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 - 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.

Frankestein- 7

"I was wretched, helpless, and alone." pg. 92

A significant theme throughout the novel is solitude. We see through the recent chapters what kind of a negative toll loneliness can have on someone. Because the creature was so lonely, he became depressed. He began to envy the lives of people, because he so desperately sought companionship. The envy inside the creature built up into vengeance. After his final attempt at human contact failed, he sought justice. He killed William thinking he was the son of Victor. He felt satisfied by his actions. I think that this foreshadows many deaths to come. If he felt no remorse over his actions, he won't hesitate to do it again in seeking what he wants. I am surprised at how big of an impact solitude can have, to the extent that it leads to murder.

Frankenstein 4

"I am miserable..." pg. 69

I think that one of the major themes of this book is loneliness. It is shown early on when Robert Walton expresses he has no friends. This is later demonstrated through Victor when he is in the process of creating the creature. Each of them choose to isolate themselves from others. In the process they convey a dark, anguished demeanor. However when it comes to the loneliness of the creature, it is not a choice. Upon it's first days of life, it seeks companionship with it's creator. When it is not returned, the creature flees and adapts to life on its own. Once he discovers what true companionship is, he becomes depressed and angry. I think it was the creature severe loneliness that motivated him to do whatever his dark deed was.

Theme 2- Eveline

"No! No! No! It was impossible." pg. 222

I feel very sympathetic towards Eveline. Many people she was close to have died including her mother, her father is abusive towards her, and she has to give all of her hard earned money to her father. She doesn't have a very optimistic life ahead of her until she meets Frank. The meet and Eveline sees their relationship as an opportunity to leave her misery. What I do not understand is why she didn't take it. She had absolutely nothing holding her back besides a promise she made to her now dead mother. Under the circumstanced, I would think that the mom would understand why she didn't uphold her wish. This section is about theme, but I am failing to see the point of this story, let alone the theme. If I had to guess, I think the theme of this short story is to never break a promise, no matter how much pain it causes.