Blog Post Number 6

Jay Gatsby is a man of many qualities; he is perseverant, focused, patient, mysterious, and loving. Throughout the novel, his character is thoroughly defined to an extent that others were denied. He presented a vivid reason in which the piece was titled "The Great Gatsby" but isn't it rather ironic? The main character, Nick, whose point of view the reader seen Gatsby through was heavily biased. Should the book have been from a character such as Tom, the title would surely have changed.
Yes, Gatsby seemed to be more than the average man, but he ended just like everyone else; he died. Looking past his money, fame, and "celebrity persona", he was rather plain. He grew up like the majority; poor and without a purpose. It wasn't until he met Dan Cody that he'd decided to walk the road of success and greatness. Gatsby's admiration of Cody wasn't just an influence, it seemed as if he copied his mentor just without exception of liquor. His idea to become the man that Nick described wasn't original. There is also the matter that Gatsby was too caught in his past to comprehend his true position. From the time he started seeing Daisy, he'd changed completely; he stopped having parties, fired staff, and became less interesting. Daisy reverted him to his true self but it wasn't for the better. He was so infatuated with her that he was willing to take the blame for her "hit and run" accident.
Ultimately, he was killed by Wilson, a man just the same as him; human. Even after Wilson was informed of his wife's affair, he still sought vengeance because he remembered who she used to be to him. In conclusion, Jay Gatsby was no better than anyone else. The title should be "The Regular Gatsby".

Blog Post Number 5

Love? How can he dare call what Daisy and he had love? Their whole marriage, Tom has done nothing but lie, cheat, and abuse her. Can he blame truly blame her for wanting a way out; a tunnel to someone better. Regardless of what he insists, what Daisy and I have is real, authentic enough to overcome all of the uncertainties that I have. She is not the same woman that I once loved but her kid is the biggest reminder of that. I will never be able to have Daisy to myself while that child exists, though, I believe that I can accept it. People change; for this I am grateful. If Daisy's feelings for Tom never changed, I would have never been able to win her over. Maybe the change is for the better. Unsure of what to think of Daisy's hit and run just outside the mechanic shop, I am willing to take the blame for her. My love for her is strong, therefore I am willing to sacrifice my life for her at all costs. Still, I am unsure if her time spent with Tom has caused her to value the life of others less. Would she be willing to take the same risks for me or is she only looking out for herself. 

Blog Post Number 4

A) Jay Gatsby was born as "James Gatz" but changed it after meeting a man named Dan Cody. Dan changed Gatsby life, unintentionally influencing Gatsby to live a life like his own without the alcohol. After Dan died, the money was supposed to go to Gatsby but he was cheated by Dan's mistress. Convinced to love lavishly, Gatsby chose to change his stature; he did not like being poor.

B) These details about Gatsby contrast with the tumors because he wouldn't have had the time to become a German Spy or kill a man when from age seventeen to twenty-two he was looking over a drunken Dan Cody.

C) The difference between the two is that Jay Gatsby is a rich, hopeful, and successful business man while James Gatz was a poor unknown kid.

D) Tom's disdain for Gatsby comes from Gatsby's success and eventually Gatsby's actions toward him. With Daisy, Gatsby treats Tom rather poorly which causes Tom to hate everything about Gatsby. Tom is not a fan that Gatsby's unknown method of obtaining money.

Blog Post Number 3

Overall, the guests were named after plants, animals, and other life in order to say something about them.

East Egg Guests:
- "The Leeches, Doctor Webster Civet, the Hornbeams, the Blackbuck Clan and Edgar Beaver," are all named after animals or objects. This implies that their families are somewhat like the thing that their name is referring too. For example, a horn beam is a tree and "the Hornbeams" may have a sturdy stature like a tree.
- "Willie Votaries" was a philosphe famous for defending religious liberty and freedom of expression.
- "Stonewall Jackson Abrams of Georgia" is a family named after a Confederate General.
- "S.B. Whitebait" and "the Hammerheads" are both named after fish. Due to the food chain of the sea, "the Hammerheads" may be superior to the "Whitebaits".

West Egg Guests:
- "Newton Orchid" controlled Films Par Excellence, a company in Hollywood; the author loved Hollywood.

- "Eckhaust", "Clyde Cohen", "Don S: Schwartze", and "Arthur McCarty" were all related to movies in one way or another.

- "James B. Ferret" is a member of Wall Street who's plan to gamble shows the corruption that society is facing; to ferret meanings to drive out or torment as well.

- "Klipsringer" has been at Gatsby's house so long that they call him "The Boarder". 

- "Henry L. Palmetto's" last name follows the theme of objects describing stature; palmettos are palm leafs.

- "Benny McClenahan" brings girls to Gatsby's parties that represent praises or blessings. Though, the expandability of them says that they aren't worth much.

- "Miss Claudia Hip" is introduced by name but her chauffeur isn't. This shows the social classes during the time.

Chapter 2 Questions

1) Despite the "Valley of Ashes," being a barren wasteland, it gave the people around it a different impression. It gave both the city and suburb people, in which the valley divided, hope. TJ Eckleburg is the eye doctor.

2) As a mechanic who is oblivious to the deception around him, Wilson is very deceptive himself. He has no idea that his wife is the married mistress of Tom. Nick frowns upon their relationship but shouldn't judge a situation that he doesn't understand.

3) The dog is used to further express Tom's hasty behavior. It also explains his and Mrytle's relationship.

4) (Did not have book with page numbers.)

5) Chapter 2 focused on the relationship of Tom and Mrytle. It tells of how the story began.

Gatsby Chapter 1

The Great Gatsby's first chapter incites various question in regards to the plot to come and its characters. It is obvious that Nick's clear infatuation with well respected figures such as Gatsby and Tom will hold its shape throughout the novel; the title is "The Great Gatsby" after all. Still, it seems that his visit with Tom, Daisy, and Miss Baker has set the building blocks for the events that have yet to transpire. For example, their is talk of Daisy's child, which the reader has yet to be introduced to. What role will she play? There is also the mentioning of Nick's relationship with a woman in the west. Is this subtle foreshadowing or just simple detail thrown in to further develop Nick's character? Further more, there is speculation from Daisy that Tom has a woman in the city as well. As for Miss Baker, her mentioning of Gatsby fueled Nick's interest in him and due to Gatsby's sudden nature, him wanting to be alone, the reader can only assume a few things such as adding more wood to Nick's fire. Nick will pursue Gatsby but this is only suspicion and because, once again, that the novel is name "The Great Gatsby". You aren't supposed to judge a book by its cover but it was never stated that you shouldn't judge a book by its title. With the assumption that the plot will revolve around Gatsby after the aforementioned "building block".