Literary Lenses

Literary Lenses

Reading a text through literary lenses is a neat way of looking at a text through the different points of view. It gives us a good idea of the variety of outlooks and widens our perspective on a much larger scale. There are many different types of lenses, however the three lenses we focused on as a class include – Feminist, Marxist and Psychoanalytic lens.

Feminism gives emphasis to analyzing how women are portrayed in the text. It explores the negative, positive or mediocre qualities of women specifically. The key idea is to critically think about the way women are being perceived. By doing this we get an understanding of how the author valued women in his/her texts.



Marxist view focuses on how social causes and poverty are being sidelined in the name of fame and power. Through this lens the reader is able to understand the importance of justice and how much it matters to stick to the true morals and ethics.

Psychoanalytic lens argues that the work represents the author’s own childhood manifestations and secret desires. It says that our unconscious mind gives rise to the desires and archetypes portrayed in the text. By reading the text through this lens, the reader is able to detect the repressed feelings of the author and understand how different actions are influenced by his/her past experience.

- Nayaelah, Viya, Karishma and Tanya

Academic analysis of The Great Gatsby

http://cup.columbia.edu/book/978-0-231-14816-0/fitzgerald-and-hemingway/excerpt

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

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 4 - Question 2

Discuss and explain the irony revealed in the purchase of the dog. 

The irony in the purchase of the dog is connected to Myrtle’s marriage life. When Myrtle wants to buy a dog, she wants a strong dog and hence, she asks for a police dog. The god seller did not have a police dog so he offers her an Airedale. An Airedale in contrast to the police dog is not as strong and cannot protect Myrtle as she had hoped for. However the seller persuades Myrtle into buying the dog by telling her that an Airedale will satisfy her needs. This even is similar to Myrtle’s life. She believed that Mr. Wilson was the right man for her as she thought he was a gentleman and possessed the wealth. She made a quick decision and got married to him. However it was after that she discovers that he was not a wealthy man and did not possess any of the qualities she expected. 
The purchase of the dog is also ironic because during the purchase, Myrtle really wants the dog. She buys it and brings it home, and initially, takes good care of it. She says “I’ve got to get. A massage and a wave, and a collar for the dog […]” (36). However, afterwards, there are no indications of the dog in the text. The purchase of the dog represents the consumerism of a society where everyone buys without any true intentions and at the end, everything is disposed. 

Labels: 

Myrtle