Fitzgerald begins the last chapter with Nick narrating two years after the death of Gatsby, he reveals what events occurred after Gatsby had been shot. He illustrates the court hearing and exclaims that the woman able to fix it all, Myrtles sister Catherine, to his surprised stated that Myrtle was completely happy with Wilson and that she 'had been unto no mischief' which resulted in Wilson appearing as if he were 'deranged by grief'. Daisy has since became a recluse within Tom's company, resulting back to her default 'wife' role, the pair left leaving no address for Nick to contact them. It is soon made apparent how alone Gatsby is, while Nick tries to contact Gatsby's friends he soon realises there seems to be none, even Meyer whom has said to have know Gatsby for years refused to come down and see him. The only voice heard is Klipspringer whom instead of showing his condolences simply asks for hi s'tennis shoes' Nick hangs the phone up as he realises Gatsby had no emotion bond with anyone.
Nick narrates how his father shows up after a letter he received, at his he is obviously unnerved by the death of his son, but Nick notes how 'he has gotten past the age where death was no ghastly surprise' and his mourning turned into pride as he saw the success of a son he lost, within his wealthy home.
Nick then goes to visit Meyer personally who remarks on how he 'made Gatsby, pulled him right out of the gutter' however his criminality means that he cannot be at his funeral, however Meyer is obviously moved by this as 'tears filled his eyes'.
Upon returning to Gatsby's house he finds his father still admiring his sons possessions, he exclaims that he was 'broke up' when Gatsby had left, but obviously forgave him because 'he knew he had a future out here', his father still see's his son as innocent and feels overwhelming pride for him.
Gatsby's loneliness is summed when no one attended his funeral apart from Nick, his father, the postman, and 'owl eyes' from the third chapter. Owl eyes is surprised that no one came to the funeral, remembering how many people attended his parties. It appears Owl eye's is a very earnest man, believing that as Gatsby had welcomed him into his home, he should pay his respects.
The chapter, and novel, end with Nick reminiscing about what happened after the funeral, he tells how he went to meet Jordan only to find out she was engaged to another man, however, Nick 'hardly believed that' and he lives her 'half in love with her'. He see's Tom one day in New York who admits to telling Wilson that Gatsby was driving the car the killed Myrtle, Nick narrates that to Tom, what he did was 'justified' to his grieving, showing Tom's state of thinking. Believing that two wrongs do in fact make a right. He ends the novel exclaiming that Gatsby 'believed in the green light' not just the light on Daisy's dock, but the moral of carrying on, the 'go ahead' his language portrays him as an idol, a 'god' and a man to follow.
Sunday, 7 April 2013
How does Fitzgerald tell the story in chapter 8?
Fitzgerald opens the chapter with Nick showing his stress within his narration, he admits that he could not sleep the night of Myrtle's Death and jumps out of bed when he hears the noise if a taxi emerging up Gatsby's drive. Gatsby exclaimed that nothing happened, she went to the window and turned out the light, except his language tells he is disappointed by this, we half expect Gatsby to illustrate how he wanted to Daisy to come to a revelation and want him, except after she realised Gatsby's criminal nature in the previous chapter she wants nothing to do with him. It is at this point where Gatsby tells of his true background, of Dan Cody and his real name of which Nick had already informed us of earlier in the novel. Nick cannot help but feel that his company is unwelcome, stating that he knew 'he wanted to talk to Daisy'. Gatsby reveals that Daisy was 'the first real nice girl he'd known' illustrating why he felt so attached to her, for we know that in Gatsby's youth he fell tired of women easily. To finally meet a nice girl, Gatsby has hung onto this idea ever since. Fitzgerald inputs Gatsby's account of when he met Daisy, revealing a youthful magnificence of which Gatsby was astounded by her, this account falls bitterly on the fact that only moments ago the relationship was destroyed forever. We learn that she moved on from Gatsby because he was ' a young penniless man' which explains why he was so eager to show Daisy his material wealth. It appears when Gatsby had left for the war Daisy's love letters were drawing thin, for a man who was 'falling hopelessly in love' he was panicked. But news came that she found Tom in the autumn. Gatsby still appears to be in denial about the pair as even now he exclaims that 'she didnt love him' explaining that the scene in the previous chapter where she admitted love for Tom was simply demanded by the man.
The next morning Gatsby remarks how he 'hasn't used the pool all summer', Fitzgerald is foreshadowing his death as he makes it clear what Gatsby's plans are to do. Nick admits that he doesn't want to leave Gatsby, the tone and language in this chapter seem profoundly sentimental as if the characters know Gatsby will soon meet his demise.
Nick the narrates the events that happened after discovering Myrtle's body, changing the linear time format for a moment, the story consists of Michaelis attempting to console Wilson, asking if he had children or some kind of family member they could contact. Upon realising that he has no one, he is then asked to go to a church, find his faith with God, but even this seems a hollow judgement, no one seems to know Wilson at all, he now a man with no emotion or sentiment as he has nothing. Wilson then confesses that 'he murdered her' although no revealing the name of whom this 'he' was, in this event he references the eyes of Eckleburg as god, stating 'you cant fool god' while looking at them. Eckleburg represents the meaningless images that religion has become, in this materialistic world no one has turned to religion, they thrive of materialism and wealth, Eckleburg is the eyes of God left in the valley of ashes, the destruction left by the modern materialists. Nick then narrates the movements of Wilson, Nick reveals that he walked the whole way to West Egg upon enquiring about the yellow car, and hearing Gatsby's name.
Nick narrates Gatsby's last moments, waiting for a phone call that never came, Gatsby 'discovers how ugly a rose is' as he begin to hate the beauty within the natural world, and becomes to realise the materialism and fabricated life around him 'a new world, material without being real'. Gatsby was shot by 'some figure approaching through the yellowing trees' and killed. The chapter when Nick states how 'the holocaust' is complete when Wilsons body has been found.
The next morning Gatsby remarks how he 'hasn't used the pool all summer', Fitzgerald is foreshadowing his death as he makes it clear what Gatsby's plans are to do. Nick admits that he doesn't want to leave Gatsby, the tone and language in this chapter seem profoundly sentimental as if the characters know Gatsby will soon meet his demise.
Nick the narrates the events that happened after discovering Myrtle's body, changing the linear time format for a moment, the story consists of Michaelis attempting to console Wilson, asking if he had children or some kind of family member they could contact. Upon realising that he has no one, he is then asked to go to a church, find his faith with God, but even this seems a hollow judgement, no one seems to know Wilson at all, he now a man with no emotion or sentiment as he has nothing. Wilson then confesses that 'he murdered her' although no revealing the name of whom this 'he' was, in this event he references the eyes of Eckleburg as god, stating 'you cant fool god' while looking at them. Eckleburg represents the meaningless images that religion has become, in this materialistic world no one has turned to religion, they thrive of materialism and wealth, Eckleburg is the eyes of God left in the valley of ashes, the destruction left by the modern materialists. Nick then narrates the movements of Wilson, Nick reveals that he walked the whole way to West Egg upon enquiring about the yellow car, and hearing Gatsby's name.
Nick narrates Gatsby's last moments, waiting for a phone call that never came, Gatsby 'discovers how ugly a rose is' as he begin to hate the beauty within the natural world, and becomes to realise the materialism and fabricated life around him 'a new world, material without being real'. Gatsby was shot by 'some figure approaching through the yellowing trees' and killed. The chapter when Nick states how 'the holocaust' is complete when Wilsons body has been found.
How CHapter 7
Fitzgerald opens the chapter with Nicks narration that shows a type of concern for Gatsby, he notes that 'his lights failed to come on' when curiosity 'of Gatsby was at its highest'- we infer from this that not only the main characters within the novel are curios about Gatsby but rather like the reporter in the previous chapter people have become uneasy about the man, we ended the last chapter with Tom vowing to 'find out' exactly what Gatsby does, this tension that is accumulating foreshadows Gatsby's collapse and eventual downfall. We learn that Gatsby has fired his servants and had them replaced with a few, that nicks describes as having, 'villanous face'. These shady characters seem to have some link with the criminal business surround Gatsby and Wolfsheim that we still know nothing about. We learn from Gatsby himself that 'Daisy comes over quite often in the afternoon' so the affair is obviously in full swing, however Nick himself realises 'something was up'.
Fitzgerald makes it extremely hot in this chapter, in fact it is 'the warmest of the summer' which symbolises the heat and tensity that is building up between the Buchanan's and Gatsby. The Buchanan home is described as being remotely cooler, with a 'breeze blowing through the hallway' shadowed from the sun described as being 'Dark and Cool'. This setting seems sheltered and safe from the heat, subtly implying that nothing ferocious will happen here. Daisy for the first time reveals that she 'loves' Gatsby, but as her child comes into the room the position become all the more realistic when Gatsby looks at her 'as if he never really believed her existence before' suddenly the affair does not seem entirely innocent when it is obvious Daisy has a cemented, very much real, life post Gatsby. Tom becomes aware that something is going on between Daisy and Gatsby when the pairs eyes 'meet' when she is complementing him, this results in a build up of tension where the party agree to move to town despite the unbearable heat. The pair swap cars as Daisy goes with Gatsby in Toms and vice versa. Gatsby states that Daisy's voice is 'full of money' , which illustrates the entire aesthetic materialistic notion of the woman. She is driven by money and was only content with Gatsby upon discovering his wealth and luxurious home. The tension continues to build as Tom regards Gatsby's car as 'a circus wagon', the pair remain polite but continue snide remarks about each other. Tom stops at Wilson's garage where Wilson is obviously distressed, he exclaims that he 'and my wife want to go west'. Tom is obviously shocked that his mistress is wanting to move away with a man she claimed to distaste so much. Tom is finally becoming aware that his previous stability within life is falling apart as he realised 'Myrtle had some sort of life apart from him'. Notices Jordan watching from the upper window with eyes entirely fixated with jealously on Jordan 'whom she took to be Tom's wife'.
Fitzgerald juxtaposes the setting of the Buchanan home with the now 'stifling' heat of Tom's apartment. Tom begins interrogating Gatsby on the origin of his 'oxford days' to which he answers with an answer that Nick finds tremendous. The language seems like a battle of wits between the two men. Gatsby tells Tom that Daisy 'does not love you. She loves me.' Tom's reaction is ferocious but he suddenly admits that 'i love her too. Sometimes i go off on a wild spree' Tom's honesty is shocking for a man so corrupt about the way he lives. However to Gatsby's surprise Daisy is not entirely fixated of him, she admits that she did love Tom one time, even remarks that Gatsby 'wants too much'. Tom tells us of Gatsby's criminal dealing with Wolfsheim, 'graining alcohol' and Daisy is obviously distressed as she becomes known to Gatsby's criminality for the first time. This is the first time that Nick truly believes that 'he killed a man', Nick then remarks how 'it was my birthday. i was thirty and new decade' precedes him. This language infers that Nick has had a sort of epitome about his life, he realises that he needs to move on from the company he is currently in, he is tired of the West Egg drama and materialism. Tom has ordered Gatsby and Daisy to return home together upon realising he has won, the fact he has ordered their company only resonates his dominant sporting nature, as if he is showing off his trophy in front of Gatsby.
'SO WE DROVE ON TOWARDS DEATH THROUGH THE COOLING TWILIGHT' This is Fitzgerald most obviously foreshadowing the immanent discovery of Myrtles death and corpse in the valley of the ashes. The Valley of ashes has never had such a suitable name as it not holds the murder of Mrs Wilson.
Fitzgerald then uses the voice of the young greek 'Michaelis' a friend of Wilson who earlier that day, had discovered Myrtle had been having an affair because of the 'dog collar' he found "we dont even own a Dog". This input of narrative distorts the timeline within the book, but inputs the significance of the Wilson's as to draw our focus just before we witness Myrtle's body. The description of Myrtle's body is horrific as Fitzgerald describes 'left breast swinging loose like a flap'. Telling us that \a death car' which didn't stop, had run her down.
Through Nick's narration we step back into the default timeline and he describes Tom stood 'motionless' over Myrtles body. However it is Wilson who gains more sympathy, as he is stated to be rocking in the corner, repeating 'oh my ga-wd' over and over to himself as the man, who has nothing, now truly has been left with nothing in his life. The one true honest man in the book has had his life ripped from him, while being completely unaware. A young Negro reveals that 'a new yellow car' was the car to hit Myrtle, which we assume is the new yellow coupe that Gatsby and Daisy disappeared in.
We are left at the Buchanan home, Daisy is inside and Tom reluctantly goes in to see her. Nick states that he is sick of their company 'and suddenly this included Jordan.' Nick has marginalised himself and he wishes to be alone. He attempts to leave the house when Gatsby appears from the shadows, at this point we realise how Nick's perception of Gatsby has completely changed as he 'wouldn't be surprised if Wolfsheim's men appeared from behind him'. Gatsby reveals it was in fact Daisy that was driving, however his determination to protect and love Daisy still remains as he promises to stay at the Buchanan home incase Tom hits Daisy. However Fitzgerald ends the chapter stating that Gatsby was 'watching over nothing' it is evident that Gatsby's hopes of attaining Daisy is lost as he has nothing.
Fitzgerald makes it extremely hot in this chapter, in fact it is 'the warmest of the summer' which symbolises the heat and tensity that is building up between the Buchanan's and Gatsby. The Buchanan home is described as being remotely cooler, with a 'breeze blowing through the hallway' shadowed from the sun described as being 'Dark and Cool'. This setting seems sheltered and safe from the heat, subtly implying that nothing ferocious will happen here. Daisy for the first time reveals that she 'loves' Gatsby, but as her child comes into the room the position become all the more realistic when Gatsby looks at her 'as if he never really believed her existence before' suddenly the affair does not seem entirely innocent when it is obvious Daisy has a cemented, very much real, life post Gatsby. Tom becomes aware that something is going on between Daisy and Gatsby when the pairs eyes 'meet' when she is complementing him, this results in a build up of tension where the party agree to move to town despite the unbearable heat. The pair swap cars as Daisy goes with Gatsby in Toms and vice versa. Gatsby states that Daisy's voice is 'full of money' , which illustrates the entire aesthetic materialistic notion of the woman. She is driven by money and was only content with Gatsby upon discovering his wealth and luxurious home. The tension continues to build as Tom regards Gatsby's car as 'a circus wagon', the pair remain polite but continue snide remarks about each other. Tom stops at Wilson's garage where Wilson is obviously distressed, he exclaims that he 'and my wife want to go west'. Tom is obviously shocked that his mistress is wanting to move away with a man she claimed to distaste so much. Tom is finally becoming aware that his previous stability within life is falling apart as he realised 'Myrtle had some sort of life apart from him'. Notices Jordan watching from the upper window with eyes entirely fixated with jealously on Jordan 'whom she took to be Tom's wife'.
Fitzgerald juxtaposes the setting of the Buchanan home with the now 'stifling' heat of Tom's apartment. Tom begins interrogating Gatsby on the origin of his 'oxford days' to which he answers with an answer that Nick finds tremendous. The language seems like a battle of wits between the two men. Gatsby tells Tom that Daisy 'does not love you. She loves me.' Tom's reaction is ferocious but he suddenly admits that 'i love her too. Sometimes i go off on a wild spree' Tom's honesty is shocking for a man so corrupt about the way he lives. However to Gatsby's surprise Daisy is not entirely fixated of him, she admits that she did love Tom one time, even remarks that Gatsby 'wants too much'. Tom tells us of Gatsby's criminal dealing with Wolfsheim, 'graining alcohol' and Daisy is obviously distressed as she becomes known to Gatsby's criminality for the first time. This is the first time that Nick truly believes that 'he killed a man', Nick then remarks how 'it was my birthday. i was thirty and new decade' precedes him. This language infers that Nick has had a sort of epitome about his life, he realises that he needs to move on from the company he is currently in, he is tired of the West Egg drama and materialism. Tom has ordered Gatsby and Daisy to return home together upon realising he has won, the fact he has ordered their company only resonates his dominant sporting nature, as if he is showing off his trophy in front of Gatsby.
'SO WE DROVE ON TOWARDS DEATH THROUGH THE COOLING TWILIGHT' This is Fitzgerald most obviously foreshadowing the immanent discovery of Myrtles death and corpse in the valley of the ashes. The Valley of ashes has never had such a suitable name as it not holds the murder of Mrs Wilson.
Fitzgerald then uses the voice of the young greek 'Michaelis' a friend of Wilson who earlier that day, had discovered Myrtle had been having an affair because of the 'dog collar' he found "we dont even own a Dog". This input of narrative distorts the timeline within the book, but inputs the significance of the Wilson's as to draw our focus just before we witness Myrtle's body. The description of Myrtle's body is horrific as Fitzgerald describes 'left breast swinging loose like a flap'. Telling us that \a death car' which didn't stop, had run her down.
Through Nick's narration we step back into the default timeline and he describes Tom stood 'motionless' over Myrtles body. However it is Wilson who gains more sympathy, as he is stated to be rocking in the corner, repeating 'oh my ga-wd' over and over to himself as the man, who has nothing, now truly has been left with nothing in his life. The one true honest man in the book has had his life ripped from him, while being completely unaware. A young Negro reveals that 'a new yellow car' was the car to hit Myrtle, which we assume is the new yellow coupe that Gatsby and Daisy disappeared in.
We are left at the Buchanan home, Daisy is inside and Tom reluctantly goes in to see her. Nick states that he is sick of their company 'and suddenly this included Jordan.' Nick has marginalised himself and he wishes to be alone. He attempts to leave the house when Gatsby appears from the shadows, at this point we realise how Nick's perception of Gatsby has completely changed as he 'wouldn't be surprised if Wolfsheim's men appeared from behind him'. Gatsby reveals it was in fact Daisy that was driving, however his determination to protect and love Daisy still remains as he promises to stay at the Buchanan home incase Tom hits Daisy. However Fitzgerald ends the chapter stating that Gatsby was 'watching over nothing' it is evident that Gatsby's hopes of attaining Daisy is lost as he has nothing.
How does Fitzgerald tell the story in Chapter 6?
Fitzgeralds opens the chapter with Nick narrating that 'a reporter' arrived at Gatsby's house one morning 'asking for a statement', this juxtaposes the end of the last chapter where Gatsby and Daisy shared an intimate moment, where Gatsby seemed complete and 'shone'. However, this opening suggests that behind this there is still some sense of mystery that Nick, being our guide, is not yet aware of.
It is in this chapter that Fitzgerald in fact reveals Gatsby's true background, Nick informs us of how his real name was in fact 'James Gatz' whom upon seeing the infamous Dan Cody's yacht took the opportunity to board with him 'already Jay Gatsby'. It seems 'Gatsby' was an invention conceived by an imaginative adventitious 17 year old boy who has not excepted his fathers business. He ''knew women early', from his days cruising on the Yacht down south, and became 'tired of them', i assume because of the quantity. He tells of how Gatsby befriended Cody and their arrangement lasted '5 years' in which 'more and more trust was placed with Gatsby'. Nick notes how Gatsby gained some of Cody's qualities explaining how they both had 'the habit of letting liquor alone'. However, Cody unfortunately died one night when 'Ella Kaye' came on board. By Nicks language here we assume that it was in fact Ella that killed of the ageing Cody.
Nick then brings us back into our standard time scale, an evening with Gatsby company which he now decries as 'rare'. However, is surprised when Tom Buchanan is 'invited in for a drink'. The two engage into a strangers conversation but by Gatsby's language he is obviously not approving of his company, 'aggressively' mentioning his wife. Gatsby then invites the party to attend one of his own parties, which they agree to. Gatsby then fails to keep there company as a 'Mr Sloane' wishes to leave the Gatsby residence, denying the lunch request. However Gatsby managed to worm along, seemingly pressuring his own company to the party's own plans.
The next night Tom and Daisy attended Gatsby's party, Nick notes that there was an air of 'oppressiveness' in the party that Nick decides it down to Tom's presence. Tom has become uneasy about Daisy knowing Gatsby as he questions 'how and earth' she knew him, his presence at the party seems just to watch Daisy. Gatsby here tries to assert his dominance over Tom when asking them to 'look around you' and to recognise all these famous people, he is trying to show that he is a man with contacts and status. He introduces Tom as 'the polo player' belittling him to his occupation alone. However Nick notices that 'apart from the half an hour alone with Gatsby [Daisy] was not having a good time. The guest who were previously entertaining have now become 'septic' as Nick grows tired of them. They are no longer illustrated as merry comical characters but instead as aggressive drunks 'she's always screaming like that'. Daisy is told to be 'appalled' of West Egg, coming from the sophisticated wealth she see's the materialism and hollow ill qualities that reside in the 'new money' side. Upon leaving Tom announces that he will 'make a point of finding out' exactly what Gatsby does. He is uneasy about the character and does not trust him, especially his connection to Daisy.
Nick stays late at this particular party and has a rare engagement with Gatsby. Gatsby illustrates how he 'feels away from' Daisy, he is finding it difficult to gain Daisy's commitment as he wishes her to tell Tom 'she doesnt love him'. Nick resolves this with the statement 'You cant repeat the past' to which Gatsby, obviously disturbed by this, insits 'why of course you can!'. Gatsby seems in denial that what he had with Daisy may never become again, stating 'im going to fix everything to how it was before' . Gatsby then reveals the night that he fell in love with Daisy 'one autumn night five years ago' where 'she blossomed like a flower for him' except, the structure of this memory compared the the chapters events make the love story seem hollow and emotionless, Daisy's love seems out of reach for Gatsby as he struggles to hold on to her. Nick sums this up in the closing of the chapter, stating how Gatsby's story held 'hollow' words, a silence.
It is in this chapter that Fitzgerald in fact reveals Gatsby's true background, Nick informs us of how his real name was in fact 'James Gatz' whom upon seeing the infamous Dan Cody's yacht took the opportunity to board with him 'already Jay Gatsby'. It seems 'Gatsby' was an invention conceived by an imaginative adventitious 17 year old boy who has not excepted his fathers business. He ''knew women early', from his days cruising on the Yacht down south, and became 'tired of them', i assume because of the quantity. He tells of how Gatsby befriended Cody and their arrangement lasted '5 years' in which 'more and more trust was placed with Gatsby'. Nick notes how Gatsby gained some of Cody's qualities explaining how they both had 'the habit of letting liquor alone'. However, Cody unfortunately died one night when 'Ella Kaye' came on board. By Nicks language here we assume that it was in fact Ella that killed of the ageing Cody.
Nick then brings us back into our standard time scale, an evening with Gatsby company which he now decries as 'rare'. However, is surprised when Tom Buchanan is 'invited in for a drink'. The two engage into a strangers conversation but by Gatsby's language he is obviously not approving of his company, 'aggressively' mentioning his wife. Gatsby then invites the party to attend one of his own parties, which they agree to. Gatsby then fails to keep there company as a 'Mr Sloane' wishes to leave the Gatsby residence, denying the lunch request. However Gatsby managed to worm along, seemingly pressuring his own company to the party's own plans.
The next night Tom and Daisy attended Gatsby's party, Nick notes that there was an air of 'oppressiveness' in the party that Nick decides it down to Tom's presence. Tom has become uneasy about Daisy knowing Gatsby as he questions 'how and earth' she knew him, his presence at the party seems just to watch Daisy. Gatsby here tries to assert his dominance over Tom when asking them to 'look around you' and to recognise all these famous people, he is trying to show that he is a man with contacts and status. He introduces Tom as 'the polo player' belittling him to his occupation alone. However Nick notices that 'apart from the half an hour alone with Gatsby [Daisy] was not having a good time. The guest who were previously entertaining have now become 'septic' as Nick grows tired of them. They are no longer illustrated as merry comical characters but instead as aggressive drunks 'she's always screaming like that'. Daisy is told to be 'appalled' of West Egg, coming from the sophisticated wealth she see's the materialism and hollow ill qualities that reside in the 'new money' side. Upon leaving Tom announces that he will 'make a point of finding out' exactly what Gatsby does. He is uneasy about the character and does not trust him, especially his connection to Daisy.
Nick stays late at this particular party and has a rare engagement with Gatsby. Gatsby illustrates how he 'feels away from' Daisy, he is finding it difficult to gain Daisy's commitment as he wishes her to tell Tom 'she doesnt love him'. Nick resolves this with the statement 'You cant repeat the past' to which Gatsby, obviously disturbed by this, insits 'why of course you can!'. Gatsby seems in denial that what he had with Daisy may never become again, stating 'im going to fix everything to how it was before' . Gatsby then reveals the night that he fell in love with Daisy 'one autumn night five years ago' where 'she blossomed like a flower for him' except, the structure of this memory compared the the chapters events make the love story seem hollow and emotionless, Daisy's love seems out of reach for Gatsby as he struggles to hold on to her. Nick sums this up in the closing of the chapter, stating how Gatsby's story held 'hollow' words, a silence.
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Chapter 5 (SAME QUESTION)
Fitzgerald begins the chapter with Nick's narration illustrating how lit up Gatsby's house is, exclaiming that he though his 'house was on fire' being lit from top too bottom. This light is symbolic of Gatsby's character coming to light, as we learn from the last chapter Gatsby has been dying to meet Daisy after there romantic youth, and Nick being the connection, Gatsby seems to have 'come alive'. However, Nick remarks how 'there was no sound', in fact Gatsby's house seems to be sustained in waiting- Gatsby is anxious in the immanent meeting. As Gatsby comes over we see he is quite obviously anxious, not noticing that his house is lit 'like the worlds fair' and pestering Nick to go out with him, even though Nick declares 'it is too late'. Fitzgerald casually mentions how Gatsby 'hasn't made use of [the swimming pool] all summer' subtly foreshadowing his eventual use, when he is murdered. Gatsby attempts to invite Nick into business with him, except Nick, stating that it was 'a service to be rendered' denies him. Nick is obviously aware that whatever Gatsby's business is, to be involved would be 'one of the crisis' of his life, after meeting Gatsby's criminal friend Wolfsheim in the previous chapter.
The Day of Daisy's arrival it is pouring with rain, this sees Fitzgerald use pathetic fallacy to mimic the release of emotion that will proceed when the two meet. Nick tells of how Gatsby proceeds to furnish his home by getting his grass cut and decorating the room with flowers, it is obvious that Gatsby is trying to impress Daisy with his wealth, his appearance is noted as having 'dark signs of sleeplessness beneath his eyes' the character is so anxious about meeting Daisy he has not slept. He talks 'vaguely' as if his mind was not concentrated but filled with thoughts of the immanent meeting. Daisy's introduction juxtaposes Gatsby's as it injects a sense of life and vitality as the water beautifully 'glistens on her hands' , her voice a 'tonic' to the rain. Daisy offers a sense of clear headedness. As the two finally meet Gatsby is greeted with 'i am awfully glad to see you again' and the pair tediously make themselves acquainted with each other as they stumble over the furniture in nervousness. Nick, noticing the pair obviously do not feel so comfortable in each others company, makes an excuse to leave and take shelter from the rain under a tree in his garden. Nick notes how 'the sun shined' after half an hour, and when entering the room Gatsby 'glowed', it is obvious that some revelation has occurred that has ceased the release of emotion to resolve in some glorious fashion which makes Gatsby so glowing.
Nick notices a flaw in Gatsby's story upon gaining his wealth, stating how it 'only took [him] three years to earn the money' to buy it, when earlier he noted how he inherited from extremely wealthy parents. The character 'automatically' replied as if his responses were pre planned. Nick then narrates how Daisy notices all the elements of Gatsby's house from his garden to his 'jonquils', her materialistic values are attaching to Gatsby's wealth. However inside we can't help but feel Gatsby's home is hollow and empty as Nick decries how he expects to find guests 'hiding' under furniture, there is obviously something missing within Gatsby's home. It's grand nature cannot hide its lack of emotion and homely feel. Nick states how Gatsby 're evaluates' his possessions dependant of Daisy's response to them- it appears now that Gatsby's entire world is shaping around Daisy. When Daisy begins to enquire about Gatsby's passed he quickly changes subject, it appears even now Gatsby's story is collapsing with him.
Fitzgerald ends the chapter with Nick narrating how 'they have forgotten me'. The character has once again become marginalised as he realises his only use was to instigate the two meeting, he was only a bridge in Gatsby's control and now has no use. He remarks how Gatsby doesnt't know him anymore, he decides to leave them and walk into the rain.
The Day of Daisy's arrival it is pouring with rain, this sees Fitzgerald use pathetic fallacy to mimic the release of emotion that will proceed when the two meet. Nick tells of how Gatsby proceeds to furnish his home by getting his grass cut and decorating the room with flowers, it is obvious that Gatsby is trying to impress Daisy with his wealth, his appearance is noted as having 'dark signs of sleeplessness beneath his eyes' the character is so anxious about meeting Daisy he has not slept. He talks 'vaguely' as if his mind was not concentrated but filled with thoughts of the immanent meeting. Daisy's introduction juxtaposes Gatsby's as it injects a sense of life and vitality as the water beautifully 'glistens on her hands' , her voice a 'tonic' to the rain. Daisy offers a sense of clear headedness. As the two finally meet Gatsby is greeted with 'i am awfully glad to see you again' and the pair tediously make themselves acquainted with each other as they stumble over the furniture in nervousness. Nick, noticing the pair obviously do not feel so comfortable in each others company, makes an excuse to leave and take shelter from the rain under a tree in his garden. Nick notes how 'the sun shined' after half an hour, and when entering the room Gatsby 'glowed', it is obvious that some revelation has occurred that has ceased the release of emotion to resolve in some glorious fashion which makes Gatsby so glowing.
Nick notices a flaw in Gatsby's story upon gaining his wealth, stating how it 'only took [him] three years to earn the money' to buy it, when earlier he noted how he inherited from extremely wealthy parents. The character 'automatically' replied as if his responses were pre planned. Nick then narrates how Daisy notices all the elements of Gatsby's house from his garden to his 'jonquils', her materialistic values are attaching to Gatsby's wealth. However inside we can't help but feel Gatsby's home is hollow and empty as Nick decries how he expects to find guests 'hiding' under furniture, there is obviously something missing within Gatsby's home. It's grand nature cannot hide its lack of emotion and homely feel. Nick states how Gatsby 're evaluates' his possessions dependant of Daisy's response to them- it appears now that Gatsby's entire world is shaping around Daisy. When Daisy begins to enquire about Gatsby's passed he quickly changes subject, it appears even now Gatsby's story is collapsing with him.
Fitzgerald ends the chapter with Nick narrating how 'they have forgotten me'. The character has once again become marginalised as he realises his only use was to instigate the two meeting, he was only a bridge in Gatsby's control and now has no use. He remarks how Gatsby doesnt't know him anymore, he decides to leave them and walk into the rain.
How does Fitzgerald tell the story in chapter 4?
Fitzgerald opens the chapter with more rumours around the infamous Mr Gatsby that we still know little about 'he once killed a man', we met him briefly in the previous chapter but still find him mysterious as even Jordan who claimed to know him didn't believe he was' an oxford man', Nicks own perception of the character is not fixed as he juxtaposes between flattery of resentment. Nick goes on to name and describe all the characters he has met whom had visited Gatsby, the array of ages and backgrounds of these people only further our frustration to comprehend Gatsby as we cannot place him within any structured group of relation.
Nick narrates how Gatsby appears at his doorstep and shows of his car, the input of the car shows Fitzgerald subtly placing significance on it, foreshadowing the death of Myrtle. Nick's detailed description of the car furthers its significance but illustrates the materialism that it contains with 'green seat leathers' green symbolistic of money itself. Gatsby then pursues to clear the rumour regarding his history when exclaiming how he was 'educated in oxford' however, even here Fitzgerald makes it apparent how Nick distrusts Gatsby telling how he 'swallowed' his words, even wondering if there was something 'sinister' in him. As Gatsby reveals his war hero status Nick narrates how he was 'surprised' when he see's the medal is 'realistic'. Upon seeing pictures of Gatsby 'by the church spires' in Oxford Nick remarks on 'how it was all true'. The character is beginning to trust Gatsby and disbelieve the contradicting rumours around him. Through Nicks narration we learn of Gatsby's ambiguous authority when he is able to wave of a policeman simply because 'he did him a favour once' however, the lack of conversation between the pair suggests that the favour was not something out of kindness, because if it were friendly the two would obviously spark conversation, the favour instead seems more businesslike.
Fitzgerald juxtaposes the open air freedom of Gatsby's car with the confined, narrow setting of the cellar where they sit for lunch. This sense of confinement mimics the feelings Nick would assume when meeting Woflsheim for the first time, we are presented with a figure representative of the corrupt morale of the underground criminal system within America in the 20's, we are introduced to the man who 'fixed the world series' with 'molars' for cufflinks, this intimidating man seems suited to the dark suffocating setting of the cellar which seems only to exaggerate his dark criminal Nature. Fitzgerald inputs the voice of Wolfsheim to disturb the pleasantries we have been exposed to already- so far the parties and wild lifestyle have been presented as part of the upperclass materialism and decadence. When greeted with the roots of the bootlegging we realise the darker undertones of the event. Suddenly we are exposed to real stories of murder which make the rumours of how Gatsby 'killed a man' seem suddenly more believable. However the was he juxtaposes between the remark of the men who were 'electrocuted' to stating that Nick 'was interested in a business proposition' shows the characters casualty with death, his language around death shows no more tension than an everyday conversation, we infer that the character has a relation to death.
Nick then narrates a story told to him through Jordan which happened years earlier in Daisy's youth, this makes the time frame disjunct as we hear not from the current time frame. She recalls Daisy as being the sweetheart of her town 'dressed in white' [pure] where men called all day to monopolise with her. She recalls how Daisy was sat in a car engrossed with a young Gatsby who was quite obviously smitten by the youthful Daisy, remarking how he 'looked on her like any woman would dream to be looked on'. She then states how Gatsby left and she was depressed all summer, but by autumn she was 'gay' as ever. She then went on to Marry Tom who was 'more pompous than the whole of louisville' , however there was trouble before the marriage went through, as she found Daisy 'drunk as a monkey' with a changed mind. But with Jordan's and Daisy's Mothers help she pursued to marry Tom.
It is then revealed, through Nick, that Gatsby being in Long Island was not a coincidence, in fact he had only bought the house to view Daisy's across the bay, located by 'the green light' on the dock, the symbolistic of Gatsby's jealousy to gain Daisy. At this realisation Nick states how the character 'came alive to me' as though through this revelation we finally achieve an understanding of the character whom appeared so vacant and mysterious previously. it is revealed Gatsby wishes to meet Daisy at Nicks, but so she could see his house. We infer that Gatsby wishes to grab the materialistic attention from Daisy when showing off his wealth. Fitzgerald ends the chapter with Nick pondering over women, stating that he has no woman that 'floated disembodies' (I think this means fixated on) like Tom and Gatsby, but instead pursues to kiss Jordan.
Nick narrates how Gatsby appears at his doorstep and shows of his car, the input of the car shows Fitzgerald subtly placing significance on it, foreshadowing the death of Myrtle. Nick's detailed description of the car furthers its significance but illustrates the materialism that it contains with 'green seat leathers' green symbolistic of money itself. Gatsby then pursues to clear the rumour regarding his history when exclaiming how he was 'educated in oxford' however, even here Fitzgerald makes it apparent how Nick distrusts Gatsby telling how he 'swallowed' his words, even wondering if there was something 'sinister' in him. As Gatsby reveals his war hero status Nick narrates how he was 'surprised' when he see's the medal is 'realistic'. Upon seeing pictures of Gatsby 'by the church spires' in Oxford Nick remarks on 'how it was all true'. The character is beginning to trust Gatsby and disbelieve the contradicting rumours around him. Through Nicks narration we learn of Gatsby's ambiguous authority when he is able to wave of a policeman simply because 'he did him a favour once' however, the lack of conversation between the pair suggests that the favour was not something out of kindness, because if it were friendly the two would obviously spark conversation, the favour instead seems more businesslike.
Fitzgerald juxtaposes the open air freedom of Gatsby's car with the confined, narrow setting of the cellar where they sit for lunch. This sense of confinement mimics the feelings Nick would assume when meeting Woflsheim for the first time, we are presented with a figure representative of the corrupt morale of the underground criminal system within America in the 20's, we are introduced to the man who 'fixed the world series' with 'molars' for cufflinks, this intimidating man seems suited to the dark suffocating setting of the cellar which seems only to exaggerate his dark criminal Nature. Fitzgerald inputs the voice of Wolfsheim to disturb the pleasantries we have been exposed to already- so far the parties and wild lifestyle have been presented as part of the upperclass materialism and decadence. When greeted with the roots of the bootlegging we realise the darker undertones of the event. Suddenly we are exposed to real stories of murder which make the rumours of how Gatsby 'killed a man' seem suddenly more believable. However the was he juxtaposes between the remark of the men who were 'electrocuted' to stating that Nick 'was interested in a business proposition' shows the characters casualty with death, his language around death shows no more tension than an everyday conversation, we infer that the character has a relation to death.
Nick then narrates a story told to him through Jordan which happened years earlier in Daisy's youth, this makes the time frame disjunct as we hear not from the current time frame. She recalls Daisy as being the sweetheart of her town 'dressed in white' [pure] where men called all day to monopolise with her. She recalls how Daisy was sat in a car engrossed with a young Gatsby who was quite obviously smitten by the youthful Daisy, remarking how he 'looked on her like any woman would dream to be looked on'. She then states how Gatsby left and she was depressed all summer, but by autumn she was 'gay' as ever. She then went on to Marry Tom who was 'more pompous than the whole of louisville' , however there was trouble before the marriage went through, as she found Daisy 'drunk as a monkey' with a changed mind. But with Jordan's and Daisy's Mothers help she pursued to marry Tom.
It is then revealed, through Nick, that Gatsby being in Long Island was not a coincidence, in fact he had only bought the house to view Daisy's across the bay, located by 'the green light' on the dock, the symbolistic of Gatsby's jealousy to gain Daisy. At this realisation Nick states how the character 'came alive to me' as though through this revelation we finally achieve an understanding of the character whom appeared so vacant and mysterious previously. it is revealed Gatsby wishes to meet Daisy at Nicks, but so she could see his house. We infer that Gatsby wishes to grab the materialistic attention from Daisy when showing off his wealth. Fitzgerald ends the chapter with Nick pondering over women, stating that he has no woman that 'floated disembodies' (I think this means fixated on) like Tom and Gatsby, but instead pursues to kiss Jordan.
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
How does Fitzgerald tell the story in Chapter 3?
Nick's narration opens the chapter describing the buzz that is surrounding his mysterious neighbour, describing how music played through the night and 'men and women' came and went like 'moths', this simile illustrates the frantic qualities about his neighbours home. Through Nick, Fitzgerald tells us of the events surrounding many days and nights at his parties 'on weekends his Rolls Royce became an omnibus' , as Nick is narrating in the past tense he is able to span information around many days to accentuate the business and grand eccentrics surrounding Gatsby 'every friday crates arrived from a fruiter in New York'.
Nick then prides himself as 'one of the only guests who was invited'- being invited Nick feels his is able to feel superior to the number of the guests who turn up 'in automobiles', however he is notably out of his depth as he feels 'ill at ease' when walking around the party. Nick has began to become immersed into the party lifestyle, yet he still does not fit in. He remarks on 'getting roaring drunk from sheer embarrassment' before attaching himself to Jordan, he needs some sense of familiarity. Fitzgerald then incorporates many voices to reflect on the busy nature of Gatsby's party, rumours begin to circle as the readers learn of his criminality 'i heard he killed a man' while others remark him as a 'war hero'. Nick only feels comfortable when devouring 'two finger bowls of champagne' to which the scene had become 'profound and elemental' - the fact that Nick only begins to absorb and feel comfortable with his surroundings after drinking shows a satirical view towards his surroundings, it seems he has to indulge in the drunken antics to feel involved, else he would be further marginalised.
Fitzgerald greets us to Gatsby in an almost anti-climantic fashion, through Nicks misunderstanding he is forced to introduce himself 'I'm Gatsby ' which doesn't seem to fit with the suspense that was building around the character, as Nick described him so fantastically in previous chapters we would expect his introduction to be on a much grander scale. He then regenerates the majestic qualities surrounding the character when describing his smile as 'one that you would only see once in five years' however Nick then changes his speech describing Gatsby as 'absurd'. His flippant tone represents the frequent change of opinion surrounding Gatsby. Jordan too 'doesn't believe' some of the stories surrounding Gatsby, at this point Fitzgerald gives us no solid opinions of (Great) Gatsby, every voice, voices, a different opinion of the character creating a sense of mysteriousness around him.
Nick provides a description of Gatsby being in pristine condition 'as if he had [his hair] cut every day' as he looks at his guest with 'approving' eyes, the man is in control of something that we would expect to have no control over, as the party continues Gatsby's characterisation deepens as Nick builds his own opinion of the character. As the party has climaxed the setting is less of a wild party but now full of the drunk and 'men arguing with women' which links back to the previous chapter when, as the drink was finished, tension rose and Tom broke Myrtle's nose. It appears the glamorisation of drinking bitterly ends with bickering as the characters begin to get a conscience back. As the guests begin to leave and the night seems resolved there is one last point of issue when the wheel of the automobile has been torn off. This destruction foreshadows Gatsby's inpendant destruction, also significant of the automobile. Jordan states that 'it takes two to cause an accident'.
Fitzgerald ends the chapter with Nick narrating the inbetween days of his life that didn't involve Gatsby, stating about his job but also his involvement with Jordan, he admits he had a 'tangle' at his previous home which we infer he means is a relationship, yet he signs of with the statement 'i am one of the few honest men i know' ironic.
Nick then prides himself as 'one of the only guests who was invited'- being invited Nick feels his is able to feel superior to the number of the guests who turn up 'in automobiles', however he is notably out of his depth as he feels 'ill at ease' when walking around the party. Nick has began to become immersed into the party lifestyle, yet he still does not fit in. He remarks on 'getting roaring drunk from sheer embarrassment' before attaching himself to Jordan, he needs some sense of familiarity. Fitzgerald then incorporates many voices to reflect on the busy nature of Gatsby's party, rumours begin to circle as the readers learn of his criminality 'i heard he killed a man' while others remark him as a 'war hero'. Nick only feels comfortable when devouring 'two finger bowls of champagne' to which the scene had become 'profound and elemental' - the fact that Nick only begins to absorb and feel comfortable with his surroundings after drinking shows a satirical view towards his surroundings, it seems he has to indulge in the drunken antics to feel involved, else he would be further marginalised.
Fitzgerald greets us to Gatsby in an almost anti-climantic fashion, through Nicks misunderstanding he is forced to introduce himself 'I'm Gatsby ' which doesn't seem to fit with the suspense that was building around the character, as Nick described him so fantastically in previous chapters we would expect his introduction to be on a much grander scale. He then regenerates the majestic qualities surrounding the character when describing his smile as 'one that you would only see once in five years' however Nick then changes his speech describing Gatsby as 'absurd'. His flippant tone represents the frequent change of opinion surrounding Gatsby. Jordan too 'doesn't believe' some of the stories surrounding Gatsby, at this point Fitzgerald gives us no solid opinions of (Great) Gatsby, every voice, voices, a different opinion of the character creating a sense of mysteriousness around him.
Nick provides a description of Gatsby being in pristine condition 'as if he had [his hair] cut every day' as he looks at his guest with 'approving' eyes, the man is in control of something that we would expect to have no control over, as the party continues Gatsby's characterisation deepens as Nick builds his own opinion of the character. As the party has climaxed the setting is less of a wild party but now full of the drunk and 'men arguing with women' which links back to the previous chapter when, as the drink was finished, tension rose and Tom broke Myrtle's nose. It appears the glamorisation of drinking bitterly ends with bickering as the characters begin to get a conscience back. As the guests begin to leave and the night seems resolved there is one last point of issue when the wheel of the automobile has been torn off. This destruction foreshadows Gatsby's inpendant destruction, also significant of the automobile. Jordan states that 'it takes two to cause an accident'.
Fitzgerald ends the chapter with Nick narrating the inbetween days of his life that didn't involve Gatsby, stating about his job but also his involvement with Jordan, he admits he had a 'tangle' at his previous home which we infer he means is a relationship, yet he signs of with the statement 'i am one of the few honest men i know' ironic.
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
How is the Story told in Chapter 2?
Fitzgerald immediately juxtaposes the decadent materialistic setting of east egg with the new setting, the 'valley of ashes', which represents the destruction created from the materialistic, aesthetic lives of the decadent living in either egg. The valley of ashes is home to the working class and honest, yet they are surrounded by destruction made by the upper classes. Honesty has gotten them nowhere yet the rich thrive while being brutally un-earnest with affairs and criminality, like bootlegging. Fitzgerald describes the ashes with language that makes it seem organic, stating how it is 'growing' which fully exhibits how the waste from the Cities is building up in these small villages as if it were farmed. The setting has no colour except 'greying' men and cars lining the street, this juxtaposes the cleanliness within the Buchanan household previously where everything was 'white' as if it were pure, everything in the valley of ashes seems dirty, a wasteland. The only colour mentioned are the eyes of Dr Eckleburg, 'gigantic and blue' memorabilia of a forgotten time, the figure now looks over 'a dumping ground'.
We are introduced to Tom's mistress where Nick states that Tom 'insisted it were known' , as Tom is showing off his mistress we began to get more of an understanding to the character of Tom, the fact he shows his mistress as a Trophy presents himself as a character who prides himself on possession 'my girl', relating to his materialistic and sporting background, by presenting his mistress to Nick on a pedestal he is trying to assert dominance over Nick. Nick's description of the character holds no sense of beauty but that she 'holds her flesh sensuously', compared to Daisy's delicate description this character seems worn, as Nick notes her age '30', Her voice is coarse compared to daisy's innocent stuttering in the previous scene. She walks through her husband 'as if he were a ghost' implying that the characters husband is dead to her. Nick's description holds no respectability for the woman as he unflatteringly describes her, 'rather wide hips'.
Nick states how they are constantly under the 'stare' of Eckleburg, as if he was God, the figure seems to be judging the characters and the fact that Nick notices or at least feels the pressure of the stare shows that the character feels guilty of at least knows he is doing something wrong. We are introduced to Wilson who is presented as a shell of a man, 'anaemic' and 'faintly handsome', the characters house is describes as being 'bare' yet when Tom asks him how he is doing he replies that 'he cannot complain' the character is acceptant of his bare minimalistic living.
Fitzgerald then moves the setting to Manhattan, which is notably more lively than the previous scene, we are immediately exposed to the corrupt within the city when Mrs Wilson buys a dog from a 'greying old man' which was stated to be an air dale, which Nick notices it evidently is not. Nick then visits the pairs flat fully exposing Tom's affair, there seems to be no emotional bond but he seems to posses Mrs Wilson through materials, the dog that he buys her, the flat he has bought them. The flat is crowded with furniture compared to Wilson's 'bare' home, displaying Mrs Wilson's desire to become part of the decadent materialistic upperclass.
"I have been drunk just twice in my life" illustrates the naivety of the narrator, Nick. He is trying to re tell events and glorify them when he has no real depth of experience in them, either this or this is an example of his unreliability. Nick could not wish to express the amount of times he had been drunk. Nick's opinionated nature is exposed by his descriptions of the each character as he meets them, describing one woman as 'horrible' as she vainly tells him of how her husband 'photographed her 127 times in her lifetime' while he notices how her husband has forgotten to entirely rid his face of shaving cream.
Fitzgerald brings back the idea of Gatsby when he is mentioned by one of the guests, ' i am scared of him' yet we are still yet to meet the protagonist, we are building up suspense to meet the character whom is still so mysterious.
As time passes the drunk audience begin to settle and fall asleep, there is no tension until Nick tells of how Tom, provoked by Mrs Wilson shouting out Daisy's names, proceeds to break her nose, the 'brute of a man' (as described by Daisy) has shown his strength and we get an incite into the destructive nature of Tom. As this ends the scene we see Fitzgerald implementing the idea of falseness within Tom's fabricates other life, that as much as he wishes, it all relates back to his other life. We are left with Nick sobering up waiting for the train.
We are introduced to Tom's mistress where Nick states that Tom 'insisted it were known' , as Tom is showing off his mistress we began to get more of an understanding to the character of Tom, the fact he shows his mistress as a Trophy presents himself as a character who prides himself on possession 'my girl', relating to his materialistic and sporting background, by presenting his mistress to Nick on a pedestal he is trying to assert dominance over Nick. Nick's description of the character holds no sense of beauty but that she 'holds her flesh sensuously', compared to Daisy's delicate description this character seems worn, as Nick notes her age '30', Her voice is coarse compared to daisy's innocent stuttering in the previous scene. She walks through her husband 'as if he were a ghost' implying that the characters husband is dead to her. Nick's description holds no respectability for the woman as he unflatteringly describes her, 'rather wide hips'.
Nick states how they are constantly under the 'stare' of Eckleburg, as if he was God, the figure seems to be judging the characters and the fact that Nick notices or at least feels the pressure of the stare shows that the character feels guilty of at least knows he is doing something wrong. We are introduced to Wilson who is presented as a shell of a man, 'anaemic' and 'faintly handsome', the characters house is describes as being 'bare' yet when Tom asks him how he is doing he replies that 'he cannot complain' the character is acceptant of his bare minimalistic living.
Fitzgerald then moves the setting to Manhattan, which is notably more lively than the previous scene, we are immediately exposed to the corrupt within the city when Mrs Wilson buys a dog from a 'greying old man' which was stated to be an air dale, which Nick notices it evidently is not. Nick then visits the pairs flat fully exposing Tom's affair, there seems to be no emotional bond but he seems to posses Mrs Wilson through materials, the dog that he buys her, the flat he has bought them. The flat is crowded with furniture compared to Wilson's 'bare' home, displaying Mrs Wilson's desire to become part of the decadent materialistic upperclass.
"I have been drunk just twice in my life" illustrates the naivety of the narrator, Nick. He is trying to re tell events and glorify them when he has no real depth of experience in them, either this or this is an example of his unreliability. Nick could not wish to express the amount of times he had been drunk. Nick's opinionated nature is exposed by his descriptions of the each character as he meets them, describing one woman as 'horrible' as she vainly tells him of how her husband 'photographed her 127 times in her lifetime' while he notices how her husband has forgotten to entirely rid his face of shaving cream.
Fitzgerald brings back the idea of Gatsby when he is mentioned by one of the guests, ' i am scared of him' yet we are still yet to meet the protagonist, we are building up suspense to meet the character whom is still so mysterious.
As time passes the drunk audience begin to settle and fall asleep, there is no tension until Nick tells of how Tom, provoked by Mrs Wilson shouting out Daisy's names, proceeds to break her nose, the 'brute of a man' (as described by Daisy) has shown his strength and we get an incite into the destructive nature of Tom. As this ends the scene we see Fitzgerald implementing the idea of falseness within Tom's fabricates other life, that as much as he wishes, it all relates back to his other life. We are left with Nick sobering up waiting for the train.
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