Showing posts with label Daisy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daisy. Show all posts
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Group 1 - Question 5
Gatsby meets Daisy's child. Explain the scene and its significance in the novel and consider this using several critical lenses.
Answer:
In chapter 7, Gatsby finally has the opportunity to meet Daisy's child, Pammy, as they (Tom, Daisy, Nick, Jordan, and himself) join each other for a luncheon on a hot summer day. It is described that Gastby “kept looking at the child with surprise” (Page 117). It is also mentioned that Nick doesn't think Gatsby “had ever really believed in [the child’s] existence before” (Page 117). Throughout the scene, Gatsby actually doesn't say anything at all...he was shocked silent.
This is scene is significant because Gatsby’s surprised reaction indicates how he is unhappy with the introduction of yet another obstacle in his way of acquiring Daisy for himself. He is unhappy because the bond of a child between Tom and Daisy doesn't fit in with his version of “The American Dream”. Gatsby, in fact, everybody, wants an easy way to achieve their dreams and goals and nobody likes it when obstacles (such as a child) or people (Tom, in Gatsby’s case) slow you down.
That’s the more obvious reason as to why Gatsby was so shocked and surprised. Although, if we were to look at it from a Psychoanalytic Lens, there is more depth to Gatsby’s dazed expression. It can be observed that he may actually be jealous of Daisy’s child because she is where he wants to be (this is his ID kicking in). He doesn't say much at all, revealing his repressed want of Daisy. The ID is the part of the mind that holds all these repressed feelings and it is also responsible for making people believe that something they WANT, is something they NEED.
At the same time, if we looked at this scene through a Marxist Lens, we would notice and realize that Daisy’s child represents the rich childhood he never had, and tried his best to get away from. Gatsby grew up quite poor and he wanted to make something of himself that would somehow rid him of his past, and make others overlook it. Daisy had Pammy all dressed up because she wanted to “show [her] off” to Nick and Gatsby. Gatsby never had anything to show off as a child in the lower class. This could also be a reason that he continuously holds extravagant parties at his success of a mansion; it brings him to a higher class.
Vandana
Labels: Gatsby, Daisy
group 5 - question?
Nick meets Jordan Baker and says, "Almost any exhibition of complete self sufficiency draws a stunned tribute from me." Explain what this means and why this is relevant to the novel.
At their first encounter, Nick is surprised by Jordan's calm composure and self confidence. He quickly develops a sense of respect and admiration for Jordan, because she is fairly different from the other girls in society.
In the novel, Jordan serves as a character foil to Daisy. Daisy is a typical girl from the upper class, corrupted by her riches, displaying a flair for drama and extravagance. In comparison, Jordan is sporty, independent and mature.
From a feminist point of view, it can be shown that Daisy has the role of the domestic wife while her husband Tom is the head of the family. One assumes that Daisy herself does not hold a profession as it is unmentioned in the novel. As a mother though, Daisy does not express much maternal feelings as “she added irrelevantly: You ought to see the baby.” Daisy’s name in itself represents one of nature which displays the unruly and wild side of her personality.
Jordan herself plays an individual sport, holding a job as a professional golfer and making her own income. Single, Jordan carries herself with maturity and poise. Her gender neutral name demonstrates that her character is one that is dominant and strong. Jordan’s boy-ish style also mirrors the masculine fashion that women were emulating in the 20s as they evolved in society’s culture and entered the workplace.
Daisy, Jordan
At their first encounter, Nick is surprised by Jordan's calm composure and self confidence. He quickly develops a sense of respect and admiration for Jordan, because she is fairly different from the other girls in society.
In the novel, Jordan serves as a character foil to Daisy. Daisy is a typical girl from the upper class, corrupted by her riches, displaying a flair for drama and extravagance. In comparison, Jordan is sporty, independent and mature.
From a feminist point of view, it can be shown that Daisy has the role of the domestic wife while her husband Tom is the head of the family. One assumes that Daisy herself does not hold a profession as it is unmentioned in the novel. As a mother though, Daisy does not express much maternal feelings as “she added irrelevantly: You ought to see the baby.” Daisy’s name in itself represents one of nature which displays the unruly and wild side of her personality.
Jordan herself plays an individual sport, holding a job as a professional golfer and making her own income. Single, Jordan carries herself with maturity and poise. Her gender neutral name demonstrates that her character is one that is dominant and strong. Jordan’s boy-ish style also mirrors the masculine fashion that women were emulating in the 20s as they evolved in society’s culture and entered the workplace.
Daisy, Jordan
Group 5 -Question 5.
“What has Gatsby been doing in the time between the close of Chapter 7 and the opening of Chapter 8?”
At the ending of Chapter 7, Gatsby is left “just standing [in the front of Daisy’s home]” (p. 142) situated “between two bushes” (p. 142) gazing in through the open windows of Daisy’s home. Gatsby is allegedly attempting to ensure that Tom does not “[try] to bother her about that unpleasantness [that occurred that] afternoon,” (p. 144) and is waiting for a signal from Daisy if Tom “tries any brutality.” (p. 144)
Gatsby is clinging on to any last hope that his dream can be achieved. He is desperately waiting for Daisy to come out of her house, offering to conjoin their lives once again, leaving Tom behind. During this period of time, Gatsby spends hours waiting. He claims it is purely so that Tom does not cause any harm to Daisy due to the conflict which had occurred earlier in the day. If Tom were to assault Daisy, Gatsby would immediately rush to her rescue, instantly willing to scoop up what Tom does not desire and take her for his own means. Gatsby is waiting for this opportunity to arise. Gatsby “[doesn’t] trust [Tom],” (p. 144) Gatsby doesn’t want to trust that Tom really wishes to passionately hold on to Daisy. Gatsby wants to hold on to every miniscule hope which proclaims the possibility of his desire being fulfilled- that he will achieve his dream of obtaining the Daisy whom he placed his ideals upon.
Gatsby is waiting for a sign from Daisy. He is waiting for this certain sign that will announce that his presence is desired once again. Gatsby claims that if Tom is going to attempt to harm Daisy, then “she’s going to turn the light out and on again.” (p. 144) Gatsby is awaiting the moment when he witnesses the light flicker off, only to turn back on again, symbolizing the regeneration of the relationship. When Daisy turns the light out, with the intention of turning it on again, it symbolizes that Daisy would no longer desire to continue her relationship with Tom, as she would be exposing a relationship flaw, waiting for an intervening subject. The moment she turns it on again, is the moment when she declares that she is ready for Gatsby to intrude on the relationship and release her from a harmful environment. This would be Gatsby’s cue. It would be Gatsby’s cue to march into the house, and declare his possession over Daisy. This is all Gatsby has ever desired for five years: to have the ideal of Daisy. It would be of a great delight to Gatsby to have Daisy running towards him, begging for his company. Gatsby sits there in the darkness waiting for this signal to arise. Gatsby is waiting for Tom to hurt Daisy. If Tom hurts Daisy, Gatsby would have his dream in the palm of his hand.
- Vanessa
Tags:
Gatsby, Daisy, Tom
Group 3 - Question #4
Consider the steps Gatsby has taken to plan the encounter with Daisy. What is revealed in his character and how might this be read using a critical lens?
Below is the list of steps Gatsby took to plan his encounter with Daisy:
After the war Gatsby leaves his home to chase the "American dream" and to become good enough for Daisy:
He moves to the East and slowly works up his wealth. As the years go by, he establishes himself as a rich, party thrower, yet some what of a mystery man. No one knows him, but everyone attends his parties. This builds up his social stature. When Nick enters the story and it is revealed that he knows Daisy, Gatsby sees this as his opportunity to reignite the flame. Gatsby doesn't ask Nick, he asks Jordan to ask Nick for him. This shows that Gatsby is almost shy or embarrassed about the whole idea. When Nick agrees to it, Gatsby has to make everything perfect. Nothing can look bad for Daisy. His house, his yard and even Nick's yard must be beautiful enough for Daisy. Once Daisy arrives, you see a very awkward and strange side of Gatsby. He almost leaves before Daisy shows up. When she does show up, the encounter is very awkward as well. It almost seems that too much time has passed and that they aren't the same people they used to be. Once Nick leaves and re-enters the room, the whole atmosphere has changed. His lack of confidence that he had once Daisy entered the room was gone and the “old sport” confident Gatsby was back. When Nick describes the happiness of Gatsby, he says that he “literally glowed”. Gatsby felt that their love had been rejuvenated and he truly believed he could re-create the past and win Daisy.
If you were to read this through a lens, it could be read through psychoanalytic, Marxist and feminist.
Psychoanalytic:
Looking through this with a psychoanalytic lens, you will see Gatsby's true dreams. Ever since Gatsby fell in-love with Daisy or the idea of Daisy, he made it his goal to be rich. Not only does he achieve the wealth, but he also makes a name for himself as one of the best party throwers around. He does all of this to get Daisy's attention and for her to see that he is capable of joining the secret society. The way Gatsby plans everything out shows how he not only desires Daisy, but also longs to be accepted into this secret society. He takes 5 years to slowly build his way up and get Daisy back. He gets rich and throws amazing parties, but he is never accepted into the society. Now that he has finally met up with her, he needs to seize the opportunity to impress her. He makes his house look perfect for her and then proceeds to show her everything he has accomplished. It seems to be working as Daisy cries while Gatsby shows her his clothing. “He hadn't once ceased looking at Daisy, and I think he revalued everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from her well-loved eyes.” This quote reveals how much Gatsby desires Daisy and feels the need to awe her and show her that he deserves to be part of the secret society.
Feminist:
Reading through with a feminist lens will show how Gatsby views Daisy. He holds her high in his mind and heart. Through the male gaze, he always speaks of her beauty. To Gatsby she is more of an object than a person.
Marxist:
If you were to read this through a Marxist lens, then it comes down to social status and wealth. Gatsby will never be accepted into the secret society, but he believes he can through the power of money and Daisy. His money will impress Daisy and win her over. He thinks if he can regain her love then he will be approved of, thus being part of the ever so elusive secret society.
Peter
Tags:Gatsby, Daisy
Below is the list of steps Gatsby took to plan his encounter with Daisy:
After the war Gatsby leaves his home to chase the "American dream" and to become good enough for Daisy:
He moves to the East and slowly works up his wealth. As the years go by, he establishes himself as a rich, party thrower, yet some what of a mystery man. No one knows him, but everyone attends his parties. This builds up his social stature. When Nick enters the story and it is revealed that he knows Daisy, Gatsby sees this as his opportunity to reignite the flame. Gatsby doesn't ask Nick, he asks Jordan to ask Nick for him. This shows that Gatsby is almost shy or embarrassed about the whole idea. When Nick agrees to it, Gatsby has to make everything perfect. Nothing can look bad for Daisy. His house, his yard and even Nick's yard must be beautiful enough for Daisy. Once Daisy arrives, you see a very awkward and strange side of Gatsby. He almost leaves before Daisy shows up. When she does show up, the encounter is very awkward as well. It almost seems that too much time has passed and that they aren't the same people they used to be. Once Nick leaves and re-enters the room, the whole atmosphere has changed. His lack of confidence that he had once Daisy entered the room was gone and the “old sport” confident Gatsby was back. When Nick describes the happiness of Gatsby, he says that he “literally glowed”. Gatsby felt that their love had been rejuvenated and he truly believed he could re-create the past and win Daisy.
If you were to read this through a lens, it could be read through psychoanalytic, Marxist and feminist.
Psychoanalytic:
Looking through this with a psychoanalytic lens, you will see Gatsby's true dreams. Ever since Gatsby fell in-love with Daisy or the idea of Daisy, he made it his goal to be rich. Not only does he achieve the wealth, but he also makes a name for himself as one of the best party throwers around. He does all of this to get Daisy's attention and for her to see that he is capable of joining the secret society. The way Gatsby plans everything out shows how he not only desires Daisy, but also longs to be accepted into this secret society. He takes 5 years to slowly build his way up and get Daisy back. He gets rich and throws amazing parties, but he is never accepted into the society. Now that he has finally met up with her, he needs to seize the opportunity to impress her. He makes his house look perfect for her and then proceeds to show her everything he has accomplished. It seems to be working as Daisy cries while Gatsby shows her his clothing. “He hadn't once ceased looking at Daisy, and I think he revalued everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from her well-loved eyes.” This quote reveals how much Gatsby desires Daisy and feels the need to awe her and show her that he deserves to be part of the secret society.
Feminist:
Reading through with a feminist lens will show how Gatsby views Daisy. He holds her high in his mind and heart. Through the male gaze, he always speaks of her beauty. To Gatsby she is more of an object than a person.
Marxist:
If you were to read this through a Marxist lens, then it comes down to social status and wealth. Gatsby will never be accepted into the secret society, but he believes he can through the power of money and Daisy. His money will impress Daisy and win her over. He thinks if he can regain her love then he will be approved of, thus being part of the ever so elusive secret society.
Peter
Tags:Gatsby, Daisy
Saturday, 20 October 2012
Group 1 – Question 6
Question: Time is an important motif in the novel. Describe the use of time and the effect in these closing chapters.
Time passes very slowly throughout the majority of “The Great Gatsby”. The whole affair passes over several months. This is accentuated with the heat of the day of the Luncheon at Daisy’s house. Daisy speaks about how she doesn’t know what she’ll do today or tomorrow or for the next thirty years. This demonstrates clearly just how long time seems to stretch out. They have all the time in the world and all the money they need. The heat creates an atmosphere of almost creeping anxiety. And then, soon after this time seems to move faster and faster until everything is coalescing at once. Soon they’re fighting in New York Wilson Jordan
Gatsby’s father shows Nick his time table. This shows that Gatsby’s time’s run out. He spent all his life planning and worrying, organizing everything to his perfect ideal, from his work, to Daisy. He moved across the Bay simply to be closer to Daisy. He planned for five years his meeting with her and fretted over it intensely when the day actually arrived. He plans his parties to rise in social status to know people, to become this mystery. He bides his time. Yet when he stops planning, when he reacts and he feels that is when everything falls apart. And it is once he gives up on the ideal of once was, when he finally relaxes and enjoys his money not for the ideal, not to fit the plan, but for himself he is murdered.
As well, age is used to show the passing of time. The day that the corruption of all the characters really begins to blow up in their faces, (the affairs, the excess of money and liquor) that is the day that Nick turns 30. The connotation behind the age of 20 is very free. It is the careless youth, a lifestyle to party and do as you wish. Yet 30 is the end of that. Suddenly, one is really an adult. The expectation is to raise a family, work a good job and have a solid built future. Not the careless youth that once was. This is entirely parallel with what is happening in the story. When Nick turns 30 he is at the last Party that will ever happen again between these characters. After he realizes this things turn to the worse. Myrtle is hit by Daisy in Gatsby’s car and killed, Gatsby is shot by Wilson Wilson
Jennifer
Group 4 - Question 6
Reading Gatsby’s funeral using a Marxist lens reveals historical materialism. This category of the lens is revealed when Mr. Gatz, Gatsby’s father, shows Nick the schedule that was once written by Gatsby when he was young. The schedule Gatsby wrote determines that Gatsby was disciplined and organized , also he was determined with every thing he did, even as a young child.
Class struggle is also noticed at Gatsby’s funeral. Gatsby is not rich but he is considered wealthy. At his funeral , people who are rich do not show up. For example - Tom and Daisy. Neither did people who attended his parties. They only came to dance, drink and have fun , other than that , they were no friends of Gatsby. Meyer Wolfsheim , partner of Gatsby in the bond business, did not show up . Even though Mr.Wolfshiem , knew Gatsby for a long time he did not attend his funeral. His excuses was not to get involved in his death. Wolfsheim was a rich man, but he ignored his partner’s death . One could connect , due to Gatsby not being rich but wealthy, he is actually considered lower class since his family background was lower class. Therefore, people like Tom, Daisy , Mr.Wolfsheim , did not show up because they were all categorized as the higher class. Overall, it is remarkable how values toward other people change according to the social class. When was money more valuable than a person’s death?
Reading Gatsby’s funeral through a Feminist lens , it is noticed that patriarchy is presented due to no women attending Gatsby’s funeral. Even the woman Gatsby loved did not attend. Even though Gatsby did not accidentally kill anyone , unlike Daisy, Gatsby did not want any one to know that is was Daisy . This reveals the category of, the need for masculine protection , where every women needs her man to protect her. In this context , Gatsby was protecting Daisy from the crime that she had convicted.
Examining Gatsby’s funeral through a Psychoanalytic lens , the collective unconscious is revealed in the text. Gatsby was murdered by Mr. Wilson , because he though Gatsby ran over his wife, Mrs. Wilson, with a car. The reader is aware that it was daisy , the lady who is so innocent and sweet but. she mirrors the archetypal figure of the destroying angel. Even though Daisy character is recognized as a sweet, angel type women, the author uses this archetypical figure to mask the truth about daisy to the society. No one would ever believe that Daisy killed Mrs. Wilson , due to her innocence and sweet appearance.
Karishma
Class struggle is also noticed at Gatsby’s funeral. Gatsby is not rich but he is considered wealthy. At his funeral , people who are rich do not show up. For example - Tom and Daisy. Neither did people who attended his parties. They only came to dance, drink and have fun , other than that , they were no friends of Gatsby. Meyer Wolfsheim , partner of Gatsby in the bond business, did not show up . Even though Mr.Wolfshiem , knew Gatsby for a long time he did not attend his funeral. His excuses was not to get involved in his death. Wolfsheim was a rich man, but he ignored his partner’s death . One could connect , due to Gatsby not being rich but wealthy, he is actually considered lower class since his family background was lower class. Therefore, people like Tom, Daisy , Mr.Wolfsheim , did not show up because they were all categorized as the higher class. Overall, it is remarkable how values toward other people change according to the social class. When was money more valuable than a person’s death?
Reading Gatsby’s funeral through a Feminist lens , it is noticed that patriarchy is presented due to no women attending Gatsby’s funeral. Even the woman Gatsby loved did not attend. Even though Gatsby did not accidentally kill anyone , unlike Daisy, Gatsby did not want any one to know that is was Daisy . This reveals the category of, the need for masculine protection , where every women needs her man to protect her. In this context , Gatsby was protecting Daisy from the crime that she had convicted.
Examining Gatsby’s funeral through a Psychoanalytic lens , the collective unconscious is revealed in the text. Gatsby was murdered by Mr. Wilson , because he though Gatsby ran over his wife, Mrs. Wilson, with a car. The reader is aware that it was daisy , the lady who is so innocent and sweet but. she mirrors the archetypal figure of the destroying angel. Even though Daisy character is recognized as a sweet, angel type women, the author uses this archetypical figure to mask the truth about daisy to the society. No one would ever believe that Daisy killed Mrs. Wilson , due to her innocence and sweet appearance.
Karishma
Group 4 - Question 5
Eyes continue to appear as a pattern of imagery, a motif, used to convey a message. Explain the symbolism of the eyes in the novel.
Answer
The eyes in the novel are represented through the big billboard with the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. They stand for god’s eyes and symbolise that god is always watching over them. Wilson says to Michealis “I told her she might fool me but she couldn’t fool God” and also he adds “God knows what you’ve been doing, everything you’ve been doing. You may fool me, but you can’t fool God” (Pg159) this shows that Wilson believed in god and knew that he was always watching. Right after this conversation Michaelis looks with shock at the eyes of Dr. T.J Eckleburg watching over them, this portrays that the eyes see everything which happens in the novel. Also, the billboard is located in the Valley of Ashes and is described as being blue, which stands for hope, meaning there is some hope in midst of the grey and dull valley of ashes. Also to go from East Egg to New York or West Egg the characters always had to cross the valley of ashes, where - the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg are located, this suggests that they were always watching over the characters in the novel, they knew that Daisy killed Myrtle and they knew that Wilson’s wife was cheating on him.
Nayaelah
Answer
The eyes in the novel are represented through the big billboard with the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. They stand for god’s eyes and symbolise that god is always watching over them. Wilson says to Michealis “I told her she might fool me but she couldn’t fool God” and also he adds “God knows what you’ve been doing, everything you’ve been doing. You may fool me, but you can’t fool God” (Pg159) this shows that Wilson believed in god and knew that he was always watching. Right after this conversation Michaelis looks with shock at the eyes of Dr. T.J Eckleburg watching over them, this portrays that the eyes see everything which happens in the novel. Also, the billboard is located in the Valley of Ashes and is described as being blue, which stands for hope, meaning there is some hope in midst of the grey and dull valley of ashes. Also to go from East Egg to New York or West Egg the characters always had to cross the valley of ashes, where - the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg are located, this suggests that they were always watching over the characters in the novel, they knew that Daisy killed Myrtle and they knew that Wilson’s wife was cheating on him.
Nayaelah
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