Gatsby’s love addiction with Daisy that Tom send Daisy off, she kills Myrtle, and when he finds out that it was Gatsby’s car and that that’s the one that Daisy was in, both of them ignore all moral values and blame it on Gatsby. The tragic end comes when it says, “It was after we started with Gatsby toward the house that the gardener saw Wilson’s body a little way off in the grass, and the holocaust was complete.” With this last sentence both Wilson’s and Gatsby’s death are final.
Bruccoli was absolutely correct in his statement. This novel was a great masterpiece, a very worthy novel, yet it doesn’t leave one with any specific message nor does it show any moral values. It simply comes down to a novel that one read and after finishing it, puts it down with its simple memory forever. Nothing else.
Carla Q.
P.1
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald was written as a love story that embraces American ideals of the 1920's. Following the closure of World War I, the United States was shifted into an economic peace where many individuals were capable of becoming rich and successful. It was also the period where prohibtion was law, and from this, increased organized crime rates. THIS was the 1920's and all of these ideals can be seen within the story of The Great Gatsby.
ReplyDeleteWith the War in Europe over, many American soldiers were coming home to their loved ones, just as Gatsby was attempting to do, but managed to end up at Oxford. Upon finally returning to the United States, Gastby began to track down his loved one, Daisy.
The economic peace and the ability to freely spend money on leisure and entertainment as it was evident within "The Great Gatsby" with the lavished parties, and almost everyone partying. This was accelerated by the introduction of alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition era, provided by the organized crime of the era.
Within The Great Gatsby, organized crime was protrayed by Meyer Wolfshiem, Gatsby's associate and link to organized crime.
As stated by Victoria, this is just the view of one classmate though, as others may interpret the novel differently. And I agree that "The Great Gatsby" will always be a masterpiece that set the standard for the recessive society.
Brandon S.
Period 4
The eyes of Eckleburg witness how Tom does not care enough about even his wife to respect and honor her. Fitzgerald also uses one word that shows Gatsby's emotion and how the green light must affect him. Tom is very wealthy, arrogant person, and is Daisy's husband. The Greek man may seem to be the only noticeable witness, but in reality, Eckleburg was actually closely watching. This is just one example of how Gatsby is not happy with all his money. Eckleburg's sign, presented in The Great Gatsby are very fine examples of how it is exactly what the Valley of Ashes represents, a wasteful and unpreserved land. He makes a very short appearance and only says a few words. Some main symbols Fitzgerald focuses on are the green light at the end of Daisy's dock and the Doctor T. J. Eckleburg sign. The first symbol was the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. This green light, which was hardly visible from Gatsby's estate, represents Gatsby's struggle with Daisy and the distance he will forever have from her.
ReplyDeletePaulina G.
Period 1
I'M SO SORRY TO PARDON YOU ON THIS GHASTLY DAY, BUT CAN YOU TEXT ME?! I AM SO BORED AND I WANT TO TALK TO YOU! PLEASE, ARE YOU IN MY AREA?
Delete“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a love story that embraces American ideals of the 1920’s. The 1920’s is referred to as the Roaring Twenties or the Jazz Age. During this era, the United States was converting from a war time to peace time economy. America became the richest nation on Earth and consumerism commenced. People started spending money on houses, cars, and tourism. Jay Gatsby is a great example for the typical man in the 1920’s because he did everything under his power to become wealthy.
ReplyDeleteThe interest in money is seen in several occasions with characters such as Gatsby and Daisy. At first, Gatsby was a common, not wealthy man who fell in love with Daisy before he left for war. Daisy; however, had a higher social and economic style than Gatsby and loved luxury. While Gatsby was in war, Daisy married Tom Buchanan who was in her same social and economic status. When Gatsby came back, he had an obsession with becoming wealthy to get Daisy back. Gatsby lived in a huge mansion with a beautiful pool and amazing furniture; he also had enormous parties all the time and loved to show off his richness. Daisy was impressed with Gatsby’s lifestyle.
Even though Gatsby and Daisy were in love with one another, they were also in love with the power and money they had. At the end of the novel, Daisy refuses to go with the man she loved and stayed with Tom because she did not want to ruin the past years or her reputation. On the other hand, Gatsby had all the luxury he could have ever wished for, but he did not have the one thing he most wanted, Daisy. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote a love story that embraces ideals of the 1920’s because he demonstrates with specific characters the love for money and the good life.
Joanna B
Period 1
IM BORED CAN YOU TEXT ME? PLEASE? IM SO BORED, AND I NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO! CLICK HERE NOW!
DeleteI believe that Fitzgerald did write a love story that embraces American Ideals of the 1920’s. He creates this Ideal love story with Gatsby and Daisy, Tom and Daisy, and Mrs. Wilson and Tom. With Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship Gatsby buys all of these expensive things which he believes will impress Daisy. In those times the more expensive things you had then the more fortuitous you seemed to be.
ReplyDeleteWith Tom and Daisy it was the same way. Daisy did not seem to love Tom for his personality or looks; it was because he could afford to have nice things. Throughout the Great Gatsby Nick notices how proper Daisy is and says how you can tell she lives with money. Money clearly meant a lot to Daisy, as it did with most women.
With Mrs. Wilson and Tom, the money seemed to be a big aspect in their relationship as well. Mrs. Wilson was not satisfied with her husband; therefore she went behind his back to Tom. Tom bought her nice, expensive things, and was everything her husband wasn’t, which was wealthy. This was what “love” was in those times. Relationships were mainly about money and social aspects, not true love.
Karina C. period 1
I THINK YOU IS DUMB.
DeleteThe Great Gatsby, a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is considered to be a satire that comments on the ideals of the 1920’s. By satire is meant, a criticism of society's idiosyncrasy through humor. This master piece is a mock of the American’s behavior during the Jazz Age that would just party and drink carelessly. As Time noted, in the 20s, “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession.” The elements of satire in the novel include the depiction of nouveau riche (newly rich), the sense of interest of the people, and the antithesis created by of the name “Great Gatsby” and the actual not so great story of Gatsby.
ReplyDeleteThe depiction of nouveau rich throughout the novel is one of an irresponsible person, like Gatsby, who just spends his money by throwing lavish parties every weekend. More specifically during the 1920’s the nouveau rich were suspected to be “bootleggers”, or a person who makes or sells alcohol illegally. Gatsby was precisely one of them as it is visible when Tom says “I didn’t hear it. I imagined it. A lot of these newly rich people are just big bootleggers.” The sense of interest of the people is shown towards the end of the novel when Nick is getting together Gatsby’s funeral, and nobody wanted to assist it. All the people that went to Gatsby’s parties were just interested in his money; they never intended to have a friendship with him. One of the most important elements of satire is the title “The Great Gatsby.” This title creates an antithesis with Gatsby’s real story, because by “Great” one imagines a spectacular person, with a successful live, who sets an example for society, and justice. Nonetheless, Gatsby was the complete opposite. He was an irresponsible guy that had gained his wealth by illegally selling alcohol. Consequently, it’s visible that the novel “The Great Gatsby” is a satire of the stereotypical behavior of the Americans during 1920’s. Even though a romantic story is incorporated in the novel, the elements of satire overcome the romance in the novel.
Oscar Betancourt
Period 4
I AM A ALIEN AND I WILL PREVAIL
DeleteHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
GOOD LUCK FINDING ME CRYPTONIAN I AM IMMORTAL
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHAAHAHAHAHAHA GET DELETED NERRRRDDDDD
DeleteThe 1920s era was known by many names like the Jazz Age, the Roaring Twenties, the Age of Intolerance, and the Age of Wonderful Nonsense. The era manifested the beginning of modern America. The new decade would be a time of change for everyone — not all of it good. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” the 1920’s were portrayed perfectly, we saw Jay Gatsby the perfect representation of the typical young man who rose from a broke childhood in rural North Dakota to becoming fabulously wealthy. Gatsby achieved his wealth by participating in organized crime, including distributing illegal alcohol and trading in stolen securities. As previously seen in the Anticipation Guide, the same statement arouses again, “When one becomes wealthy illegally, he or she is very likely to pay for it in the end,” one comes to the conclusion that this is correct as the protagonist (Gatsby) pays with his life all the felonies he committed.
ReplyDeleteIn his book, “The Great Gatsby”, F. Scot Fitzgerald uses a lot of symbolism. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are a pair of fading, bespectacled eyes painted on an old advertising billboard over the valley of ashes. These eyes symbolize God’s eyes staring down upon and judging American society’s materialism and immoral values, as everyone’s main priority is money and becoming wealthy taking for granted the means by which one becomes wealthy. This can be related to another symbol found at the end of Daisy’s dock; the green light symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future. Gatsby relates it with Daisy, and in Chapter 1 the reader sees how Gatsby reaches toward it in the darkness as a guiding light to lead him to his goal. Gatsby's quest for Daisy’s love is associated with the American dream, thus the green light also symbolizes that more generalized ideal. Those eyes looking down at society, and at Gatsby’s illegal ways of becoming wealthy, one sees that instead of going for “God’s guidance” he goes for guidance in that light, to reach his goal (Daisy) which like him is also centered in wealth. Both of them think that money will give them satisfaction in life, but are lead to discover that isn’t true.
“The Great Gatsby” is an outstanding novel that should be read by everyone especially high school students who are just about to begin life. This novel helps one realize that money isn’t the most important thing in life and that success isn’t measured by it. The symbols found in this novel clarify the reader’s mind, and emphasizes the fact that God is always looking upon society, judging what’s wrong and what’s right. So even when no one is looking, God is always looking.
Alma Ricart
4th Period
HEYYYYY ITS BEEN FOREVERRRRR HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH IM A HACKER I KNOW WHERE YOU SUMMON THY PERSONS
DeleteHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA SHIPS SAILIN BOYSSS HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHAHAHA GET DELETED NEEEERRRRF
DeleteMatthew J. Bruccoli's interpretation of the Great Gatsby is true in that, despite it's imperfections, The Great Gatsby is a Masterpiece. Though The Great Gatsby did not follow the routine model of a novel, it seemed unbelievably real. The political incorrectness which Fitz Gerald interjects is a dark reminder of human Nature. For example when Tom spoke of the greatness of his race and it’s position in the world. Though that is politically incorrect, it is an unfortunate repercussion of ignorance which is seen in everyday life, thus making the characters of The Great Gatsby more realistic. Fitzgerald uses realistic dialect in order to add more life to the characters of The Great Gatsby. When Nick meets Meyer Wolfstein, the dialect which Meyer uses makes his character more vivid in the eyes of the reader. The Book is well organized, and maintains a simple plot with intricate characters contrary many Novels. Finally, The Great Gatsby does deliver an important message; material objects do not cause happiness. Though this is not comforting or fashionable it is a message which is very important for American society to remember. In conclusion, most distinct quality of The Great Gatsby is the fact that it is so life like, which makes it a masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteSaif H.
Period 1
The Great Gatsby tells the story of a man that didn't have wealth and luxury, but after he had a rich boss he became in love with luxury. He spent his life searching for it and he also became in love with a girl named Daisy. Matthew J. Bruccoli is not totally correct about his theory because The Great Gatsby does proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; the character of Nick is a perfect example of a noble, honest soul that always had good feelings towards Gatsby. He never betrayed or sold Gatsby for money or anything else. He was a right man that worked hard and didn’t cheat on anyone. Even though the novel can be considered as no revealing how to solve all problems of life, it does show what happens to people that are irresponsible and that are crazy about money. The novel shows the reasons and consequences of a man that fell in love with luxury and with a woman, which he had to leave and was never able to get her back; that man (Gatsby) thought that with all the money he had he was going to able to get her girl, but she was already married with another man. The Great Gatsby also delivers a message to the reader, a message that reveals the importance of having a good relationship with everyone, of working hard for money but also for love and for friendships, things that are priceless. Gatsby did get Daisy’s attention, but it was too late for their love; since that day in which he left to go to war, things could never be the same, time passes and things change, Gatsby should've accepted the facts and should've kept with his life, with all the money and comfort he had, with Nick who was his friend, and with a new woman that could accept him as he was and love him with no conditions.
ReplyDeleteLuis Carducci
Period 1
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerald was originally a satire that comments on American ideals in the 1920’s . A satire is a piece of literature that includes the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the exposing, and denouncing of something in specific. Fitzgerald’s world-renounced classic takes a spin at ridiculing American society and its priorities. The Roaring 20’s are well-known for being the era where the prototype of an American switched from respected and intrinsic to “new breeds”. The country grew a new fixation towards riches, alcohol, and promiscuity, and the American Dream skewed away towards the measurement of one’s wealth. The satire involved in this piece of literature is specifically obvious in Fitzgerald’s description of Gatsby’s wealth and the element of mystery involved in the origin of his assets. In his house in West Egg, he holds famous, luxurious parties open to anyone; however, his one goal is to find his true love, Daisy. This exemplifies how a person in the 20’s valued riches and wealth, and the emphasis it had on their judgments of one another. In chapter 5, after Gatsby finally has is desired rendezvous with Daisy, he gives her a tour of his house; and Fitzgerald involves a 3 page description of Gatsby flaunting his luxurious home and Daisy in an utter trance. On page 99, Daisy exclaims, “I adore it.. The pompadour! You never told me you had a pompadour- or a yacht.”. Fitzgerald involves a slight amount of love in his novel, but it is counterbalanced with all of the affairs that occur and the corrupt society.
ReplyDeleteDaniela G.
Period 4
Fitzgerald is writing a love story that embraces American ideals of the 1920s. The 1920’s were known as the Jazz Age or the Roaring 20s. It was a very rebellious decade where the younger generation focused mostly on having fun and spending time with friends rather than family. It was also the decade when prohibition was enforced, which was an amendment added to the Constitution which prohibited the consumption, production, and selling of alcohol. These characteristics of Americans during the 1920s can be easily associated with the main character of The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby. He was known for his extravagant parties and for his bootlegging, which is when a person deals alcohol. Towards the middle of the novel he finds out that Nick, the narrator of the story, is related to a woman he has loved for several years. This love that was once buried deep in the earth rose again a caused a havoc among Tom, Daisy, Gatsby, and Nick. This plot that Fitzgerald wrote intertwined a love story with American ideals of the 1920s.
ReplyDeleteGatsby was unable to regain the love that Daisy had for him when they were younger. She was married to Tom and she knew that keeping the relationship she had with him would be the most responsible idea. She needed to be responsible for something for once in her life. She was a typical 1920s woman; they never wanted to take responsibility for any of their actions and preferred to turn their back to it and continue having fun. Daisy enjoyed going to parties and letting loose with her friends. This was frowned upon by her husband Tom who could also be seen as a typical 1920s man. He was wealthy and liked to spend money on his wife as well as his mistress. The novel also developed this love affair between Tom and Myrtle. It was a forbidden love, just like Gatsby’s and Daisy’s was.
Nevertheless, the novel The Great Gatsby did show American ideals in the 1920s as well as incorporate several love stories. Making it and American classic.
~Krystal T.
Period 4
The eyes of Doctor Eckelburg symbolize a pair of eyes getting worse and worse day by day that are painted onto an old commercial billboard over the valley of ashes.
ReplyDeleteThe connection between the billboard and the green light is that the faded eyes are peering down and judging society while society, on the other hand, attempts on reaching certain goals.
The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s dreams. When Nick is seen stretching his arms towards the green light, we are able to see how this green light can symbolize can, indeed, symbolize Gatsby’s dreams. This green light is guiding Gatsby to his goal. This can be easily understood when Nick says “I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock.
Jonathon L
Period 1
Matthew J. Bruccoli said: "The Great Gatsby doesn't proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece." Well he obviously read the novel because he is correct.
ReplyDeleteThe themes present in the novel don't proclaim the nobility of the human spirit, they do the opposite. For example one of the most blatant themes: the hollowness of the upper class, this theme doesn't reveal the nobility of the human spirit it does the opposite.
Furthermore, the novel doesn't reveal how to solve any problems in life. In the novel the conflict between Gatsby, Ms. Wilson, Daisy, and Tom isn't solved with a convenient method which could be used by readers; well at least I hope they wont try to solve their conflicts like that(NOTE: death doesn't solve problems in real life). In the novel the conflict was solved with the death of three characters. Mr. Wilson experienced the death of his wife, so he avenged her and died. Did he get his wife back through this reckless behavior? NO. Therefore, the novel didn't provide the reader with a suitable method of solving the problem( the death of his wife.)
Oscar mentioned the "The Great Gatsby" is a satire. This is blatant throughout the novel but, it is even more obvious when Gatsby dies and Mr. Klipspringer calls asking for his shoes. "You see they're tennis shoes, and I'm sort of helpless without them." To be exact the novel is a social satire, since it ridicules society in the 1920s. Social satires tend to contain the qualities Mr. Matthew J. Bruccoli said "The Great Gatsby" contained. Even though the novel is depressing and frustrating it is a master piece.(Even though I didn't enjoy it, I can't deny it is a masterpiece.)
~Steven Erenst.
Period 4
Matthew J. Bruccoli, a Fitzgerald scholar, claimed that, "The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece." I completely agree with Matthew J. Bruccoli. The Great Gabsy has no lesson to teach or no information to pass on, it is just one of those stories that really fascinates the reader. The author wastes no time trying to give historical facts of the time or try to have any moral value at the end of the story, Fitzgerald just writes a great novel with a excellent plot and very captivating and detailed characters.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why this book is such a masterpiece is not only by the fact that the story’s plot is really good, but also that one of the main characters; Gatsby, portraid the American dream. He started with nothing and then soon rose to financial success. The book is also a mysterpiece because the reader feels various emotions while reading the book. Emotions such as anger when the reader learns about Tom’s affair, mystery towards Gatsby, and sadness when Gatsby is tragedically killed after trying so hard to be with Daisy.
Therefore, this book is just a masterpiece because of its content, plot and character. Not because of the message that it teaches or the information that it passes on.
Thomas W.
P.1
Alot of writers use symbols to show dfferent aspects of life. Fitzgerald uses symbols in his book, The Great Gatsby. To start off, the green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes the hope of Gatsby's and Daisy's relationship. Gatsby reveals the light at the end of the bay and believes that he should try to win back Daisy's affection. The most important symbol in the book, however is the enormous eyes painted on the advertisment billboard. On page 27, the billboard is an advertisment that is for the oculist. Dr. T.J. Eckleberg's eyes are described as "blue and gigantic-their retinas are one yard high" Those decieving eyes look down upon the valley and judge people. While they can still be thought of as the eyes of God, it may be more correct to assume that the fact that they are fading means that the God that judges morality has been abandoned and replaced by the evils of money and status. The thought that the paintings are the eyes of God could just be the angered ramblings of a troubled husband to his cheating wife. Sometimes writers just wants to make the readers think, maybe the billboard was just simply their and didnt mean anything niether the green light.
ReplyDelete-Rudy Lavecchia
P.4
Matthew J. Bruccoli claimed that, "The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece." I disagree with Matthew J. Bruccoli. The Great Gatsby shows peoples actions, and shows the consequences. There is an obvious message that if you one of these actions in The Great Gatsby, the consequences could come out similar. To me, this is a life lesson or a message to pass on to others. Other than the messages in the novel, the story has a great plot that I enjoyed reading.
ReplyDeleteThe green light and the billboard are related in the way that both are symbolizing people in the society. Gatsby wants Daisy, and is doing what he can to get her back, but in all the wrong ways. In a way he thinks that he can “buy” Daisy with his wealth. These wrong reasons are what the Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg are judging.
Fitzgerald writes a little of both a love story and the ideals of the 1920s. The background of the novel plays in the 1920s, with wealth, where everyone was spending money without seeing the consequences ahead. Gatsby threw great parties trying to impress the love of his life. This story clearly supports the quote that Love Can’t buy Happiness.
Steven M.
Period 4.
Multiple symbols are used throughout “The Great Gatsby.” One of the symbols were the fading eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg that were implanted on a billboard in the Valley of Ashes. These fading eyes symbolized the carelessness of society. This billboard overlooked a region in which people carelessly passed through and polluted. These fading eyes showed the carelessness of society because as they became more careless the eyes faded more.
ReplyDeleteThe green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolized the hopes and dreams of Jay Gatsby. When Nick first sees Gatsby he witnesses his eyes spread towards the green light overlooking Daisy’s dock. After Gatsby and Daisy are reunited a mist conceals the green light. This shows that Gatsby must stop viewing Daisy in the superior light in which he envisions her, and instead see her for who she really is.
The symbolism between the green light and the billboard of the fading eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are similar. The green light symbolizes the Gatsby’s dreams while the billboard symbolizes the carelessness of society. Gatsby was careless in thinking that Daisy was the person in which he envisioned she was. This led to him becoming close to her even though Daisy wasn’t the person who he thought she was. This false thinking Gatsby had eventually led to his death. If Gatsby wasn’t so careless and views Daisy for the person she truly was, then he would not have been murdered.
Arash A.
Period 4
I do and do not agree with Fitzgerald scholar Matthew J. Bruccoli. It is true that “The Great Gatsby” does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit because it emphasizes on the idea that money can buy happiness. The fact that Jay Gatsby is trying to win back the love of his life, Daisy, with all the money he has definitely does not portray the nobility of the human spirit. When Mr. Bruccoli says that it is politically incorrect he is validly mistaken. The 1920’s, or the “Roaring 20’s” like they used to call them, was an era of money and party. The bootleggers were crucial to the people in the period of prohibition. His idea of politically correct does not match the actual history; people spent everything they could during this time and attended too many parties, typical of the flapper attitude. The scholar assumes correctly when he says that the novel does not reveal how to solve the problems of life, however, it shows how the past can’t be revived, even with one’s will. The love story between Gatsby and Daisy demonstrated that in life you have to move on; certain people take different paths and the past is nothing other than the past. Maybe the novel does not deliver comforting messages, but it definitely leaves the reader with some type of moral. Money doesn’t buy happiness, and that’s what Fitzgerald tried to portray in his novel. As well as a masterpiece, “The Great Gatsby” gives off different types of messages, which Mr. Bruccoli does not agree on.
ReplyDeleteLucas Baistrocchi
Period 4
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete“The Great Gatsby” is a love story of the 1920’s that embraces American ideals. In the story, Gatsby is in love with Daisy and tries to win her over using money. People then, loved money because it made them happy. They threw parties, and bought expensive cars. America in the 1920’s became rich, and that was how they spent their lives.
ReplyDeleteMoney is talked about and seen all throughout the novel. Before Gatsby left for war he wasn’t wealthy and had fallen for Daisy, who loved luxurious things. In his time gone, Daisy married Tom Buchanan who loved what she loved. When Gatsby came back he realized that Daisy was gone, and the only way he knew to win her back was becoming wealthy. He got his money illegally and bought a mansion and made sure to throw tons of parties. Daisy and Gatsby were in love and hid it. Daisy was impressed with what he had.
But in the end she didn’t leave Tom for Gatsby who was possibly the love of her life. She stayed where she was comfortable. She didn’t want to ruin her reputation of her social level. As you can see F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about a love story that embraces the American ideals of the 1920’s.
Danielle L.
p-1
Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. There are several symbols presented within The Great Gatsby and two specific symbols are the faded eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckelburg as well as the green light at the end of Daisy's. In chapter one it mentions, “…Fifty feet away a figure had emerged from the shadow of my neighbor’s mansion and was standing with his hands in his pockets regarding the silver peppers of the stars. Something in his leisurely movements and the secure position of his feet upon the lawn suggested that it was Mr. Gatsby himself, come out to determine what share was his of our local heavens. I decided to call to him. Miss. Baker had mentioned him at dinner, and that would do for an introduction. But I didn’t call to him, for he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone – he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward – and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far way, that might have been the end of a dock. When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished, I was alone again in the unquiet darkness.” The way Mr. Gatsby first observes the dock’s green light and then reaches out to towards it symbolizes him reaching toward a goal or him dreams for his future. The way he yearns for Daisy’s love portrays an American dream and therefore the green light of the dock should be symbolic of Mr. Gatsby’s hopes and dreams of the future. Another explanation for the symbolizes of the green light is the parting of Nick from Mr. Gatsby at the end of chapter VII which parallels with his first sighting of Gatsby reaching towards the light. In both cases, Gatsby stands alone in the moonlight infatuated for Daisy. In chapter one, he stretches his arms out toward the green light across the water, confident about the future. Later in chapter VII, he has made it past the green light, onto the lawn of Daisy's house, but his dream is gone forever. Nick hardly mentions the eyes of Dr. Eckelburg. In chapter VII, “That locality was always vaguely diwentieting, even in the broad glare of afternoon, and now I turned my head as though I had been warned of something behind. Over the ash heaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckelburg kept their vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that others were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away.” The context of the mention of the billboard explains the symbolic values of those eyes. Under the menacing eyes of Dr. Eckelburg, Nick distinguishes that Tom and Wilson are in the same position (regarding their wives). The way the fading eyes stare downwards towards the American society display the symbolism of God staring down with great judgment. Another symbolic image within this situation is the mention of the eyes as fading or the discarding of the eyes which are of God, so it signifies that ethics are reinstate themselves with wealth and luxury. The only connection is between the way Gatsby reaches towards the light and the judgmental eyes from the billboard. Gatsby is trying attaining his goals with reaching the green light but on the other hand God is looking at the society with verdict and it shows the irony of the two situations put together. The dream for Gatsby if to get Daisy to be his forever but she is married, so his dreams are wrong in the sense that he dreams to destroy the marriage between Daisy and Tom. This is where the Godly eyes come in, because it shows that what society has deteriorated to even with God looking upon them; it is as if the eyes of God hold no value, as if they were abandoning.
ReplyDeleteSahar J.
Period #4
Throughout the novel, The Great Gatsby, the narrator mentions some particular details which may seem insignificant, yet they evidently have great symbolism. Of these objects Nick Carraway, the narrator of The Great Gatsby, points out, the most significant were Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes on the billboard as well as the green light found on Daisy’s dock.
ReplyDeleteDoctor T.J. Eckleberg’s eyes were found on a billboard above the “grey land” or valley of ashes. Not only is the valley of ashes poverty stricken, but also many wrong doings occur there. One being the affair in which Tom, Daisy’ husband, and Myrtle, the wife of Mr. Wilson, were involved in. “I followed him over a low whitewashed railroad fence, and we walked back a hundred yards along the road under Doctor Eckleburg’s persistent stare.” Nick is describing how Tom and he are going to meet up with Myrtle and he personifies the eyes of Doctor Eckleburg. The quote shows that the eyes scrutinize the people within the valley of ashes, almost as god would be shameful of their sins. Another quote demonstrating Eckleburg’s god like disapproval is as followed: “‘Terrible place, isn’t it,’ said Tom, exchanging a frown with Doctor Eckleburg” Another event within the novel that Dr. Eckleburg’s eyes witness is when Myrtle is killed. “Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that the other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away.” The eyes once again witness another evil in the American society. His eyes seem to witness all the malevolence events, again referring to god as the one who witnesses everything.
The green light on Daisy dock, on the other hand, represents hope. “I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn and his dreams must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it.” This quote said by Nick demonstrates as Gatsby looked from his house to Daisy’s that one day he would be with her, his hope and dream. That light, which was quite faint, showing a small amount of hope, had always appeal to Gatsby and seemed to be in almost in his reach.
The novel shows the extent people are willing to take to reach that dream or aspiration they strive for. The connection between the two symbols is most defiantly evident. Dr. Eckleburg, or as one can decipher him as a representation of god, observes and judges the society these individuals live in as they attempt to reach that green light, or better known as aspirations, within their lives.
~Kristian S.
Period 4
Fitzgerald scholar Matthew J. Bruccoli stated the following; "The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece." After revising this statement a few time, I came to the realization that Mr. Bruccoli could very well be correct.
ReplyDeleteAs you look back at the story chapter through chapter you find all these things to be true. No one is really noble in this story, no problems are actually solved, and its ends sadly; but in the end it truly comes out as a real masterpiece.
No characters show any signs of nobility, not even Gatsby. In fact most of them do very selfish things. Tom and Wilson are considered the worst, when seeing that their actions caused Gatsby's death. Gatsby himself is selfish as well. All the things he has been doing for The past 5 years, where for him to get closer to Daisy nothing else. The conflict of this story was never really solved, except for the idea that Gatsby could have possibly died in peace, after all he did find Daisy again, even though he did not get her, and the speaker does not believe he was happy at all.. All the other characters stayed the same as if this story never happened, while others just got worse.
After seeing all these "defect" in the story why would it be called a masterpiece? The answer could be quite simple, because it resembles real life very clearly. This book easily shows how the human species can be so evil, determined, and lifeless at the same time; it shows the reality of things and is a great reflection of how human nature is universal.
Emanuela V.
P.1
The faded eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize God watching over the decaying society. They are on a billboard over looking everything that happens in the Valley of Ashes. They see how each character puts money and greed in front of them instead of more positive objectives. Mr. Wilson made it very clear what his observation was toward these eyes that were from God. He mentioned throughout the book that they witnessed many injustices and some of the most important events in the novel like: Tom and Myrtle’ meetings and affair, when Daisy hit Myrtle causing her to die and Daisy being “careless” and not stopping to see if she was ok. In the Bible and in this novel, they mention that God sees everything and that no one can escape from his eyes. This is the perfect way to symbolize God because he witnessed everything that happened.
ReplyDeleteIn numerous works of literature the color green symbolizes hope or acceptance. In this case the green light at the end of Daisy’s East Egg dock symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes of getting back with her. He has always loved her and he did all the things he did for her. The connection between the eyes and the green light is that everyone has their own hopes and dreams. They would do anything to fulfill them. But the only thing they are forgetting is the way God thinks about the way they are accomplishing them. Gatsby wanted to be with Daisy but because he didn’t trust God and he didn’t use the morals that God wants, he died and he didn’t get Daisy. This is a reminder that The Great Gatsby is trying to give us. We should always have God in our minds so that we have his help and do accomplish our hopes and dreams the correct way.
-Carolina Celis
Period 4
2.)
ReplyDeleteThroughout the story of “The Great Gatsby” Fitzgerald brings up a billboard with huge eyes painted on it, overlooking the Valley of Ashes. The eyes symbolize a moral guidance within the people of New York, whether it be God or an inner conscience, and how it is watching over the people of the city. The fact that the eyes are faded represents how the people of New York during the 1920’s were disregarding the moral values that guided them in achieving their goals in an honorable way. They now lost sight of all morals and are so focused on achieving wealth and possessions to achieve happiness. In the story Wilson , devastated by his loss, looked up and was moved by the appearance of the glaring eyes of the billboard. Something about the billboard told him to seek to set things right. This shows how the billboard and moral guidance are connected.
The green light at the end of the dock represents the hopes and dreams of Americans. Gatsby persevered and achieved great wealth to reach his goal which was the love of Daisy and he did it by any means necessary even through immoral actions. The light is the goal that we as Americans fight for. This is connected to the moral guidance of the billboard because the way we achieve these goals sometimes goes against our values. Nick believed in reaching his dreams in an honorable way however many Americans during this time ignored this moral compass represented in the billboard and tried to reach their goals or “the green light” immorally. As the reader can see through Gatsby failure to win Daisy over, goals cannot be reached by contradicting moral values.
Michael R.
Period 1
Fitzgerald wrote "The Great Gatsby" as a satire to comment on the ideals of the "Roaring Twenties". On the surface it seems to be a love story, but analyzing the book explains otherwise. Fitzgerald wrote "The Great Gatsby" to reveal how careless and carefree people were during the 1920s. Following World War 1, the U.S. embraced an economic boom with a standard of living no one had ever experienced before. As a result, Americans became "loose" and instead driven by the moment and spontaneous thought. Fitzgerald expresses this view throughout the book with the parties that Gatsby hosted, where everyone was inebriated and acting carelessly, to the point that someone ends up wrecking a car one night. Fitzgerald also shows this through the various "love" affairs throughout the novel.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the novel, there are various love affairs between the characters, yet it seems that the love was not well-thought out by the characters and may have been lust instead. This is revealed through Daisy when she is not able to say that she never loved Tom though cannot bring herself to be with Gatsby. During her youth, Daisy was involved with a multitude of different men, giving the reader a sense that she was promiscuous. Another character that supports this idea is Tom, who visited Myrtle Wilson, his "girl", while still married to Daisy. In other words, "The Great Gatsby" is simply commenting on the loss of honesty and integrity during the 1920s. The only person that comes close to love in the novel is Gatsby, yet it seems that his love for Daisy is a one-way deal, as Daisy claims she loves him but when confronted by Tom she cannot follow through. In fact, she did not even attend his funeral after he was shot by Mr. Wilson. Fitzgerald was writing satire that commented on the 1920s, not a love story. Most, if not all, of the characters in the story had major shortcomings in a certain aspect, or was devoid of morality and ethics. Besides, love stories don't have sad endings... usually.
Kayl K.
Period 4
The faded eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize the eyes of God as he looks down upon the American society. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are a pair of eyes painted onto an advertising billboard overlooking the valley of ashes. The eyes or God looks down upon the society and witness all of the sin and immoral act portayed by all. God constantly looks upon the society, critically juding them as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThe green light at the end of Daisy's dock represent Gatsby's hopes for his future. He sees this light as a guide to reaching his goals. Gatsby's hopes and dreams are often associated with the American dream because of his aspirations. Nick compares the green light to how America must have looked to the early settlers of America.
The green light and the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are connected because the eyes of Eckleburg judge Gatsby harshly as he follows the green light in search for his dream. Gatsby attempts to gain back Daisy's love by impressing her with his lavish parties and wealth. Doctor Eckleburg's eyes look down upon these attempts as immoral. The eyes see that Gatsby is willing to do anything to achieve the social position he thought was necessary to win Daisy. The eyes, believing Gatsby to be flawed and dishonest, ultimately will ruin his dreams. Gatsby ends up losing Daisy to Tom as well as being murdered shortly after. The cause of all of this could likely be credited to the disapproval of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's (God's) eyes.
Morgan Stewart
Period 4
The faded eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg that are painted on the billboard represent God staring down at the American people disgusted by the way their society is. American society during the 1920's lacked the moral values of the true meaning of success. The American Dream has been blemished and tarnished. The green light at the end of the dock represents hope. Hope that American society and values will be fixed.
ReplyDeleteIn the novel "The Great Gatsby" there are multiple selections, which involve symbolism. One key symbol in this book is the one regarding the green light at the end of the dock in which Gatsby always gazes at. The representation this light has is that it is Jay Gatsby’s hope for his possible future with Daisy. Every night Gatsby gazes at the green light and this show Gatsby's desire to get with Daisy try to win Daisy back.
ReplyDeleteAnother symbol shown in F. Scott Fitzgerald's book is in the entire novel is indeed the enormous eyes which are displayed on a large billboard These eyes are those of Dr. Eckleberg. In the novel the author explains the eyes by saying how the retina was extremely big, and they were a bluish color. Underneath the billboard, is the Valley of Ashes, the "bad part of town", causing the eyes to symbolize God's eyes according to Mr. Wilson. In accordance with the fact that these eyes symbolize the eyes of God, they seem to be judging the people in the Valley of Ashes. The fading of the eyes is also symbolic. Considering the downtrodden situation of the area of the Valley of Ashes, the fading of the eyes show that the "judging" of the people has been ignored for a long time, and they no longer worry about being judged and the people have lost there basic goodness.
The connection between these two symbols in "The Great Gatsby" is simple. The eyes of the doctor show how the people have lost their values and have lost sight of their goals. On the other hand, these Gatsby never loses sight of his goals (to get with Daisy). The symbolism in this book highlights the key aspects of the book and is very important to the plot and book as a whole.
Max Adamsky
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
"The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece. This quote by Fitzgerald scholar Matthew J. Bruccoli, is completely accurate. As the book progresses, the reader finds out just how politically incorrect and lacking in most of the things that makes a classic, a classic. The most apparent show of political incorrectness is when Tom claims he is superior because of his race. Another thing that the reader notices as he/she dives deeper and deeper into the novel, is that everybody in the plot seems to have something to hide. Although the novel does not proclaim human novelty or leave the reader with a feeling of comfort it is truly a "masterpiece", in every sense of the word.
ReplyDeleteFelipe Vidal
Fitzgerald’s novel, “The Great Gatsby,” can be seen as a love story with the various ideas of the 1920’s. The 1920’s was a time period in history right after the war when the consumption of alcohol was illegal, where one stood in society was exceptionally important, and even a period of time when divorce rates were growing rapidly. For all of these aspects that characterize this era were all portrayed in Fitzgerald’s novel; the way the various ideas were shown through its characters.
ReplyDeleteOne of the main characters of “The Great Gatsby,” Jay Gatsby, really illustrates someone living in the 1920s. For Gatsby always wanted to impress people; if it was impressing people with his nice car or the big parties he threw every week. “On week-ends his Rolls-Royce became an omnibus, bearing parties to and from the city between nine in the morning and long past midnight, while his station wagon scampered like a brisk yellow bug to meet all trains.” This quote shows how Gatsby wanted people to see him as high in society by driving his Rolls-Royce everywhere, trying to impress them. The parties thrown by Gatsby were also a way for him to feel important and put up high in society; consequently people did love his nice parties, but where only there to have fun and not to be friend him. The last way Gatsby is a great image of a man living in the 1920s is his involvement with the selling of alcohol. During the 1920s selling alcohol was illegal, but there existed many bootleggers who sold alcohol to people. Gatsby was a bootlegger which in fact gave him a lot of his money.
The others characters that Fitzgerald use in his book to show the ideas in the 1920s are Daisy and Tom. As stated before, in this era divorce rates were growing and Daisy and Tom are good examples why. Even though they did not get a divorce, they both cheated on each other showing readers how people didn’t necessarily feel bad about cheating on a spouse. Daisy represents the 20’s, additionally, by they way she obsesses over where she stands in society. The reason for her not divorcing Tom and going after Gatsby is due to how she loves living in her big mansion and having nice things in life, all the things that Tom provides for her now. All the nice aspects in life she has now is guaranteed to her; however, if she divorces from Tom all that may be gone.
“The Great Gatsby” truly is a love story. It shows the journey of Gatsby after serving in the war trying to find his true love, Daisy. The novel takes the readers through the journey of not knowing what is going to happen next: not knowing if Tom and Daisy are going to stay together or if both of them go off with their mistresses. “The Great Gatsby,” even incorporates a love story of Nick, the narrator of the book, with Jordan. For Fitzgerald’s novel is just a love story that embraces the American ideals of the 1920s.
-Ashley F
Period 4
"The Great Gatsby" was focused on the satire of the values of Americans in the 1920's. Most people like, Daisy and Jordan, were transfixed on the idea of living a rich and fabulous lifestyle. One attendee of a party was speaking about going to parties. She said "I like to come. I never care what I do, so I always have a good time." It was common for people to attend parties just to maintain a false reputation, and Fitzgerald focused on this for a majority of the novel.
ReplyDeleteIt also seemed that infidelity was common and acceptable almost as it is today. Jordan had an affair, as well as Daisy, and Myrtle. Fitzgerald portrayed the woman as money hungry and unfaithful wives that only care about their status.
Tiffany Vega
Period 1
The Great Gatsby written by Scott Fitzgerald was written as a love story that embraces American ideals of the 1920's.The 1920’s was a very prosperous time. People were making enormous amounts of money. In the Great Gatsby, Gatsby attempts to find Daisy, his long lost lover. This could be related to many other peoples love stories from the 20’s. Thousands and thousands of men were home from the war. These men have been pent up with other men for so long that instead of finding a new job, they went out to have fun. For Gatsby all he wanted was Daisy, so he began to become rich. In Gatsby’s mind Daisy was out of his social class, so if he became rich he could win her over from Tom. In the end the tragic love story does not have happy ending. Daisy refuses Gatsby for Tom, proving that love is far more important then money.
ReplyDeleteChris B
Period 1
Fritzgerald is writing a satire that comments on American ideals of the 1920’s. He does this through his characters; they are all set up in different groups of people. These groups are divided by wealth; not only wealth on itself but different kinds of wealth. There are people like the Buchannans and Jordan Baker who were born into wealth, which furthermore labels them as “old money”. Afterwards, we have Gatsby, who has “new money” and he also adds a character with no money, Nick. These are representations of the social elites and Fritzgerald does a beautiful job on demonstrating, trhough his characters, how human nature acted upon those times. With everyone’s actions the reader is able to acknowledge how money, greed, lust, and power were deeply wanted in those times of economic growth. Those with lost minds, who are superficial and judgmental, have no way of appreciating the essence of the people surrounding them, and themselves as well. Because they are caught up in drinking, sex, and money they have no mind empowerment and furthermore, no peace of mind. This is why Gatsby’s and Daisy’s love did not work; Gatsby thought that the way to catch Daisy’s attention was with money and parties. But this was not the case, because if he would have thought deeply on what truly matters then he would have discovered that money was not going to get him his love. Money failed Gatsby and many others in this book. This is Fritzgeralds way of explaining the means of the world and what the complexity of humans and the world is so uncertain. They are all living in the moment with a mentality set already in one very unpleasant rout of superiority with money, partying and sex. This is a perfect way of portraying the Americans during the 1920’s. Fritzgerald also finds a way to apply commentaries through the not so wealthy. In this case, Nick. Nick was not as powerful or rich as Gatsby and others but at the end of it all he gained so much, he knew what was real within him and others; he did not act as others or think as others and this difference from the people surrounding him was enlightening and more powerful than any sort of wealth on this Earth. He was an honorable man who had his principles clear and he was contempt. The reader is able to view the lives of these characters, their affairs, their love, their actions, etc; which apply as simple commentaries on American ideals of the 1920’s. Another great example is Myrtles greed of wanting to get on a higher social class level. This greed ultimately led her to misery, which led to her affair with Tom and it all went downhill from there on. All the reader gains from this book is the conscience of what led the characters who failed themselves and how money left their morals blocked in their minds. They have no compassion and sensitivity, such as Tom. All they searched for was satisfaction in external means and society. There is betrayal, there is also justice, and the American dream is almost a betrayal to the world at that point. Because for them the American dream was to be the wealthiest and that led to destruction.
ReplyDeletedaniela panzacchi, period:1
Fitzgerald scholar Matthew J. Bruccoli claims: "The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece." such an opinion can only be read through biased eyes.
ReplyDelete"The Great Gatsby" definitely does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit, because it has none; it doesn’t give answers to a problem; it is not a fable or an orthodoxy manual; it is life, crude and simple yet dramatic and complicated, and that is what makes it a masterpiece. Classmates have brought up that Fitzgerald intended the book to be a satire. Nevertheless, a satire is a clear exaggeration of something to show how ridiculous it is to other people, and the book does not do that, it merely impersonates human flaws.
Nobility died centuries ago, if it ever existed at all, and Nick makes sure that under no circumstances the reader sees any of it in any of the characters. From the unimportant characters at Gatsby’s weekend parties, who have obviously lost all dignity and respect by showing uninvited to a house to do something illegal; to Jordan, the cheater; to Nick himself, whose hypocrisy must not be mistaken by niceness. Every one of the characters details something wrong in society, but all of them depict its lack of moral values.
Tom’s elitist feeling, both towards his own society and humanity itself, is not only not noble but also egocentric, arrogant and unorthodox; politically incorrect. Mr. Wilson, the fool, is the impersonation of ignorance, coward choices, and easy ways out; an idiot. Myrtle, the ugly, acts and talks like a super model, a materialistic diva; an attention whore. Daisy starts as noble, but as the story goes, so does her passive position, from a martyr to a vengeful egocentric, back to naïve, and yet, in none of these stages is she innocent. Gatsby himself is probably the crudest character. It is a character that blurs the line between love and obsession; who is corrupt not for greed but as the means to get the person he wants; he is not materialistic yet needs those possessions, smart and witty and at the same time a complete imbecile when it comes to conveying human emotions; Jay Gatsby is a contradiction, a poor man made rich, an ignorant made wise, a lucky person damned by fate.
As Nick tells the lives of these characters meshing together it is clear that the book is no fable, that it does not worship anything unless it is to make fun of it; but that it simply describes the complications of everyday life. The book is a masterpiece because while nothing happens, everything takes place.
Nicolas S
Period 4
Situated at the end of Daisy's East Egg dock and barely visible from Gatsby's West Egg lawn, the green light represents Gatsby's hopes and dreams for the future. Gatsby associates it with Daisy, and in Chapter I he reaches toward it in the darkness as a guiding light to lead him to his goal. Because Gatsby's quest for Daisy is broadly associated with the American dream, the green light also symbolizes that more generalized ideal. In Chapter nine, Nick talks about and compares the green light to how America, rising out of the ocean, must have looked to early settlers of the new nation.
ReplyDeleteThe eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are a pair of fading, watchful eyes painted on an old advertising billboard over the valley of ashes. They may represent God staring down upon and judging American society as a society who lost its moral compass, but the connection between the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg and God exists only in George Wilson's grief-stricken mind.. Thus, the eyes also come to represent the essential meaninglessness of the world and the arbitrariness of the mental process by which people invest objects with meaning. Nick explores these ideas in Chapter VIII, when he imagines Gatsby's final thoughts as a depressed consideration of the emptiness of symbols and dreams.
The connection of the billboard and the green light is that the faded eyes are staring down at the morally ambiguous society while it tries to reach their goals through illicit measures. Gatsby is just an example of a person following that green light to reach their goals. Although, the way he goes about it is through the corrosion of his moral values from resorting to being in hands with bootlegging and the mafia, and it is this that the eyes of God are looking down on.
Martin P.
P-4
The Great Gatsby appears to be a story of a conflicting romance based on the story more than a satire. This romance also embraces the ideals of the 1920’s where women were still considered to be below men on the social latter, even though women had the right to vote by this time there were still considered inferior to men. In the story The Great Gatsby this form of romance is depicted when even though Tom is married he is having an affair with Myrtle and when they are going out for a drink with Nick and Mr. McKee. Myrtle has this mental outburst when Tom mentions Daisy’s name and starts to scream it at the top of her lungs and Tom hits her, breaking he nose, public. Even though Tom has feelings for Myrtle he hits her for getting angry (which she has every right to be angry with him). After this even takes place Gatsby tries to flirt with Daisy, who she use to be in love with Gatsby until he went to war and never wrote, or came back for a large amount of time. Gatsby with Nicks help tries to get as much time with Daisy as possible. Men in this era where not considered “pigs” for being with other women besides there wives like in today’s society, but based on the novel Gatsby has every right to pursue the love of Daisy. She use to love him before Tom was even known.
ReplyDeleteFitzgerald uses several symbols throughout his novel, The Great Gatsby. The faded eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg that are painted on the billboard symbolizes God or someone looking down upon American society during the 1920's which lacked the moral values of the true meaning of success. The eyes are faded because the economy and society during that time was at a decline, which was upsetting and depressing. The American Dream had been blemished and tarnished, which is evident throughout the novel. The definition of success has slowly turned into being wealth. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock may represent hope; hope that American society may change its ways and return to its original values and morals that the people used to live by. Different events that have occurred throughout the novel prove that change is needed.
ReplyDeleteRyan H.
Period 1
Felipe Vidal
ReplyDelete4/20/09
Period 1
"The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece. This quote by Fitzgerald scholar Matthew J. Bruccoli, is completely accurate. As the book progresses, the reader finds out just how politically incorrect and lacking in most of the things that makes a classic, a classic. The most apparent show of political incorrectness is when Tom claims he is superior because of his race. Another thing that the reader notices as he/she dives deeper and deeper into the novel is that everybody in the plot seems to have something to hide. The most clear-cut example of this mystery and concealment is Gatsby, whom the reader does not find out is a crook until much later into the book. Another example of the mistrust within the plot is the fact that Daisy only married Tom Buchanan because of his money and power. And lastly the fact that Gatsby is killed at the end of the book, for something he didn’t do, closes out the book in the only that would make sense with the plot of deceive. Although the novel does not proclaim human novelty or leave the reader with a feeling of comfort it is truly a "masterpiece", in every sense of the word.
Revised in class*
The Great Gatsby written by Scott Fitzgerald, was written as a love story that embraces American ideals of the 1920's.The 1920’s was a very prosperous time with many great job opportunities. People were making and spending enormous amounts of money. In the Great Gatsby, Gatsby attempts to find Daisy, his long lost lover, to kick off their relationship. This could be related to many other peoples love stories from the 20’s. Thousands and thousands of men were home from the war. These men have been pent up with other men for so long that instead of finding a new job, they went out to have fun, as seen in the novel where Gatsby has parties almost every day. For Gatsby all he wanted was Daisy, so he began to become rich. In Gatsby’s mind Daisy was out of his social class, so if he became rich he could win her over from Tom Buchannan. In the end the tragic love story does not have a happy ending. Daisy refuses Gatsby for Tom, proving that love is far more important then money.
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