For Monday (by 7:00 a.m.), please respond to the following question:
Who is Jay Gatsby? Is Gatsby great? Why or Why not?
1. Your response should be ~250 words, go to the text, and be vigorously vetted for grammar, usage, and mechanics. It should also be original––i.e. Don't read other people's comments first.
2. Once you have responded to the prompt, please respond to two of your classmates' comments.
Who is Jay Gatsby? Is Gatsby great? Why or Why not?
1. Your response should be ~250 words, go to the text, and be vigorously vetted for grammar, usage, and mechanics. It should also be original––i.e. Don't read other people's comments first.
2. Once you have responded to the prompt, please respond to two of your classmates' comments.
Jay Gatsby is Nick’s rich neighbor on West Egg. Gatsby regularly hosts large parties at his house to which all sorts of guests, even those not invited, show up. Nick, upon Gatsby’s invitation, attends one of these parties, and meets Gatsby for the first time. Upon first introduction, and as the story continues, Gatsby is not great, he is an average man with money.
ReplyDeleteThere is much gossip, particularly at Gatsby’s parties, about Gatsby’s life. One day, Gatsby takes Nick to lunch, and reveals to Nick the true story of his life. He was born to wealthy parents in San Francisco, but attended college at Oxford. When his family died, he inherited a fortune and used it to live a lavish life in a number of European cities. He tells Nick that during this time period he was depressed, not revealing the cause. He says, “[I was] trying to forget something very sad that had happened to me long ago” (70). When World War I came, Gatsby joined the army. He tells Nick that he tried to get killed, but failed, and earned numerous medals. Later in the day, Jordan reveals a little more of Gatsby’s past. In 1917, Gatsby was in a relationship with Daisy. Gatsby never got over his love for Daisy. Jordan tells Nick, “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay” (83). Gatsby’s life could be anyone’s if they had his money. He is defined by the love he felt, and still feels for Daisy. The reckless way he spent his money in Europe was to forget her; he joined the army because he missed her; and he bought his extravagant house to be able to see her and in hopes that she would see him.
I think it's kind of funny how Gatsby talks about wanting to die, but then brags to Nick about how he received the medals from all of the Allied countries. I do not agree with you that Gatsby is just an average rich guy. I think he is a man who is able to get a certain amount of mystery around him so that he is more than a man. Even at his parties, people who claim to know him well just know about the rumors around him. You are right about him living his life for Daisy. I think the only reason he hosts the parties is because he wants Daisy to see the commotion at his house and come to see what is going on by herself, without him being obvious. Eventually he gives in to wanting to see her, but tells her that Nick invited him for tea.
DeleteOne thing I noticed during the reading was how differently Gatsby acted around other characters compared to Daisy. At parties and at the lunch, he was a fairly confident man that didn't feel any pressure because people knew him. But later he awkwardly asked Nick to invite Daisy to tea so he could pursue his plan of coming over at the same time. He hired the person to mow Nick's lawn and bought flowers, he wanted to be a perfectionist, but at the same time was so nervous he had to take a walk. Clearly Daisy has a big impact on Gatsby's personality and behaviors. How Gatsby acts around Daisy should be interesting to watch as the story plays out.
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DeleteI find the parts you touched on to show that he is this very mysterious complex character. The part about how he was extremely depressed during his wartime, but they switch to talking about how he had won all of these metals for his efforts a very interesting part. Do you think this switch is because Gatsby is proud that he was able to win awards despite the depression? Or do you think Gatsby is hoping Nick will tell Daisy that he is a war hero? I find these switches quite interesting. I am interested to read further in the book because I think those questions will be answered.
While reading chapters three through five, we start to learn a lot more about who Jay Gatsby is and the importance and meaning of his character's role. In chapter three we truly start to get to know Gatsby, and learn about his story. Jay Gatsby is well known in and around New York due to the elaborate parties he throws, this is where he starts to change the plot. They are located at his mansion on the weekends, and people long to be invited. At the party people learn more about him and his past. There were rumors going around that he killed a man in cold blood, “Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once” (48). He started to become a very mysterious character. Gatsby was rich, he fought in war (served in the same division as Nick), he had habits of calling everyone old sport, he does not drink at his own parties, he seems isolated from everyone else and observes guests in silence. He keeps somewhat of a low profile during chapter three. Then during the course of chapter four his appearance changes, it starts to tell us more, he has been in love with Daisy and she has too. They already had known her and he moved to his mansion to be closer to her, “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay” (83). He becomes more confident and we find out that he may be involved in organized crime or bootlegging, he starts to tell Nick what to do and has now become a full-fledged character. Gatsby is great, because there were so many unknown aspects of his life that keep being exposed and this makes him great because he knows a lot more than he leads on.
ReplyDeleteI really like your perspective that what makes Gatsby great is his many mysteries. It is definitely what keeps readers on edge, making us intrigued to know more about him. It also makes his character that much more interesting because we never truly know he is, and every time we learn something more, it can change one's whole perspective not only on Gatsby, but the story itself. His everchanging character really drives the whole storyline.
DeleteYour analysis of Gatsby is really interesting. The mystery that surrounds him is such a defining aspect of his character, and I think you addressed that really well. I also totally didn't pick up on the organized crime thing (definitely going to go back and do some rereading), but that throws a whole new dynamic into the mix of the story.
DeleteJay Gatsby is a man who has seen many things. In my opinion, he grew up poor or middle class, but lies about his childhood because it would not be socially acceptable. If his stories are true, Gatsby has dealt with the loss of his family. He has also been to war, and was either very brave or very stupid in his efforts during the war. It seems to me that it was in between the war and the time of the book that Gatsby made his money, which is why he lives so extravagantly.
ReplyDeleteI think Jay Gatsby is great for many reasons. The first of these reasons is that he probably made all of his money by himself. Unlike most of the rich characters in the book, he has had to earn everything that has come to him. Another reason that Gatsby is great is that he is mostly respectful (at least so far) of all races and religions. When he and Nick see a group of wealthy black people in New York, Nick laughs at how strange it is to him, but Gatsby does nothing. Gatsby’s honor in the war also makes him great, even if he did not intend it to. Although he said he was trying to die in the war, he led a group of machine gunners half a mile ahead of the infantry, where they waited for two days. Gatsby says, “every Allied government gave me a decoration”(70). A final thing that contributes to his greatness is that Gatsby is willing to do crazy things to be able to see Daisy. One of the reasons he tries hard to get to know Nick is so Nick can set up a meeting between the two of them. Gatsby won’t stop until he gets a chance to talk to Daisy in order to tell her how he feels.
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DeleteI think that Gatsby’s love for Daisy could be interpreted as either good or bad. However, I personally think it is one reason that Jay Gatsby is not great. Daisy and Gatsby were in love five years ago. He then went off to war, and Daisy moved on and married someone else. I will admit that Daisy does not seem very happy in her marriage, but Gatsby’s chase of her seems extreme. He stalked her, tracking her as she lived in Chicago, then East Egg, and then he bought a house, just so that he could be near her. He then started throwing huge parties just to see if he could get a married woman he was in a relationship with years ago to come over. And then, on top of all that, Gatsby befriended Nick, not because he cared about Nick, but because he wanted to use Nick to get to Daisy. It does not seem healthy that he cannot move beyond this relationship, and instead, he goes to excessive lengths to try to salvage it.
DeleteIt is difficult to tell what we have learned about Gatsby is true and what is not. I think it is interesting that you decided that he was lying about having wealthy parents, but that everything else Gatsby told Nick was true. If he did make his own fortune, that is a factor that contributes to his greatness. Similarly, while being respectful to everyone should not be an outstanding characteristic, in the historical context, it also contributes to his greatness. I think that Gatsby has a number of characteristics that make him a good person, but I do not yet feel that I have enough evidence to be able to label him great.
DeleteI like the idea that Gatsby made all his own money, and is perhaps lying about his childhood—that's something I hadn't considered before. It would actually make a lot of sense. I feel like Gatsby's stories are so fantastic that you can't help but think they might have been fabricated. This would add a very interesting dynamic to Gatsby's character.
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DeleteI fully agree that Gatsby is great, but I believe that is because of the mystery he surrounds himself with. He clearly knows that there are many rumors surrounding him and if Gatsby wanted he could stop them. He enjoys that mystery. I find it interesting that you think he grew up poor or middle class. I had not thought of that being an option for his childhood. I also find how hard he works to get Daisy's love another part that makes him great, but on the flip side of that, it has also been such a long time since they were together. Is it too long to wait for love? I also wonder why Daisy has not tried to return his love, even though she is married she is still being cheated on. Why not go for the other love? Does she still love him?
Jay Gatsby is a very mysterious character, who happens to be Nick’s neighbor. No one knows anything about him, as one can see when Nick first goes to a party there. Two girls were arguing about rumors they had heard about Gatsby, including, “they thought he killed a man once” (48) and “he was a German spy during the war” (48). He seems quite generous, opening his house to whoever comes for parties, offering his hydroplane for Nick’s use, despite barely knowing him, and buying an expensive gown to replace one that was ripped through no fault of his. He is very wealthy, as one can tell from his house, but no one knows where he got the money from. After Gatsby and Nick have known each other for a while, Gatsby lets Nick know more about his history. However, Nick cannot tell how much of Gatsby’s story is true. He apparently is from San Francisco, and Oxford educated. He gained his money when his family died, traveled the world, and then became a decorated soldier in World War I, despite wanting to die. Jordan later confirms the fact that Gatsby fought in WWI.
ReplyDeleteGatsby is only great in the way that any other human is great. He has assets but he also has faults. He is generous; this is made easier by the fact that he is very rich. He seems rather friendly, welcoming all sorts of people into his house, and having “one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it” (52). But he also seems quite socially awkward. He does not interact much with many people, making it seem, to some, that “He doesn’t want any trouble with anybody” (48). And then, seemingly out of the blue, he asks Nick for his opinion of Gatsby. Then later on, when reintroduced to Daisy, Gatsby seems very embarrassed, and hides away from her. And it also seems like he got to know Nick, only to use him to get to Daisy.
I agree with you completely in the sense that Gatsby is a friendly character who is highly generous yet very reserved. It could simply be that Gatsby is an introverted character but I have a feeling that there is some piece to his past that will explain why he can be so reserved or socially awkward at times. I feel like the reason Gatsby acts in such a superficial manner and constantly seeks to escape social situations is because he doesn't want people to get to know too much about him; almost like there is something about his past that he needs to hide. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.
DeleteI agree with you on how he is a mysterious person. I also used the same examples you included at the beginning of your post in mine. I like how you mentioned his generosity, but I wonder if there's a motive behind all of it. We learn that he throws the parties as a way to get Daisy to notice him, but I wonder if his generosity and his acts of kindness are other efforts for him to make himself more impressionable to Daisy. I also like how you say that he is "great" because "he has assets but he also has faults." I think that's neat, despite the fact that I didn't say he was "great." His one, apparent fault is his social awkwardness (like you mentioned), which I feel is driven by an underlying depression that he masks. Nevertheless, I'm curious to see how his character will unfold now that he is reunited with Daisy.
DeleteJay Gatsby is learned to be the affluent man who is Nick’s neighbor; the one who throws elegant parties. Gatsby is the subject of talk at one of his parties (when Nick is attending), and rumors float in the air that he “killed a man once” and “was a German spy during the war” (48). These assumptions add to Gatsby’s mysteriousness, but the reader gets a sense of his style when an in-depth description of his estate is made. Despite his wealth, Gatsby isolates himself at his parties, and is not so great of a man after all.
ReplyDeleteNick and Gatsby plan on going out to lunch together. Nick learns that Gatsby “tried very hard to die” in the war, but because of his actions in the war he was commended. Gatsby also says “I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me,” (67) hinting at the trips to Europe he made, the war, and his parties are an effort to mask his saddened self.
Nick, through Jordan, learns that Gatsby left Daisy in 1917, but the reason he came to West Egg was to purchase a lavish life to get Daisy’s attention, hence why he throws parties. Eventually, when Nick arranges Gatsby and Daisy to get together, Gatsby appears perturbed by Daisy’s presence, almost as if he was starstruck. Nick notices that “bewilderment had come back into Gatsby’s face… present happiness” (95). This shows that Gatsby is truly still “lost” but he is covering himself up with happy emotion as he has gotten closer to Daisy. Gatsby, despite getting what he wanted, is still a troubled man from all the depression he has to go through to get to this moment.
I think you are right that Gatsby struggles from some kind of depression that the past has caused him. However, I think the depression comes from something different that what Gatsby says it does. There are a lot of rumors surrounding Gatsby, and it is very possible he tells everyone a different story, none of them being the truth. I think the three things we can be sure about him is that he is rich, he is in love with Daisy, and that he did something in the war that resembled bravery to the rest of the world. Everything else is still a mystery. I like the idea that he bought the house just to impress Daisy, because he can see her house across he water.
DeleteIn chapters 3-5, Gatsby becomes more of a prominent character, going more in depth on who he is, yet the reader struggles to determine what about him is real and what is a lie. Gatsby appears to be a contradictory character. For example, he sometimes appears to be a quieter man. He throws the grandest parties, but sits back and observes the people there. Yet, other times he feels like boasting or showing off his backgrounds, like how he went to Oxford or the medals he received from Montenegro during the war (pg. 71). Gatsby could also be seen as an untrustworthy character. At one of the parties, Jordan’s friends discuss how he was possibly a spy or how “they thought he killed a man once” (pg. 48). Nick and Gatsby also go out to lunch with Meyer Wolfshiem, who supposedly rigged the World Series and is seen as a shady character, but a “good friend” of Gatsby’s. Despite people believing these things, they still come to his parties, clearly trusting him enough. The contradictions in Gatsby’s personality lead him to be a confusing and ominous character. At the end of chapter five, Gatsby has shyly, awkwardly, and nervously asked Nick to arrange tea time for Daisy and himself, and Gatsby will join them, attempting to rekindle his and Daisy’s love from many years ago. It seems as though he successfully does this. This should be an interesting thing to watch as the story continues, how will their relationship develop between him and Daisy, and will that change Gatsby’s reputation?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that it is hard to tell if what we learn about Gatsby is true or false. It seems to me that most people only know him through rumors, and few people actually get to know him. As you pointed out, it is interesting that he throws grand parties, but secludes himself at them. I think that the main reason he throws the parties is to draw Daisy’s attention, but if she’s not there, then he does not really care about his other guests. As you point out, it is hard to gauge Gatsby’s trustworthiness. In all interactions, he seems to be cordial, but there are rumors that he killed someone and he is friends with a dishonest gambler. It will be interesting to see if he is great at the end of the book.
DeleteIt was a good choice by Fitzgerald to give Gatsby a conflicting personality because it really adds to his untrustworthiness. It keeps the reader, and the other characters, from knowing what parts of him are real, and makes all his stories sound both believable and unbelievable. It is even hard to judge the truth of stories about him told by others. Nick does not provide many opinions of any of the characters, for he prides himself in being non-judgmental. Nick spends a good deal of time with Gatsby, but he does not seem super fond of Gatsby. He distrusts most of Gatsby’s stories, his money, and his business proposition. The book characters generally trust Gatsby, but Nick’s narration helps the reader decide what parts to trust.
DeleteIn chapters three, four, and five we begin to learn about the character Jay Gatsby. He is the incredibly wealthy neighbor of Nick, who frequently throws large and lavish parties. Just talking with many of his guests, we gather that little is actually known about Gatsby, and that he carries a certain mystery about him. We see this when a few of the party-goers are discussing Gatsby’s background, “Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once... I don’t think it’s so much that...more that he was a German spy during the war...it couldn’t be that, because he was in the American army during the war.” (48). We see the type of intrigue and interest Gatsby brings out in people, as they are eager to piece him together. When Nick is first introduced to him, he doesn’t even know that he is speaking to Jay Gatsby himself. Instead of making a big deal of it, Gatsby politely forgives Nick and continues a brief conversation with him. This initial encounter paints Gatsby as a very kind, and friendly man, not exactly what Nick had pictured him as. As Nick and Gatsby begin to spend more time together, Nick learns more about his neighbor’s background. This includes stories of him traveling Europe collecting precious jewels, hunting big game, leading machine gun pushes in the war, and receiving military decorations from every Allied government. While these stories appear to be authentic, Nick still is wary of whether it was the truth. Despite Gatsby’s larger than life accomplishments and persona, later, he shows a more insecure side of himself when he is with Daisy at Nick’s house. He is incredibly nervous, and feels uncomfortable socially. Jay Gatsby is a man who has enjoyed such a life of the extraordinary, that he has become sheltered and uncomfortable with the ordinary. Moving forward I’m interested to see how this may change.
ReplyDeleteI love your point that Gatsby is almost scared of normal life because of everything he has done and seen! This makes a lot of sense when examining the way he carries and portrays himself. Though he is friendly and warm, he does not really socialize at his own parties, never drinks, and tends to watch the commotion from afar, almost if it is all too much for him. It is especially evident when he sees Daisy at Nick's for the first time in first years. What could have been a simple reunion of old lovers turns into almost a meltdown for Gatsby in which he simply does not know what to do with himself.
DeleteGatsby has lived a extravagant, adventurous life, so much that, people find it hard to believe that it's true, as you mentioned. I think the author has purposefully portrayed Gatsby in this controversial position, so that the reader is forced early to take a side and form an opinion about him. I believe that depending on what happens between him and Daisy in the future, it could completely change his whole personality and character. It should be interesting as the story continues.
DeleteRyan I liked how you mentioned that he had a certain mystery to himself, I also talked a lot about that and how his mystery's are what consisted of his greatness. It's interesting how you mentioned how people are trying to piece him together and that's why his character is being brought up more, to figure out what his character represents in the grand scheme of the novel.
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ReplyDeleteIt is clear from the first time the reader meets Jay Gatsby that he is a peculiar man. He has a calm manner about him, seeming to interact kindly and invitingly with anyone he encounters, especially Nick. After first meeting him, Nick describes him in detail: “He smiled understandingly...It was one of those rare smiles...It faced–or seemed to face–the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor” (52). Nick feels as though Gatsby is genuine, and soon forms a sort of friendship with him. Although Gatsby is welcoming and warm, he also has a mysterious side to him. Many people throughout these chapters mention various rumors about him to Nick: “I think he killed a man” (53-54) one girl says at one of Gatsby’s lavish parties. Nick begins to wonder about Gatsby, and soon Jordan informs Nick that Daisy, his cousin, and Gatsby once dated before he left to fight in the war. Since returning from the war, Gatsby has been seeking her affection, even moving to West Egg to be close to Daisy. Jordan adds, “I think he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night, but she never did,” (84) indicating that Gatsby throws all his lavish parties in desperate hope that Daisy would attend one. It seems as though everything Gatsby does is for Daisy, to one day grab her attention and win her over once again. This is what makes Gatsby great: his dedication and determination to achieve what he wants no matter what it takes. If it means moving, spending gobs of money on parties every weekend, or seeking out anyone who knows Daisy, Gatsby will do it, because Daisy is what he wants, and he will not stop until he has her.
Morgan I liked how you started your response with the observation about how it seems "that he is a peculiar man." I agree that when Nick starts to get more suspicious about who Gatsby is as a figure there starts to be more controversy among everyone about the mystery of Jay Gatsby. I liked your reasoning to why you think he is great, being that he has great determination, it leaves me wondering more about where this novel is going.
DeleteI really like the description of him as a genuine man. I feel he is genuine, but it seems that a lot of people don’t think he’s genuine, like there’s always an outer layer of uncertainty when interacting with him or talking about him. I agree that it’s his determination that makes him great, he goes to very great lengths to try and get Daisy to notice him and makes it the most important thing to him.
DeleteIn the latest chapters, we become more familiar with the character, personalities, and background of Mr. Jay Gatsby. He has built an immense fortune, and now finds himself in the same neighborhood as Nick. For a man who is very quick to throw extravagant parties with high profile guests, very little is know for certain about Mr. Gatsby himself. Early on, he makes it clear that he tries to do good through small gestures, such as sending a man to mow Nick’s lawn: “A man in a raincoat dragging a lawn-mower tapped at my front door and said that Mr. Gatsby had sent him (88)”. However, Mr. Gatsby has an agenda that includes more than neighborly gestures. During a conversation with Jordan, Nick learns that Gatsby told her that “Once he was an Oxford man” (53). Considering Mr. Gatsby came from a poor, midwestern background, this is hard to believe, but it certainly adds to confusion about his past. Another feature of Mr. Gatsby is his obsession with throwing lavish parties. While he appears to enjoy them, he often stands alone, at a distance, and he does not drink. Aside from an being an obvious display of wealth and status, these parties have a clear purpose: to attract Daisy. Ever since Mr. Gatsby met Daisy before he went to war, he has been occupied by thoughts of a relationship with her, even though Daisy is living across town with another man.
ReplyDeleteBecause Mr. Gatsby has been able to become a high-profile and popular figure while still having a mysterious background and much uncertainty about his true accomplishments means that he is truly great. Surely he has made mistakes along the way. Surely he still has his faults. But his ability to overcome all of the obstacles in his path to the spot on the social ladder that he currently occupies can only mean that he is great.
I think your point of view is interesting. I do not personally believe that Gatsby's profile and attributes do not qualify him as "great," though. Gatsby has had his pitfalls in life, and he still is sort of in one when he is introduced to the reader and Nick. While you do mention that he has made mistakes and has faults, I do not think that he will be able to keep overcoming them now that he is reunited with Daisy. I feel like the speculation around him and his mysteriousness will come to get him in some way. But, like how you ended your post, mentioning how his spot on the social ladder makes him great, this claim could be enriched or shot down.
DeleteI think it is interesting that you consider the mystery of Jay Gatsby as a negative to climb the social ladder. I think mystery is what helps him gain respect from peers. Everyone wants to socialize with Jay Gatsby because no one knows about him. What makes him great is the respect he has from these other socialites. The ability to convince everyone that he may have done all these things is relative easily because of the amount of wealth he has. He has already begun to be seen as great because of the amount of wealth he has.
DeleteSomething I enjoyed about these last three chapters is how Fitzgerald gradually reveals more and more of Gatsby’s character, the further we progress into the story. At first, Gatsby comes out as a very puzzling character. The narrator spends some time describing the regularity at which Gatsby throws luxurious parties in which hundreds of wealthy members from both East and West Egg are invited. When Nick finally attends one of these parties, it becomes evident that Gatsby’s presence or self exposure at these parties is minimal which explains where the amount of rumors that pertain to Gatsby’s wealth and personal history come from. Rumors ranging from the idea that Gatsby was a German spy during the war, that he studied in Oxford University, and that he once killed a man cold-blooded makes it harder for the reader to develop a clear perception of Gatsby’s character. When Jordan and Nick finally meet Gatsby, he comes out as a very glamorous and formal character who turns out to have been part of the Seventh Infantry during the war. Gatsby’s benevolent acts towards Nick including mowing his lawn, inviting him on his newly bought hydroplane, and taking him out for lunch bring into question why he is acting so generously towards Nick. Gatsby’s intentions come together when Jordan explains how Gatsby is in love with Daisy and wants Nick to arrange a reunion between the both of them.
ReplyDeleteI think that this moment is crucial because it allows the reader to understand why Gatsby came off as a mysterious character at first. The reason Gatsby bought a mansion on West Egg was to be near Daisy. The reason he threw so many parties was because he hoped that Daisy would attend and the reason he acted so generously with Nick was because he is the key to make this gathering happen. More than about being great, I think the actions that Gatsby takes to meet with Daisy show that he is clever in his ways of getting what he wants. I feel however that the fact that there continues to be so much uncertainty about Gatsby’s past in addition to the extravagant approaches he takes to attract Daisy to his household makes the reader wonder if his superficial actions are a way for Gatsby to hide his insecurities or something personal from the outer world.
I enjoyed your take on this! I agree that Gatsby still seems mysterious even though we gradually learn more about him. It’s almost as though there’s always another layer of him to shed and you never really know if it’s the truth, based on how other people perceive him. I never really thought of him having many insecurities, but as a very depressed man searching for happiness in the only place he seemed to have ever found it, in Daisy.
DeleteI think the fact that he did all the good things in order for Nick to help him causes one to ask if he truly is good. If he was being kind for selfish reasons was he almost taking advantage of Nick. He seems very sneaky–he always finds a way to get what he wants. I think this is part of the reason why he is so mysterious–the other character never truly know what his true intentions are.
DeleteI think Gatsby’s search for Daisy is something that if everyone knew about would make him not great. He seems desperate befriending Nick for the sole reason of him setting up a meeting with Daisy. This uncertainty with the love of his life would make him seem weak and not the powerful wealthy man that is rumored to be a hero and intellectual. His insecurities make him not great but the others in the novel don’t see that other than Nick.
DeleteIn the beginning of the book, we hear the name of Jay Gatsby but only know that he’s Nick’s rich neighbor and that he throws big parties every weekend. Throughout chapters 3-5 we learn more about who Jay Gatsby really is. After Nick was invited to one of Gatsby’s parties, and attends, he hears about other people’s perceptions of Gatsby, and of his mysteriousness. Some of the party-goers say “they thought he killed a man once” (48) and that “he was a German spy during the war” (48). After he hears these things from others, he actually comes into contact with Gatsby himself, where he learns that he actually fought in the same branch in the war with him and how he wanted to die in the war. After getting a bit closer with him, Jordan tells Nick about how Gatsby actually knows Daisy, and how they used to be together. We learn that the whole reason Gatsby moved to West Egg was to get Daisy’s attention, because he’s still in love with her. He throws huge parties every weekend in hopes that Daisy will show up to one of them. Gatsby talks to Jordan, who he knows is a friend of Daisy’s, and asks her to talk to Nick about inviting him over for tea and then inviting Daisy, so he could see her and then show her his home across the street. When Daisy and Gatsby are reunited, it’s very awkward and embarrassing at first, but after some time the atmosphere changes and it seems that Daisy is extremely joyful to see Gatsby again.
ReplyDeleteThe definition of great is, “of an extent, amount, or intensity considerably above the normal or average.” Gatsby is great in the sense that he goes above and beyond in hopes of the one thing he wants in life, Daisy. Gatsby mentions that he wanted to, and tried to die in the war. Daisy seems to be the only thing that gives his life meaning, or gives him something to strive for. The mysteriousness surrounding Gatsby makes him a very interesting and “great” person.
I love how you decided to incorporate the definition of "great" as a way to justify how you position yourself with this question. I agree with you that Gatsby is a great character because he shows passion, perseverance, and most importantly uniqueness in the actions he takes to meet with Daisy. The point you make about Gatsby wanting to commit suicide during the war I think is a very important piece to the whole story that I completely forgot about. Having said that, this information has allowed me to further understand that Gatsby's desire to meet again with Daisy is connected with his strong desire to fulfill his search for happiness.
DeleteThe man, Jay Gatsby, is known to readers as only a figure who throws grand parties, and is Nick’s next door neighbor in West Egg. There are many mysteries that surround him early on, such as where he came from, why he’s so rich, and why he threw such extravagant parties often. Some of the people that attended Gatsby’s parties thought that he was a German spy during the war, as well as how they figured that he may have killed a man once. Through chapters three through five, many of the questions are answered. When Jay Gatsby took Nick out to lunch one day, he revealed to Nick that he was born into and part of a rich family, however, he also went to school at Oxford since it was “tradition” within his family. When Gatsby’s family passed away, he inherited their fortune as well. Also, Nick learned how he and Gatsby may have crossed paths within the war at one time, where Gatsby was in fact trying to get himself killed. In spite of the way Gatsby felt during the war, he earned numerous medals, and even showed one to Nick when they were in the car. Once Jordan and Nick went out for tea, Nick learned from Jordan the whole reason why Jay Gatsby had moved to West Egg. First of all, when Daisy and Jay were young, they had a little thing with each other. Ever since then, Gatsby had been in love with Daisy, and threw such grand parties to try to get her attention and make her stop by. “ ‘ Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay’” (83). So, Gatsby had been trying to reconnect with Daisy after some time. The determination of how “great” Gatsby is would come from his actions. In terms of his performance during the war, he wasn’t all that great if he tried to get himself killed, however in the eyes of others, he was a hero. Also, he tried just about everything in his might to get Daisy’s attention, and seek that she come to one of his parties. Obviously, it attracted the attention of just about everyone else, even if Daisy didn’t show up.
ReplyDeleteI think your point about how he is "great" because of his determination is a really strong one. Apart from his ability to repeatedly try to achieve something, his life is not that exceptional and he seems like just the average man.
DeleteI really liked your response. You made some really good points. I didn't think of the fact the Gatsby's greatness may be showed through his actions and how they are misunderstood. I think that we'll come to see how Gatsby is a much deeper characters than he would seem on the surface. Nice job!
DeleteFitzgerald initially presents Gatsby as the aloof, mysterious host of the unbelievably opulent parties thrown every week at his mansion. He appears surrounded by spectacular luxury, and is the subject of gossip throughout New York which allows the reader to get a picture of who he is before he is even introduced: “Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once” (48). That being said, it seems as if his life is fairly composed of luck. He says he was born to wealthy parents in San Francisco, and he inherited a fortune when his family died. When Gatsby joined the army in World War I, he tried to get himself killed, but instead ended up earning several medals. It seems like his success was not necessarily something he worked on, but instead acquired. Apart from the luck, Fitzgerald presents him as a normal man that struggles with normal things. He suffers from depression and seems to try to relieve it through a lavish lifestyle: “[I was] trying to forget something very sad that had happened to me long ago (70).” Because of this, it seems like there might be more to his past that he is saying. He seems quite reserved and not quite what would be expected of a rich, successful man. Especially when compared to Tom, it seems like there might be something the reader does not know yet that makes him different from the average rich man. He is also a hopeless romantic, obsessed with trying to get Daisy, his past love. This causes him to spend his life desperately trying to get her attention or forget her: “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay” (83).
ReplyDeleteI think I have yet to decide whether or not Jay Gatsby is truly great. He is such a mysterious character, with a past that is still somewhat unknown to the reader. The only things we know about him thus far are the things he's told us—or rather, Nick: that his entire family died, that he fought in the war as a lieutenant, and that he has lived in many different places around the world. There seems to be a piece missing within him—whether that has to do with the fact that his entire family is supposedly dead, or his pining after Daisy, I'm not sure. His contributions in battle perhaps merit a title of greatness, but at the same time he seems to be running from his past and drowning his sorrows in riches. In other words, he is "...trying to forget something very sad..." (70).
ReplyDeleteOn the surface, I believe Jay Gatsby is great. I believe he is great in the eyes of others—in that he goes above and beyond ordinary expectations in terms of personality and lifestyle. But I also believe that there are more layers to his character that are not so obvious. He strikes me as a little directionless, like he has no real roots. I wonder, too, if his pursuit of Daisy has been a fixation that has given him a sense of purpose, or if he is very truly in love with her.
I agree there is still a lot we have to learn about Gatsby. To me he seems like a lost man. He has so much money and a amazing property by no one to share it with. I wonder if the reason he is so alone is because of Daisy. I hope more of their relationship is revealed throughout the book. I feel like much of who Gatsby is a mask for his true feelings.
DeleteIt is clear early on in the story that Jay Gatsby is going to be very important. Though we still do not know much about him he could be described as “great” in a way. From what we know of he comes from money but had to sever in the war and ended up in a high ranking position. He seems to be highly social and spares no expenses at his parties. Gatsby seems to be a generous man as well but it is also clear that he masks his loneliness with his social endeavors. “There was music from my neighbor’s house through the summer nights. In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whispering and the champagne and the stars.” (43) Though Gatsby is always surrounded by people I still think he lives a lonely life because it doesn't seem like he has REAL connections with any of them. So he is trying to fill the void of connection with parties. I think he is great in many ways and because he doesn't appear to get close to many people there must be an air of mystery surrounding him. That combined with his immaculate wealth must make him seem greater than life itself. I hope as the story goes on we learn more about who he is as a person and what his background looked like. I'd also like to find out if the rumors surrounding him hold any truth.
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ReplyDeleteJay Gatsby has been a very mysterious character in the first few chapters, and as the story continues to develop the reader learns more about him, but he still seems very mysterious. It is very hard to learn much about Jay Gatsby because there are many rumors surrounding his past. “Somebody told me they thought he killed a man once... I don’t think it’s so much that...more that he was a German spy during the war...it couldn’t be that, because he was in the American army during the war.” (48). Though Nick is learning about his past, it is hard for him, and the reader, to tell what is the truth and what is not. He is known to throw these extravagant parties, and he does not drink or enjoy the parties.
Jay Gatsby is great, because of how complex of a character he is. The idea that we know his past, but at the same time we cannot know what is true. His past with Daisy shows that he has this soft side, but then he never goes to talk to her which paints a very different picture. Gatsby also talks with Nick about his time in the Military, and he contradicts himself. “tried very hard to die”(67), but he also discusses that he has metals from war. This uncertainty of the truth, and the contradictions that Jay Gatsby is telling Nick make him great. It makes his character interesting to read about. It also makes him mysterious, and the love that he has for Daisy makes him great. All of these aspects together make a complex great character.
Jay Gatsby is a character we learned about a lot more during chapters 3-5. Is Jay Gatsby great? I am not sure yet. This is an extremely intriguing character. Extremely wealthy, war hero, moved to New York to chase the love of his life. Aspects Jay Gatsby seem great like the fact he is a war hero. But, even Jay Gatsby’s heroship comes in question when before he talks about what he did he said “I tried very hard to die but I seemed to bear an enchanted life”(70). So is Jay Gatsby great or did he just stumble into heroship trying to get himself killed along with any troops he commanded? Everyone talks about Jay Gatsby but no one knows Jay Gatsby’s true story. He is this character shrouded in mystery.”It was testimony to the romantic speculation he inspired that there were whispers about him from those who found little that it was necessary to whisper about in this world.”(48) This confusion of who Jay Gatsby makes many people admire him. Jay Gatsby’s peers believe that he is great because of all the different rumors around him that make him appear as a superhero of some sort. The question is Jay Gatsby great is very valid. His peers certainly think so. He keeps himself out of the social circle and this makes him appear as this stoic hero to the rest of the wealthy.
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