Chapter four opens with "church bells" ringing on a Sunday morning. Considering everything we have read so far, how is this passage important to Fitzgerald's purpose? Mke sure you support you ideas with quotes from the text. Also, please begin adding your class period at the end of your names.
Elizabeth Z Period 2
2/10/2014 05:43:12 am
So far in the novel, Fitzgerald has referenced the decrease of the influence of religion multiple times. Here, he puts the description of church bells just before the st of all of the people who are attending Gatsby's parties. It seems that he is pointing out how many people are not going to church anymore and are instead choosing to party all weekend. Now, this isn't necessarily a direct implication of partying being a bad thing, but it does seem to imply that people are slowly losing sight of the important things in life and are instead living life for themselves.
Kelsey J 1
2/10/2014 08:53:58 am
I would have to agree with you. I also think that Fitzgerald was trying to point out that he found this idea so displeasing that he could laugh about it. He explained that "the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn"(Fitzgerald 50). I would have to agree that Fitzgerald is referencing the decrease in religious matters within day to day society.
Jordan C. 2
2/10/2014 06:00:36 am
Fitzgerald chooses to open chapter four with the description of the ringing of the church bells on a Sunday morning. He puts this piece in there along with, "the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). I believe that Fitzgerald is trying his best to show that society is slowly losing religion and God and is constantly fighting the good and wrong. Especially when he includes mistress it almost screams to me that the world has gone off the deep end and no one is exactly happy with their lives anymore. This then leads me to think that possibly this is another way Fitzgerald is trying to include elements from the Great Depression into the mix, that before the stock market crash the world didn't care what they did everything was about having a great time and money, but then when the crash occurred everything changed people's mind and got them about right on track again by thinking about the important things in life.
Daisy O. Period 4
2/11/2014 12:28:46 pm
I totally agree with you, Jordan! I think Fitzgerald was able to accurately predict the Great Depression through The Great Gatsby. Having fun was the main focus of the roaring 20s, which started to make people forget about responsibilities and morals. People worried more about attending Gatsby’s elaborate parties “without having met Gatsby at all” (36). Grown adults that had much more important things to do would party at Gatsby’s from Friday to Sunday every weekend simply because it was fun.
Rachel H. Period 4
2/10/2014 06:38:18 am
I think Fitzgerald chooses to open up chapter four by distinctly describing the church bells. When I think church bells, I think of a Sunday morning service; the bells are peaceful and add to the occasion. However, Fitzgerald says that "while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house..." (Fitzgerald 61). This image is much more different than the one I saw before of church bells. I feel like this one has church bells in the background, while everyone is focused on the party that is going on at Gatsby's house. I feel like during this era, people focused more on having fun, rather than what is actually important. Everyone was really into partying, dancing, and going out to have a good time, and with this church, work and everything else was pushed back and made a lower priority, when really it should be the other way around.
Monica E. Period 1
2/10/2014 09:06:58 am
I agree with you Rachel, that fun was prioritized back in the 1920's as opposed to church and religion. However, I do not believe that everyone would have ignored the church bells. In fact, I believe that Nick will show a big part of making the people notice of how society is dehumanizing. Although it does not appear that way now, Nick is changing through many experiences, similar to "The adventures of Huckleberry Finn", where Huck learned the value of Discrimination through Jim.
Rachel H. Period 4
2/11/2014 08:42:19 am
I can see where you are coming from, but how do we know now that Nick will show dehumanization? I feel like he is a good person, and that people trust him, but that does not necessarily mean that he did not ignore the church bells. This paragraph was short, and was not mentioned really at all throughout the rest of the chapter. I feel like they were put there to show the process of dehumanization because of this time period, but I do not feel like Nick was part of this process. I feel like he represented more of what people were, and the people who ignored the church bells were of those who began the dehumanization process.
Riley S. Period 2
2/10/2014 06:53:50 am
The church bells, God, ring on Sunday morning, heard by all the villages. So, Sunday, the day of rest, God's day, is corrupted by a party. Fitzgerald has commented on religion being tainted, God's eyes are always watching but his people have forgotten that God is there. This idea comes about here again, when all these people are supposed to be at church worshiping, they are at a stranger's house getting drunk. The world and its mistress are at the party, everyone is at Gatsby's. No one is in church. Fitzgerald is commenting on the loss of religion, and the morals one learns from attending church.
Emma S. 2
2/10/2014 07:47:07 am
I completely agree with you Riley. In today's society people are more worried about partying and "forgetting" about life when their main focus should be on God and the wonders around them. With everyone at Gatsby's, it supports the idea of religion being gone and people attending church is lessening.
Tyler Kol 5
2/11/2014 01:06:34 pm
I also agree with both of you. it becomes apparent to readers in chapter four why Gatsby’s parties are actually evil in nature; “On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages along the shore the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn"(Fitzgerald 65). Personally I love the way Fitzgerald explains the party in the manner shown, as if showing that the party itself laughs at the idea of church on Sunday, in turn destroying all religious beliefs of the party goers. This goes hand and hand with the destruction of a moral code of ethics, seeing that religion is strongly based upon such moral codes.
Caleb S, Period 5
2/11/2014 01:31:18 pm
I agree with Riley and Emma. The thing I like about this book is that there are so many parts the can relate to our days and back then in the time it was written. People do the same thing today just as Fitzgerald was saying the people were doing in the book. Not going to church and focusing on God, but rather going to a party and being/becoming the world’s mistress. I feel like Fitzgerald likes to point out the flaws within society and I don't feel like that is bad thing. In some way I feel like it is necessary so that the people can see what is really going on, if that makes sense.
Tyler Ken. 1
2/10/2014 06:57:55 am
I believe the quote " On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages along the shore the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn"(65) stands not only for the departure of religious worship in society but also underlines that the former/would be religious people in society are all going to live the life of luxury and lack of self control at Gatsby's. Gatsby's is like church where people come freely to join in a large social event and like church in the book, the visitors do not worship Gatsby like how the society does not seem to worship God in the church line to start off chapter 4 and the all seeing eyes of Doctor T J Eckleburg on the start of chapter 2. Gatsby, like the all seeing eyes, is a godlike figure who has given the "world" all it has wanted and in return the world disrespects him by polluting his home and gossiping behind his back. Fitzgerald is trying to demonstrate that society had lost it's moral compass in favor of a life of partying,lack of self control, and pressure. While society may find comfort in religion and it's moral messages, society will continue to suffer to attain happiness through partying, such as the couples fighting and "In spite of the wives agreement that such malevolence was beyond credibility the dispute ended in a short struggle and both wives were lifted kicking into the night"(57). While the couple may find relief in religion,they choose to resort to fighting about partying.
Kristen C. period 4
2/11/2014 09:17:25 am
I would have to agree with you Tyler, that is a way to look at it. However I see it more so as people are moving away from their old ways of life, as the 20's were the time of girls wearing shorter skirts, more artistic advances and outlooks on life. I feel the "world and his mistress" could simply be society itself moving away from the past ways of living.
Emily F p5
2/10/2014 06:59:59 am
Chapter 4 starts out with church bells ringing on a Sunday morning. Gatsby’s party is still taking place even on a Sunday, which shows how the people care about Gatsby’s parties and having fun more than they care about going to church. This reflects the spiritual debasement that was taking place at the time. It also shows how the people who attend the parties are not always moral. While the church bells were ringing, “the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house” (Fitzgereld 65). The church bells, which represent something that is good and moral, contrast with the world’s “mistress”, which is something that is immoral.
Becca K Period 4
2/10/2014 07:23:26 am
I feel like this passage is significant because it exeplifies the idea that during the 20's, people placed value in superficial and materialistic things. One of these things being Gatsbys glamorous parties. I find it ironic because as "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house" (Fitzgerald 61), church bells rang in the distance. This shows how people during the era began to replace their values, such a faith, with these materialistic items and fancy events that held no real meaning.
Corey K. (period 5)
2/10/2014 11:51:24 am
I agree with this comment and it brought up something I didn't think of. People are getting away from traditional beliefs and are headed in the wrong direction. People are putting to much value in materialistic things such as alcohol, parties and clothes instead of trying to morally and spiritually progress. It is seen in today's time as well. People are more content with acting like fools and getting in trouble than focusing on hard work and accomplishment.
Alexis B. Period 1
2/10/2014 02:30:16 pm
I agree with the idea of materialistic objects being the focus of many during this time era but I also think that Fitzgerald was trying to establish not only that but also the concept of religion as whole.
Rachel VB (4)
2/11/2014 12:50:03 am
I agree with you, Becca. I think this goes along with the idea of spiritual debasement. The foundation of religion and morals are fading out. People are relying more on money, clothes, and alcohol instead of their values. When the church bells ring and everyone is still at Gatsby's party, it shows that materialistic things have become more important to people.
Justin C
2/11/2014 12:40:02 pm
I agree with Corey the comment you made, made me look at that passage at a different perspective. The more you read that passage the more you realize that material objects are over running the moral and spiritual things we all once believed in. You can even connect that to the way our society is now.
Imani B. 5
2/11/2014 01:59:24 pm
I agree with this comment because I had not thought of the connection to the 20's about people placing value in materialistic items. It goes back to the fact that these people are being immoral by replacing true values with "God-sent" objects such and wealth or anything materialistic.
Megan J P4
2/10/2014 07:24:27 am
Chapter 4 starts with "On Sunday morning, while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn... moving somewhere between his cocktails and his flowers" (Fitzgerald 62). This passage is important because it embodies Fitzgerald's purpose of portraying the spiritual debasement, or the removing of emotional/ moral foundations, of the people of the 1920s. The topic of religion starts with Doctor Eckleburg representing the eyes of God staring down at the moral decay in the valley of ashes to religion being the root of a lie Tom told to Myrtle, "It's really his wife that's keeping them apart. She's a Catholic, and they don't believe in divorce... Daisy was not a Catholic" (34). Overall, these scenes show how people are losing sight of religion and the morals they can bring. Instead, the people of West and East Egg are obsessed with wealth and pleasure. As said by Lucille, "I never care what I do, so I always have a good time" (44). The characters are addicted to pleasure like a drug and as long as they are having fun, it doesn't matter if their life has meaning or not. They are consumed in finding pleasure through wealth and material items, that the church bells (representing morals/ religion) are forgotten/ ignored.
Jen M. P1
2/10/2014 10:08:59 pm
I enjoy the fact that you made several connections from various chapters, not just the fourth, to highlight Fitzgerald's comments on spirituak debasement. I never really took the quote about Lucille, about how she "never [cares what she does]," and how it too can reflect the disregard for religion as well, so I'm glad you managed to pull that out. However, I don't think the church bells ringing in the background mean that the attendants of Gatsby's party have completely forgot their spiritual morals, I think they more reflect how the idea of religion still lingers in the backs of their minds, as a constant reminder that they are doing something wrong. I believe that the be Fitzgerald's point in including the church bells.
Kevin H P4
2/11/2014 01:11:15 pm
I disagree with why you say that Fitzgerald added in the quote about "It's really his wife that's keeping them apart. She's a Catholic, and they don't believe in divorce... Daisy was not a Catholic"(34). I feel that that line was added in so that Fitzgerald could begin alluding to the fact that Tom really does still care for Daisy, even though he is having this affair. That detail about Tom is very prominent later on in the chapter when he "broke her (Myrtle's) nose with his open hand"(36) because Myrtle was saying Daisy's name.
Giancarlo G. Period 1
2/10/2014 07:25:11 am
Fitzgerald starts chapter 4 with church bells ringing on a Sunday morning. With the picture of church, one would expect holiness, quietness, and nothing but the truth. Unfortunately, Gatsby’s guests are still partying from Friday night, only highlighting that guests like to have fun instead of a clean conscience. Within the next paragraph, young ladies moving between their cocktails state, “He’s a bootlegger….he killed a man…” (Fitzgerald 61). I feel that Fitzgerald is using the irony of taking the pureness of a Sunday morning mass against Gatsby’s guest. His guests are still drinking, and are telling lies about someone they do not know, not very churchy worthy; only reflecting the spiritual debasement that is taking place.
Hailey A. 2
2/10/2014 10:26:29 am
I like the way you connected church and the truthfulness that it holds in the house of God and the sin that is happening inside the house of Gatsby. However, do we know that he actually killed the man? They could be telling the truth and we just don't know. But, yes, they are sinning by drinking and gossiping on the day of God.
Paula R. Period 5
2/11/2014 01:32:41 pm
While I agree with the illustrations of church that Fitzgerald creates in the text, I don't agree that the people don't have a clean conscience. We can't say that these people do not make decisions properly because they choose to party instead of worship. Rather, it shows that these people have different priorities. I do agree, though, that the church comment is ironic because they are doing everything that the church would look down upon.
Gillian C
2/10/2014 07:29:10 am
"On Sunday Morning while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). I suspect that from this quote, Fitzgerald's main purpose is to prove that the overall importance of religion to society is lessening. Instead of worshiping God, "the world and its mistress" chose to attend a party where they spent their time gossiping about the host and getting drunk. Their actions show what their true priorities are, and unfortunately, they aren't making the best decisions according to Fitzgerald. Not only are they missing out on coming together as a community, but also learning the teachings and morals that the church addresses.
Period 2
2/10/2014 07:29:43 am
Lizzy K
2/11/2014 04:21:24 am
GIllian, Fitzgerald could have been predicting the outcome of the Great Depression once again in this excerpt. During the Great Depression, there was a strong resurgence of the church because unemployment rates increased. However, the revival of the church must have been called so because there was a lack of attendance in the twenties, as you have pointed out in your comment. When Fitzgerald says, "...the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house..." (61), he is informing the reader of the heavy faith in the church before the twenties and the resurgence after.
Angel,A P5
2/10/2014 07:32:31 am
I believe that when church bells re used, they represent God, a day to attend church and worship God. However, instead of attending church, people are at Gatsby's house partying and getting drunk, "while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn." I believe this is an indication by Fitzgerald, that people are beginning to lose sight of values that were once important to them and replacing them with sin.
Riley S. P2
2/11/2014 06:07:44 am
Angel, I like how you didn't just comment on the loss of religion, but the loss of morals. The changes in morals are inevitable through an ever growing society. The replacement of them with sin is what Fitzgerald is getting at. Replacing church with a party is just the thing to prove Fitzgerald's point
Dong L. Period 5
2/10/2014 07:39:04 am
I believe the reason why Fitzgerald starts the chapter with church bells is to remind the readers that the loss of religion since a majority of the people party at Gatsby's mansion and not going to church on Sunday. This can relate to chapter 3 with "The eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg are blue and gigantic-their retinas are one yard high"(Fitzgerald 23). I think Fitzgerald suggest that God exist and watches over people and religion is an important aspect of life than partying and having a good time.
Jelani P 2
2/11/2014 01:42:34 pm
I think this post is spot on because Fitzgerald adds little details throughout the novel to remind readers of the sinful moral-less party-goers. The church bells are almost like God attempting to call the partiers back from the party and have them return to churches and repent but Gatsby's sinful guests seem to neglect God.
Emma S. 2
2/10/2014 07:45:15 am
When Fitzgerald starts out the chapter using church bells to show that religion in society is slowly going away. Before, church on Sundays was something that everyone went too; they were "family" days. Now Sundays, are baseball or football practices and games. The idea of church on Sundays is gone and is being replace by sports or work. "while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn."(Fitzgerald 65). This proves the point that people are more worried about partying and having a good time rather than go to church and praise God.
Emily F 5
2/11/2014 07:40:27 am
I agree with your comment. I didn’t really think about how this connects to the present day. I think the church bells show how things like church and family are going away and being replaced with fun or even work. It shows how people are beginning to value worldly and material items more than spiritual things. I also think it is symbolic how the people are in the progress of drinking, talking bad about each other, and just being immoral in general while the church bells, something moral, are ringing
Carl A. Period 5
2/10/2014 07:47:35 am
The ringing of church bells usually signals the start of mass at a church, where people are expected to be praying and worshiping. Although, the opposite occurs as people are still at Gatsby's party. It's important for Fitzgerald's purpose because he wants to portray the people no longer live religious lives, but secular ones. This is the key as the people lose their morals, "'He's a bootlegger,' said the young ladies" (Fitzgerald 61). These people begin to gossip about Gatsby even at his own party and don't have a filter whatsoever. They believe partying is much more important than learning morals and going to church as well as their disappearing values.
Tyler Ken. 1
2/11/2014 07:38:32 am
I agree and have not though about how church bells start the mass until now. In addition, I believe Fitzgerald is trying to point out that Gatsby's house it's like a church where all people can come, but they can party and enjoy lack of self control. I think the line " while church bells rang in the villages along the shore the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house"(65) underlines the novels theme that the world has left religion and would rather party and the world even has a mistress.
Yousuf A Period 5
2/11/2014 01:15:20 pm
I agree with you. I think the church bells show how things like church and family are going away and being replaced with fun or even work. It shows how people are beginning to value worldly and material items more than spiritual things. I also think it is symbolic how the people are in the progress of drinking, talking bad about each other, and just being immoral in general while the church bells, something moral, are ringing
Dong Le. Period 5
2/11/2014 07:48:36 am
I agree with you Carl because I think that people don't live religiously as they do back then. People are more carefree as what they do in life and have little to no morals such as Lucille at Gatsby's party, "I never care what I do, so i always have a good time" (Fitzgerald 43). Also, with religion I think that they are not aware of the sins they are committing due to the alcohol they are indulge in.
Julia C. 2
2/10/2014 08:25:31 am
I think Fitzgerald starts chapter four with church bells because I think he is referring to the fact that people were no longer going to church instead they were staying out and going to parties. "On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistresses returned to Gatsby's house..." (Fitzgerald 61). I think that this also can be Fitzgerald saying how everyone is losing their religion and basic belief system. By him using the word mistress could go with the fact that people are not happy with their current lives that they feel they need to just go and live other lives and party.
Ashlee P. 5
2/11/2014 10:34:04 am
I agree with you Julia, especially about the importance of the word mistress. Fitzgerald in a lot of ways shows people losing their morals and replacing it with something else. I think this is a key reason why Tom's mistress is in the valley of ashes.
Katelyn B Period 2
2/10/2014 08:37:56 am
With Sunday morning church bells ringing in the distance, "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house" (Fitzgerald 61). Fitzgerald continues to comment on the tainting of religion during this time period as people start to trade their values for money and materialistic goods. Faith seems to no longer play a significant role in these lives as everyone is focused on Gatsby's grand, luxurious parties that are high end and full of alcoholic beverages. At the time Prohibition was in action, but the hundreds of guests that would show up clearly paid no attention to the law for all they cared about was getting wasted and having a good time, throwing away their faith. Instead of practicing their faith and continuing the tradition that brings families and people together once a week to worship God; they prepare for the weekly Gatsby extravaganzas that have no value because it is rare they end up remembering the people or events they encountered that night. As previously mentioned in chapter two, God's eyes are always watching, but his people have put their faith aside, forgetting that God's presence is still among them, which is a strong message Fitzgerald is trying to relay to readers about this time period and how it can be the source of social corruption.
Julia C. 2
2/11/2014 06:57:10 am
I totally agree with you Katelyn. The fact that Fitzgerald seems to keep referencing how people are starting to forget there faith reflects the time period. I also agree with the fact that faith no longer plays a large role in their lives anymore because they are so focused on going to an extravagant party. Religion used to be a major part of peoples lives years before and this is a prime example of how the times are changing and also how the beliefs of people are also beginning to change because of society.
Taylor D. Period 4
2/11/2014 11:01:10 am
I wrote something similar and I couldn't agree more. Fitzgerald is poking fun at the fact that people are more concerned with having a good time on a Saturday night than having quality family time and preparing to go to church in the morning. He is pointing out all of the flaws in society and showing us readers how absurd it is for people to party all weekend rather than be with family and God.
Melissa S. (Period 2)
2/10/2014 08:42:03 am
The passage about the church bells at the beginning of chapter four is important because it shows how the party-goers do not seem to be concerned with religion at all. They hear the church bells, yet they ignore them and continue to gossip about Gatsby. The bells could also be associated with the passage of time. Church bells usually ring upon the hour or every few hours, so they could resemble the people at Gatsby's party being ignorant or unaware of how much time they are spending at his house. Perhaps they wish to forget their daily lives and just relax and drift away into the haze of drunkenness.
Jordan C. 2
2/11/2014 02:36:21 am
I agree with you Melissa that the church bells that are at the beginning of chapter four do concern with religion and how the party goers do not seem to be phased that there are better things in the world or other things in the world that does not involve parties or alcohol. I also agree that the ringing of the bells symbolize as well the constant time that is spent at Gatsby's party and how these people almost forget their daily lives by relaxing and drifting into a drunken haze to rid themselves of the sorrows of life that theses people deal with every waking day. Its almost to these people an escape from reality.
Kelsey J 1
2/10/2014 08:44:32 am
I believe Fitzgerald's reason for opening with church bells, something that could symbolize peace was to make a stark contrast to the next set of words. Something the young ladies said was "One time he killed a man who had found out he was a nephew to Von Hindenburg and second cousin to the devil" (Fitzgerald 50). Despite the church bells, that could support having good morals, they continue to talk terribly about Gatsby, and continue to spread rumors.
Harshita K:P1
2/10/2014 10:48:56 am
I have to slightly disagree with you Kelsey. Although you take a very interesting i believe that his purpose was to show how the morals of the people are decreasing as society grows. When Sunday morning church bells ringing in the distance, "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house" (Fitzgerald 61). The people continue to ignore all morals they might have and continue with their lives'. I agree with you on the fact that they speak terribly of Gatsby but how does that relate to the sounds of church bells?
Carissa C. P4
2/10/2014 08:50:58 am
The use of Fitzgerald starting off the chapter with the church bells ringing represents how society is losing a sense of morals along with highlighting how superficial and materialistic people are starting to become. Instead of going to church and constantly renewing spiritual development, people are becoming too enamored with the partying lifestyle. They are losing a sense of what is truly important in life. Gatsby's house seems to be the place where everyone disregards their problems and acts impulsive and carefree, in contrast to the bells where it represents society and the way it should be conducted. The fact that Gatsby indicates that he wants to see Daisy again by stating, "He wants to know if you'll invite Daisy to your house some afternoon and them let him come over" makes me feel that they will start an affair, which is wrong despite that fact that Tom is cheating on Daisy and she knows (Fitzgerald 85). I think that by starting off the fourth chapter with the church bells, Fitzgerald only foreshadows more moral corruption and how society is becoming too caught up in the glory of the Roaring 20's.
Jennifer C. Period 1
2/10/2014 12:14:19 pm
I do agree with your point, Carissa. I like how you were able to connect the church bells to the gossip that is widely described in the novel about the characters, especially Gatsby who doesn't want Nick "to get a wrong idea of [him] from all the stories [he] hears" (Fitzgerald 65). There are rumors flying around that readers do not know are true or not and we see the characters almost lose themselves and put on this false persona. Like you said, after a while they get use to the life of partying and grow to like it more until religion becomes almost nonexsistant.
Kelly B P1
2/11/2014 11:31:55 am
I find the idea of foreshadowing very interesting. I never thought of it that way. I agree with the church bells symbolizing how society is choosing the life of the party over what is moral and just. However the use of the bells as foreshadow towards the rest of the novel leads me to question the same thing; an affair? Interesting concept. I can't wait to see what happens!
Matt R. Period 2
2/10/2014 09:01:04 am
Fitzgerald referenced the sunday morning church bells to exemplify the contrast between religion and the party that "twinkled hilariously on [Gatsby's] lawn." The purpose of this text is to comment on how religion no longer plays a role in the lives of people; the parties that Gatsby throws overrule this aspect of life. Society no longer has any decency, and people no longer care to even meet the host of the party or act mature. The church has been thrown out from the American lifestyle and it is unimportant.
Shivam P. Period 2
2/11/2014 11:06:01 am
I agree with your comment, because I believe that Fitzgerald tries to exemplify the loss of religion in modern society. This is evident because all the people are at Gatsby's party on Sunday rather then at church. This signifies that people are more concerned with having fun then their religious beliefs, if they still even exist.
Monica E. Period 1
2/10/2014 09:01:16 am
When one thinks of church bells, they think of peace, honesty, and trust. However, as it is mentioned in the next sentence, "...the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn (Fitzgerald 61). In the next paragraph the ladies are gossiping about Gatsby; this signifies that truth is not respected in this story to anyone besides Nick. Peace is not kept either because of the fact that cocktails are being used. When Fitzgerald says "the world", he is almost symbolizing that the world has lost balance with what is right and wrong, and dehumanizing society.
Melissa S. (Period 2)
2/11/2014 11:25:39 am
I like the connection you made about dehumanizing society, Monica. I had not thought about it that way before, but I completely agree with you. It could also be seen as those dehumanized people have become that way through the corruption of drinks and gossip, and they have forgotten about their daily lives in their drunkenness. They do not understand the difference between right or wrong because they can't even understand what the person next to them is saying.
Morganne J p.5
2/10/2014 09:08:35 am
Church bells usually sound at the top of every hour on Sundays: God's day. This day, people gather to worship their religion and remember their morals and beliefs. Fitzgerald's use of the church bells help show that there is a re-evaluation of society's views that are changing, or need to be changed. In my opinion, Fitzgerald is saying that the morals in the story are in a desperate need of change because directly after he says that the church bells ring, he states, "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). The infamous party of the weekend at Gatsby's has yet to end, and even of a day of worship, people waste their time, humanity, and vitality in an atmosphere of a party.
Lyssa L. P4
2/11/2014 12:32:10 am
I agree with your point about the debasement of sprituality and how Fitzgerald is saying there is a need for change in people's morals. I also think there was more being revealed about it. The fact that most of the people at the party didn't even know Gatsby, makes Fitzgerald's purpose in mentioning the church bells more apparent. The people in that society would rather go and spend a weekend partying at a stranger'a house then to spend a morning at church. It's such a contrasting detail to the past before the 1920s because most everyone and their families attended church. But demonstrated by Fitzgerald, people have found better things to do besides going to church. By pointing how many people didn't know Gatsby, shows how Fitzgerald also believes people's morals need to be changed.
Andrea C. period 2
2/10/2014 09:11:12 am
Fitzgerald was keen on the idea of 'debasement of spirituality.' The church bells signify the church and religion that people seem to be forgetting about in the 20s. He goes on to say "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (65). The world and its mistress represent society at the time doesn't take marriage seriously. While church bells are ringing in the distance, the world and its mistress are showing up at Gatsby's party.
Conrad
2/10/2014 11:03:39 pm
Strong start and a good connection to the debasement of spirituality, but keep it going. What other events or images from the novel connect to this idea?
Alyssa Z. period 4
2/11/2014 05:25:39 am
I like the way you referred to the world and its mistress as representing society and marriage. This is represented throughout the novel multiple times like in chapter three as Fitzgerald writes about how men argued with their wives about leaving the party as the wives were carried out by their husbands. I feel that this is also representing the little authority that women had in the 20s and how men were more respected as well
Megan J P4
2/11/2014 10:06:33 am
I also liked how you connected "the world and its mistress" to society at the time and how marriage wasn't taken seriously. At Gatsby's party, Gatsby took Jordan aside and asked her to convince Nick to essentially help him get Daisy to cheat on her husband who has already cheated on her. This is a perfect example of people not taking their marriage seriously. The next morning, church bells were heard ringing. It is common practice to get married in a church, so Fitzgerald could be trying to portray the idea of humans losing their morals regarding marriage due to spiritual debasement.
Shelby D 5
2/10/2014 09:17:43 am
Considering everything so far in the novel I think that Fitzgerald uses the church bells to show the reader the loss of morals that are within the characters. They can hear the “church bells [ringing] in the villages” (Fitzgerald 50), yet none of them are reminded of the purity of religion. They just continue on with their lives, unfazed by the sound.
Amber H. p4
2/10/2014 09:25:18 am
The mention of church bells in the beginning of chapter 4 is describing the spiritual debasement that Fitzgerald uses to describe the time of prohibition. Multiple times values, such as honesty and virtue, that people held dear in that time as well as now are put into question. Tom and Myrtle cheating openly on their spouses is just one of the ways that Fitzgerald comments on people's nature. And it isn't just Tom and Myrtle. Many couples at Gatsby's party flirt and chest right on front of their spouses. Also in this time period, alcohol was seen a a substance that lowers moral value and this excess of alcohol in the novel is just another way of taking away people's spirituality. The church bells going off in the distance and no one being in church is just another way of saying that don't of the characters in the novel have no morals. The characters do what they want to do to get their fix of freedom, as said from a young lady at the party, she always has fun because she doesn't care what she does.
Carissa C. P4
2/11/2014 05:09:52 am
I very much agree with you Amber. Spiritual debasement is very evident in the chapter as you said. I like your connection with the alcohol and how it lowers inhibitions. Morality is slowly withering among the people of the era due to the lavishness and good feelings widely portrayed. Artificiality of society is becoming more evident as well due to the riches of people.
Brittany D. period 1
2/10/2014 09:26:04 am
I think that the most obvious reason that Fitzgerald uses the church bells at the beginning of the chapter is to contrast between them and the darkness in the world which is a focus of his writing. When he states that " the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house" (Fitzgerald 62) it contrasts nicely with the morality of of church bells and the immorality of mistresses.
Giancarlo G. Period 1
2/11/2014 09:11:47 am
Fitzgerald starts chapter 4 with church bells ringing on a Sunday morning. With the picture of church, one would expect holiness, quietness, and nothing but the truth. Unfortunately, Gatsby’s guests are still partying from Friday night, only highlighting that guests like to have fun instead of a clean conscience. Within the next paragraph, young ladies moving between their cocktails state, “He’s a bootlegger….he killed a man…” (Fitzgerald 61). I feel that Fitzgerald is using the irony of taking the pureness of a Sunday morning mass against Gatsby’s guest. His guests are still drinking, and are telling lies about someone they do not know, not very churchy worthy, only reflecting the spiritual debasement that is taking place.
Giancarlo G. Period 1
2/11/2014 09:13:33 am
I agree with your point, Brittany. I feel that there is a contrast of morality and debasement of spirituality. I think that most people who attend the parties that Gatsby throws barely know who he is as an individual. Gatsby’s guests are partying from Friday night to Sunday, only stressing that guests like to have fun instead of a clean conscience. I feel that Fitzgerald is using the irony of taking the pureness of a Sunday morning mass against Gatsby’s guest. Fitzgerald almost makes it seem as if there are better things to do one a Sunday morning rather than attending church and try to feel holy. Also, with “its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn,” (Fitzgerald 61) I feel that Fitzgerald tries to express that as people are owning up to their sins or trying to have better intensions, there are people who still continue their disapproving actions. People are misbehaving and treating God with disrespect, also, only highlighting the debasement of spirituality.
Costa D. (period 2)
2/10/2014 09:42:09 am
Fitzgerald includes the sounds "church bells" on Sunday morning. Church bells directly imply togetherness and maintaining good moral customs that a good person should have, such as "do the right thing". The reference continues to say "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house"; people have lost sight of the good and wholesome things in life and instead refer to artificial togetherness. It was said before that so many people attend Gatsby's party which implies everyone there doesn't matter because most of them don't even know Gatsby. People prefer to hang around and drink and have a good time rather than stay morally and spiritually connected with their family. The main statement that Fitzgerald is implying is that people are becoming way out of control and living beyond their means. Through history we know one thing, all good things come to an end. This suggestion also reminds me of the events leading to The Great Depression.
Nadim K
2/10/2014 12:21:08 pm
I agree with you Costa because i feel as though throughout the story, you so far get the understanding that many people have lost their religious and spiritual touch to god and many people are blankly having fun without any form of regret.
Trevor K 4
2/11/2014 12:26:10 am
I think that you are right that the church bells resemble togetherness and moral stability. I like how you referred to partying as artificial togetherness because nothing is really being accomplished and people aren't living life of value. At church people are connected through common beliefs, but when partying people are connected by alcohol and having fun. I agree that people are out of control and losing their values in life.
Elizabeth Z 2
2/11/2014 01:07:08 pm
I agree with you, mostly. The one thing that I do not agree with is the way that you said that "people are becoming way out of control and living beyond their means." I think that this is a bit of an overstatement. As shown by Fitzgerald's use of church bells in the background of the party, the characters have their morals still tucked way in the background of their minds. This is not a complete loss of moralcontrol, but it is quite likely on its way to that.
Taylor D. Period 4
2/10/2014 09:56:51 am
Spiritual debasement is a topic that we have been discussing since the day we started the novel. In the beginning of chapter 3, it is most easily seen. Everyone should be getting ready for church on a Sunday morning because that's how it's always been. The idea of being religious has slowly slipped away from the twenties because everyone would rather be out partying and drinking. Fitzgerald describes, "On Sunday Morning while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). This allows readers to truly understand how much society has changed. Ten years before this, everyone would have been at church instead of getting extremely wasted at a party full of people they don't even know. It shows how much a few years can completely change everyone's outlook on life. Since this time period, even in today's society, you can see the decrease in church going and an increase on partying and get tting into a lot of trouble. The times have changed so much and not for the better. The bells are symbolic of the moral and spiritual debasement going on.
Vasudha P Period 1
2/10/2014 10:59:01 am
Taylor I definitely agree with your statement the people still being at the party during the time of church attendance portrays that their spiritual or community values are not nearly as important to them as indulging in fun and being careless.
James J P:2
2/10/2014 10:06:45 am
I think that Fitzgerald's main purpose in adding this passage is to show the shifting of morals in the society of the Roaring 20s. The, "bells ringing in the villages alongshore" (Fitzgerald 61) signify the beginning of church, something holy, pure and moral. However, Fitzgerald then adds that Gatsby's party is still taking place at the same time as church, showing that instead of going to church on the holy day, people would rather waste their time at a wild party, and abuse the hospitality of a host no one cares about, while they drink themselves to death. In these two sentences Fitzgerald says that the morals of the Roaring 20s are askew and immoral. This can especially be seen when Fitzgerald says, "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). In this sentence I saw the mistress as the new corrupt values of the era; so the world is cheating on God with corrupt morals. The second half of sentence caused me to imagine the two sitting on Gatsby's lawn and laughing at the churches, meaning that the people do not take proper morals seriously and choose to live however they want, thinking "I live this way and nothing bad has happened, so why stop?"
Carl A. Period 5
2/11/2014 10:59:04 am
I didn't even realize that insight about the world cheating on God with corrupt morals. Great connection with what Fitzgerald is trying to present. I think another great point to add would be that the guests at Gatsby's parties have both no morals nor any respect, especially for the party thrower. People gossip about him, "'One time he killed a man who had found out that he was...second cousin to the devil.'..." (Fitzgerald 61). They continue to trash the person they barely know and still attend his parties.
Shivam P.
2/10/2014 10:10:56 am
Fitzgerald opens the chapter by speaking of religion, and how society is slowly losing religious. The church bells on a Sunday morning symbolize good morals, and having good morals is something g that every man should have. This is shown with Gatsby's repetitiveness on religion. It is also ironic how even though he speaks of religion to the group l, Gatsby's parties continue thr I ugh Sunday showing how little people care about religion then they do about having fun.
RF Period 2
2/10/2014 11:07:25 am
I agree with your response Shivam but it is also important to pick up that Gatsby included the word mistress. That adds to the point that religion is much less important than some party that these people are going to and that they are most likely going with people besides their husbands or wives.
Hannah B. P1
2/10/2014 10:18:39 am
Fitzgerald purposely incorporates a religious point in the novel in order to convey his message on the lack of morals during the 1920's. On that Sunday morning "church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house..." (Fitzgerald 61). The bells symbolize the ignorance and greed people possess in their lavish life styles. They no longer take a break from partying to focus on religion and being thankful for what they have. It seems that the people who attend the parties are immature and have lost any sense of reality. The bells are there as a reminder that the glamorous lifestyle is decreasing the value of simpler things in life, like religion and family.
Becca K Period 4
2/11/2014 09:25:53 am
I like how you mentioned that the characters glamorous lifestyles are starting to take priority over things we find important like family and religion. Going off of that, I find it interesting that they value these parties so much even though they have no meaningful significance. I agree that the bells could symbolize their greed for wanting to have lavish and over the top lifestyles. However, I think they are thankful for what they have. They just don't fully realize how lucky they are as well as how selfish and greedy their money is making them. But I do think they appreciate their great wealth.
Hannah B P1
2/11/2014 11:00:53 am
You make a good point with the idea that they appreciate their wealth but are blinded by its side effects. I never really took that perspective into mind because all I focused on was the party details described throughout the chapter so I automatically contrasted the wealthy's care free spirit to the suffering of the valley.
Jack M. 1
2/10/2014 10:19:10 am
This introduction to the chapter goes back to the Modernist idea of the spiritual debasement in society, because Fitzgerald pokes fun at how so many people attend this party, but no one really bothers to spend time at church. Fitzgerald shows this by saying "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn," which proves that this relates to the lack of a role religion is playing during this time, especially because he mentions " the world and its mistress," the world usually representing evil and material in the Bible, and mistress is sort of self explanatory. Through these short few lines Fitzgerald makes a powerful point about how far America has moved from its Puritan origin.
Matt C. 1
2/11/2014 09:23:00 am
I like your connection about how America has a Puritan origin, but I think it is important to mention the type of people who are not attending the church service. It shows that the rich are the ones who lose touch with God. It shows that the higher class citizens are the ones who commit more sins.
Hailey A. 2
2/10/2014 10:20:24 am
The church bells ring on Sunday morning because it is gods day, a day where everyone comes together and worships God. However, Fitzgerald refers to religion in this book as tainted and is always saying that God's eyes are always watching even though his people have forgotten about him. He starts with the bells in the chapter to show people the lose of religion the society has. For example, "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 65). The majority of the people at Gatsby's party will not attend church that morning.
Tyler S
2/10/2014 10:47:34 am
True Hailey, but could the public attending Gatsby's instead of church be a symbol of how high they see Gatsby. At this point no one truly knows who he is and it is part of the reason that they see him as such a great man and in a lot of these peoples case, skip such a normal thing such as church so that they can say that they were able to attend Gatsby's party.
Matt R period 2
2/11/2014 07:31:01 am
I have to disagree with you Tyler because i think there is little proof that people look up to Gatsby at all during the text. Nick obviously admires him, but several times he discusses how people go to the parties just to go, not caring one bit about meeting or even knowing the host. The party is the main aspect that is drawing people from the church, and Fitzgerald is commenting on the lack of values in the world.
Bakari C.
2/11/2014 01:20:25 pm
I almost feel as if you could argue both. I do think that the people who attend the parties think of Jay Gatsby in a sort of hierarchy position. They may not see him as equivalent as they see God but they do fighting worth talking about. They also find him worth missing church for. whether or not they see Jay as a religious figure, they have traded their traditions for a sort of new one. the argument could be brought up that this is not a tradition, but when Jordan sees people that she has met before there, it has become somewhat of a tradition. but it is agreed that the party is probably more of interest to most party guest. but even further, what Gatsby has to offer is also appealing. For instance, the gentleman who hangs around in the library doing the parties finds this liberating instead of actually going to find Gatsby. with the correct support, in my opinion, both arguments could be made.
Paulette D. 5th hour
2/10/2014 10:23:32 am
I think the church bells are a wakeup call aimed at the people that attended the party. They are meant to wake the party goers up to reality where these glamorous parties don't always happen. When the church bells rang, "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). I think that the "world" represents society and the "mistress" is the carelessness of the party goers. The fact that they are returning to Gatsby's house exemplifies that they will repeat their reckless behavior all over again, because there is nobody/ nothing stopping them from their bad habits. This represents how the U.S was before the stock market crashed .
Stephanie B; Period 5
2/10/2014 11:19:13 am
I think you make a very interesting point saying that the church bells are used as a "wakeup call" for the party goers. The guests who attended the party do not seem to hold any moral values or even care about their behavior or if they are hospitable guests or not, since they "paid [Gatsby]" merely with "the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about him" (61). However, while Fitzgerald seems to want the church bells to be a wake-up call, it does not appear to have any affect on the society Nick is currently living in, since people are turning their back on moral and religious values all for the sake of having a good time. So while the church bells' "purpose" or "goal" could be to bring the party-goers back to reality or make them see the errors of their ways, it does not seem to have the desired effect.
Paulette D. 5th Hour
2/10/2014 11:41:56 pm
I agree with you, Stephanie, about how the church bells do not bring the party goers back to reality because "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house" (Fitzgerald 61). The fact that they did not return home is a sign that they will never break their habits. I reread the beginning of the chapter before I realized that I stated that they came back to their realization. The authors purpose, I think, is that the people are arrogant and don't pay attention to their surroundings.
Bailey F p2
2/10/2014 10:27:12 am
I think that Fitzgerald starts off chapter 4 with the church bells ringing on a Sunday morning to represent the significance of going to church on Sundays like many people do. "The world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). I think that Fitzgerald is trying to show the reader that religion and church are not as important to people at this time period. They are all more concerned with going to parties and having a good time rather than being seen worshiping their religion. This also shows the loss of morals that the characters have and their change in priorities. Again, the church bells are ringing, but the people are ignoring them, and continuing to party at Gatsby's.
Miranda L Period 4
2/10/2014 11:09:17 am
I agree with you. I think that this scene shows the loss of morals in people during this time period and it also shows that religion is not anyone's first concern.
Ambreen m. period 1
2/10/2014 01:28:31 pm
I also agree with you, Bailey. Religion plays a very minor role in the lives of the people in the 1920's era. There are so many people condensed into what makes them feel happy and alive and they just want to live in the moment. They have no care for the consquenses of their actions.
Joe S Period 1
2/10/2014 10:32:02 am
Fitzgerald begins the chapter with church bells that can stand as a symbol for the party and pure morals. Within the paragraphs of the book Fitzgerald stresses the party and the occurrences at the party, all being opposite of holy morals and the pure truth. The ideas of life's true fundamental necessities seem to be pushed aside. As the "church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). Fitzgerald is implying that the people at the party have substituted importance and true holy values for artificial needs. The needs of the characters are seeking less important things rather than the spiritual fundamentals of life.
Amanna V. (Period 4)
2/10/2014 11:16:44 am
Joe, I agree with what you are implying. I like how you stated that the people who attended Gatsby's party have replaced their true moral/spiritual values with "artificial" ones. The characters are seeking a high off of enjoyment and partying, whereas they should be seeking that same feeling through more religious and acceptable outlets (such as going to church).
Jesse S. P.4
2/13/2014 12:38:24 pm
Well stated Joe, no other spiritual or moral values could replace the empty feelings within these people. In order to gain a full purpose of their lives, they would need to attend and worship god at the sound of church bells. Not worshiping Gatsby at the first sight of lights and music, as these people are unaware that Gatsby could care less about them, as the main party guest he seeks to attract is Daisy. Perhaps Gatsby is making these parties on sundays in order to draw temptation from Daisy(since she is catholic). Gatsby may want others to influence her into temptation to attend his party.
Anna W. 1st
2/11/2014 12:53:01 pm
I agree Joe!, The characters in this scene do not care at all about the fact that it is Sunday, which is a day supposed to be set aside for being holy. Their need to fulfill their shallow materialistic want overpowers any spirituality they might have left.
Ali Dorn P4
2/10/2014 10:34:06 am
" On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages along the shore the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house "(65) instead of going to Sunday morning church. Going to church in the 20's was very important to many people but the parties at Gatsby's are also very important to people as well. People went to the parties to have a good time and the fact that they were at Gatsby's home is a confident booster to some people. People would rather have others know that they were somewhere to make them self look better than show up to church which is important to many people.
Conrad
2/10/2014 11:06:00 pm
Solid answer. Burt don't let your ideas be ordinary. How does this relate to other things happening in the novel?
Ryan C p4
2/11/2014 09:33:41 am
Ali, I agree with your comments here. I also think that the church bells could have symbolic significance with the moral dilemma going on with Tom in the rest of the novel. Think about it, church is usually associated with morality, and all of the people at Gatsby's on that Sunday morning are not at church. This is not to say that people who don't attend church are immoral, but rather to use the church bells as a symbol for morality which is lacking in the group of individuals at Gatsby's on the Sunday morning.
Ali D. P4
2/11/2014 09:46:43 am
Ryan, I agree with you as well. I did not really think about morality. You can connect your ideas with mine and say even though these people did have morals what others think of them over power their own beliefs and want to be known as someone who attends Gatsby's extravagant parties. I do agree with your thoughts though.
Tyler S Period 4
2/10/2014 10:34:46 am
To first find the significance of this quote, Fitzgerald's purpose must be defined. He has made many biblical and religious references throughout the novel. What Fitzgeralds true purpose of the novel is, is to prove how fickle and careless society can be. Fitzgerald does this through religion with the church bells of chapter four but he also does it in chapter 3. When Lucille says, "I never care what I do, so I always have a good time" (Fitzgerald 29), it shows the carelessness that Fitzgerald is trying to show. Fitzgerald also uses Jordan referring to carelessness at the end of chapter 3. Jordan is talking about Nick when she says, "I hate careless people. That's why I like you" (Fitzgerlad 39). Again Fitzgerald does make the comment on the carelessness of society. Also, the fact that Nick, "cares" is a great trait for a narorrator to have. Nick takes time to learn about his friends and people he meets and readers are then able to understand more about the characters.
Harshita K:P1
2/10/2014 10:35:13 am
I think that chapter 4 opens with church bells to establish the lack of spiritual debasement that Fitzgerald uses throughout the whole story. This spiritual debasement has been the center topic of our discussions in class at the beginning of the novel. The fact that people were still partying at Gatsby's place through Sunday demonstrates the shift of morals and lack of integrity of the people.They would rather be party than spend some quality time with family at church.The, "bells ringing in the villages alongshore" (Fitzgerald 61). Shows the movement of time and plays a role to show how much of society has changed.
Ryan C. Period 4
2/10/2014 10:36:21 am
Chapter 4 opens with the sound of church bells and Nick listing the people who turned up at the Gatsby residence for his parties throughout the the summer that he "wrote down on the empty spaces of a timetable...it is an old timetable now... But I can still read the gray names and they will give you a better impression than my generalities of those who accepted Gatsby's hospitality and paid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about him" (Fitzgerald 61). This quote and the church bells sum up one of the points that the author is trying to make, that society is becoming more secular and that is a major contributor to the spiritual debasement of the Great Depression. The list of attendees goes on for about two pages, and most of them never even thought to even introduce themselves to their gracious host, largely because they just don't care enough to do so.
Corey J 5
2/10/2014 10:49:53 am
Fitzgerald tries to keep his piece to that initial idea of spiritual debasement. He writes, "On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages along shore, the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on the lawn" (61). They are going to Gatsby's for a Sunday party. This is ironic since church got out and they're already headed to party. This leads right back to the spiritual debasement idea.
Amanna V. (Period 4)
2/10/2014 10:50:48 am
After the over-the-top and extravagant party, Fitzgerald decides to start up the next morning by describing church bells ringing. This by itself has a lot of meaning to it. It was a Sunday morning, and the typical person would be at Church, although "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn." (Fitzgerald 61).This is almost a way for Fitzgerald to poke fun at the fact that these people, who hold themselves up so high and majestically, ended up "hilariously" on Gatsby's lawn instead of at church where they should have been. The people who attend Gatsby's party act as if whatever they say is morally right and that they do no wrong (based on how they even talk about their host Gatsby in such a foul manner), however the next morning they don't attend Church and decide to continue to party. This little snippet just shows how society isn't as connected to God or their religion as they used to be anymore; they are more concerned with partying and having a good time. They feel as if there are no consequences to their actions as long as they are having fun. However, no matter how hard they try to deny it, God is always watching over them.
Rachel VW Period 5
2/11/2014 11:41:10 am
What your saying here is basically what everyone kind of thinks, even now, you commit your sins Saturday and apologize for them Sunday. But since they are all still committing them on Sunday I definitely agree with the idea that Fitzgerald is making fun of them. I also feel, going along with the no consequence thing that maybe they don't think that the rules of society apply to them, that they are above everyone else and that they can do whatever they want.
Vasudha P Period 1
2/10/2014 10:54:30 am
Gatsby is holding a Sunday party. The ringing of church bells (good, righteous) is contrasted with “the world and its mistress” (immoral). When the church bells were ringing The people were still at Gatsby’s party. Fitzgerald does this to tell us their spiritual or community values are not nearly as important to them as having a good time and partying.
Jordan T. P. 4
2/11/2014 12:11:43 am
I agree with you. Ut do you also think the church bells have to do with the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy even Tom ? I see how they relate to how peoples value in religion has gone down and how they seem to not care about what people used to care most about. I think of you used the quote "the world and it's mistress" because that's exactly what the church bells signify.
Bailey F p2
2/11/2014 12:20:05 am
I agree with you Vasudha. I think that people are losing sight of their spiritual or community values and instead just partying/having a good time to themselves. Lucille speaks for many of the other characters back in chapter three when she states: "I never care what I do, so I always have a good time" (Fitzgerald 43). This shows that these characters have become more careless about how they are acting because they are having such a good time. I think it is very ironic that the church bells are ringing on a Sunday morning, but yet there are still people arriving at Gatsby's to party.
RF Period 2
2/10/2014 11:04:05 am
The Church Bells in the distance are used to show how far away from religion the people are that go to Gatsby's parties. "The world and its Mistress" (Gatsby 61) is added to that to say that they are not only skipping church but are partying with those who aren't their spouse. Married men are not with their wives and that is just another way Fitzgerald makes his point regarding the decline of religion.
DM period 4
2/11/2014 01:39:29 pm
I think that's a pretty accurate depiction of what the church bells mean as they are so far off but are still heard. As we discussed earlier Tom is openly cheating on Daisy with Myrtle with no worries of any repercussions. As he and the party guests both know they shouldn't be cheating on their wife or skipping church to go to a party and spend an intimate time with those who aren't their spouses just as you said. Gatsby I believe however, is to be the revival of religion in the sense that he wants to provide people with nice things, representing the somewhat if a moral stimulus of religion such as when Lucille tell nick and Jordan "I tore my gown on a chair, and he asked me my name and adress" and sends her the brand new one. In this case I believe Fitzgerald to actual be commenting on the fact that although society was straying from religion, that whatever god those who'd stayed from religion had worshipped would still be there to care for them.
Haley M period 4
2/10/2014 11:04:24 am
The first paragraph of chapter four helps Fitzgerald portray the idea of spiritual debasement, which is the removal of the morals and sentiment of people and society. "On Sunday morning while the church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). Even though church is going on the people of the city don't go to church, they return to Gatsby's house to continue the meaningless party. The morals of the people in society are fading and they are being pulled in by the temptations of the wrong, to fit into what they think is the right thing to do. Society is being spiritually debased and Fitzgerald expresses that through this paragraph.
Miranda L Period 4
2/10/2014 11:05:40 am
The opening scene is very significant to Fitzgerald's purpose because it shows the loss of interest or hope in religion. Instead of attending church on Sunday morning, people are still at Gatsby's party. People have decided to live life by having as much fun as possible. Everyone goes to Gatsby's parties to drown out the fact that none of them have done anything useful with their lives. Instead of being at church, "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on the lawn. " (Fitzgerald 61).
Alyssa Z. period 4
2/10/2014 11:08:55 am
I agree with you Miranda. As expressed back in chapter 3 by Lucille as she expresses how she never cares what she does so she always has fun, I feel that this carelessness is expressed through the people's choice of wanting to go party and have fun rather than attending church
Alyssa Z. period 4
2/10/2014 11:05:45 am
As Fitzgerald begins chapter four with the description of church bells being heard by all the villagers as well as "the world and its mistress returned to Gastby's house" it is obvious that it is a sunday morning and the sense of wrong doing is being committed. I believe Fitzgerald is presenting this wrong doing through the actions of the people attending Gastby's party rather than going to church. In life many people claim to be fully religious but do not attend church every sunday. I think Fitzgerald is presenting how the people in the novel are proving how one's actions speak louder than their words by their choice of choosing a party over church.
Stephanie B; Period 5
2/10/2014 11:07:38 am
Fitzgerald opens up chapter 4 with the description of church bells “[ringing] in the villages alongshore”, and “the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on its lawn” (61). Fitzgerald uses the imagery of the church bells ringing to represent the religious and moral values of society. However, while the church bells rang, Fitzgerald says the “the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house”, which a contrasting idea with the church bells. Church bells are generally associated with wholesomeness and purity in terms of spiritual goodness. In contrast, a mistress indicates that one is being unfaithful in a marriage, which is considered a sin in many religions. Fitzgerald’s mention of the word “mistress” introduces a negative element to the imagery he is already presenting of the bells, and his claim that the world has a mistress implies that the world as whole is sinning, or has become morally corrupt. He goes on to describe the guests who come to visit Gatsby over the summer, who “accepted Gatsby’s hospitality and paid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about him” (61). These guests take advantage of Gatsby’s hospitality and do not bother to express their gratitude in any shape or form, which reflects the time period preceding the Great Depression. During the time period, people usually did as they pleased and did not care about how they behaved, as long as they were having a good time, even if their actions were immoral. Gatsby’s company represents and forms the collective society that Fitzgerald is commenting on. For example, one of Gatsby’s guests, Ripley Snell, was “there three days before he went to the penitentiary, so drunk out on the gravel drive that Mrs. Ulysses Swett’s automobile ran over his right hand” (62). The guests he describes are portrayed as dishonorable people who do not have a strict set of moral values or a strong moral basis. He begins to nickname the different people that come to visit, such as the “Hammerheads” and “Beluga the tobacco importer” (62). His nicknaming of the people that come to visit Gatsby portrays his distaste toward the moral corruption that society has succumbed to.
Gillian C. P2
2/11/2014 06:36:03 am
I completely agree with you, Stephanie. Especially when you mentioned, "people usually did as they pleased and did not care about how they behaved, as long as they were having a good time, even if their actions were immoral." This reminds me of the party in chapter three when a guest, Lucille, stated, "I never care what I do, so I always have a good time"(43). This quote, along with the others you mentioned prove Fitzgerald's point in that society is increasingly becoming immoral.
Lizzy K, Period 4
2/10/2014 11:07:54 am
Chapter four begins with a description of church bells ringing in the distance, informing the reader that Gatsby and his party guests are not at church. The light that “… twinkled hilariously on his lawn” (Fitzgerald 61) could represent a god-like presence shining over the city, since it is the Sabbath, and laughing at the foolish acts that Gatsby’s party guests committed the night before. In chapter three, the guests were described to be treating the house like an amusement park, so perhaps God is looking at the events and Fitzgerald is foreshadowing the karmic events that will happen to them in the future.
Matt C. Period 1
2/10/2014 11:10:13 am
Chapter 4 opens by explaining the church bells on Sunday morning. Fitzgerald uses the church bells to put into perspective all of the sins happening a Gatsby's house. Everyone is still at the party Sunday morning, when they could be at church. One of the young ladies says, "Reach me a rose, honey, and pour me a last drop into that there crystal glass" (Fitzgerald 61). The young ladies are still at Gatsby's house partying and drinking, when they could be in church. Fitzgerald is trying to show all of the sins that take place at Gatsby's parties.
Brandon K 4
2/12/2014 12:10:07 pm
I agree with everything you said. You also mentioned one of the things that really stuck out to me. That is the fact of all those people drinking early on a Sunday morning. Its a given that parties may go late in the night or even early in the morning, but all of those people consistently drinking even through a Sunday morning seems a bit absurd and pretty indecent.
Tyler Kol 5
2/10/2014 11:23:33 am
The chapter begins with the ringing of church bells on a Sunday morning, the day where mass is held as if ignoring how previous society focused heavily on going to mass on Sunday, "the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). Fitzgerald Attempts to prove the spiritual debasement of religion and God. As Gatsby’s parties continue to grow, less and less people attend mass, and therefore lose their faith in religion. If people stop donating their time to religion, it is only a matter of time before those people begin to challenge their previous beliefs.
Corey J 5
2/11/2014 12:55:44 pm
Great comment Tyler, I had about the same thing. I found it so ironic how the church bells are ringing on a Sunday morning, and the people go to a party instead of going to church. It all toes back to that idea of spiritual debasement.
Kevin H P.4
2/10/2014 11:35:14 am
Going off of something I mentioned in class, about how Gatsby's house and his parties are a symbol for Heaven, with Gatsby being a God like figure, I think that the church bells could be reinforcing that. Here is why. If they were hearing the bells off in the distance, that means that they are not at church on Sunday, this could be because they have in a way moved on into heaven, which is symbolized by Gatsby's garden. Also, when Nick is reading off the list of guests that he took note of, he says "From East Egg, then, came the A Chester Beckers and the Leeches, and a man named Bunsen, whom I knew at Yale, and a Doctor Webster Civet, who was drowned last summer up in Maine" (Fitzgerald 61). The way that this line is worded makes it seem almost as if a man that had drowned was at the party, which would make sense because if you're dead, you would go to Heaven.
Morganne J p.5
2/11/2014 10:13:21 am
Wow, I didn't even think of this as a connection! It's pretty solid and has lots of evidence that is able to support it. I also found that exact same quote in the book, "who was drowned last summer up in Maine," (61) to be some what irrelevant to any outside connection, but your idea makes perfect sense. Another thought that can go along with yours, is in reference to the garden of Eden, and how life was supposed to be perfect for Adam, Eve, and God. Gatsby's parties seem to be the 'perfect' event for many people. A place to be carefree, as if one was already dead. Finally, a connection I also thought of refers to what Eve does in the garden; she partakes of the fruit and becomes imperfect in the eyes of God. I think that this connection can foreshadow to some degrading effects towards either Gatsby or his party guests.
Corey K. (period 5)
2/10/2014 11:48:08 am
Fitzgerald's edition of the church bells in chapter four play a significant roll when analyzing his purpose. Instead of going to church and continuing a generational tradition, the people return to Gatsby's house for another day of sin and party (61). Religion has become less significant and has lost importance in this society. People do not even wish to meet Gatsby and disrespect his house/party. Still at his house, "[The young ladies gossiped], moving somewhere between his cocktails and his flowers" (61). Society is becoming diluted with sin and his headed in the wrong direction as seen in the previous chapters. This idea coincides with the people of the Valley of Ashes who have forgotten "gods" all seeing eyes represented by the billboard.
Joe Sanchez
2/11/2014 09:10:38 am
I really like how you described the sins being the cause of society heading in the wrong direction. I also agree with you on your complex connection to gods eyes in the last sentence. "The young ladies gossiping" can also be a symbol for the gap of wrong from right, representing the difference between cruelty and true importance.
Andrea B. (Period 2)
2/11/2014 12:25:23 pm
I agree completely with what you're saying Corey. I think that the loss of religion is a reflection on all the partying people are doing and that society has lost its importance for it. Maybe think about the fact the it's possibly a reflection on their actions as well, such as the cheating. People usually of the catholic church (could tell by the ringing church bells) do not believe in the idea of adultery. and the losing of their religious values is showing in more ways than just the excessive partying.
Jordan T. 4
2/10/2014 11:52:21 am
The church bells to me represent importance but in the chapter Fitzgerald mentions about four deaths but from wealthy people. These people seem like they would have simple lives cause they can have what they like but like in today's world that is proven different "Muldoon who afterward strangled his wife". Think about the power someone would have to have backing them up in order to do this, and then ask why. I think this relates to Gatsby and his letter to Daisy that obliviously upset her, he was giving away the person he loved, killing part of him. I think so much happens in the chapter that to put it all together may be hard to do, the church bells can mean so much and so little.
Daniella A period 4
2/10/2014 11:58:37 am
As Fitzgerald begins chapter four, the church bells ring. With this, he is showing the loss of religion within society. As "the church bells rang in the villages along shore the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house..." (Fitzgerald 65). Fitzgerald is proving how they are still at Gatsby’s party. He does this to tell us their spiritual or community values are not nearly as important to them as having a good time and partying.
Andrea C. 2
2/11/2014 08:54:52 am
I agree with you because the church bells signify holiness and purity. Fitzgerald opens the chapter with the bells to give irony to the fact that the people are partying at Gatsby's and forgetting their values instead of focusing on bettering themselves at church.
Jennifer C. Period 1
2/10/2014 12:03:01 pm
Fitzgerald's use of the word "mistress" almost sounds as if people are compelled or feel obligated to attend Gatsby's parties. This would explain why many ignorethe sounds of church bells and "accepted Gatsby's hospitality and paid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about him" (Fitzgerald 61). In the pervious chapter, readers have established that the attendees of Gatsby's parties care little to nothing about what others think of them in order to live in the moment. This could also mean that they have abandoned religion because it can interfere with having a good time. The characters would much rather drink and gossip all about Gatsby than worry about other people's opinions and religion.
Jimmy M. P2
2/10/2014 12:06:19 pm
The Church bells on a Sunday morning are simply a direct reference to God. God would go to represent a clean and moral lifestyle in the context of The Great Gatsby. At the same time this image is being portrayed, "The world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house" (Fitzgerald 61). Fitzgerald paints a very clear picture of society loosing religion. Religion was, at one point, arguably one of the most important parts of society. Now Fitzgerald paints the image that society has not necessarily ignored it, but forgotten about it. The people can hear the bells all along the shore, but the people probably don't recognize it as anything more than a sound. Society stops prioritizing what is truly important and instead begins more of a "live in the now" kind of lifestyle.
Angel A. P5
2/11/2014 08:25:39 am
I agree with you completely, the church bells represent God and religion was a huge part of peoples lives. Now all of a sudden its forgotten. People are more focused on partying and beginning to lose faith in religion. they have complexly discarded what they have been doing for most of their lives, just to party.
Richard W. Period 5
2/10/2014 12:09:17 pm
Fitzgerald begins chapter 4 by saying, "On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). I think that he Fitzgerald begins the chapter in this manner in order to illustrate how the importance of religion was declining within the people of the 1920s, specifically within the East and West egg residents. Living lavishly was starting to take precedence over values that were once important. Absences from church were an indication that sinning was starting to become more widely accepted than ever before.
J Shea Period 4
2/11/2014 12:08:33 pm
I agree with what you said about the church bells representing people favoring Gatsby's party over going to church. However, I believe Fitzgerald's purpose was bigger than just pointing out people weren't going to church and were committing crimes. Fitzgerald being against organized religion himself, was probably trying to show that the people of the 1920's were just morally corrupted and not necessarily all sinners.
Stefan C. period 5
2/11/2014 01:45:55 pm
Jake, i agree with you in the fact that Fitzgerald was simply taking about not going to church, but i don't agree with how you said that the people in the 1920's were the ones being depicted. I think that Fitzgerald is trying to depict how life in America will end up based on how the twenties had gone along in history as the "roaring twenties".
Chris B 5
2/10/2014 12:10:41 pm
I believe that Fitzgerald is making a point once again about the disregard for religion that is shown because of these parties that people will lose their morals just because some money and some boos are thrown their way. Even the next day "On Sunday morning while the church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn"(61) The church bells are playing but instead of being at church they are recovering from hangovers on his front lawn. Just like the sign that watched over the town paying judgement to the sinners now the church bells ring over the drunks.
Josh S. 5
2/11/2014 01:58:52 pm
I completely agree with you Chris. The fact that there was such a contrast created, and how the mistress returned to Gatsby's house "and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" The word hilariously was used right after the reference to the church bells was made. This had a lot to do wit the Roaring 20's which is a connection that you could add on to your support.
Scott A. 5
2/10/2014 12:11:41 pm
Fitzgerald starts chapter four with church bells ringing on a Sunday morning, following that he wrote, "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn"(61). When the churchbells rang everyone that was worthwhile went to Gatsby's house drunk, Fitzgerald is trying to imply that society is shifting away from good and is heading down the wrong path. Religion is slowly fading in society, it was a Sunday morning instead of people going to church they went to Gatsby's house to party.
Costa D.
2/11/2014 12:49:18 pm
I totally agree and see your point that religion is fading in society. It is no coincidence that Fitzgerald included this part on a Sunday when religious and moral values are practiced. The fact that people attend Gatsby's party instead of church imply an artificial togetherness. In the context of the book, religion is considered the right path; people are disregarding it which is why I agree that Fitzgerald is commenting on society moving in the wrong direction.
Mark M. 5
2/10/2014 12:12:22 pm
Fitzgerald has shown religion as a dying practice multiple times throughout the novel, such as the valley of ashes. The sentence that opens chapter 4 saying that “On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the village along shore the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his house and lawn” was just another example of the modernist style of the debasement of religion.
Jimmy M P2
2/11/2014 01:56:56 pm
I agree with you to an extent. I think that Fitzgerald isn't trying to say that society is ignoring and/or denying religion, but just forgetting it was once a priority. If they stopped living in the moment they would have a moment to think about where their true values lie, but their lives are too fast paced for them to take the time to think.
Bri D. P. 2
2/10/2014 12:12:44 pm
Fitzgerald starts chapter 4 with church bells ringing on a Sunday morning. With this in mind, people would assume the morning was full of quietness and nothing but the truth and God. But, Gatsby’s guests are still partying from Friday night, showing readers that guests like to have fun instead of a clean conscience. People in this story have put a higher importance on looking good in front of people they don't know than church and their worship.
Paula R. Period 5
2/10/2014 12:14:05 pm
I think that Fitzgerald uses the church bells to reflect upon the recklessness of the party the nights before. Fitzgerald writes, "[o]n Sunday morning while church bells rang...the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on the lawn" (61). This passage can refer to the common holy day of church where families often go to a church and worship their beliefs. Rather than Sunday being celebrated for worship, people are instead using their Sunday to recover from the weekend of partying that they had just experienced. I also like how Fitzgerald inserted the word "hilariously", Fitzgerald channels through Nick to say that it is ironic that a day reserved for holiness and family, is used to recover from a night of drinking and wild choices.
Daisy O. Period 4
2/10/2014 12:15:18 pm
Fitzgerald is able to accurately show the the time period with just the first lines of chapter four. He introduces chapter four by stating that “On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages along shore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn” (50). The fact that people continue to party at Gatsby's on a Sunday while church bells are heard shows how everyone seems to be losing their religion. The idea of everything being okay as long as one is having fun is the idea of the roaring 20s. The sins made by society are overlooked. As Lucille stated in chapter three “I never care what I do, so I always have a good time” (37). People do not care if they do good or bad, they just want to enjoy themselves.
Mackenzie K. Period 1
2/11/2014 11:00:25 am
I would agree with you in that it gives the readers a knowledge of what day it is and also that it shows how society is over looking their sins, but I also feel that it goes a little deeper. I think that Fitzgerald is trying to tell the reader about the actual party-goers. They focus so much more on the materialistic things than their faith. Earlier in the story, Nick talks about how as he people start to drink they open up more and become happier. Gatsby's parties are getaways for the people from their every day lives. Usually people explain their faith as their getaway. I believe that this part of the story exemplifies the spiritual debasement.
Rachel VB (4)
2/10/2014 12:31:15 pm
Chapter four begins with Fitzgerald describing the sound of the church bells ringing in the distant. Usually, most people attend church on Sunday monings but instead "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). This helps Fitzgerald portray the idea that society has changed. It seems like the person with the most money is respected most and in this case higher than God. Gatsby is treated so highly because he has the money and gives thw people what they want.
Haley M (4)
2/11/2014 11:06:16 am
I like how you brought up the point that the person with money is wen higher than God. This is bringing forth a point that Gatsby can be seen as a God-like figure and many of the people look up to him, even when they have never met him before. Another connection between God and Gatsby is that the both allow people to come on their land as they please and they don't ask for much in return.
Kathryn Paul P2
2/10/2014 12:33:57 pm
I believe that Fitzgerald adds in the church bells as a symbol that religion is calling, but it just signifies morning has arrived to those at Gatsby's party. The fact that everyone just ignores the bells, because of their hung over state, details that people have found no time for religion, because all they want to do is party. I think that they have found an alternative way to express themselves and are trying to move past traditions to live in the moment.
Renick W. 1
2/24/2014 11:14:15 am
I really like how you say that it is religion "calling" the people back. I never would have thought about that, and it adds a whole new meaning to that section in the book.
Emylee F. Period 5
2/10/2014 12:37:41 pm
When chapter four opens up with "On a Sunday morning while church bells rang...the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled...on his lawn." (63) It is Fitzgerald implicating who he views society, although this is not directly quoted it can be inferred, due to the fact that religion is hidden mysteriously in many scenes of the book. As for example, talking about the eyes that watch over the Valley of Ashes, readers can imply that those are God's eyes, watching over everyone while everyone has forgotten about them. Fitzgerald is trying to get that sin is completely disregarded and it shows a major change in time. The 1920s itself held a huge shift in society and the roles of everyone. This is when women started exposing themselves more, sinning (such as smoking, drinking, and being more sexual) also when dating actually became more prevalent. I think Fitzgerald puts these religion ties into the scenes so that the readers can realize the shift, not directly, and see how society completely ignores it.
Chandler S. Period 5
2/10/2014 12:39:11 pm
I believe that Fitzgerald purposely gives us these little portions and ideas of a religious intuition in the societies that The Great Gatsby is set in. He did it with the idea of a billboard being a god in chapter two and now he gives it to us again. Right after he mentions church bells (a very sacred idea) he states "and the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house" (65) (a very in sacred place). Everybody who is everybody goes to these parties and gets hammered drunk on illegal alcohol because it takes place during prohibition and doesn't even think about it. Fitzgerald sets us up to think that while some people like Tom are out cheating, mostly everybody else going to church on a Sunday morning. However, then he hits is with how everybody is going to party and break the law. The whole society is rotten and unholy and it isn't until that moment do I believe that we start to develop that everybody in the society is like that not only certain parts.
Jack M 1
2/11/2014 08:48:49 am
I think that this idea is really interesting because not only are people ignoring the Church, but they are getting drunk with illegal alcohol, which I have to commend you for pointing out, because it was a significant time an America and I hadn't realized it. This could also relate to the comment made by a party-goer about Gatsby being a bootlegger. Astute observation Old Sport
Amber H. p4
2/11/2014 10:19:55 am
I agree with you Chandler. I believe that when someone starts read ing a novel the sort of see society as 'good' or the norm, but as you say, Fitzgerald drops hints that society isn't pure as it is supposed to be with the corruption due to lust and losing inhibitions because of alcohol. And even saying "the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house" instead of going to church, a place which is supposed to be pure and holy, and society is avoiding it because of their immoralness and immortality.
Zak D 2
2/11/2014 10:45:01 am
I agree with your idea about how the society is immoral and rotten. Even with the church bells, the people of the society are still corrupt and immoral people. They break the law and do not act like human beings, they act as animals.
Andrea B. period 2
2/10/2014 12:42:02 pm
In the beginning of the chapter, Fitzgerald opens with the ringing of the church bells. That automatically makes you think peaceful, nice Sunday morning spent at church. But in the story, it states, "while church bells rang in the villages alongshote, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house" (Fitzgerald 61). This is telling the audience that people are skipping church to continue to party, and they are losing their beliefs and traditions of attending the Sunday morning services to give their thanks. They are starting to take things for granted, and not having appreciation for things. I think the fact that people aren't going to church and having their morals also relates to the adultery that is committed between Tom and Myrtle. adultery is something that the church doesn't believe in or support, so this could also be related to the fact that people are partying rather than going to church on Sunday mornings.
TJ A.
2/10/2014 12:43:26 pm
I think the importance of this passage is that it solidifies the fact that Gatsby's parties and the whole party lifestyle has become more than just a special event for these people. It is now a way of life. The parties in a way become as pivotal in those peoples lives as religion and church, Klipsinger for example , "was there so often and so long that he became known as "the boarder"-I doubt if he had any other home" (Fitzgerald 62). Because of this, the church bells can also show the irony of them partying to replace the sanctity of religion.
Katelyn B Period 2
2/11/2014 10:29:10 am
I love how you go about stating that Gatsby's parties are now a new way of life for those people in the novel. It shows how the people in Long Island are replacing their moral values with materialistic goods and parties that they can escape from reality at by getting wasted. Faith seems to no longer play a significant role in these lives as everyone is focused on Gatsby's grand, luxurious parties that are high end and full of alcoholic beverages. Families are straying away from their religious practices and traditions to live in the moment instead and have fun, which can almost represent a foreshadow on Fitzgerald's idea of society becoming socially and financially corrupted as money and time is being wasted on Gatsby's weekly parties, hinting at the soon to be occurring depression.
Scott A. 5th
2/11/2014 10:36:24 am
Tj I agree with your interpretation of the scene. The people of the West and East Egg come to Gatsby's house to party, get wasted, and free the mind of the real world. They come to Gatsby's house to almost purify themselves of their troubles. The party is like a church service because it gives people hope and throws all the world's troubles away. The church bells represent how people are changing in a negative way.
Noelle S- Period 4
2/10/2014 12:47:34 pm
"On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (63). At the beginning of chapter 4, Nick tries to convince us that the roaring twenties were filled with moral decay by using the contrasting ideas of church, and the parties that take place at Gatsby's house. When we think of the image of church bells ringing on a Sunday morning, with people in a village going to attend service, we associate it with people who are morally sound. However, when Nick refers to the party attendees as "the world and its mistress," a sketchier group of people come to mind. Given the notoriety of Gatsby's parties, Nick persuades us that the moral indulgence taking place in the 1920's is unacceptable because while the bells are ringing, the people are still at Gatsby’s party. Fitzgerald does this to tell us their spiritual or community values are not nearly as important to them as having a good time and partying.
Anna W. 1st
2/10/2014 12:55:11 pm
The fact that it's Sunday morning, which is seen as a holy day, church bells are ringing, yet still these people are at Gatsby's house, and spreading rumors about him is significant to Fitzgerald's purpose, and his comment about people in society. These people could be at church or out being better people in society, but they're at Gatsby's place talking horribly about him, and still going to his parties. I think that Fitzgerald is commenting on how fake and unholy people were becoming.
Kathryn P P2
2/11/2014 12:49:08 pm
Anna, I completely agree with you. People in the society of the 1920's had no care in the world and began to lose some traditions. I think that with alcohol being outlawed and people's want for it, led them to do whatever it took to get some, like taking advantage of Gatsby.
Jake S 1
2/10/2014 01:04:36 pm
Fitzgerald uses church bells to further show how humanity had distance itself away from God and morality. It's not just the mentioning of church bells, but when Fitzgerald writes, "On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages along the shore the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn"(65) I believe he purposely brushes over the church bells in favor of describing everyone going to Gatsby’s house in order to get the reader to make the connection that people in the book are doing the same thing; which is skipping over religion, represented by the church bells in favor of short-term happiness which is represented by Gatsby’s house.
Zak D
2/10/2014 01:09:12 pm
The opening passage of chapter four goes as such," On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages along the shore the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (65). With these bells heard in the distance, it is apparent that God is still trying to reach into the lives of the citizens in the eggs. With Gatsby's party still in progress, it shows that fun and partying is more important to these misguided people than God is. The people of the eggs are too indulged in partying that they do not realize the immoral activity they are partaking in. God's influence in this novel is low and not apparent in the people of the eggs.
Jordan C 5
2/12/2014 12:02:22 pm
I agree partially with this comment. I do agree that God is trying to poke His head into the situation, but I don't think he's necessarily trying to make a difference. With all real world religious thoughts aside, the fact is that religion in the story isn't necessarily prevalent as you had stated. However, if that is the case, then Fitzgerald's purpose wouldn't necessarily imply God is trying to make a difference in the citizens of the eggs. I think by intentionally pushing God out of the picture, the bigger idea is that religion is technically non existent, not trying to fight for a spot in the hearts of the Eggs' citizens.
Yousuf A Period 5
2/10/2014 01:09:13 pm
The ringing of church bells normally signal the start of mass at a church, where people are expected to be praying. Although, the opposite occurs as people are still at Gatsby's party. It's important for Fitzgerald's purpose because he wants to portray the people no longer live religious lives, but secular ones. This is the key as the people lose their morals, "'He's a bootlegger,' said the young ladies" (Fitzgerald 61). These people begin to gossip about Gatsby even at his own party and don't have a filter whatsoever. They believe partying is much more important than learning morals and going to church as well as their disappearing values.
James J 2
2/11/2014 10:32:41 am
I agree with you on this comment. The church bells represent the concept of religion and good morals. In the people choosing Gatsby's party over going to church , Fitzgerald shows the readers how the people of the Roaring 20s chose a wild life style over a moral one. Not only do they ignore the church bells; I feel that by adding the phrase, "and twinkled hilariously on his lawn," (Fitzgerald 61) Fitzgerald implies that the people take religion as joke, and have no moral conscious at all.
Alexis B. Period 1
2/10/2014 01:11:34 pm
I think Fitzgerald is referencing the religious aspect, and the overall decrease in influence religion has had on society. I think the idea of mentioning church bells show that people would rather go to parties, such as Gatsby's, than church. Fitzgerald says, "On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages along shore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn”(Fitzgerald 58). I also think the church bells are symbolic in a way. People tune out the sound of the bells, like they tune out the idea of religion and try and replace this sound with something not as traditional.
Emylee F. Period 5
2/11/2014 11:14:13 am
I really love the connection you made with the church bells' sounds being something people typically ignore. Personally, I know I tune those sounds out and it fits perfectly with the way people were reacting...or a lack of reaction to religion. But, what do you believe that Fitzgerald is trying to reference when it comes to the eyes that watch over the Valley of Ashes? & the only thing that I don't know how to react to is how you said that "...replace this sound with something not as traditional." Are you saying the parties are the nontraditional sound or something else?
Ambreen M. p 2
2/10/2014 01:11:34 pm
The church bells which are used to introduce chapter four, doesn't really show a significant meaning at first but as you read on you realize what Fitzgerald is trying to hint to us readers. Partying starts on Friday and goes on till saturdays and Sunday is a day where people go to pray and worship at church, however "on Sunday morning while bells rang in the village and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn". (Fitzgerald ch 4). This shows how little these individuals have concern for anything beneficial and religious and only have value towards the worldly desires
Ambreen m.
2/10/2014 01:24:55 pm
Period 1***
TJ A. 2
2/11/2014 08:12:50 am
This makes sense but also look at the people specifically. If you notice, each of his guests have an internal problem. Like how Klissinger basically lives there and Henry Palmetto who killed himself later on. I think the purpose of the church bells combined with the peoples' description is Fitzgerald showing them taking it one step further: rather than simply push away church they are replacing church with the parties.
Bri D.
2/11/2014 11:54:43 am
I agree completely with TJ. You have to look at the deeper meaning and see what people actually are like on the inside, instead of the simple fact that people like to party. Disregarding church is one thing, but it's a combination of that and what internal problems the characters have.
Justin C
2/10/2014 01:18:50 pm
I feel that Fitzgerald opens with, " On a Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (61), because he is trying to show how important Gatsby's is. Fitzgerald tries to show that Gatsby's is so important and such a huge character, that the world as a whole seems to be more interested in Gatsby's than it is in god's house. Just like in the valley of ashes, I believe that Fitzgerald is trying to make another connection with god.
Trevor K 4
2/10/2014 01:19:02 pm
The church bells ringing represents a possibility for moral strength. However, strong morals and values are greatly disregarded in this time period and people go on without even considering going to the church. The world is too busy partying and living lives with little meaning. The moral and spiritual depravation is evident throughout the novel. An example is when Lucille says, "I never care what I do, so I always have a good time" (43). Lucille resembles how many acted in the time period. Fitzgerald is trying to point out the lack of a foundation of morals. Another related instance is the story is when Tom convinces Myrtle that, "[Daisy] is a Catholic and they don't believe in divorce" (33). This relates to the unheard church bells because it shows that Tom does not see religion and honesty as a big deal. He is willing to lie and be morally corrupt to fulfill his own desires.
Lyssa L period 4
2/10/2014 01:20:58 pm
I think the line "On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" simply stating that the contrast between those who still regularly attend church, and those who would rather take part in the partying lifestyle, exists (Fitzgerald 63). It doesn't necessarily have to entail that society is descending in its morals, because those who do attend parties can still be church goers. What I think Fitzgerald is trying to illuminate that the contrast didn't exist years proceeding Gatsby or the 1920s. It was expected that everyone and their families attended church. But now people are finding their own ways of life and discover other ways to spend their time. To some, they would rather go to a party of a total stranger, than to go to church. Fitzgerald is mainly trying to open the readers eyes to this society of people in the 1920s.
Jelani P p.2
2/10/2014 01:29:34 pm
The church bells in Gatsby party day are contradictory because Sunday is considered a holy day, but it is spent frolicking in wealth and partying. Much of Fitzgerald's point behind the book is to highlight the attitudes and hypocrisies of the upper class. Many of the people at his party go every week but go on gossiping about Gatsby being a bootlegger or murderer. Fitzgerald offers many contradictions throughout the novel to leave readers questioning the solidity of the characters and novel as a whole.
Stefan C. Per. 5
2/10/2014 01:48:50 pm
With the quote at the opening of chapter 4, "On Sunday morning while the church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn". I believe that the second part of this quote is the most important part, relating back to the modernist idea of spiritual debasement. I say this because on Sunday, a day which is supposed to be dedicated to god, people are just waking up from or leaving from a massive party from the night before, and the bells remind us where they should be, church. Also, for this having been written in the early 1900's it is a pretty accurate depiction of how spiritual debasement is occurring in todays society.
Chris Q
2/11/2014 10:27:53 am
I agree. We also see how wealth has taken precedence over morality. It is believed that Gatsby is involved in shady deals and later on we find out he is. The church bells, like Gatsby's conscience, are off in the distance while he participates in his underground activity.
*Chris Q 1
2/11/2014 10:32:15 am
Casey D
2/11/2014 12:12:11 pm
After reading your comment I think that I overlooked the significance of the second part of the quote. When the novel states that the world and its mistress " twinkled hilariously on [Gatsby's] lawn" (65) it means that society does not take morals, which is synonymous with religion, seriously anymore. Additionally it is referring to the consequences society will face for not taking morals and religion seriously earlier in their life. Although the people at Gatsby's make enjoy themselves at the party during the night, they will have to come to terms with their lack of respect towards other people, themselves, and God in the afterlife i.e. the lawn. Although skipping church may seem as a minor thing in today's society, in the 1920s a person's religiously was connected with their character as a human being.
Trevor B P5
2/10/2014 01:55:28 pm
The church bells ringing on a Sunday morning at the beginning of chapter four could be Fitzgerald trying to get across the significance of religion in the era. He shows how during this era people were not as concerned about religion and church as the eras before, but rather living their life by going to parties and having a good time. "The world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). The church bells are being ignored at the party. People would rather have the gratification of the party than the spiritual gratification of church, assuming they're religious.
Caleb S, Period 5
2/10/2014 01:56:22 pm
I think Fitzgerald’s purpose of adding the “church bells” was to remind the readers of the decrease of religion throughout the novel. He puts it in at the beginning of chapter 4 right as people of “the word and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house…” I think he uses the word “mistress” because a mistress is a sinful person. Which could be Fitzgerald’s way of hinting to us that Gatsby house is full of sin and sinful people and people committing sinful acts, just as a mistress does. Also it seems like Fitzgerald is pointing out how many people do not go to church. They choose to go to Gatsby’s parties and “[twinkle] hilariously on his lawn”.
Casey Dowdle 4
2/10/2014 01:57:47 pm
The church bells ringing in the beginning of the passage are very representative of Fitzgerald's purpose in the novel to address the spiritual emptiness of the new era. The church bells address how insignificant and shallow the lives of the people at the party really are, devoid any true meaning or purpose. They live day by day rather than thinking about the bigger picture
Mark M. 5
2/11/2014 11:36:47 am
I completely agree with this point because the spiritual emptiness was a key factor pointed out in the textbook over modernist writers. They point out spiritual debasement which changed the way people viewed life back in that era.
Eric F 3
2/10/2014 10:53:02 pm
The church bels ringing at the beginning of the passage are representative of religion and its place in the era. The bells ringing in the villages alongshore shows how though the voice od god may connect with smaller, more traditional people or places, in the city tbey may as well not be ringing at all. Also, the fact people head ftowards Gatsby's on a sunday morning may say something aboit their feelings toward him.
Shelby D 5
2/11/2014 11:45:02 am
I agree with you that the church bells are definitely a representation for religion. However I believe the main focus of the church bells was to show loss of morals within the society. The people at Gatsby’s party can hear the church bells yet they continue to “[twinkle] hilariously on his lawn” (Fitzgerald 50). The church bells, instead of reminding them of the purity of religion, do not even faze them.
Rachel VW Period 5
2/11/2014 12:39:55 am
I think with the use of church bells in the fourth capter, it is enforcing the idea of spiritual debasement like we had talked about earlier in the novel. I think it is very ironic whereas it kind of goes against all the events that happened previously throughout the book. Most easily, Tom and Myrtle's affair.
Caitlin C 2
2/11/2014 10:11:05 am
I believe that through that quote, Fitzgerald is eluding to the fact that the sort of people we’ve met so far, mainly Gatsby’s guests have little to no care for God. He isn’t a main priority in their lives, and this has to do with the time period, as shiny new inventions and the era of flappers was upon the people, religion was pushed farther from the subconscious, and society’s main focus was on doing whatever it took to be happy. For Tom it was cheating, for Daisy is was pretending. I think back to the billboard, “But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground” (Fitzgerald 24)The eyes are described as an ever-watching entity that is rarely paid attention. It’s almost as though Fitzgerald is hinting that God is those eyes that have been forgotten, but still continue to watch anyways. I think that by bringing up the fact that church bells are ringing, Fitzgerald is lacing the text with remnants of religion.
Kelly
2/11/2014 11:17:08 am
The church bells are representing the presence of church in society. Usually they are heard to remind people to go to church because it is about to start. One would think that as the bells went off, they would go to church now. However in the novel as the church bells go off, no one makes any hurry to go to church. Instead they go on with their day and lives and ignore the bells. As stated in the novel, "while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn."(Fitzgerald 65).
Imani B. 5
2/11/2014 12:54:15 pm
I thought the passage was important to Fitzgerald's purpose because I think its symbolizes the loss of religion within the community. People are still at Gatsby's parties going into Sunday instead of worshiping whatever religion they are a part of. Fitzgerald says, "On sunday morning while church bells ring in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn." (p. 61) I think the church bells represent Gatsby's parties being a heavenly event and highlighting Gatsby as a God-like figure, which I also feel is immoral.
Bakari C.
2/11/2014 01:11:35 pm
I think that the reference to the church bells has more significance to the meaning initially behind it. I believe that the setting in which the church bells ringing are placed is completely necessary to look at. It says that the church bells ring along the shore. Gatsby's house is along the shore just as much as the church seems to be. these two places are put in the same setting and people are still going to Gatsby's house. this "problem" is an example of the people the time do not wish to attend tradition and rituals as they once did. It shows how there is a new agenda that Gatsby has created. not only has this is agenda been followed by the people who are at the parties, buy Gatsby has his own agenda as well. Seeing as each party that he has given is intentional because of his love for Daisy. We can all see this through the quote " the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house". this shows the amount of people who do go to the events, as well as what kind of actions are taking place on the Lord's Day.
Richard Webb Period 5
2/22/2014 10:13:03 am
Bakari, I agree that the church bells really do posses a deeper meaning. Fitzgerald uses them as a symbol to illustrate how the importance of religion was declining within the people of the 1920s, especially within the people of East and West Egg. I also like how you referred to Gatsby's parties as a "new agenda."
Brandon K. 4
2/12/2014 11:58:00 am
When Fitzgerald says " On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages along the shore the world and it's mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn"(65) it is serving two primary purposes. The first is a somewhat simple set of scene and time to give more perspective to the description that is happening. The second part is to show how people have changed during this modernist era of industry and the American dream of getting rich. One of the changes that has been mentioned a lot is the transfer from morals and decency to living in the moment no matter what. I also believe that this is reinforcing how meaningless each individual is in the party. Church is intended to be a tight knit community of support where people all know each other and help each other. So instead of being in that community, they are all Mr. Mumbles and random people that are just there to be there.
Jordan C. P5
2/12/2014 11:58:21 am
Church bells are significant to Fitzgerald’s purpose in order to further describe the immorality and debasement of spiritualism that the human race has embraced. This just so happens to be a characteristic of modernism as well. For example, just after describing the church bells ringing on a Sunday morning, Nick continues to go on about the massive amounts of people who are ignorant to the whole idea of church and just go back to Gatsby’s house in order to party, “…the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby’s house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn” (61). The first part of this quote debases religion by cheating on God with “its mistress,” in other words, anything that isn’t religion such as partying, drinking, etc. Considering this is a modernist book and that spiritual denial is a key characteristic of modernism, it’s clear that this passage reassures the previous writing and sets up the rest of the book to continue to debase religion give a different perspective on the characters in this book and their selfish struggles.
Jesse S. P.4
2/13/2014 12:32:10 pm
Sunday is the day of the week where average citizens typically attend church, however with the continous spiritual debasement occuring in this era, they are easily distacted from their morals regading relgion. The world is much more interested in the fact that the famous Gatsby is throwing a luxorious party. "the world and its mistress returned to Gatby's house". The qoute essentialy implies that Gatsby is the "world" to the people that attend these festivities, nothing else poses as having as much significance than Gatsby.
Mahia P - Per. 1
2/24/2014 08:20:07 am
Chapter 4 of the book begins with the sentence, "On Sunday morning while church bells rang in the villages alongshore, the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's house and twinkled hilariously on his lawn" (Fitzgerald 61). Up until this point of the book, the concepts of religiosity and spirituality have not really come up at all. The ringing of the church bells represents that. The rest of this quote, however, represents the focus of the people - which is very materialistic. This quote shows that even through the Sunday morning tolls of the bells, people are right back at Gatsby's house, partying. It represents the fact that any forms of spirituality and religiosity are overshadowed and not a focus at all.
Renick W. 1
2/24/2014 11:12:48 am
This is the first reference of any sort towards religion and the spiritual debasement that Fitzgerald is commenting on. It states that, "The world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's" (Fitzgerald 61), proving that many people were attending these parties instead of attending the regularly scheduled church service. The only other possible mention to God or religion is how Fitzgerald uses the eyes above the Valley of ashes, but thats not a straightforward mention.
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