The Great Gatsby - 10

"He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city,where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night." pg. 181

I think that Gatsby not realizing what his dream was  is reflective upon the American dream being lost. The American dream was what everyone wanted but once people had it, they sought for more and more. People were no longer satisfied with simply America. They desired more wealth and materials. The American dream turned into a shallow monetary competition. People were missing the beauty of American freedom and liberty and were solely driven by success and wealth. People were failing to realize that they had indeed already achieved the American dream. They blew past what they had gained and failed to recognize their progress. Gatsby's death shows that we need to appreciate our successes and not to set them aside, or it will be all for nothing.

The Great Gatsby - 9

"The touch of a cluster of leaves revolved it slowly, tracing like a leg of transit, a thin red circle in water." pg. 162

I think that Gatsby's death portrays another aspect of the characterization of the upper class. The wealthy use their money as a shield. They never take responsibility for their actions. They use their money to hide from their consequences. Daisy was the one who ran over Myrtle, but Gatsby paid the consequences. It was as if Gatsby cleaned up Daisy's mess. This is also shown for the upper class as a whole. After Gatsby's lavish parties, full of shallow wealthy socialites, Nick and Gatsby clean up the mess made by the party. These people use their money to keep them out of trouble.

The Great Gatsby - 8

"Lots of people come who haven't been invited." pg. 109

Gatsby has elaborate parties and people just show up uninvited. This further exemplifies the characteristics of the rich. This is a common theme throughout the novel. People think that just  because they have money, they can do whatever they want. I think that through the annoyed tone of this comment, it becomes evident that the author does not approve of the mindset of the upper class and wishes to restore what it used to be. Money should not be a source of power, and it should not influence social standing. People are using their money to create an image for themselves, but each of these images are superficial. They do not reflect quality individuals or sincere people. I think that this is a warning to the upper class, that if things are not altered, dignity and standards will quickly diminish.

The Great Gatsby - 7

"West Egg, especially, still figures in my more fantastic dreams." pg 178

A common motif of this novel is the role geography plays in society. East Egg represents "old money" or the aristocracy. West Egg represents those who are new to wealth and fortune. Those from East Egg feel that  they are superior to the newly rich because their wealth is more established. I think that the valley of ashes represents the moral decline of America. During the 1920's morality and class seemed to lack importance. The society became more provocative and wild. That was also represented by all of the lavish parties that were thrown.These geographical representations helped to express the enormous change happening to American society.

The Great Gatsby - 6

"We were close friends." pg. 169

Nick is not characterized as being judgemental. He knows that he comes from a good background and had many opportunities others were not as lucky to receive.  However, he seems to be ambiguous in how he feels about people. He considers Gatsby to be one of his close friends. He admires his personality and behavior. But, when he discovers how Gatsby accumulated his wealth, he has a new outlook on him. He actually judges Gatsby for what he did to become wealthy. This same thing happens between Nick and Tom. Nick initially is friends with Tom, but when he discovers he accused Gatsby for running over Myrtle, he refuses to forgive him. He once again judges someones actions. I know that being judgemental is human nature, but it just seems hypocritical.

The Great Gatsby - 5

"Were getting off," he insisted. "I want you to meet my girl." pg. 24

Nick's actions in this chapter make me angry. I don't understand why he doesn't discouraging Tom's infidelity. Daisy is Nick's cousin. He should be threatening to tell her or making Tom feel bad about what he is doing. But no, he simply goes along and meets Tom's mistress without and comment. I think that its safe to say that family loyalty may not be the most prominent theme of this novel. Nick's actions characterizes him as being passive in nature. He seems to avoid conflict and does what people tell him to do. He pursues a relationship with Jordan after Daisy and Tom suggest it, he invites Daisy over for tea upon Gatsby's request, and he meets Tom's mistress without any argument.

The Great Gatsby - 4

Gatsby bought that house so that  Daisy would be just across the bay." pg. 79

When I first started reading this novel, I felt bad for Daisy. She was disrespected and cheated on by her husband. But, after hearing how she promised to marry Gatsby then bailed, makes me think that she had it coming. She definitely doesn't deserve to be treated that way by Tom, but it seems to be unfortunate karma. Instead of waiting for Gatsby, whom she loved, she married Tom for his money. She is just as superficial as the rest of the first class society. She settled for Tom who was available and had money, just so she could feel comfortable. In doing that, she now lives a miserable life with an arrogant, cheating jerk.