To receive full credit, you must include textual support AND:
share your best insight from this chapter
2. ask one level 2-3 question
3. answer two questions from the phishbowl, connecting your thinking to others' ideas AND the text. You may also address other outer circle members' ideas on the blog.
65 comments:
On page 67, Gatsby tells Nick: "'You see, I usually find myself among strangers, because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me.'" Do people in the Lost Generation travel society and the world to search or runaway from something?
At the beginning of chapter 4, Nick talks about some of the people who attend Gatsby's parties. Why do you think these descriptions are significant to the story?
What do you think could have changed for Daisy from crying drunk before getting married to being madly in love with Tom after their wedding? As described in pages 76 to 77.
On page 65, Nick notices that something is off about Gatsby, "He hurried the phrase 'educated at Oxford,' or swallowed it, or choked on it, as though it had bothered him before. And with this doubt, his whole statement fell to pieces, and I wondered if there wasn’t something a little sinister about him, after all." Do you believe what Gatsby says about himself, or do you think it is all a big lie?
Nick describes each person that attended one of Gatsby's parties, and what happened to them after leaving the mansion. For example on page 64-65, he states "and Henry L. Palmetto, who killed himself by jumping in front of a subway train" and "who afterwards strangled his wife." How do you think the reference to tragedies in the future represent modernism. Most of their lives went downhill just as they left his house. How does Gatsby connect to these characters who have lived through sorrow right after joyful parties?
I think one of my best insights was how Fitzgerald mentions "and the day before the wedding he gave her a string of pearls valued at three hundred and fifty thousand dollars" (Fitzgerald 76). This phrase really stuck out to me because it seems like he is buying her love which tells a lot about their relationship and how shallow they both must be to have to marry someone of the same status and wealth. Although happiness and love may happen later I don't believe that was how their relationship started.
In response to Delia's question: I think Nick is so reluctant to pass judgment to Gatsby because Gatsby does initially have a friendly demeanor. He calls Nick "old sport" which Nick took as some sort of term of endearment, similarly to how high school girls call other high school girls "love" or "babe." It shows that Gatsby is a man who is somewhat trustworthy and radiates the energy that he is a safe person to be around. Old sport sort of implies a sort of safeness that Nick probably needs to feel because he is in this position where he doesn't know anyone and is considered an outcast. "Good morning, old sport. You're having lunch with me today and I thought we'd ride up together" (63). Gatsby makes it seem like him and Nick have been pals for the longest time that are finally reconnecting which is, I think, the sort of friendship that Nick needs at this point. I think that Nick needs guidance from someone because he's so different from everyone in this place and Gatsby is taking him under his wing. When I read that quote I felt a sense of security in Gatsby that everything was going to turn out okay and that he knew what he was doing. All in all I think that Nick is so reluctant in judging Gatsby because he gives people a sense of security and, although I hate to say this because I really like who Gatsby is as a person, he sort of brainwashes people into believing that everything WILL be okay even when clearly it won't. And I think that Nick fell into his trap and his cunning ways and was brought into this false sense of security and reality.
To Delia's Question: I think Daisy gives Gatsby a sense of purpose and fulfillment; she is his goal, something to work towards. It can often be said that one is truly "alive" when they have something to live for- and that's Daisy.
Nick thought on pg. 78 "...not been merely the stars to which he has aspired on that June night. He came alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor."
He emphasizes Gatsby's "birth," so it's clear that Daisy gives him life- and the word "aspire" is something one does when reaching for the starts (working towards a goal). I think this means- to me- that Daisy is Gatsby's "American Dream." She would be the bow that ties together his life.
I think this is greatly tied to the juxtaposition we see between characters' outlooks on life. At the beginning of the novel, Daisy says that her and Tom's residence is East Egg is "permanent", but narrator Nick doesn't necessarily believe her, and she is shown to be very pessimistic. Nick, however, is quite optimistic and he still throughout his life has continued to move around, changing profession and location frequently. I'm led to believe that those who are cynical are running away from people or situations, and those who view things in a positive light move around as a way to search for new opportunities and prospects.
"We gave her spirits of ammonia and put ice on her forehead and hooked her back into her dress, and half an hour later, when we walked out of the room, the pearls were around her neck and the incident was over. Next day at five o'clock she married Tom Buchanan without so much as a shiver" (76). We discussed how Fitzgerald wants readers to view the characters with many different layers. What does Jordan's story about Daisy's wedding reveal about Daisy?
Immediately after that, he says his family is from San-Francisco, In the Midwest. This should present red flags to all of his stories he relates.
On page 76, Daisy refers to her pearls in a carless manner, '"Here, deares'." She groped around in a waste-basket she had with her on the bed and pulled out the string of pearls." It's interesting how this gift from Tom acts as a "chain" for Daisy. When she is drunk she sees Gatsby, the man she loves, as her future. However the fact of the matter is that Nick has more money and she is stuck with him.
Adding onto Delia + Halley, yes, these people DON'T know who they are; they don't know what to value, what to prioritize, what to care about, so they settle on trivial afternoon gossips and dinner parties. But as Nick as pointed out from the beginning, Gatsby is apart from this crowd of lost people (lost generation????) because he has a point in life; and that's Daisy, I think.
In the novel one thing that I noticed was when Gatsby was telling Nick about his past he seemed to have almost too much proof to back it up. The way he pulled out the picture and the pin seemed too be perfect, like he didn't expect Nick to believe him. "Here's another thing I always carry. A souvenir of Oxford days. It was taken in Trinity Quad-the man on my left is now the Earl of Doncaster"(67).
On Page 65, Nick sees how Jordan could think Gatsby is lying: "He hurried the phrase 'educated at Oxford,' or swallowed it., or choked on it, as though it had bothered him before." Why does Gatsby hesitate here? How does it affect perceptions of him, and his own perception of others?
How does the idea of the adult characters acting as if they are teenagers relate to the ideals present in Modernism?
What is the importance of the calm and collected Gatsby taking different, more "mature" actions?
((Lucille, at the party:) "'I never care what I do, so I always have a good time" (Fitzgerald 43).)
("...and I was looking at an elegant young roughneck [Gatsby]...whose elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd" (Fitzgerald 48).)
@CourtneyM2020
The "sad thing" that Gatsby mentions is likely Daisy getting married to Tom after Gatsby was sent off to war. The poor relationship between Tom and Gatsby is evident within the restaurant when Gatsby suddenly disappears during Nick and Tom's conversation. "I turned toward Mr. Gatsby, but he was no longer there." If this book truly takes aspects from Fitzgerald's own life I would not be surprised if Gatsby and Daisy end up together similar to how Fitzgerald ended up with Zelda even after she had been with someone else.
What is the significance of Nick being reminded of the 1919 World Series fix? How does this affect Nick? (73)
Pages 75-78 talks about how in love Daisy is with Tom and how "...she'd look around uneasily and say: 'Where's Tom gone?' and wear the most abstracted expression until she saw him coming in the door" (77). Do you think that this is love or obsession? Can obsession be defined along with love? Do those two words have the same meaning? I think that Daisy is not in love with Tom, but obsessed with him. I think that Daisy doesn't know where the line is between love and obsession, and Tom has manipulated Daisy into thinking that love and obsession are the same thing, just as how I think Tom views love and lust as the same thing. In chapter 2 it is clear that Tom lusts after Mrs. Wilson, hence the reason WHY she is his mistress. I think Tom confuses love, lust, and obsession and ultimately Daisy has fallen into that trap as well.
@Courtney I definitely think that is trying to runaway from his past. He is trying to get absorbed with all that is happening around him so that he would be able to forget what happened in his past. This is very prevalent as he throws all of these parties and purposefully works to get so absorbed with all the fun. I picked up the same kind of idea and how the author used a lot of repetition with the line "something very sad that happened to me long ago" (Fitzgerald 66).
On page 76, Gatsby pulls out a photograph of himself at Oxford, and it seems like after that Nick believes everything, "Then it was all true. I saw the skins of tigers flaming in his palace on the Grand Canal; I saw him opening a chest of rubies to ease, with their crimson lighted depths, the gnawings of his broken heart,"(Fitzgerald 67). After Nick sees the photograph, he not only believes Gatsby's stories, he feels sympathy towards him because of the struggles he went through.
What does the motif of youth throughout chapters 3 and 4 symbolize? Why is this essential to how relationships and social life are portrayed throughout this novel?
I believe what Gatsby says is true, because later he goes on to show Nick pictures as proof. On the outside, Jay Gatsby is living the ideal American Dream: luxurious lifestyle filled with money, ease, hosting grand parties, and traveling the world. However, on the inside; Gatsby is impatient, sad, anxious, yearns for genuine human connection, and is hopelessly in love with Daisy. Gatsby is portrayed as divine, but also honest and lonely. He either regrets going to Oxford and/or does not want to set himself apart from everyone else, but there is nothing sinister about him.
Also going off what Halle is saying about how they're teenagers and that they act so childish because they don't know who they are or who they're supposed to be in their society is also because they're so consumed in their wealth that they don't know what else to do with their time and money. Connecting to how it's not uncommon for Tom to have a mistress because the drama in their lives is caused by them and fueled by their confusion of who they are and are supposed to be in their society.
Question from Katie--> Do you think Daisy is more pure or impure?
I think Daisy is more pure than impure because she hides her impureness more because she's gone through a lot and goes through a lot especially with Tom blatantly cheating on her. She's a daisy of how she is pure(white on the inside) but inside the choices and the decisions she makes guides her life and her "impure self."
I feel the significance of the descriptions of people was to show the readers just how many different people attended the parties. It showed how Gatsby was reaching out to very broad audiences, seemingly for nobody in particular. If Gatsby had been throwing the parties in hopes that Daisy would attend, he could have been attempting to reach as many people as possible so that maybe one day somebody would know Daisy and invite her to come.
On page 73 (of my book), Nick specifically mentions how happy he is that Gatsby is unintentionally (perhaps ruining in my point of view) a funeral procession of some Eastern Europeans.
"The friends looked out at us with the tragic eyes and short upper lips of South-Eastern Europe and I was glad that the sight of Gatsby's splendid car was included in their somber holiday.
He then eyes a limousine with a white chauffeur with three Black clientele. He refers to the men as "bucks," and portrays an awful caricature.
Is this evidence of Tom rubbing off on him, or just part of Nicks or Fitzgerald's views?
When Gatsby is first mentioned, he is described with dark characteristics. Tom says, “I could have sworn he was trembling...I glanced seaward--and distinguished nothing except a single green light...” (Fitzgerald 21). When Gatsby is alone on the dock, he was trembling and looking at the green light. It is said, “He waited five years and bought a mansion where he dispensed starlight to casual moths...” (Fitzgerald 78). In chapter 4, it is revealed that Gatsby buys a mansion that can see where Daisy lives. The green light represents his hope to rekindle his relationship with Daisy. There is a void in him that is not filled and that’s why he is always pictured by himself. When he is by himself looking at the green light in the distance, he is yearning for a new beginning with Daisy. He trembles out of fear that his love and desire for her will be futile or unappreciated as seen when it says “dispensed starlight to casual moths”.
Answering Kaya's question: How does finding more about Daisy and Gatsby’s past explain certain aspects of Daisy and Tom’s marriage? How does the way Tom wins Daisy over differ from the relationship between her and Gatsby?
I think the information about Daisy and Gatsby's past that we learn in chapter 4 explains a lot about the relationship between Daisy and Tom. Clearly, Daisy and Tom's marriage is not very strong, which can be seen by the fact that Tom is cheating on her with Myrtle which everyone knows about. But now we know that Daisy was once in love with Gatsby, which tells us that she probably still has feelings for him and is just with Tom for his money. That exemplifies the difference between Daisy's relationship with Tom and Gatsby. Tom won her over with his wealth, while there was actual love between her and Gatsby.
In response to Sarah's question, I think that the people that attended the parties, specifically "Henry L. Palmetto, who killed himself by jumping in front of a subway train" and "who afterwards strangled his wife" (64), represent modernism. They appear to all have very glamorous lives during the party in chapter two, but you gain more insight into their lives later. You learn that their lives aren't as easy as the seem to be. This also gives you insight into Gatsby's life. He has so much money that is appears his life is easy. The stories about the other people at the party suggest that Gatsby has some hardships as well. There is more to him than parties and money.
To add to Halley's comment, I think that the people in this novels have not truly grown up yet. This lack of maturity shows in their excitement towards partying and infidelity. Characters like Tom have not had to work for much which led to this immaturity.
I believe that it is used to demonstrate that Nick has been engrossing himself more into the society, instead of still remaining as the outcast. If he can name and describe all of the people there, he is definitely a piece of the community.
Question about the development of Daisy after hearing her backstory:
If Daisy and Gatsby were as in love with one another as the story that Jordan tells Nick seems to imply then it seems unlikely that those feelings would have fully dissipated. Daisy is not happy within her own marriage and within the the first chapter, quickly perked up at the mention of Gatsby's name. "'You must know Gatsby." "Gatsby?" demanded Daisy. "What Gatsby?'". How will the complicated relationships between Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby play out as the story continues and will Gatsby and Daisy get back together in the way that Fitzgerald and Zelda did?
I feel that the reason why Gatsby telling Nick his life story was important because it showed a display of of trust. It could have shown how Nick and Gatsby's relationship would further grow into almost a friendship. And as they become closer friends they will be able to depend on each other, learn much more about each other, and maybe even do favors for each other. It almost shows that the story will continue moving forward with Gatsby being much more involved than before.
With the quote "I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me"(Fitzgerald 67). I was curious as to why he felt the need to share this. Is he wanting to share this to justify his actions and prove that he has a reason for throwing these lavish parties? How is him telling Nick this going to help their relationship develop and Nick's opinion of him?
This instance just adds to Nick's suspicions about Gatsby. Gatsby's responds to Nick's questions about the World Series are calm, laid-back, almost like it was no big deal. These responses made Nick question the morals of Gatsby.
"'How did he happen to do that?' I asked after a minute.
He just saw the opportunity.
Why isn't he in jail?
They can't get to him, old sport. He's a smart man," (Fitzgerald 73).
Because Fitzgerald rewrote this thing 17 times or so, do any of you think that the borderline cartoonish caricatures that he presents about racial, ethnic, and religious minorities in this book are products of the times, or are they very intentional to give us a better Idea of how Nick feels?
Matthew that's an awesome question! I'm beginning to think that Gatsby is a fragile man but he wears masks just like Daisy however he is a lot better at coping with his past problems than Daisy who just acts purposefully innocent. I think that Gatsby hesitates there because maybe going to Oxford was one of his regrets, or perhaps something bad happened there. Maybe he was supposed to attend Oxford but then something stopped him and he couldn't pursue his studying there. I think it definitely affects the perception that Jordan has of him, because here Jordan is clearly suspicious of something happening. Jordan always is getting in everyone else's business and I think later on in the book we will learn as to why Gatsby was so rushed to finish talking about Oxford. On page 72 Mr. Wolfshiem says, "He went to Oggsford College in England. You know Oggsford College?...It's one of the most famous colleges in the world"(72). I think Gatsby is uncomfortable when people talk about him, because I think he carries himself as a man who is very humble and likes to be modest and not always thinking about himself. I think this just makes me view Gatsby in a positive light even more because he doesn't value talking about himself, and he doesn't value other people talking about him either. I don't know for sure, but those are just my thoughts on it.
On 64 Nick thinks, "I had talked with him perhaps six times in the past month and found, to my disappointment, that he had little to say...her was a person of some undefined consequence, had gradually faded...simply become the proprietor of an elaborate road-house next door." ~ For a person to be an undefined consequence implies a mystery, maybe even brooking of a man.
In what ways does Gatsby forge a semi-relationship with Nick while maintaining his aura of mystery and solemness?
How is Gatsby so paranoid if he's so roundly known and is perceived as a mysterious, creative, knowledgeable, GREAT man? Connection to title?
I think maybe Daisy was in love with the idea of love. She was desperate after falling and love with Gatsby, but not being able to stay with him, so she did everything in her power to convince herself that she was in love with Tom. She even went so far as to ignore a very obvious affair that Tom was having with another woman.
Along with Kassie's comment about Daisy and Gatsby: On page 77 Daisy asks "'Where's Tom?' and wears the most abstract expression until he saw her coming into the door". Later Nick remarks that Tom was with a girl and that "she was one of the chambermaids in the Santa Barbara Hotel." Do you think that Daisy had always known about the affairs even in the beginning of her marriage. Do you think that this adds to her intelligence and character? Abstract definition is: existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence. I think Daisy had always known, and had an idea about it, but she ever wanted to bring that into concrete existence in her own life. Why do you think Daisy never confronts the situation but also doesn't pretend she is oblivious?
On page 74, Nick introduces Gatsby to Tom, "They shook hands briefly, and a strained, unfamiliar look of embarrassment came over Gatsby’s face." Based on Gatsby's reaction to Tom, do you think the two have met before, is there a conflict between them?
In response to Patrick's question, when I read this chapter I did not believe Gatsby's backstory. It seems like everything in his life just came to him without very much effort. "My family all died and I came into a good deal of money... Then came the war...I seemed to bear an enchanted life...I accepted a commission as first lieutenant when it began...I was promoted to be major" (66). Clearly, the life he explains seems to be very easy. Everything he wanted came to him without much effort. I connected this to the minor characters at the party. They came to the party to have a good time and to escape. We don't see this from the party in chapter 2, but many of them have challenges beyond the walls of Gatsby's parties. "Henry L. Palmetto, who killed himself by jumping in front of a subway train" and "who afterwards strangled his wife" (64). I think this suggests Gatsby, like the party guests, has challenges beyond what we can see and he is not telling the whole truth about his backstory.
To answer Halle's question/comment about nobody calling him "The Great Gatsby"
I think that name will be something that Nick comes up with as a nickname later in the book. It possibly will be an ironic name, if my theory that his lies that he has told will catch up to him. Nobody has called him that because they all do not trust him, they do not necessarily like him either. They all think that "he has killed a man," for example. They do not trust him instinctually, even if they have no good reason to.
On the next page Gatsby says, "I'm going to make a request of you to-day, so I thought you ought to know something about me" (Fitzgerald 68). I feel he said this specific thing to help his personal image in Nick's mind. Maybe if Nick felt for him he would be more likely to do the request, which as revealed later was help get Daisy to go to Gatsby's house. Saying something that seems more personal then just a basic life story outline tends to connect one to people more so maybe Gatsby was hoping that connection would help Nick decide to help him.
On page 58, Tom describes Jordan as dishonest. He says, "She wasn't able to endure being at a disadvantage and, given this unwillingness, I suppose she had begin dealing in subterfuges...in order to keep that cool, insolent smile turned to the world and yet satisfy the demands of her hard, jaunty body" (Fitzgerald 58). Based on the way that Tom describes Jordan, it apparent that Jordan's motives are rooted in her own selfishness and desires. If this is true, why might Jordan want to help Gatsby and Daisy get back together?
To Katie's Clock Question: I think this is a wonderful point and I think it could potentially be Fitzgerald point. He seems to be a clock wired around Daisy though; meticulously planning out his actions with her in the back of his mind, and I think her counts down until and plans out until he may spend time with her again; and his past seems to BE him, its such a big part of him that that's all he lives for. Baker says, "'He's afraid, he's waited so long...you should have heard the elaborate way he worked up to it..."
In the fishbowl they were talking about how knowing the past between Daisy and Gatsby has developed Daisy's character. I agree with this because with knowing this background it shows how many different layers are part of Tom and Daisy's relationship. Tom is having an affair with Mrs. Wilson and Daisy had dated a man who is described as almost famous as stated by Jordan: "You must know Gatsby" (Fitzgerald 11). There are a lot of connecting threads and intense atmospheres beneath Tom and Daisy's relationship.
I think that Gatsby has a lot of reasons to be paranoid. He worries for his relationship with Daisy, his reputation and the consistency in which he lives his life. With pressure building and possible insecurities Gatsby has about himself, it's easy to see the reason for his paranoia.
Looking at the elegant party in chapter three, how does Fitzgerald use of color represent imagism? How does that connect to the modernist movement?
@MaddieF2020 I think the motif of youth in chapters 3 and 4 symbolizes how characters feel directionless in their lives. This is important, because youth are generally stereotyped as being lost and insecure. This heightened sensitivity and the chaotic aspects of Modernism is reflected in people of all ages during this time. For example on page 71, Gatsby is having lunch with Nick when he is interrupted by the phone: "Suddenly he looked at his watch, jumped up, and hurried from the table". This passage suggests how Gatsby sacrifices meaningful relationships with people for mysterious phone calls. This uncertain aspect always keeps him on his toes and isolates him from many other people in his life. Many other examples similar to this are found throughout the novel as well.
In response to Kaya's question: Yes I completely agree! Halle brought up the idea of nervous tics, and I think that shows that Gatsby is just a nervous person in general. The definition of a nervous tic is "...the cause of other mental conditions, such as depression, ADHD..." (www.heathline.com). I think that Gatsby struggles with some sort of mental illness, which further convinces me that Gatsby IS Fitzgerald in character. Fitzgerald struggled with mental diseases to some extent and that is shown through the different things that Gatsby does.
The quote, "Even Gatsby could happen.."(69). Is a very good quote that almost represents the feel of the society/the world at this time. Take Nick for example, he's poor but is hanging out with all these high class people, because even though he went to Yale he's not as wealthy or living a luxurious life like Tom. The quote represents the fact that anyone can be anything and that they're partying so much not just because they're rich, but because they can. It's a new time, a time for creativity, wonder and glamour, but also opportunity and optimism, for the poor or unkown.
He might be trying to give reason for throwing extravagant parties. They might be his way out of reality, an escape of sorts. As for Nick and Gatsby's relationship, I think Gatsby is trying to get Nick to feel a little bad for him, maybe to get Nick to trust him more.
Along with Katie's question: Do you think that Gatsby could symbolize a clock. Constancy, always ticking. Representing time lost, or time running out. On page 64 Nick states that "This quality was continually breaking through his punctilious manner in the shape of restlessness”. Punctilious definitions shows that Gatsby has great attention to detail, but his restlessness still shows. He is refined to a point. Gatsby does feel the unfulfillment of the parties and bright lights, like the rest of them do, but he tries so much harder to hide this. I think he lives through the past, because he talks about it with so much passion and detail. This is ironic since he is in the Golden Age, but still wants to go back. Why do you think Gatsby tries to hide his unfulfillment, but Nick recognizes him as different than the rest?
I think that a lot of what Daisy wants to be, is the pure image. She wants to show the white petals rather than the yellow center. When a child is uneducated about some of the dangers or reality to life, they could also be considered ignorant. But the child not knowing about a lot of realities from life makes them innocent and pure. And Daisy wants this pure life for her child too. "And I hope she'll be a fool - that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool"(19). The white in the flower is what symbolizes innocence and purity. While the yellow in the center of a daisy actually symbolizes cheerfulness. I think that this is interesting because she gives the facade of always being cheerful and optimistic, But Daisy herself says "Well, I've had a very bad time, Nick, and I'm pretty cynical about everything"(19).
Daisy has a very turbulent range of emotions regarding Tom, and It is easy to see their relationship through Jordan's eyes. When intoxicated, Daisy seems to slip, and you see more behind the scenes- "'Daisy's change' her mine!' She began to cry. She cried and cried... She wouldn't let go of the letter" but when juxtaposed with the following phrase I saw them in Santa Barbara when they came back, and I thought I’d never seen a girl so mad about her husband...She used to sit on the sand with his head in her lap by the hour, rubbing her fingers over his eyes and looking at him with unfathomable delight" this adds to the idea that nobody is truly happy. Gatsby strives after Daisy, Tom strives after Myrtle. Though this is the reality of their life, nobody takes any action. This flashback also describes the decay of their lifestyles, and almost parallels Gatsby, who has fades considerably, and seems to tie back to the Valley of Ashes.
Delia's question of whether or not this is a love story:
This story definitely contains elements of a love story between Gatsby throwing elaborate parties and reaching toward the green light that is at the end of the dock of the Buchanan's pier. "'He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way... I glanced seaward- and distinguished nothing except a single green light...". Also Daisy perks up at the slightest mention of Gatsby's name.
I think these descriptions are so significant to the story because usually the type of people who come to the party reflect the type of person that threw the party. One description is, "From East Egg, then, came the Chester Beckers and the Leeches, and a man named Bunsen, whom I knew at Yale, and Doctor Webster Civet, who was drowned last summer up in Maine." This description shows the diversity of the crowd at the party, everyone is very different and do different things. This could be symbolic of Gatsby because he seems to have many different personalities as well.
When adults act as teenagers, it relates to Modernism because it highlights the chaos and futileness of acting so. As these adults only care about having fun, they don't accomplish anything in their lives and temporary happiness from drunkenness does not improve their quality of life. Gatsby provides an example of proper conduct of an adult and shows why people admire him even more than others.
Best insight #1: On page 76, Fitzgerald describes how the grandeur of Daisy's wedding, but also how Daisy was so upset to marry Tom. This conveys how the American Dream of money is NOT what makes life of value.
Best insight #2: On page 77, Fitzgerald describes love as agonizing and painful, because characters are blocked from it.
"'He wants to know,' Jordan continued, 'if you'll invite Daisy to your house sometime and then let him come over'" (78). It is almost like Daisy is writing her own personal reality TV show. She is extremely attracted to drama and continually indulges in other's life altering decisions rather than focusing on her own.
Jordan says on pg. 49 "I Like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy." This sentence seems ironic, and wouldn't the lack of privacy mean MORE intimate? Taking in account the small parties Nick has attended (so not Gatby's), how does privacy play a role in the conditions of one's surroundings in the modern period?
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