"Hazel Tells LaVerne"
Katharyn Howd Machan
Everyone has to love a fairytale, right? This poem being a spin off of the story "The Frog Prince" allowed for me to connect more with the poem. This poem has absolutely no punctuation and no capitalization. In most cases that would allow for much confusion when reading. However, each line is basically its own thought. The usage of colloquial language helps to describe the character of the speaker. The speaker is a servant or maid who cannot believe that it would ever be possible for her to be a princess. She says, "me a princess". She was in utter disbelief at the whole situation and she acted how most would probably act in that situation by hitting the frog and screaming. She accepts who she is, and though anyone would want to be a princess, she was incapable of even thinking that the option of her being a princess is even slightly possible, which I think would be the case of most people.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
"Dreams Deferred"
"Dreams Deferred"
Langston Hughes
How many similes and rhetorical question can a person fit into an eleven lined poem? Well this particular poem used five similes and six rhetorical questions. That is a lot. These literary techniques helped to paint a picture in the reader's head, as well as make the reader think. Does a dream deferred magically go away, "Or does it explode?" A dream deferred is basically a dream that one sets to the wayside, because they do not have any intention of acheiving that dream, or they find it to be impossible to acheive.
When learning that the author is African American, the dream that was deferred would probably be the fight against slavery or for civil rights. Though there were bound to be blacks that never put this goal behind them and fought for their freedom all the time, most probably found it an almost impossible task. However, when they tried to place the dream aside, the dream was never fully removed. The last line of the poem, "Or does it explode?", shows that a dream put behind someone may rot for awhile or dry up for the time being, but eventually the dream will no longer be able to be ignored.
Langston Hughes
How many similes and rhetorical question can a person fit into an eleven lined poem? Well this particular poem used five similes and six rhetorical questions. That is a lot. These literary techniques helped to paint a picture in the reader's head, as well as make the reader think. Does a dream deferred magically go away, "Or does it explode?" A dream deferred is basically a dream that one sets to the wayside, because they do not have any intention of acheiving that dream, or they find it to be impossible to acheive.
When learning that the author is African American, the dream that was deferred would probably be the fight against slavery or for civil rights. Though there were bound to be blacks that never put this goal behind them and fought for their freedom all the time, most probably found it an almost impossible task. However, when they tried to place the dream aside, the dream was never fully removed. The last line of the poem, "Or does it explode?", shows that a dream put behind someone may rot for awhile or dry up for the time being, but eventually the dream will no longer be able to be ignored.
"Everyday Use"
"Everyday Use"
Alice Walker
The speaker uses similes while telling this story as a source of imagery. For example, "When the hard clay is swept clean as a floor..." (Walker, 173). This story about two sisters who were as opposite as two people could ever be provided some ironic situations. For instance, Dee, who was named after her aunt and changed her name to Wangero, called her mother out for not understanding her heritage when Dee basically threw her heritage out the window. She comes back to see her family after all of this time apart and asks for all of these things that are of some importance to her mom and sister. However, she does not even asks, she basically just says I am taking these to make my house look nicer. Therefore, when her mom said that those quilts were for Maggie, I was thinking "Yes! You tell her!" She deserved to be put in her place.
In a way, I saw this story in the view point of Maggie. Being second to her sister in everything, I could not even imagine how torturous that would be. She was pushed around all of her life, and it was time that someone stood up for her.
Alice Walker
The speaker uses similes while telling this story as a source of imagery. For example, "When the hard clay is swept clean as a floor..." (Walker, 173). This story about two sisters who were as opposite as two people could ever be provided some ironic situations. For instance, Dee, who was named after her aunt and changed her name to Wangero, called her mother out for not understanding her heritage when Dee basically threw her heritage out the window. She comes back to see her family after all of this time apart and asks for all of these things that are of some importance to her mom and sister. However, she does not even asks, she basically just says I am taking these to make my house look nicer. Therefore, when her mom said that those quilts were for Maggie, I was thinking "Yes! You tell her!" She deserved to be put in her place.
In a way, I saw this story in the view point of Maggie. Being second to her sister in everything, I could not even imagine how torturous that would be. She was pushed around all of her life, and it was time that someone stood up for her.
"Mr. Z"
"Mr. Z"
M. Carl Holman
In the poem, a black male is trying to envelop a "white" lifestyle. What is ironic about the poem is in the last line, "'One of the most distinguished members of his race.'" Mr. Z put all of this effort into being successful and fitting in with the whites by being proper and educated, but even though he was a "distinguished member of his class," there was no difference in his outcome. He died like everyone does, and he died with no higher distinction than anyone else.
The structured format of the poem is used in order to portray Mr. Z's character. Mr. Z is an intelligent and proper, which matches the proper format of the poem.
Mr. Z is an unnamed character. Why? I think the author chose to leave Mr. Z as an unnamed character, because the a decently sized group of black males attempted what Mr. Z is attempting: to fit in with the whites. It is also possible that Holman did not give a name to Mr. Z in order to not offend anyone in particular. The name of Mr. Z sounds proper; the title of Mister is a proper title, so it is also possible that the name was to fit the character.
M. Carl Holman
In the poem, a black male is trying to envelop a "white" lifestyle. What is ironic about the poem is in the last line, "'One of the most distinguished members of his race.'" Mr. Z put all of this effort into being successful and fitting in with the whites by being proper and educated, but even though he was a "distinguished member of his class," there was no difference in his outcome. He died like everyone does, and he died with no higher distinction than anyone else.
The structured format of the poem is used in order to portray Mr. Z's character. Mr. Z is an intelligent and proper, which matches the proper format of the poem.
Mr. Z is an unnamed character. Why? I think the author chose to leave Mr. Z as an unnamed character, because the a decently sized group of black males attempted what Mr. Z is attempting: to fit in with the whites. It is also possible that Holman did not give a name to Mr. Z in order to not offend anyone in particular. The name of Mr. Z sounds proper; the title of Mister is a proper title, so it is also possible that the name was to fit the character.
"Interpreter of Maladies"
"Interpreter of Maladies"
Jhumpa Lahire
Mr. Kapasi's interpretation talents lead him to helping a doctor interpret his patients needs. I felt Mrs. Das misunderstood Mr. Kapasi's job. The problem with the Das family was their lack of love and communication with each other. When Mrs. Das reveals her secret to Mr. Kapasi, I did not think that it made her sympathetic. I think it allowed her to lift this burden off of her chest, and even though the burden remains in the end, I think she realized the love she truly feels for her family that she had not seen because of the burden she was carrying.
I found it interesting that Mr. Kapasi was an interpreter of maladies. Maladies are chronic diseases or an extremely serious illness. Though the relationship between Mr. Das and Mrs. Das would not be considered a disease, it was still tearing them apart. Illnesses attack from the inside; love is in a person's heart, and the lack of love attacks and spreads inside oneself.
The author was very descriptive throughout the tale. There were many details about what the characters looked like and what they were wearing which helped to picture the story. My favorite sentence was "In addition to Tina they had two boys, Ronny and Bobby, who appeared very close in age and had teeth covered in a network of flashing silver wires" (Lahire, 147-148). I thought it was a very clever term for braces.
Jhumpa Lahire
Mr. Kapasi's interpretation talents lead him to helping a doctor interpret his patients needs. I felt Mrs. Das misunderstood Mr. Kapasi's job. The problem with the Das family was their lack of love and communication with each other. When Mrs. Das reveals her secret to Mr. Kapasi, I did not think that it made her sympathetic. I think it allowed her to lift this burden off of her chest, and even though the burden remains in the end, I think she realized the love she truly feels for her family that she had not seen because of the burden she was carrying.
I found it interesting that Mr. Kapasi was an interpreter of maladies. Maladies are chronic diseases or an extremely serious illness. Though the relationship between Mr. Das and Mrs. Das would not be considered a disease, it was still tearing them apart. Illnesses attack from the inside; love is in a person's heart, and the lack of love attacks and spreads inside oneself.
The author was very descriptive throughout the tale. There were many details about what the characters looked like and what they were wearing which helped to picture the story. My favorite sentence was "In addition to Tina they had two boys, Ronny and Bobby, who appeared very close in age and had teeth covered in a network of flashing silver wires" (Lahire, 147-148). I thought it was a very clever term for braces.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Perrine Blog Entry on "The Nature of Proof in the Interpretation of Poetry"
I agree that poems do not have unlimited interpretations, but I do feel there is more than one possible interpretation for a poem. For instance, the first poem by Emily Dickinson I felt could have easily been about a field of flowers just as easily as it could have been about a sunset. I understand what Perrine's argument is saying, but that would involve having knowledge that not everyone has. How does one know what the "wharf" is without looking it up if they had not already known? If one sees the poem as representing a field of flowers, then why would they not guess that the wharf is the field or all of the flowers? Perrine mentions that the reader can make assumptions as to what the poem is about based on knowledge of the author, but if we do not know the authors life then the poem may be interpreted differently. If a poem with symbols in it can be interpreted in multiple ways, then why can we not interpret all poems this way? How does one know the difference between a poem that is literal versus a symbolic poem?
We say poems are a work of art, so comparing a poem to a painting would be plausible to solve this issue. For instance, when looking at a painting such as "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh, someone may see it as a magnificent work of colors and shapes, while another may wonder how the painting is worth so much because there are not many colors and the painting is "blotchy". The interpretation is a matter of opinion, why would that not be the same for a poem which is a work of art? Perrine's formula for interpretation is that of a science hypothesis being proven. Science is not an art; science is based on facts. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a poem is not based on facts; therefore, why should we interpret a work of art such that it is a science that does not make sense. If an interpretation makes sense it should be considered correct, but then the
question comes up with what makes sense and what interpretations are completely of the wall. If that is an issue, I would suggest having the interpreter explain why they interpreted the poem as they did. If they do not know why, then they probably just made it up. Teachers could set boundaries as to how they expect students to interpret poems which could limit possible interpretations.
We say poems are a work of art, so comparing a poem to a painting would be plausible to solve this issue. For instance, when looking at a painting such as "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh, someone may see it as a magnificent work of colors and shapes, while another may wonder how the painting is worth so much because there are not many colors and the painting is "blotchy". The interpretation is a matter of opinion, why would that not be the same for a poem which is a work of art? Perrine's formula for interpretation is that of a science hypothesis being proven. Science is not an art; science is based on facts. Correct me if I'm wrong, but a poem is not based on facts; therefore, why should we interpret a work of art such that it is a science that does not make sense. If an interpretation makes sense it should be considered correct, but then the
question comes up with what makes sense and what interpretations are completely of the wall. If that is an issue, I would suggest having the interpreter explain why they interpreted the poem as they did. If they do not know why, then they probably just made it up. Teachers could set boundaries as to how they expect students to interpret poems which could limit possible interpretations.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
And It Is All Over [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 169-180]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Nick is determined to get someone to come to Gatsby's funeral. He even goes to Wolfsheim's office to try to convince him to come. That did not end with a yes, so at the funeral "Nobody came" (Fitzgerald, 174). After all of those years of parties, and all of the people that came. It goes to show you how many people will use you for money. The guy he had met in the library was the only one who came; the poor man obviously did not attach himself to the most caring people.
As the story closes, Nick is leaving behind the events of the area and moving to Minnesota. He leaves behind Jordan, Tom, Daisy, Gatsby, and all of the memories. People desire to succeed in life. They dream of being rich and having it all, but they do not always realize the consequences of the dream. Maybe the simpler life is actually the more desirable dream. But just as Nick leaves behind his past, just as the ancestors of America did to start their life anew as they were searching for the "American dream" and a better life for their family.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Nick is determined to get someone to come to Gatsby's funeral. He even goes to Wolfsheim's office to try to convince him to come. That did not end with a yes, so at the funeral "Nobody came" (Fitzgerald, 174). After all of those years of parties, and all of the people that came. It goes to show you how many people will use you for money. The guy he had met in the library was the only one who came; the poor man obviously did not attach himself to the most caring people.
As the story closes, Nick is leaving behind the events of the area and moving to Minnesota. He leaves behind Jordan, Tom, Daisy, Gatsby, and all of the memories. People desire to succeed in life. They dream of being rich and having it all, but they do not always realize the consequences of the dream. Maybe the simpler life is actually the more desirable dream. But just as Nick leaves behind his past, just as the ancestors of America did to start their life anew as they were searching for the "American dream" and a better life for their family.
 |
| Keep moving forward. Leave the past in the past. |
He Knows [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 157-168]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"''God knows what you've been doing, everything you've been doing. You may fool me, but you can't fool God''" (Fitzgerald, 159). I do not even think the man actually believed in God, but this statement is true. It is possible that Fitzgerald added this in the story to remind those who are doing sinful acts that God always knows.
More death...joy. Not only do we have a woman run over, but a "madman" who shot Gatsby and then killed himself. Gatsby was killed for something he did not do. Maybe a connection to a story in the past in which people were being punished unfairly. Nick felt it necessary to call up people whom he believed would want to go to Gatsby's funeral, and people he would wish to be there. For some reason, he can not come up with people to attend, except his father. His father was proud of him, but it is important to realize these things before the people pass, so we can tell them.
Daisy who said that she loved Gatsby was nowhere to be found. Maybe this is to show that even after all of this time that Gatsby had lived in the past and searched to reclaim his dream girl, time continued and life is not worth wasting waiting for your past to become your present.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"''God knows what you've been doing, everything you've been doing. You may fool me, but you can't fool God''" (Fitzgerald, 159). I do not even think the man actually believed in God, but this statement is true. It is possible that Fitzgerald added this in the story to remind those who are doing sinful acts that God always knows.
More death...joy. Not only do we have a woman run over, but a "madman" who shot Gatsby and then killed himself. Gatsby was killed for something he did not do. Maybe a connection to a story in the past in which people were being punished unfairly. Nick felt it necessary to call up people whom he believed would want to go to Gatsby's funeral, and people he would wish to be there. For some reason, he can not come up with people to attend, except his father. His father was proud of him, but it is important to realize these things before the people pass, so we can tell them.
Daisy who said that she loved Gatsby was nowhere to be found. Maybe this is to show that even after all of this time that Gatsby had lived in the past and searched to reclaim his dream girl, time continued and life is not worth wasting waiting for your past to become your present.
Hard Times [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 145-156]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Now that Myrtle is dead and witnesses are aware what the car looked like, Nick suggests the Gatsby leave town. However, he cannot leave the women he still loves at a time like this. He is still desiring his lost love, and Nick feels sorry for him. He tells the story of when they loved each other, but Daisy "wanted her life shaped" (Fitzgerald, 151) before Gatsby returned from Oxford. Gatsby symbolizes those who live in the past. He can no longer function without longing for that time he had years ago with Daisy.
We see Jordan and Nick bickering over what had happened the other night. Even the people one considers one of their better friends can be gone in an instant over something unimportant. Nick is breaking a main connection to the situation between Tom and Daisy, which may lead him to stay out of it.
The search for Catherine, Myrtle's sister, at the end of the section, helps to show some of the pain caused by death. The confusion, the grief, the questioning, all which were caused by an accident. Even accidents can have painful consequences, though the cause (Daisy) seems to not be affected.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Now that Myrtle is dead and witnesses are aware what the car looked like, Nick suggests the Gatsby leave town. However, he cannot leave the women he still loves at a time like this. He is still desiring his lost love, and Nick feels sorry for him. He tells the story of when they loved each other, but Daisy "wanted her life shaped" (Fitzgerald, 151) before Gatsby returned from Oxford. Gatsby symbolizes those who live in the past. He can no longer function without longing for that time he had years ago with Daisy.
We see Jordan and Nick bickering over what had happened the other night. Even the people one considers one of their better friends can be gone in an instant over something unimportant. Nick is breaking a main connection to the situation between Tom and Daisy, which may lead him to stay out of it.
The search for Catherine, Myrtle's sister, at the end of the section, helps to show some of the pain caused by death. The confusion, the grief, the questioning, all which were caused by an accident. Even accidents can have painful consequences, though the cause (Daisy) seems to not be affected.
Well That's Not Good [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 133-144]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Would it not be awesome to how this amount of drama on your thirtieth birthday? Well Tom had "won" the argument, and allowed Daisy and Gatsby to drive back together. Tom, Jordan, and Nick followed. However, I spoke too soon.
The possibility of Tom and Wilson going on with their separate lives is slightly improbable. Now that Myrtle was ran over by a yellow car, Gatsby's car. Of course, Tom knows this and believe Gatsby killed "his girl," but Daisy killed her. Gatsby says he told Daisy he thought Myrtle was dead and that "She stood it pretty well" (Fitzgerald, 143). How is any one alright with running over someone? That is absolutely ridiculous. Did she know that the woman she hit was her husband's "girl" from New York, or was that simply coincidence? People are devastated when an accident like this occurs. If I killed someone, I would probably lose my mind, but obviously Daisy is not one to be much concerned with people of the outside world.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Would it not be awesome to how this amount of drama on your thirtieth birthday? Well Tom had "won" the argument, and allowed Daisy and Gatsby to drive back together. Tom, Jordan, and Nick followed. However, I spoke too soon.
The possibility of Tom and Wilson going on with their separate lives is slightly improbable. Now that Myrtle was ran over by a yellow car, Gatsby's car. Of course, Tom knows this and believe Gatsby killed "his girl," but Daisy killed her. Gatsby says he told Daisy he thought Myrtle was dead and that "She stood it pretty well" (Fitzgerald, 143). How is any one alright with running over someone? That is absolutely ridiculous. Did she know that the woman she hit was her husband's "girl" from New York, or was that simply coincidence? People are devastated when an accident like this occurs. If I killed someone, I would probably lose my mind, but obviously Daisy is not one to be much concerned with people of the outside world.
Ut Oh [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 121-132]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
And this is the part we've all been waiting for...(I'm currently skipping the first part of this section to get to the juicy part.)
F. Scott Fitzgerald
And this is the part we've all been waiting for...(I'm currently skipping the first part of this section to get to the juicy part.)
The whole crew go to a suite in the Plaza Hotel to discuss what they are going to do. Throughout the story I have noticed that both Tom and Daisy are very demanding of the other. However, this deems unimportant to the explosion that happened between Gatsby and Tom. Screaming about Daisy loves me and not you, and I love Daisy this and that. It is all rather juicy, so if you missed it I would suggest reading it. Tom made a complete fool of himself. I found it extremely hypocritical. He says, "'Once in a while I go off on a spree and make a fool of myself, but i always come back, and in my heart I love her all the time'" (Fitzgerald, 131). Well he did practically the same thing and it was perfectly alright, but now it isn't. Well karma is...well if you don't know what karma is ask Mrs. Helbing, she will tell you. There are always arguments and fights throughout life, the test is how we handle them.
We are also aware that Mr. Wilson knows something about his wife's "other life." If Tom gets caught, I say it is only fair. However, maybe both of the men can go back to living their own separate lives.
We're Stopping Just Short [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 109-120]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"'You can't repeat the past'" (Fitzgerald, 110). Though Gatsby seems to think you can. In a way I kind of want to sympathize for him considering he is in love with Daisy after all this time, but he cannot honestly expect her to just pack up and leave.
Now Gatsby and Nick are invited over to Tom and Daisy's home. We meet Pammy, their daughter, who is cared for by their nurse. (I had forgot the wealthy did that back then.) Her child is in the room for about a page of text. I think this may symbolize someone or something that is in a persons life, but is not permanent. People come and go, and things may be here one second, but gone the next.
Tom discovers the truth behind Gatsby and his wife. He starts to get angry. In the near future, everything is going to be out on the table. It has to happen sooner or later. The truth always prevails, and secrets never stay secrets.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"'You can't repeat the past'" (Fitzgerald, 110). Though Gatsby seems to think you can. In a way I kind of want to sympathize for him considering he is in love with Daisy after all this time, but he cannot honestly expect her to just pack up and leave.
Now Gatsby and Nick are invited over to Tom and Daisy's home. We meet Pammy, their daughter, who is cared for by their nurse. (I had forgot the wealthy did that back then.) Her child is in the room for about a page of text. I think this may symbolize someone or something that is in a persons life, but is not permanent. People come and go, and things may be here one second, but gone the next.
Tom discovers the truth behind Gatsby and his wife. He starts to get angry. In the near future, everything is going to be out on the table. It has to happen sooner or later. The truth always prevails, and secrets never stay secrets.
Learn From Others [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 97-108]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
We learn the truth about Gatsby's past, which Nick was told later, but is telling us now. His name is not even Jay Gatsby. He was born in North Dakota, went to college for two weeks in Minnesota, and moved to Lake Superior. He worked for a man named Dan Cody who influenced who he became. Cody influenced Gatsby to want the life of a wealthy and successful man and was the reason for him choosing not to drink much. Learn from others mistakes is a phrase that could fit that situation. Due to Cody being a drunk, Gatsby saw what liquor does to people and decided to "let it alone." I think this connects to my life in a way as well. For example, one of my parents smoke, and the affects that I have seen allowed for me to make the decision to not smoke (ever).
Gatsby then invites Daisy and Tom over, "...but the really surprising thing was that it hadn't happened before" (Fitzgerald, 101). He had lived across from them all this time, so why had he not invited them?
F. Scott Fitzgerald
We learn the truth about Gatsby's past, which Nick was told later, but is telling us now. His name is not even Jay Gatsby. He was born in North Dakota, went to college for two weeks in Minnesota, and moved to Lake Superior. He worked for a man named Dan Cody who influenced who he became. Cody influenced Gatsby to want the life of a wealthy and successful man and was the reason for him choosing not to drink much. Learn from others mistakes is a phrase that could fit that situation. Due to Cody being a drunk, Gatsby saw what liquor does to people and decided to "let it alone." I think this connects to my life in a way as well. For example, one of my parents smoke, and the affects that I have seen allowed for me to make the decision to not smoke (ever).
Gatsby then invites Daisy and Tom over, "...but the really surprising thing was that it hadn't happened before" (Fitzgerald, 101). He had lived across from them all this time, so why had he not invited them?
After Five Years [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 85-96]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Daisy and Gatsby meet again. Both of them are embarrassed. Nick gives them their space. After Nick returns, Gatsby invited Daisy and Nick to his house. "After his (Gatsby's) embarrassment and his unreasoning joy he was consumed with wonder at her presence" (Fitzgerald, 91-92). Gatsby went through these three stages during the meeting. They were both acting crazy as if they were meeting the others ghostly form or something. Daisy is in awe of Gatsby's house, which he had hoped. Everything seemed to go well, but it had almost been five years since they had seen each other. As Nick mentions, something must have happened that was less than what Gatsby had expected. It is common for people to get so worked up about a situation that when it actually happens, they are slightly disappointed with the outcome. Though there probably were things that went "wrong", I think Gatsby and Daisy were overall happy with the day they had after so many years.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Daisy and Gatsby meet again. Both of them are embarrassed. Nick gives them their space. After Nick returns, Gatsby invited Daisy and Nick to his house. "After his (Gatsby's) embarrassment and his unreasoning joy he was consumed with wonder at her presence" (Fitzgerald, 91-92). Gatsby went through these three stages during the meeting. They were both acting crazy as if they were meeting the others ghostly form or something. Daisy is in awe of Gatsby's house, which he had hoped. Everything seemed to go well, but it had almost been five years since they had seen each other. As Nick mentions, something must have happened that was less than what Gatsby had expected. It is common for people to get so worked up about a situation that when it actually happens, they are slightly disappointed with the outcome. Though there probably were things that went "wrong", I think Gatsby and Daisy were overall happy with the day they had after so many years.
How Romantic? [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 73-84]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"It never occurred to me that one man could start to play with the faith of fifty million people- with the single-mindedness of a burglar blowing a safe" (Fitzgerald, 73). This is one of the first thoughts of the narrator as this section opens up. I felt this quote may in a way foreshadow another event not necessarily that effects fifty million people, but an occurrence in which one man puts another man's fate in his hands.
Now Jordan tells the story, which is drawn out might I add, of Gatsby's love for Daisy. Gatsby now looks as a man helplessly still in love with a now married woman. He is just trying to win over the girl of his dreams. Well though people say it is never too late for love, when the person you love is married it is too late. However, Nick being a people pleaser decides to invite Daisy over, as Gatsby wishes. Gatsby is not the man he was then, but he has to of imagined this meeting, considering he moved directly across the bay. (It is a little obsessive if you ask me, but I guess it could be romantic.) However, Gatsby is extremely nervous to meet Daisy for the first time in several years.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
"It never occurred to me that one man could start to play with the faith of fifty million people- with the single-mindedness of a burglar blowing a safe" (Fitzgerald, 73). This is one of the first thoughts of the narrator as this section opens up. I felt this quote may in a way foreshadow another event not necessarily that effects fifty million people, but an occurrence in which one man puts another man's fate in his hands.
Now Jordan tells the story, which is drawn out might I add, of Gatsby's love for Daisy. Gatsby now looks as a man helplessly still in love with a now married woman. He is just trying to win over the girl of his dreams. Well though people say it is never too late for love, when the person you love is married it is too late. However, Nick being a people pleaser decides to invite Daisy over, as Gatsby wishes. Gatsby is not the man he was then, but he has to of imagined this meeting, considering he moved directly across the bay. (It is a little obsessive if you ask me, but I guess it could be romantic.) However, Gatsby is extremely nervous to meet Daisy for the first time in several years.
Only the Past Will Tell [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 61-72]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Every person ever to go to Gatsby's house that summer is listed before us at the beginning of the chapter. Why any one would care to do that beats me, but it was a list of the most rich and powerful people of that time. We learn about some of his past, or what Gatsby tells us of his past.
We then meet Mr. Wolfsheim, a Jew, who is a friend of Gatsby. Wolfsheim treats Nick rudely, but also makes Nick suspicious about what Gatsby did in his past to get the money. I think as of now Wolfsheim is simply a character from Gatsby's past that may help Nick to discover the truth. Based on how many people have said Gatsby is an Oxford man, I am going to bet he went to Oxford.
As I mentioned in the first blog (for this book), the story is told in first person. The narrator and reader connection is strong, because it's as if they are telling a story to you in person. As the Nick questions Gatsby, the reader questions Gatsby. There is nothing the reader is aware of that the narrator does not know. "So my first impression, that he was a person of some undefined consequence, had gradually faded and he had become simply the proprietor of an elaborate road-house next door" (Fitzgerald, 64). As Nick's impression of Gatsby changes, my impression of him is also changed.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Every person ever to go to Gatsby's house that summer is listed before us at the beginning of the chapter. Why any one would care to do that beats me, but it was a list of the most rich and powerful people of that time. We learn about some of his past, or what Gatsby tells us of his past.
We then meet Mr. Wolfsheim, a Jew, who is a friend of Gatsby. Wolfsheim treats Nick rudely, but also makes Nick suspicious about what Gatsby did in his past to get the money. I think as of now Wolfsheim is simply a character from Gatsby's past that may help Nick to discover the truth. Based on how many people have said Gatsby is an Oxford man, I am going to bet he went to Oxford.
As I mentioned in the first blog (for this book), the story is told in first person. The narrator and reader connection is strong, because it's as if they are telling a story to you in person. As the Nick questions Gatsby, the reader questions Gatsby. There is nothing the reader is aware of that the narrator does not know. "So my first impression, that he was a person of some undefined consequence, had gradually faded and he had become simply the proprietor of an elaborate road-house next door" (Fitzgerald, 64). As Nick's impression of Gatsby changes, my impression of him is also changed.
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| I like these animated pictures. :) |
Search and Eventually Discover [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 49-60]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
So we are on this journey to discover who this man is called Gatsby? He is supposedly an Oxford man, but that has not yet been confirmed or denied. We receive a glimpse of Gatsby through the eyes of others, but through the conversations so far his personality and story are not yet portrayed enough to say one way or the other who he is. In other words, it is a mystery. (For the record, people like mysteries too; maybe it will be an awkward mystery, that could be exciting.) Now that I have had my mindless babble for the section, which I am not including in the sentence count, we proceed...
We have these two sort of random situations toward the end of the party. The first between the husbands and wives, while Jordan was talking to Gatsby elsewhere. If I were to take this literally, I would say it was a random event that will have absolutely no effect on the remainder of the story. If I were to look at the situation symbolically, I would have to guess that it either represents the pointless bickering between spouses or perhaps that women of this time begin to search for more independence from their significant other. (These may or may not have anything to do with the story at all, but I guess it is possible.) The second event is where the man who Jordan and Nick found in the library and another man were driving a car which got stuck in a ditch. Possible tip for the future, do not drink and drive, because worse could happen and you look foolish. Also, if drinking really makes someone act like a complete imbecile, we should really keep unintelligent people away from alcohol.
What I find the most odd about the story so far is how slowly the pictures of characters develop. For example, we have this idea of who Jordan is and a pretty, young women, who is a well known golfer; she seems to have a bubbly and kind persona. Yet at the end of the chapter we learn she is rather careless, at least while driving a car. Also, "She was incurably dishonest" (Fitzgerald, 58). I never would have guessed that. However, Fitzgerald seems to be doing this with all, or a majority, of the main characters.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
So we are on this journey to discover who this man is called Gatsby? He is supposedly an Oxford man, but that has not yet been confirmed or denied. We receive a glimpse of Gatsby through the eyes of others, but through the conversations so far his personality and story are not yet portrayed enough to say one way or the other who he is. In other words, it is a mystery. (For the record, people like mysteries too; maybe it will be an awkward mystery, that could be exciting.) Now that I have had my mindless babble for the section, which I am not including in the sentence count, we proceed...
We have these two sort of random situations toward the end of the party. The first between the husbands and wives, while Jordan was talking to Gatsby elsewhere. If I were to take this literally, I would say it was a random event that will have absolutely no effect on the remainder of the story. If I were to look at the situation symbolically, I would have to guess that it either represents the pointless bickering between spouses or perhaps that women of this time begin to search for more independence from their significant other. (These may or may not have anything to do with the story at all, but I guess it is possible.) The second event is where the man who Jordan and Nick found in the library and another man were driving a car which got stuck in a ditch. Possible tip for the future, do not drink and drive, because worse could happen and you look foolish. Also, if drinking really makes someone act like a complete imbecile, we should really keep unintelligent people away from alcohol.
What I find the most odd about the story so far is how slowly the pictures of characters develop. For example, we have this idea of who Jordan is and a pretty, young women, who is a well known golfer; she seems to have a bubbly and kind persona. Yet at the end of the chapter we learn she is rather careless, at least while driving a car. Also, "She was incurably dishonest" (Fitzgerald, 58). I never would have guessed that. However, Fitzgerald seems to be doing this with all, or a majority, of the main characters.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Party Like Gatsby [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 37-48]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As we enter into the world that is chapter three, we begin to get to what I am guessing is the major part of the story: Gatsby. He is a man of many words and parties. (If I had a ginormous house and lived there alone, I think I would throw several large parties as well.) Nick lives right next door to Gatsby, but had never been to one of Gatsby's parties until now. (Why now?)
In the chapter it was said, "'He (Gatsby) doesn't want any trouble with anybody'" (Fitzgerald, 43). This statement stood out to me as a characteristic of Gatsby that may come into play later in the story.
Now how you go living next to someone and do not recognizing them when you talk to them is beyond me; however, it made for an awkward situation, and everyone enjoys awkward situations.
So everyone wants to know: who is this Gatsby character? He seems to be a character who enjoys being in the background. He must know everyone knows of him, but people rarely even meet him when they go to his parties; if he had an issue with that, he would make sure that did not occur. He was in the war, but I think he simply used that as a conversation starter and it is something they have in common.
See next post to learn more!
F. Scott Fitzgerald
As we enter into the world that is chapter three, we begin to get to what I am guessing is the major part of the story: Gatsby. He is a man of many words and parties. (If I had a ginormous house and lived there alone, I think I would throw several large parties as well.) Nick lives right next door to Gatsby, but had never been to one of Gatsby's parties until now. (Why now?)
In the chapter it was said, "'He (Gatsby) doesn't want any trouble with anybody'" (Fitzgerald, 43). This statement stood out to me as a characteristic of Gatsby that may come into play later in the story.
Now how you go living next to someone and do not recognizing them when you talk to them is beyond me; however, it made for an awkward situation, and everyone enjoys awkward situations.
So everyone wants to know: who is this Gatsby character? He seems to be a character who enjoys being in the background. He must know everyone knows of him, but people rarely even meet him when they go to his parties; if he had an issue with that, he would make sure that did not occur. He was in the war, but I think he simply used that as a conversation starter and it is something they have in common.
See next post to learn more!
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| I thought some people would enjoy this... |
Hmm...Interesting [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 25-36]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
George Wilson, husband of Mrs. Myrtle Wilson, seems to be intimidated by Tom. Tom believes him to be an ignorant man. I do not really believe any one is so dumb they do not know they are alive. I feel bad for the man; maybe he simply trusts his wife (which is not a good idea), but Tom does not know that. As the story progresses, Tom continues to get more on my nerves. He thinks he is better than everyone else. People like that need to be put in their place.
To take this section of the book simply literally would be dumb....so I am going to try to figure out what could possibly symbolized from this nonsense. Things, people, places all symbolize different things. Let us try a list.
We have the infidelity of Tom and Myrtle: this symbolizes a common falling out between spouses and a sin which was becoming more popular between couples.
The filthy garage may symbolize messiness, disaster, or a tangles of a situation.
The apartment, I feel, symbolizes secrecy and an alternate life/separation from the "real world".
(These are just a few that seem the most important.)
Catherine, Myrtle's sister, mentions that the reason Tom and Myrtle are not married is because Daisy's a Catholic, but she is not. Something is up with this whole situation.
"The late afternoon sky bloomed in the window for a moment like the blue honey of the Mediterranean..." (Fitzgerald, 34). Don't you love imagery too? As the narrator describes what he sees, the reader can easily picture the scene in their head. The use of imagery also draws the reader into the story, and helps them to feel almost a part of the story.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
George Wilson, husband of Mrs. Myrtle Wilson, seems to be intimidated by Tom. Tom believes him to be an ignorant man. I do not really believe any one is so dumb they do not know they are alive. I feel bad for the man; maybe he simply trusts his wife (which is not a good idea), but Tom does not know that. As the story progresses, Tom continues to get more on my nerves. He thinks he is better than everyone else. People like that need to be put in their place.
To take this section of the book simply literally would be dumb....so I am going to try to figure out what could possibly symbolized from this nonsense. Things, people, places all symbolize different things. Let us try a list.
We have the infidelity of Tom and Myrtle: this symbolizes a common falling out between spouses and a sin which was becoming more popular between couples.
The filthy garage may symbolize messiness, disaster, or a tangles of a situation.
The apartment, I feel, symbolizes secrecy and an alternate life/separation from the "real world".
(These are just a few that seem the most important.)
Catherine, Myrtle's sister, mentions that the reason Tom and Myrtle are not married is because Daisy's a Catholic, but she is not. Something is up with this whole situation.
"The late afternoon sky bloomed in the window for a moment like the blue honey of the Mediterranean..." (Fitzgerald, 34). Don't you love imagery too? As the narrator describes what he sees, the reader can easily picture the scene in their head. The use of imagery also draws the reader into the story, and helps them to feel almost a part of the story.
This Could Be Very Good...Or Very Bad [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 13-24]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
From the previous section there was a sense of anger or unfriendliness between Daisy and Tom that continues over into this section. We learn that Tom has a girl in New York, which in a way makes sense. Was that common back then? Daisy appears to know, but she does not seem to be terribly affected by it. Maybe she is good at putting it behind her? As the section closes, Tom and Nick are on their way to see "his girl," so hopefully some of the dots will be connected.
Then we have this whole ordeal with the child. I am not sure what that is all about. The only thing I could come up with was an open adoption, so they are allowed to go she her. I am lost on why that would be necessary though. (I am probably missing something, so feel free to point it out!)
However, I have discovered that Miss Baker is well known, and I am also guessing that she is one of the major characters. This is based on the statement Daisy made about her staying that summer and saying Nick will take care of her. (I guess this could also be considered a phrase foreshadowing future involvement of some sort between the two.)Time will tell, but I would bet she will play a larger role in the story.
"But above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic- their retinas are one yard high" (Fitzgerald, 23). Imagine if those huge eyes were looking at you, when you were walking into this situation.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
From the previous section there was a sense of anger or unfriendliness between Daisy and Tom that continues over into this section. We learn that Tom has a girl in New York, which in a way makes sense. Was that common back then? Daisy appears to know, but she does not seem to be terribly affected by it. Maybe she is good at putting it behind her? As the section closes, Tom and Nick are on their way to see "his girl," so hopefully some of the dots will be connected.
Then we have this whole ordeal with the child. I am not sure what that is all about. The only thing I could come up with was an open adoption, so they are allowed to go she her. I am lost on why that would be necessary though. (I am probably missing something, so feel free to point it out!)
However, I have discovered that Miss Baker is well known, and I am also guessing that she is one of the major characters. This is based on the statement Daisy made about her staying that summer and saying Nick will take care of her. (I guess this could also be considered a phrase foreshadowing future involvement of some sort between the two.)Time will tell, but I would bet she will play a larger role in the story.
"But above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic- their retinas are one yard high" (Fitzgerald, 23). Imagine if those huge eyes were looking at you, when you were walking into this situation.
Not comfortable, not at all.
Here We Go Again... [The Great Gatsby: Pgs 1-12]
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The first thing I noticed about this novel was that it is written from a first person point of view. (I enjoy reading stories in the first person, so this could be a could sign.) Fitzgerald starts with a quote from the narrator's father saying, "'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told me, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had'"(Fitzgerald, 1). Though usually themes are discovered throughout the book, it is possible that this quote could have something to do with the overall theme. I also say this is possible because the first two pages seem to act as a preview, an extremely brief preview, of what may unfold later in the book.
I found it very odd how we do not even know the narrator's full name until page ten. Now this may be considered a minor detail considering in some stories you never know who the narrator is at all, but I found it slightly unusual.
We are introduced to three characters: Tom and Daisy Buchanan and Miss Baker. (I am currently uncertain on how minor or major these characters will be.) Daisy is Nick's cousin. Tom is Daisy's husband and a friend of Nick. Miss Baker is a friend of Daisy's and a current stranger to Nick.
The amount of figurative language I feel will be much greater than in The House of Mirth, because just within these pages there have been several examples of imagery through personification, similes, and comparisons.
(Can someone tell me why they spell tomorrow and today like to-morrow and to-day, or is that just how they say it??)
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The first thing I noticed about this novel was that it is written from a first person point of view. (I enjoy reading stories in the first person, so this could be a could sign.) Fitzgerald starts with a quote from the narrator's father saying, "'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told me, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had'"(Fitzgerald, 1). Though usually themes are discovered throughout the book, it is possible that this quote could have something to do with the overall theme. I also say this is possible because the first two pages seem to act as a preview, an extremely brief preview, of what may unfold later in the book.
I found it very odd how we do not even know the narrator's full name until page ten. Now this may be considered a minor detail considering in some stories you never know who the narrator is at all, but I found it slightly unusual.
We are introduced to three characters: Tom and Daisy Buchanan and Miss Baker. (I am currently uncertain on how minor or major these characters will be.) Daisy is Nick's cousin. Tom is Daisy's husband and a friend of Nick. Miss Baker is a friend of Daisy's and a current stranger to Nick.
The amount of figurative language I feel will be much greater than in The House of Mirth, because just within these pages there have been several examples of imagery through personification, similes, and comparisons.
(Can someone tell me why they spell tomorrow and today like to-morrow and to-day, or is that just how they say it??)
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