Gatsby (1-6) Reflection

      I am enjoying this book so far because I find the 20's incredibly interesting. Fitzgerald's style is elegant and lyrical. Some of the feedback I've heard from people who have read this book before has been negative and uninterested but I'm finding my opinion is rather contrary. The book depicts real historical issues in a manner that is romantic and involved, therefore the author makes his argument on society whilst providing an entertaining storyline for the reader to enjoy.

   I feel that Fitzgerald's attitude towards Tom and Daisy is judgmental and superior. While Tom and Daisy are 'sophisticated people', they have modernized themselves along with the rest of the progressing American society making them somewhat delusional and snobbish. Nick is just as well off as the two of them, he just doesn't flaunt it as openly. He's dry and sarcastic in his humour, but there is a notable warmth to his personality that we can detect from the dialogue he exchanges with other characters and in his narration of the story. Nick wants people to be happy.

   Because this is a reflection and I am allowed to be perfectly blunt in my statements, I will not restrain from saying that Tom is the epitome of an ASS. What kind of man, MARRIED man at that, flaunts his harlot about for the world to see? A man that was raised to have zero respect for women, that's the type. I feel that Tom has this carefree approach to his infidelity because of several factors. 1: As a child, he was raised in a world that did not yet fully accept women as equal to men. Women were not objectified sexually yet, but they were objectified in other manners, such as being the good little 'housewife'. Taking care of the children, washing clothes, making dinner, those were the things women were 'supposed' to do. Those were the female responsibilities. All of the 'important' things, so to speak, were better left for men to decide/handle. This mindset can definitely alter a male into thinking that women are simply here for whatever purpose a man may decide, and he should rightfully have any (or as many at once) as he pleases. 2: It's no secret that Tom isn't necessarily the brightest fellow. His values are shallow. His intellect is weak. His ability to consider deeper realms of possibility is severely limited. Nick even makes a joke in the story about how the fact Tom has a mistress is a great deal less shocking than the fact that a scientific book disturbed him into thinking outside the walls of his mansion.

    And finally, Gatsby. I think Gatsby is mysterious and precious. He flaunts his wealth even more than Tom and Daisy, but Fitzgerald's opinion of him is much different. Fitzgerald recognizes that Gatsby doesn't need all of the riches for his own mental stability and social well-being, but the loss of Daisy has haunted him and he feels that by providing such things for her, she may come back to him.

   When Nick invites Gatsby and Daisy to a tea at his house and then leaves them alone, the two are rather awkward. They begin to talk though, and Daisy invites Gatsby to a party.
    Tom is with Daisy at this party.
    Tom and Gatsby don't like each other very much.
    Tom and Daisy end up 'getting separated' from Gatsby and any progress he feels he may have made with Daisy soon quickly dissipates once again into a dream he feels will never come true.

   These chapters are a vivid whirlwind of emotions and we delve deep into the human system of emotions. We consider why people do the things they do, what pros and cons they face in their decisions, how the outcomes effect their lives in the long run, and what possibilities there may be for a positive ending. It really is an educational roller coaster and I'm liking this unit a lot.