individual assignments
CHAPTER 2 GREAT GATSBY
While this chapter seems like an innocent description of a high-end party, it gives plenty of detail about the not so innocent lives of the rich. Tom goes into the city primarily to see his mistress, Myrtle as well as to get drunk with the McKees, some friends of his. And while Nick acts as though he is sicken by their behavior, he joins in the party. It is also a possibility Nick has a gay affair with Mr. McKee. The descriptions Nick gives of the men are more descriptive and sexual than the women, an oddity, especially in the time where women are thought of as more sexual beings. We are not sure of Nick’s actual intentions or feelings but this chapter has sure left the readers feeling puzzled about the narrator.
While this chapter seems like an innocent description of a high-end party, it gives plenty of detail about the not so innocent lives of the rich. Tom goes into the city primarily to see his mistress, Myrtle as well as to get drunk with the McKees, some friends of his. And while Nick acts as though he is sicken by their behavior, he joins in the party. It is also a possibility Nick has a gay affair with Mr. McKee. The descriptions Nick gives of the men are more descriptive and sexual than the women, an oddity, especially in the time where women are thought of as more sexual beings. We are not sure of Nick’s actual intentions or feelings but this chapter has sure left the readers feeling puzzled about the narrator.
CHAPTER 3
Nick has yearned for an invitation from Gatsby to his famous parties in order to feel as if he is highly respected both to himself and others. Nick meets a woman named Jordan Baker, and the two set out to find Jay Gatsby rather than join in on the party. When they finally meet Gatsby, Nick is mesmerized by him from his smile to his formal speech. His fascination of Gatsby only grows in this chapter, especially as Jordan emerges from a conversation with Gatsby, announcing she knows something “remarkable” about Gatsby. Nick then continues to lie about his life, stating he works in New York City and meets a lot of women. He eventually dates Jordan, despite her habit of lying. This only furthers Nick’s questionable sexuality because of how he hurried into this relationship with Jordan, despite his policy of complete honesty.
Nick has yearned for an invitation from Gatsby to his famous parties in order to feel as if he is highly respected both to himself and others. Nick meets a woman named Jordan Baker, and the two set out to find Jay Gatsby rather than join in on the party. When they finally meet Gatsby, Nick is mesmerized by him from his smile to his formal speech. His fascination of Gatsby only grows in this chapter, especially as Jordan emerges from a conversation with Gatsby, announcing she knows something “remarkable” about Gatsby. Nick then continues to lie about his life, stating he works in New York City and meets a lot of women. He eventually dates Jordan, despite her habit of lying. This only furthers Nick’s questionable sexuality because of how he hurried into this relationship with Jordan, despite his policy of complete honesty.
CHAPTER 4
This chapter is a little more shady than the others. Gatsby and Nick spend the day together and Gatsby tells Nick his life story, although a lot of it doesn’t seem right to Nick. Gatsby then feels the need to validate his past by bringing out a medal and a picture of himself. It is a little strange that Gatsby brings these items with him, almost as though Gatsby wants to make sure his story sells. Gatsby then introduces a disreputable man to Nick by the name of Meyer Wolfshiem. Gatsby’s relationship with Wolfshiem is also a little shady. Both claim that the other has done highly illegal things such as fixing the 1919 World Series and underground, organized crime.
Finally, Jordan reveals her conversation with Gatsby, and tells Nick he needs to set up a tea party with Daisy so she and Gatsby can rekindle their romance. Once again, Nick’s honesty is put to the test, for Daisy is already married to Tom. But Nick will do almost anything to receive the approval of Jay Gatsby.
This chapter is a little more shady than the others. Gatsby and Nick spend the day together and Gatsby tells Nick his life story, although a lot of it doesn’t seem right to Nick. Gatsby then feels the need to validate his past by bringing out a medal and a picture of himself. It is a little strange that Gatsby brings these items with him, almost as though Gatsby wants to make sure his story sells. Gatsby then introduces a disreputable man to Nick by the name of Meyer Wolfshiem. Gatsby’s relationship with Wolfshiem is also a little shady. Both claim that the other has done highly illegal things such as fixing the 1919 World Series and underground, organized crime.
Finally, Jordan reveals her conversation with Gatsby, and tells Nick he needs to set up a tea party with Daisy so she and Gatsby can rekindle their romance. Once again, Nick’s honesty is put to the test, for Daisy is already married to Tom. But Nick will do almost anything to receive the approval of Jay Gatsby.
CHAPTER 5
Gatsby tries to bribe Nick into setting up his tea date with Daisy by being overly nice to him. Nick agrees, despite his honesty policy, and Gatsby is elated. He then offers to give Nick someone to cut his grass, as well as an offer to partake in part of Gatsby’s business. Nick is offended by these offers, for he feels Gatsby is only using him when Nick just really wants Gatsby to like and approve of him. During the meeting, Gatsby becomes less of a holy man put on a pedestal, and becomes more of a regular man. And after a few awkward hours, the two finally reconnect their romance from years past. Nick however, feels as if he was left out, and again feels as if Gatsby was just using to him to get to Daisy. He doubts Daisy’s ability to adapt to such high society, an obvious defense mechanism created by Nick because of his feelings of being overlooked.
Gatsby tries to bribe Nick into setting up his tea date with Daisy by being overly nice to him. Nick agrees, despite his honesty policy, and Gatsby is elated. He then offers to give Nick someone to cut his grass, as well as an offer to partake in part of Gatsby’s business. Nick is offended by these offers, for he feels Gatsby is only using him when Nick just really wants Gatsby to like and approve of him. During the meeting, Gatsby becomes less of a holy man put on a pedestal, and becomes more of a regular man. And after a few awkward hours, the two finally reconnect their romance from years past. Nick however, feels as if he was left out, and again feels as if Gatsby was just using to him to get to Daisy. He doubts Daisy’s ability to adapt to such high society, an obvious defense mechanism created by Nick because of his feelings of being overlooked.
Chapter 6
This chapter was the first to show the real side and the causes of Gatsby’s insecurities. Because of all of the lies and rumors stemming from his embarrassment of being poor, Gatz creates a character who he has always wanted to be. The reason he is infatuated with Daisy is because of what he thinks is her fondness of him despite the wealth and money, although it is obvious Daisy would never leave her money and status to be with him if he were poor.
Gatsby’s insecurity is also shown when he tries to make the relationship between he and Daisy the same as it was in Louisville. Nick tries to tell him he can’t re-create the past, but Gatsby is too afraid to admit it. He is used to getting everything he wants, and by not having Daisy, he feels as if he is reliving his life before “Jay”.
This chapter was the first to show the real side and the causes of Gatsby’s insecurities. Because of all of the lies and rumors stemming from his embarrassment of being poor, Gatz creates a character who he has always wanted to be. The reason he is infatuated with Daisy is because of what he thinks is her fondness of him despite the wealth and money, although it is obvious Daisy would never leave her money and status to be with him if he were poor.
Gatsby’s insecurity is also shown when he tries to make the relationship between he and Daisy the same as it was in Louisville. Nick tries to tell him he can’t re-create the past, but Gatsby is too afraid to admit it. He is used to getting everything he wants, and by not having Daisy, he feels as if he is reliving his life before “Jay”.
Chapter 7
This chapter is the start of Gatsby’s and Tom’s feud boiling over. The men argue and Tom accuses Gatsby of his whole life being a lie (which it is) saying that he never went to Oxford and that he is a bootlegger. Gatsby tries to get Daisy to say she never loved Tom and that she loves him instead. Daisy is conflicted, but is more inclined to stay with Tom, showing she might no longer be in love with Gatsby.
But Gatsby’s love for Daisy is neverending. After they hit and kill Myrtle, Gatsby takes the blame for Daisy by admitting he ran over Myrtle. Nick also finds him outside the Buchanans’ house to make sure Daisy is safe from Tom. This is unusual behavior for him because Gatsby usually does everything on a grand scale to show off, but him doing this in secret shows he genuinely cares for her.
At the end, Nick realizes it's his 30th birthday, symbolizing the declining economy starting in the 1930's while also meaning the declining situation between Daisy and Gatsby.
This chapter is the start of Gatsby’s and Tom’s feud boiling over. The men argue and Tom accuses Gatsby of his whole life being a lie (which it is) saying that he never went to Oxford and that he is a bootlegger. Gatsby tries to get Daisy to say she never loved Tom and that she loves him instead. Daisy is conflicted, but is more inclined to stay with Tom, showing she might no longer be in love with Gatsby.
But Gatsby’s love for Daisy is neverending. After they hit and kill Myrtle, Gatsby takes the blame for Daisy by admitting he ran over Myrtle. Nick also finds him outside the Buchanans’ house to make sure Daisy is safe from Tom. This is unusual behavior for him because Gatsby usually does everything on a grand scale to show off, but him doing this in secret shows he genuinely cares for her.
At the end, Nick realizes it's his 30th birthday, symbolizing the declining economy starting in the 1930's while also meaning the declining situation between Daisy and Gatsby.
Chapter 8
The beginning of the chapter shows Gatsby telling Nick about when he first met and fell in love with Daisy. He tells Nick about her wealth and power, a probable reason for Gatsby’s attraction, especially because this was the beginning of the new life he was creating and he didn’t have much yet. Gatsby taking one last swim in the pool suggests he lived for others and not for himself. He had the pool put in for a show, and never used it for a personal swim.
Gatsby is also under the illusion that his dream is not dead, and Daisy will leave Tom. But time crept on, Summer was dwindling down, as was his relationship with Daisy. Gatsby grew up alone with nothing, and even though he acquired every material object he could ever want, he still died alone.
The beginning of the chapter shows Gatsby telling Nick about when he first met and fell in love with Daisy. He tells Nick about her wealth and power, a probable reason for Gatsby’s attraction, especially because this was the beginning of the new life he was creating and he didn’t have much yet. Gatsby taking one last swim in the pool suggests he lived for others and not for himself. He had the pool put in for a show, and never used it for a personal swim.
Gatsby is also under the illusion that his dream is not dead, and Daisy will leave Tom. But time crept on, Summer was dwindling down, as was his relationship with Daisy. Gatsby grew up alone with nothing, and even though he acquired every material object he could ever want, he still died alone.
Chapter 9
The end of the “great” Gatsby was the end of the American dream. Gatsby forgot his past and creating a new life for himself, something all immigrants want when they come to America. The last chapter puts a damper on that dream by saying Gatsby cannot escape his past. Gatsby was never able to make Daisy his girlfriend and he never forgot the pain he felt of not being good enough. He died no greater than he was born despite his money and the short moments of what Gatsby thought was happiness during his parties.
The end of the “great” Gatsby was the end of the American dream. Gatsby forgot his past and creating a new life for himself, something all immigrants want when they come to America. The last chapter puts a damper on that dream by saying Gatsby cannot escape his past. Gatsby was never able to make Daisy his girlfriend and he never forgot the pain he felt of not being good enough. He died no greater than he was born despite his money and the short moments of what Gatsby thought was happiness during his parties.
NICK CARRAWAY RA
Nick Carraway is a man whose personality has been handed to him by others as a young boy, and altered again by others as he grows. The impact of others is so influential, in fact, he starts off the novel with his father’s effect, and continues to talk about that effect for the entire page. He admits the criticism he receives from other young men and college classmates that made him feel wary of others and being called a “politician” which he considers negative. Carraway also confesses that he felt as if he were a “victim” to his habits of his reserved judgements. He confirms those insecurities to himself by saying it has opened up some “curious natures” for himself, and considers his skill as a “matter of infinite hope”.
Carraway feels as if the world should be mundane, due to his dull personality, and his interests become piqued by Gatsby. They could not be more opposite in disposition and Carraway is interested in Gatsby, and describes his as “exempt from my reaction”. Gatsby gets Carraway to think outside of his usual ways and his ideology of being successful when looking through a single window.
Nick Carraway is a man whose personality has been handed to him by others as a young boy, and altered again by others as he grows. The impact of others is so influential, in fact, he starts off the novel with his father’s effect, and continues to talk about that effect for the entire page. He admits the criticism he receives from other young men and college classmates that made him feel wary of others and being called a “politician” which he considers negative. Carraway also confesses that he felt as if he were a “victim” to his habits of his reserved judgements. He confirms those insecurities to himself by saying it has opened up some “curious natures” for himself, and considers his skill as a “matter of infinite hope”.
Carraway feels as if the world should be mundane, due to his dull personality, and his interests become piqued by Gatsby. They could not be more opposite in disposition and Carraway is interested in Gatsby, and describes his as “exempt from my reaction”. Gatsby gets Carraway to think outside of his usual ways and his ideology of being successful when looking through a single window.
Hawthorne Questions
#6: Throughout the entirety of Hawthorne’s story, there’s a strong use of symbolism by utilizing the black veil. The story revolves over what Hawthorne meant by having Parson Hooper wear a black veil. He also uses multiple examples of similes throughout the story to emphasis his vision: “like a cheerful gleam from the hearth”. Hawthorne even directly mentions pathos in his writing: “An unsought pathos came hand in hand with awe”.
#7: Hawthorne ridicules the Transcendentalism movement by portraying the people of the town as critical towards Parson Hooper. The transcendentalists place emphasis on the inner-light of people and their natural integrity while Hawthorne paints a more realistic picture of a more denouncing culture: “He has changed himself into something awful, only be hiding his face”.
#8: Parson Hooper had a lack of personal sin, but rather felt the sins of others. He saw the true sinful disposition of the people around him, and as a man of God, felt as if he carried the weight on his shoulders. The absence of cheer at the wedding, the same day as the funeral, shows Hooper’s sorrow at the repeating immoral ways of people. The funeral signifies the end of a life, while the wedding shows a sign of new beginning, along with the beginning of new sins. Hooper recognized the vicious cycle and felt as if he were letting God down for he dedicated his life to righteousness and to spread it to his people-a job he felt as if he failed.
#6: Throughout the entirety of Hawthorne’s story, there’s a strong use of symbolism by utilizing the black veil. The story revolves over what Hawthorne meant by having Parson Hooper wear a black veil. He also uses multiple examples of similes throughout the story to emphasis his vision: “like a cheerful gleam from the hearth”. Hawthorne even directly mentions pathos in his writing: “An unsought pathos came hand in hand with awe”.
#7: Hawthorne ridicules the Transcendentalism movement by portraying the people of the town as critical towards Parson Hooper. The transcendentalists place emphasis on the inner-light of people and their natural integrity while Hawthorne paints a more realistic picture of a more denouncing culture: “He has changed himself into something awful, only be hiding his face”.
#8: Parson Hooper had a lack of personal sin, but rather felt the sins of others. He saw the true sinful disposition of the people around him, and as a man of God, felt as if he carried the weight on his shoulders. The absence of cheer at the wedding, the same day as the funeral, shows Hooper’s sorrow at the repeating immoral ways of people. The funeral signifies the end of a life, while the wedding shows a sign of new beginning, along with the beginning of new sins. Hooper recognized the vicious cycle and felt as if he were letting God down for he dedicated his life to righteousness and to spread it to his people-a job he felt as if he failed.
Hawthorne as a Transcendentalist
Nathaniel Hawthorne was a quiet man that kept to himself as he wrote and read. And even though he idolized transcendentalist men like Ralph Waldo Emerson, he preferred dark writing in the comfort of his solitary apartment in the city. Other men of transcendentalism lived out their lives in belief that society corrupted the integrity and purity of the people, and therefore, decided to live in a place with a strong sense of community rather than a large city. Men like Thoreau focused on their inner light as opposed to the darkness of others like in the writing of Hawthorne.
Nathaniel Hawthorne was a quiet man that kept to himself as he wrote and read. And even though he idolized transcendentalist men like Ralph Waldo Emerson, he preferred dark writing in the comfort of his solitary apartment in the city. Other men of transcendentalism lived out their lives in belief that society corrupted the integrity and purity of the people, and therefore, decided to live in a place with a strong sense of community rather than a large city. Men like Thoreau focused on their inner light as opposed to the darkness of others like in the writing of Hawthorne.
1.28.15
Rhetorical Analysis: Soccer Is Ruining America
The author, Stephen H. Webb, uses a disdainful tone to deride the beautiful game of soccer in a jeremiad. He breaks his argument down into four points to depict his reasoning. Throughout the jeremiad, Webb uses metaphors such as, “the two dimensional actions of soccer is like the rocking of a boat but without any storm” (1) to belittle the game as if it were too boring to withstand. Webb also brings religion into his argument, reprimanding the audience by hinting that God does not agree with the way of the game, using what he believes is God’s perspective of the use of feet in soccer: “[God] does not stoop that low” (2).
Overall, Webb writes in a strong tone of sarcasm to get his point across in a satirical format. Although his writing may cause a controversy between fanatics of soccer and the author himself, Webb’s priority was to use satirical humor to scoff at the skeptics of the game, especially towards the end when he admits to taking his own children to their soccer games on the weekend, and enjoying their time together.
Rhetorical Analysis: Soccer Is Ruining America
The author, Stephen H. Webb, uses a disdainful tone to deride the beautiful game of soccer in a jeremiad. He breaks his argument down into four points to depict his reasoning. Throughout the jeremiad, Webb uses metaphors such as, “the two dimensional actions of soccer is like the rocking of a boat but without any storm” (1) to belittle the game as if it were too boring to withstand. Webb also brings religion into his argument, reprimanding the audience by hinting that God does not agree with the way of the game, using what he believes is God’s perspective of the use of feet in soccer: “[God] does not stoop that low” (2).
Overall, Webb writes in a strong tone of sarcasm to get his point across in a satirical format. Although his writing may cause a controversy between fanatics of soccer and the author himself, Webb’s priority was to use satirical humor to scoff at the skeptics of the game, especially towards the end when he admits to taking his own children to their soccer games on the weekend, and enjoying their time together.