Hi Students,
I want to thank those of you who were able to attend the Literary Arts Festival either in person or on Zoom. I will post a recording of the event soon for those of you who missed it.
First, a big shout out to your fellow student, Nim, who won a prize for his essay “I Care.” Congratulations Nim!
At the festival, Akweke Emezi read from her young adult novel PET, a work of speculative fiction published in 2019. The main character is a 15-year-old Black trans girl, named Jam, who is beloved by her family and community. The town where she lives, Lucille, is imagined as a place where there is no hatred and only support. The town’s creed (“We are each other’s harvest. We are each other’s business. We are each other’s magnitude and bond”) is a quote from African American poet Gwendolyn Brooks.
Like Emezi’s Freshwater, artwork, and journalism, PET is yet another work that calls on America (and the world) to do much better in respect to people from all different racial and ethnic backgrounds and to speak up against those who challenge the rights of the LGBTQI+ population.
Last week, I asked you to read an article on the attacks on Trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney after Budweiser sent her a can with her face on it. It was a proud moment for her (and her cause so she thought), which she shared on Instagram with her 8 million plus followers. Here is an article on her comments in response to the insane, inhumane attacks on her that followed:
For the remaining three weeks of class, I want to continue with the themes of equal human rights for all and acting responsibly in society. I also want to focus on the theme of personal identity and representation in literature and the media.
All of these themes begin to be explored in the period of Literary Modernism and the Harlem Renaissance, whose authors you have been studying and writing on.
I want to end the semester by reading the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (and watching a great film version of the book, available on AmazonPrime). Published in 1922 during the height of the modernist period, the book is now 100 years old and considered one of the greatest novels ever written. The 2013 film directed by Baz Luhrmann updates this work in very interesting ways.
As you’ll discover, The Great Gatsby is about many, many things (including the illusion of the American dream). Its focus on Gatsby, however, deals with the issue of identity, who we are, where we come from, how we create our own identity, how others “see” us in variant ways. At its heart, modern literature (and post-modern literature as we see in Freshwater) concerns the “many selves” that make up “the self.”
Another important novel of the 1920s on the topic of identity is Passing (1929), by Harlem Renaissance author Nella Larsen, also recently remade into a fine film (available on Netflix). Larsen’s Passing tells the story of Irene Redfield and her relationship with Clare Kendry, two childhood friends who, while African American, are able to pass as white women because of their mixed heritage. I recommend watching this film if you’ve already watched The Great Gatsby (or watching both).
For this week, I ask that you begin reading chapters 1-2 (pages 1-42) of The Great Gatsby.
By Tues. May 9, post a paragraph response to a passage (or an aspect of the novel) you find particularly interesting. You could also focus on a particularly amazing line or section that shows how great a writer Fitzgerald is. As always, try not to repeat what another student has expressed, or better yet, continue his or her conversation with additional commentary.
Here is a brief, helpful video, to introduce you to the work and its celebrated author.
One aspect of The Great Gatsby which is particularly interesting for me in the first two chapters is the contrast between the ostentatious wealth of characters and the decay that lies just beneath the surface. The parties thrown by Gatsby are lavish and extravagant, with a seemingly endless supply of food and drink, yet they are also marked by a sense of artificiality and excess. Nick notes that “the people conducted themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement park” (Fitzgerald, 40), emphasizing the sense that the parties are a kind of performance rather than a genuine celebration. At the same time, there are hints of decay and decline throughout the novel, such as the abandoned billboard of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg or the ash heaps that loom over the landscape. This contrast between the glittering surface and the rot beneath it speaks to the larger themes of the novel, which explore the corrosive effects of wealth, the emptiness of the American Dream, and moral decay of a society that values money and status above anything else.
Great comments on the moral decay just below the surface of Gatsby’s shiny city, Eleonora. It would be interesting to comment (perhaps in a subsequent post) on what the 2013 film version of the novel says about present day America.
One aspect of “The Great Gatsby” that I find particularly intriguing is the theme of the American Dream and its disillusionment. F. Scott Fitzgerald masterfully explores the idea of the pursuit of wealth, success, and happiness, highlighting the underlying emptiness and corruption that can accompany it. The character of Jay Gatsby serves as a symbol of the American Dream, a self-made man who accumulates vast riches to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald’s vivid portrayal of the opulent parties, extravagant lifestyles, and the desperate yearning for social status in the 1920s captures the allure and decadence of the era. However, beneath the glitz and glamour, Fitzgerald exposes the hollowness of this pursuit, ultimately revealing the emptiness and moral decay that prevail. Through his insightful and evocative writing, Fitzgerald imparts a timeless lesson about the pitfalls of materialism and the illusion of happiness that resonates even in today’s society.
Regarding the 2013 film version of “The Great Gatsby,” directed by Baz Luhrmann, it offers a contemporary lens through which we can view present-day America. Luhrmann’s adaptation presents the story with his signature visual flamboyance and modern sensibilities, emphasizing the extravagance and superficiality of our consumerist culture. The film portrays the obsession with wealth, celebrity, and instant gratification that seems prevalent in our society, echoing the themes explored by Fitzgerald. It exposes the façade of glamour, the emptiness beneath the surface, and the shallow values that dominate contemporary America. By juxtaposing the opulent parties of the 1920s with modern-day excesses, Luhrmann’s film invites us to reflect on our own pursuit of the American Dream and the consequences it may have on our lives and relationships. Ultimately, it serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the enduring relevance of “The Great Gatsby” and its critique of a society driven by materialism and the elusive search for fulfillment.
The Great Gatsby talks about the American Dream in the 1920s, when wealth and success were seen as the most important goal of life. But as characters struggle to accomplish what they want and regularly choose lies and corruption in the process, the book further talks about the other side of this ideal. The concept of the “American Dream” is interesting because it captures the basic American idea that anybody can succeed through drive and dedication, no matter their background or status. But this book proves that this dream is only a dream and not reality.
You make a good point about the overall theme of the novel Tasneim. Where in chapter one or two do we see an example of Gatsby living “an illusion” or dream as you say?
Yes, you are absolutely right Eleonora. The contrast between the ostentatious wealth of characters and the decay that lies beneath the surface is a key aspect of The Great Gatsby’s first two chapters. This contrast is used by the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, to highlight the tension between the idealistic American Dream and the harsh reality of life in the 1920s. The parties thrown by Gatsby are a prime example of this contrast. They are lavish, with an abundance of food and drink, but they are also characterized by a sense of artificiality and excess. Guests come and go, drinking and dancing, but they never really connect with each other on a deeper level. The parties are a spectacle, a show of wealth and power, rather than a genuine celebration.
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One of the most memorable quotes from “The Great Gatsby” comes from the book’s narrator, Nick Carraway, as he reflects on the advice his father gave him when he was young. He says,”Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”This quote is significant because it sets the tone for the rest of the novel and highlights the theme of privilege that runs throughout. Nick’s father’s advice encourages him to have empathy for others and to recognize that not everyone has had the same opportunities in life that he has had. It also serves as a warning against the judgmental attitudes that were common among the wealthy elite of the time.
That opening right there, definitely was what caught my initial attention and gave me the drive to continue reading.
Anthony,
Yeah, I noticed that quote, too! Interesting how this became one of his core values allowing him to listen to many people tell him their flaws and secrets. This eventually became overwhelming for him. But I think you astutely highlight the empathy component. This is what really enabled him to see things as they were and for him to exercise compassion in different ways.
Thanks for sharing.
-Jamil
Great choice of quote and commentary Anthony. To the evident elitism this line projects, I would add that the novel also wants readers “to reserve their judgements” about others (especially Gatsby) because people are many things and to see people truly takes time and a discerning eye. People deserve patience and empathy — unless actions and behaviors prove otherwise (as in the case of the Buchanans). Great post!
The Great Gatsby is a great novel inasmuch as it shows intensely how much everything can change while at the same time stay the same throughout years of evolution! A passage that stuck out with me in reading the novel, also was emphatically reinforced when following up with the movie created in recent times was quoted by the narrators’ cousin Daisy. When describing her recently conceived daughter, she states, “I hope she’ll be a fool. That’s the best thing she can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” The story line depicts a time when women weren’t traditionally put in places of business and / or power. Intelligence within women wasn’t looked at admirably and the average women would have a better life by simply attracting the best man they could within those powers. While today’s standards have drastically changed for women, elevating many to heights of leadership many are still faced with unbalanced opportunities and a stark contrast in desire that if they should over acheive, they risk sacrificing the pursuit of a happy family life.
Terrific aspect of the novel to pick up on Michael, Like you, I think Daisy is one of the most interesting characters. She is morally suspect of course but she (though wealthy) is very much imprisoned by gender demands of the times, as you astutely point out.
The juxtaposition between the showy riches of individuals and the deterioration that lurks just below the surface in the opening two chapters of The Great Gatsby is one aspect of the book that I find particularly fascinating. Gatsby throws opulent and expensive parties with a plenty of food and drink, but they are also distinguished by an air of artificiality and excess. Nick emphasizes the impression that the gatherings are more of a show than a true celebration by observing that “the people conducted themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement park” (Fitzgerald, 40). The novel also contains elements of decline and decay, such as the ash piles that hover over the countryside and the Dr. T. J. Eckleburg billboard that has been abandoned. This contrast between the shiny exterior and the decaying interior alludes to the novel’s wider themes, which examine the destructive effects of luxury, the hollowness of the American Dream, and the moral degradation of a culture that places a premium on wealth and prestige.
Excellent discussion Lubna of the central contrast in the novel (the worlds of the “haves” and the “have-nots”), with so many implications which you allude to.
The Great Gatsby is a great novel because of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s way of presenting the difficulties in a romantic relationship. For example, Myrtle married Wilson because he was a gentleman, but the passion she had for him dissipated as he could not provide her with a materialistic type of lifestyle. Tom, although a disrespectful antagonist, was a ticket for Myrtle to live the lifestyle that she wanted. When she wanted a dog, Tom didn’t care for the price and just purchased it. While Myrtle really likes Tom, Tom does not have the same mutual attraction. Although being a unbelievably rude person, he is still committed to Daisy and doesn’t believe in divorce. Although Myrtle can have a different type of lifestyle with Tom, was it worth the price of getting abused by him? With the lack of commitment from Tom, Myrtle would lose where she can be just be thrown out of this relationship.
Very interesting aspect of the novel to pick up on, Nim. This novel indeed focuses on the intricacies of romantic entanglements as well as relations between true friends (Nick and Gastby) and so-called friends (Nick and Tom).
Almost immediately after getting into Chapter one, this theme of class structure jumps out at me. More specifically, there seems to be a clearly articulated social ranking gradation among three divided classes. The first one is a wealthy elite social class, then there’s the nouveau riche—which is basically what Nick Carraway calls “new money,” and then there’s the working class. These social classes apparently live in different places as well. I believe these are supposed to be fictional areas of New York City that Nick moved to after he came back from fighting in World War I. The wealthy elites live in East Egg, the nouveau riche live in West Egg where Nick lives, and the working class live in The Valley of Ashes which is supposed to be where the folks with no money or resources are. The Valley of Ashes is described as, “a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens.” I was impressed at how conscious Nick was about the differing class structure and his position within it. He seems super aware of it and its effect on the world around him. This is most apparent in chapter one when he is having lunch with Daisy and Tom. Everything about them and their home seems so posh and bourgeois. There’s something about their nonchalant, entitled attitude that unsettles Nick. I think this sort brings into question the point and the meaning in all of this. What is the meaning of wealth and how does this relate to what life is really all about at the end of the day?
Excellent and original discussion of issues of class in this novel, Jamil. F. Scott Fitzgerald isn’t given enough credit for his recognition of the role of class in so many aspects of American society. Most only read this novel as a critique of the immoral wealthy classes but you do a fine job showing how subtle Fitzgerald really is on this topic.
The use of the symbolism in the first two chapters of the novel caught my attention. First, it’s a green light. That light that Gatsby looks out at from his backyard is located on Daisy’s dock. I think that it might represents several different things to Gatsby. Most obviously, it symbolizes Daisy – when he looks at that light he is thinking of Daisy. It is symbolized the hope of a new time with her. This light is what makes Gatsby “tremble.” For him it is a beacon, a star that points to his great love, Daisy. In chapter one, it is Nick who sees Gatsby look watch this light and stretch out his arms to it–a gesture full of longing and desire. Green is also associated with growth, spring, and new life. It signals “Go! Go! Go!” for any generation. It is the color of money as well. So, this light might also be a symbol of the American Dream for Gatsby, as Nick also mentioned of this green light at the end of the novel, saying that it is what everyone reaches for. Later, this light will be engulfed in a fog, showing that those dreams might not be worthy of pursuing or might not be attainable at all. Another example of the symbolism is the “eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg”. In the Valley of the Ashes in The Great Gatsby, there is a billboard advertising the services of an optometrist by the name of Dr. T. J. Eckelburg. Nick describes the billboard as a huge pair of blue eyes wearing yellow glasses and without any other facial features. The condition of the billboard, weathered with age and dirty, suggests that Dr. T. J. Eckelburg is no longer practicing in the Valley of Ashes, but his omniscient eyes watch over the events and the people there. It becomes an important symbol throughout the novel as characters pass between Long Island and New York City. Perhaps, Dr. Eckelburg’s eyes represent the idea that everything the characters do is being symbolically seen and judged. This remarkable piece of advertising, displayed on a decaying billboard in the Valley of Ashes, stands as a constant reminder that, no matter what we do, God sees everything. The Almighty may not play a large part in The Great Gatsby, but he’s there all the same, watching over the various characters reckless, immoral behavior pictured to us in the story. None of the characters in the story appear to pay more than lip service to the belief that God exists. For Gatsby, wealth and social acceptability are his personal deities, at whose altars he regularly worships. As for the Buchanans, high social status is their god, which explains why Daisy, despite conducting an affair with Gatsby and telling him that she loves him, is not prepared to ditch Tom for Jay. It is understandable that those eyes will come up in the novel as they will foreshadow some tragic events to come.
Very thoughtful elaboration on these two key symbols in the novel that really help steer the central meaning of the work, as you so ably discuss,
There are lots of things to talk about in the first two chapters of the novel, however, the use of the symbolism there caught my attention. First, it’s a green light. That light that Gatsby looks out at from his backyard is located on Daisy’s dock. I think that it might represent several different things to Gatsby. Most obviously, it symbolizes Daisy – when he looks at that light he is thinking of Daisy. It is symbolized the hope of a new time with her. This light is what makes Gatsby “tremble.” For him it is a beacon, a star that points to his great love, Daisy. In chapter one, it is Nick who sees Gatsby look watch this light and stretch out his arms to it–a gesture full of longing and desire. Green is also associated with growth, spring, and new life. It signals “Go! Go! Go!” for any generation. It is the color of money as well. So, this light might also be a symbol of the American Dream for Gatsby, as Nick also mentioned this green light at the end of the novel, saying that it is what everyone reaches for. Later, this light will be engulfed in a fog, showing that those dreams might not be worthy of pursuing or might not be attainable at all. Another example of symbolism is the “eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg”. In the Valley of the Ashes in The Great Gatsby, there is a billboard advertising the services of an optometrist by the name of Dr. T. J. Eckelburg. Nick describes the billboard as a huge pair of blue eyes wearing yellow glasses and without any other facial features. The condition of the billboard, weathered with age and dirty, suggests that Dr. T. J. Eckelburg is no longer practicing in the Valley of Ashes, but his omniscient eyes watch over the events and the people there. It becomes an important symbol throughout the novel as characters pass between Long Island and New York City. Perhaps, Dr. Eckelburg’s eyes represent the idea that everything the characters do is being symbolically seen and judged. This remarkable piece of advertising, displayed on a decaying billboard in the Valley of Ashes, stands as a constant reminder that, no matter what we do, God sees everything. The Almighty may not play a large part in The Great Gatsby, but he’s there all the same, watching over the various characters’ reckless, immoral behavior pictured to us in the story. None of the characters in the story appear to pay more than lip service to the belief that God exists. For Gatsby, wealth and social acceptability are his personal deities, at whose altars he regularly worships. As for the Buchanans, high social status is their god, which explains why Daisy, despite conducting an affair with Gatsby and telling him that she loves him, is not prepared to ditch Tom for Jay. It is understandable that those eyes will come up in the novel as they will foreshadow some tragic events to come.
What stands out to me is the social standard of American femininity in the 1920’s. Daisy says “ I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool” In Chapter 1 as she describes to Nick and Jordan her hopes for her infant daughter. While not directly relevant to the novel’s main themes, this quote offers a revealing glimpse into the social standard for woman in the 1920’s. Daisy is not a fool but is the product of a social environment that, to a great extent, does not value intelligence in women. The older generation values compliance and docility in females. Daisy’s remarks in a mocking manner: while she refers to the social values of her era, she does not seem to challenge them. Instead, she describes her own boredom with life and seems to imply that a girl can have more fun if she is beautiful and simplistic.
Very intriguing response, Argelia, to Daisy, who I agree is a very compelling and sympathetic character and, sadly, a woman imprisoned in her age.
Things were difficult for those in lower social standing. No matter how high they climb, ones in upper social standing set the bar higher. And even if they reach upper class, there will be no difference in attitude because of their birthright. What intrigues me is Nick putting his effort in impressing Daisy. But the issue is she’s already with Tom who is unsatisfied with the marriage. The dark side of being upper class is people can turn out manipulative in nature to get what they want. What I do not understand is why is the government condoning arrogance and corruption if they are in power? Social standing should be irrelevant when it comes to relationships. If John loves another woman and not Daisy, they should split and let Nick go for her. That way society would had been better.
You raise to great points here, Wong. The novel is certainly about the problem of ambition — it is the “Green Light” that we never finally get to hold on to [see the final line of the novel.} Your point about the novel really being about “true love” is also illuminating.
After reading chapters 1 and 2 of The Great Gatsby, i got an insight on characters and different perspectives. Something that stuck out to me though is a comment that was made by Daisy. After the birth of her daughter she said “I hope she’ll be a fool- thats the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” This shocked me so much because she was speaking on her own child. Someone may think to themselves, why would anyone wish that on their infant? I feel that although she had claimed to be happy about her child being a girl, she wasn’t. She had fear in her heart that her daughter might end up just like her, stuck with a man who she is unhappy with. Before she had made that comment , she had also said, “Well, she was less than an hour old and Tom was God knows where.” This is just sad and almost degrading. She knows her husband is having affairs but she stays because she thinks this is okay. She’s gotten comfortable with the wrong. This situation made me think about women as a whole in this generation, women were almost like the “losers” who can never win and just get swept under the rug.
The Great Gatsby is a great story and movie. After reading chapters 1 and 2 of The Great Gatsby, something got to my attention. It was a comment that was made by Daisy. After the birth of her daughter she said “I hope she’ll be a fool- that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” I totally agree with you Jazlyn on her post and also wanted to add on. I believe Daisy’s remark is somewhat sardonic: while she refers to the social values of her era, she does not seem to challenge them. Instead, she describes her own boredom with life and seems to imply that a girl can have more fun if she is beautiful and simplistic. Daisy herself often tries to act in such a part. She conforms to the social standard of American femininity in the 1920s in order to avoid such tension-filled issues as her undying love for Gatsby. This quote reveals a glimpse into Daisy’s character. Daisy is not a fool herself but is the product of a social environment that, to a great extent, does not value intelligence in women. This is just sad and almost degrading. As Jazlyn as in her post. She knows her husband is having affairs but she stays because she thinks this is okay. She’s gotten comfortable with the wrong. This situation made me think about women as a whole in this generation, women were almost like the “losers” who can never win and just get swept under the rug.
A particularly eye-catching passage struck my attention in the first chapter of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”. Nick Carraway, the narrator, talks about Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s painted eyeballs on a billboard in the Valley of Ashes. The retinas of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg’s enormous, blue eyes measure one yard high. Instead of a face, they appear to be seeing through a pair of large yellow glasses that cover an empty nose.This statement is descriptive and serves as a powerful symbol of the protagonists’ moral decay and spiritual emptiness in the book. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are like the eyes of God, gazing over us and the bad beings below. They give the appearance that the characters have abandoned God because they are painted on a billboard.
After reading the first 2 chapters of the novel it was very interesting to see the different dynamics of the characters. I saw the main character Nick Carraway to be very attentive and observant especially when he’s with his peers. Although he is well adjusted to the glamorous lifestyle of the rich he scorns their lavish displays of wealth and he sees their erratic behavior and attitudes at times as a way to keep up appearances and cover up their unattractive realities. A character that really stood out to me was Daisy and they way she portrays herself and the role she has assigned herself to fit into the narrative of a good and dutifully wife. The author portrays her as a naive, young spirited “foul” who lives her life through a rose color lenses when they can’t be further from the case. She has an arrogant husband that would rather treat her like a fool than be open and honest with her while she deals with the repercussions of his public affairs. I do thinks she well of aware of his affairs and she chooses to look the other way to not put herself in a more embarrassing position and to keep her well cushioned life.
The passage from The Great Gatsby Chapter 2:
“He had one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced, or seemed to face, the whole external world for an instant and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself.”
This is quoted by Nick, who is narrating the novel and is closely examining Gatsby’s character and appearance. On Fitzgerald’s part, this is a well-written line, considering it foreshadows the role that Gatsby has to play throughout his life, slowly unraveling throughout the novel. Gatsby has created a persona for himself since the age of 17 that he essentially acts out to everyone he meets in order to make himself favorable to everyone. While Fitzgerald states that Gatsby had a “rare smile” with “a quality of eternal reassurance”, the key phrase that Fitzgerald adds is “a quality of.” By adding “a quality of”, Fitzgerald insinuates that Gatsby’s smile does not innately possess eternal reassurance, but only seems to. This is because it only has a quality of eternal reassurance, but does not possess eternal reassurance itself. In a way, this is a hint that Gatsby is hiding more behind his smile than meets the eye. Another phrase that hints at Gatsby hiding more behind his smile or hiding more than the persona he has created for himself is the phrase “seemed to face”, considering the word “seemed” insinuates that his smile is only for show, and Gatsby does not actually face the external world in this positive way. Therefore, Fitzgerald cleverly insinuates the superficialness of Gatsby’s personality to the reader.
The novel’s use of juxtaposition, where two situations can be easily compared and contrasted, intrigues me. There is a party at Gatsby’s mansion right after the spontaneous party that Tom and his mistress Myrtle set up. I’m drawn in by these scenes implications. I am able to identify certain aspects of the two men’s personalities from the scenes. At the party, Gatsby commands respect and attention, which highlights a distinction between him and Tom. The Gatsby home was extravagant and radiated a sense of refinement and elegance. Gatsby fits this definition as well because he exudes confidence and a remarkable spirit of hope.