In chapter four of The Great Gatsby two stories are told. Gatsby tells Nick of his past and Jordan tells Nick of Daisy's. How do these revelations change the novel and characters as you have been reading them to this point? Be sure to explain your ideas with quotes from the text. If necessesary, go back and reread previous passages for a new understanding.
Jordan C. 2
2/10/2014 06:24:24 am
These two stories of both Gatsby and Daisy before the current time change the path of the novel now as well as our understandings as readers who these characters are. Nick being the type of character that follows the motto, "whenever you feel like criticizing anyone...just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had" tells characters such as Gatsby that it's okay to open up about a troubled past very openly with him knowing he will not judge you. We as readers find that Gatsby was a man who tried his best at everything and succeeded at his best especially in the army. While Daisy's story elaborates on who Daisy really is inside. She is a free spirit that at one point in her life loved Gatsby and he truly loved her, but when Gatsby seemed to go to war and then come back their relationship changed especially for Daisy. Daisy agreed to marry Tom but something in a letter made her distraught on the thought of having to marry Tom. I believe that the letter had to do with Gatsby because if you truly love two men equally at one point one will out weigh the other causing almost a hole in her heart and I feel as though that man was Gatsby. So I believe that we learn from these back stories that these two characters at some point in time were in love but now they are not which might lead to a new understanding of these characters.
Caitlin C 2
2/11/2014 11:12:43 am
Great comment Jordan, I agree with you and your opinions. I would just like to add that I believe that Daisy looked for Gatsby in everyone she met after him. Fitzgerald wrote that, "After that she didn't play around with soliders any more, but only with a few flat-footed, short-sighted young men in town, who couldn't get into the army at all" (Fitzgerald 75) You had mentioned that Daisy had a hole in her heart for Gatsby because nothing/no one she found was ever quite like him. Through this, we see a vulnerable side of Daisy, not the pretend innocence she's put up thus far, but an actual side of human uncertainty that further develops her as a character.
Jen M. P1
2/12/2014 09:29:46 am
I have to disagree with you slightly Caitlin. I think this chapter does reveal a vulnerable side of Daisy that we've only had a brief glance at up till this point. Her strained relationship with Tom gains a bit more background, and we learn more about her personally through this background knowledge. However, I don't think her choice to date "flat-footed, short-sighted young men in town, who couldn't get into the army at all" really means she was constantly looking for Gatsby. At least, not in that manner. These men sound so completely different from the person Daisy had truly been in love with, that I think she was actually trying to put off on finding someone like Gatsby, until the real Gatsby could come home to her. She most likely thought of him all the time, but I don't think she was searching him out in the men she chose to replace him with, necessarily.
Shivam P. period 5
2/12/2014 11:43:19 am
I like your use of Nick in your response and how he shows gatsby that it is okay to open yourself up to him. By following the advice given to his father on critiquing people he allows Gatsby to open himself up even if what he says might not totally be the truth.
Chris Q. 1
2/10/2014 10:51:26 am
These revelations give new depth to once perceived, one-dimensional characters. We originally think of of Daisy as ditsy and sad. Through Jordan Baker's story we see Daisy was conflicted by love earlier in her life. She met the young Gatsby and he looked at her "in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at" (Fitzgerald Ch 4). Her choice of marrying Tom Buchanan for wealth instead of Gatsby leads to her unhappiness. This lost love is what drives Gatsby to partake in shady business deals to gain wealth in the hopes he can somehow win Daisy with his money.
Matt R period 2
2/12/2014 09:41:48 am
I disagree with you Chris because i think Daisy still seems to be the ditsy woman she was in the beginning. Nick says a joke about her chaffeur's nose which goes over her head, and the information about her past truly reveals her character. Daisy only cares about money, and used it as the only selling point for marrying Tom. Also, now that Gatsby has money, he is suitable to marry Daisy, but was not before. The reader's view of Daisy becomes somewhat shallow, and she still is portrayed as being ditsy with Nick. Fitzgerald exemplifies her coinciding with society's value in money.
Chris Quinlan
2/12/2014 10:58:39 am
I am not saying that Daisy is no longer shallow, I am saying that her marriage decision earlier in life causes the reader to look at Daisy in a different light. We see that she little self-respect because she does not confront her husband on his affair. She believes money will bring her happiness when in reality it can not make up for her husband's infidelity. She is a prime example of how money can not buy happiness.
Lyssa L 4
2/12/2014 01:09:51 pm
I slightly disagree with you both because I think that there is more to what Daisy wants than just money because of the one night before her wedding with Tom, she is really drunk and really sad. She is crying Jordan and tells her to, "'Tell 'em all Daisy's change' her mind…' She wouldn't let go of the letter. She took it into the tub with her and squeeze it up into a web ball, and only let me leave in the soap dish but she saw that I was coming to pieces like snow" (Fitzgerald 77). This exhibits Daisy's true feelings for Gatsby, and is when the readers figure out that they were really in love. Even though she had picked Tom for his money, she was very regretful and wanted to love Gatsby regardless of his money the night before her wedding. She was falling apart like the letter because of the decision she made and has to endure since she has a child to care for and can't just have a measly divorce with the child's father. Daisy isn't as shallow as she first appeared to be.
Imani B. 5
2/12/2014 01:33:31 pm
I have to agree with Chris because he wasn't saying that we don't see Daisy as a ditz now like we did at the beginning, I think he was saying that that isn't our only perception of her now.
Kelsey J 1
2/10/2014 09:50:34 pm
After we learn of Daisy's and Gatsby's past it is plain to see that the two had once loved each other before Gatsby went to war. That fact that we learn this information and then proceed to hear Jordan say "'if you'll invite Daisy to your house some afternoon and then let (Gatsby) come over'" (Fitzgerald 78) may lead us to believe that the next part of the story will be about Gatsby and Daisy meeting once again at Nick's house. This event may lead to a change in plot.
Hailey A. 2
2/12/2014 10:16:30 am
I totally agree with you, I see Gatsby and Daisy meeting coming in the near future. However, do think that they will meet at Nick's or at one of Gatsby's parties? I know that Gatsby has been trying to get her to come to one of his extravagant parties, or at least thinking about it. I guess the real question is, which one will she attend first?
Bri D.
2/12/2014 01:06:12 pm
I agree with both of you. I see then coming together and meeting again soon. I do not think it matters where they meet, just as long as they do again. This is because regardless of where they are, they will still be talking to one another.
Jen M
2/10/2014 09:55:08 pm
Chapter four, despite the slow start, reveals very important background information about not only Gatsby and Daisy, but characters that I first believed to be very flat, and are in reality are turning out to be pretty round. We gain insight on both Gatsby and Daisy when we learn of their shared past, and their obviously romantic connection. The fact that Daisy was found "packing her bag one winter to go to New York and say good-by to [Gatsby] who was going overseas," unlike with all of the other soldiers Jordan insinuates she dated, really displays a higher sense of affection between the two. We see more depth in Gatsby, an emotion and a personality other than the reserved, collected party host we've come to know; and we also learn of a possible reasoning for Daisy's unhappiness in her current relationship with Tom. But Jordan, the one who was close enough to Daisy to tie everything together, and trusted enough by Gatsby to share this newfound information with Nick, has suddenly gained her own amount of depth. She is no longer just a character on the sideline, but a key component to gaining information on the two protagonists.
Harshita K p:1
2/12/2014 07:16:22 am
Great Comment Jenn, I agree with you and your intake on the chapter. This chapter reveals very important background information about Gatsby and Daisy.
There are obvious connections between him and Daisy, we come to know the motives behind his actions and why Daisy is so upset. As discussed in class, when Daisy" took the letter into the tub with her and squeezed it up in a wetball...it was coming to pieces like snow"(Fitzgerald 76). You kind of mentioned how Her relationship with Tom will never compare to what she had with Gatsby, her like is literally falling to pieces without Gatsby.Through this, we see a different side to Daisy, not the pretend innocence she's put up thus far, but an actual side that further develops her as a round character.
Maddy b 2
2/12/2014 11:18:24 am
I totally agree with you. Jordan is no longer just a assistive character but rather servers as Gatsby's link back to daisy. Just like Jordan Nick is the sam way. Gatsby realizes that daisy won't choke to one of his parties so he will use they see daisy. And this entire chapter brings to light thecharacters true colors. Gatsby As loving and loyal and as unfaithful
Jordan T. p. 4
2/11/2014 12:16:47 am
Chapter four reveals a lot about Gatsby and I feel like it describes who he is in absence because now do we see why he throws these parties and why he acts the way he does. Daisy on the other hand I feel like we may have never known because of the way she carries herself.
"...without so much as a shiver, and started off on a three months' trip to the south seas". Going back to when she married Tom, we see that it hasn't affected her on the outside but I feel like in the chapters to come there may be a revelation in Daisy caused by the return of Gatsby her first true love.
Kelsey Jones
2/11/2014 05:49:30 am
On the other hand, I believe that what has happened to Daisy has affected the way she acts. Later on in chapter five Nick tells Daisy to come over for tea and says "'Don't bring Tom.'..." only to have Daisy say "'Who is 'Tom''" (Fitagerald 66). Had Daisy been able to stay with Gatsby I highly doubt she would have taken a comment to 'not bring her husband' so lightly. Although Daisy's over all image might have been similar, little things that she does absent mindedly might have changed very much so.
Lizzy K, P4
2/11/2014 09:31:21 am
While events with him in the past definitely shaped Daisy, I don't believe that she loved Tom the way she loves Gatsby. In chapter five, Daisy refers to Gatsby as "Jay", his first name, which is a sign of a close relationship since everyone else refers to him as Gatsby. She absentmindedly calls him this, not realizing that her alteration of his name changes so much in the story.
Mary K
2/12/2014 01:36:02 pm
I kind of agree with you. I don't really think Daisy really loves anything. I personally think she's just in love with wealth. In the novel, she's barely able to conduct any stimulating emotions towards Gatsby or Tom. She could be doing one thing, and thinking another. I think she'll be in love with anyone that can make her more wealthy.
Bailey F p2
2/11/2014 12:34:28 am
After we were informed about the past lives of Daisy and Gatsby, we can infer that there was some connection between the two before Gatsby left for war. Gatsby tells Nick to invite Daisy over to his house for tea and let him come along as well. This is so that Gatsby can be reunited with her. He is afraid because it has been so long since they have seen eachother. We also find out that "Gatsby bought that house so Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). Across the bay is also the green light that Gatsby always looks at, and that green light is the porch light of Daisy's house. It is quite obvious that Gatsby's feelings for Daisy overwhelm him, and he cannot stand not being away from her. We can infer at this point that Daisy and Gatsby will meet up again and maybe they will find the connection that they once had before. If this event occurs, there may be a chnage in plot and feelings of the characters.
Emily F 5
2/11/2014 08:35:17 am
I agree with what you said about how Gatsby and Daisy will probably meet each other again and find some connection. I believe that Daisy and Gatsby reuniting will change the plot and the way the readers feel about the characters. I also believe that just by knowing the stories of the character’s past, the reader will be able to better understand and change how they feel about the characters. We now know the motives of Gatsby and the reasons for why Daisy is so unhappy. Knowing about Gatsby’s past can help us understand why he does the things he does. It causes us to question if the things that Gatsby does is for personal gain (Daisy) or just to be a good person.
Stephanie B; Period 5
2/11/2014 10:03:40 am
I completely agree with you about how the revealed connection between Gatsby and Daisy has helped us obtain a better understanding of the characters. I like how you mentioned the green light and how Gatsby always observes it. I feel that the green light represents the green light of a traffic sign, that acts as a motivator for Gatsby to try and reestablish that connection he once had with Daisy. I would like to think that somehow Gatsby and Daisy end up together but the grim tone of the novel makes me think otherwise. I feel that Fitzgerald is foreshadowing a darker turn of events for all of the characters. His use of the Valley of Ashes at the beginning of chapter two symbolizes a wasteland that society has made for itself. It is a sinister place and from Fitzgerald's description, it appears to be irreversible, or extremely difficult to change. I feel that future events will take a turn for the worst and anything of value, including relationships will be destroyed and all that's left will be the ashes.
Vasudha P Period 1
2/11/2014 11:22:56 am
Bailey I had the same observations as you. I feel like by bringing up the past of both Daisy and Gatsby plays a major role in character development. For example when Jordan says "Wild rumors were circulating about her--how her mother had found her packing her bag one winter night to go to New York and say good-by to a soldier who was going overseas" (Fitzgerald 75). There is nobody other then Gatsby that could be a soldier. The love and innocence is portrayed throughout the novel. As for Gatsby, he is one to "drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me" (Fitzgerald 67). Gatsby tries to run away from anything and everyone that runs in is direction, which does not really help, but really tells a lot about his personality. He ran away from Daisy, and it took him forever to get back to her. Even with this, he has to use both Nick and Jordan. He is indeed a weak man.
Tyler S Period 4
2/11/2014 12:36:59 am
The revelations by Gatsby and Jordan are very important to the novel. Some of the mystery of the characters are solved. What I had thought of Daisy, being a sad and helplessly stuck in marriage woman, is confirmed. Daisy knew she'd be un-happy her marriage and this is proved when Jordan goes to talk to Daisy before she gets married and and cried before the bridal dinner. She knows she'll be unhappy with Tom and maybe realizes she misses the time she spent with Gatsby when she worked with the Red Cross. With Gatsby, Fitzgerald makes him sound like such an amazing man but also realistically portrays him and doesn't make his past events seem too far-fetched. Also we learn that the two characters have met before and that there is some sort of connection between the two.
Alexis B. Period 1
2/12/2014 05:50:17 am
I agree that the mystery of some of the characters are solved, but I don't necessarily think she knew she would be unhappy with Tom. I think instead the scene with Jordan was showing an internal conflict with Daisy, and whether or not she should wait for Gatsby or marry Tom. Jordan explains that Daisy pulled out the pearls and said, "Take em downstairs and give em back to whoever they belong to" (Fitzgerald 81). Daisy was willing to return the expensive pearls as a way of showing her unwillingness to the marriage. Overall, I agree with your point that the scene gives depth to one dimensional characters, but I think showing an internal conflict between money and happiness was the real cause of the scene.
Megan J P4
2/12/2014 07:39:55 am
I also thought of Daisy as a sad woman stuck in an unhappy marriage, which was proven true in this chapter. However, I think that Fitzgerald does make Gatsby's past events seem too far fetched. After his family died and he "came into a good deal of money", Gatsby spent time " in all the capitals of Europe collecting jewels, chiefly rubies, hunting big game, painting a little..." (Fitzgerald 66). Nick recognizes that this seems too far fetched that he had to "restrain my incredulous laughter" from an image of Gatsby "leaking sawdust at every pore as he pursued a tiger through the Bois de Boulogne" (66). While some aspects of Gatsby's past could be proven true, like the war and Oxford, other aspects were lies/ far-fetched exaggerations. I think Fitzgerald does this, along with introducing Wolfsheim, to hint that Gatsby's origin of wealth might be from crime.
Andrea B (period 2)
2/12/2014 10:13:23 am
I agree with the part that Daisy is stuck in an unhappy marriage and that she does miss the time she had once spent with Gatsby. I also thought that we learned a lot more than that about Daisy. I thought she had turned into a very honest and committed character in the story. Although she stays with Tom after he continues to cheat on her and stay unfaithful to her, she (so far) has not cheated on Tom yet with Gatsby, even though it is so tempting. It makes her seam like a very honest and faithful character.
Riley S. P2
2/11/2014 06:28:33 am
The revelations revealed in the love stories Nick has been told allow for the reader to better understand the once untold characters. When reading of Gatsby's wealth and fame one may question how he isn't married or at least courting someone. Rumors fly about the party and the guests question Gatsby's morals.These rumors, however, should not scare away all the girls from a rich good-looking man. Jordan tells Nick of Daisy's past and the love her and Gatsby once had. Daisy forces herself to be happy with Tom, this "love" they possess changes Daisy. It makes her fake. The novel will change drastically. Now the reader is presented with two lovers, torn apart by war, one is married, while the other never let it go. Gatsby is at the sort of obsession with Daisy, he buys the mansion to be near her, he throws parties in hopes she will walk in, her keeps newspaper clippings about her. This deep love he holds for Daisy, I believe, will cause a problem with Tom.Jealousy will obviously be a problem with the man, but rage and anger may also play a part. I just don't think Daisy and Gatsby will ever truly be together, something will get in the way. The characters that were once, in a way, one dimensional are now complicated, and in love. The love they have will cause problems, propelling the novel and characters to develop and change
Emma S. 2
2/11/2014 11:26:12 am
I completely agree with you Riley. The novel will change as the love of Daisy and Gatsby arises or dies away. Which every way it goes, I am excited to see how Fitzgerald makes their lives different and how he makes their love kindle.
Julia C. 2
2/11/2014 07:24:04 am
The new information that was given about both Gatsby and Daisy give us a better understanding of who they really are as people. It seems to be that Gatsby still has a lot of unresolved feelings for Daisy, "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). I think that this shows the feelings that Gatsby still has for Daisy. This reveals a lot of information about Gatsby because I saw him as just a guy who threw parties and enjoyed pleasing people, and this reveals his deeper meaning. This new information about both characters also changes the novel because now that the feelings are out on the table they may start to openly have feelings for one another which will add more suspense to the novel because you will want to know where their relationship will lead.
Tyler Kol 5
2/12/2014 11:08:28 am
I agree with you that the new information changes reader’s perception on the reasoning behind his shady business. Before this chapter, readers inferred that Gatsby uses his wealth as a source to drown out the emotions brought up with Daisy. While it is understandable how readers could come to this conclusion, it leaves readers confused as why Gatsby does not drink, further validating the idea that Gatsby plans on winning Daisy back. Gatsby plans on using his wealth as a way to prove to Daisy that he is well off, in hopes of winning her back. This creates the comparison that Gatsby is trying to out-do Daisy’s husband, Tom, in order to win her over. The problem with this idea is that readers realize at this point in the novel that Daisy loves Gatsby, not for his money, but for who he is. She loves him before he even becomes wealthy in the first place.
Emily F 5
2/11/2014 07:33:50 am
The stories told in chapter four add more depth to the characters Daisy and Gatsby. The stories show why these characters act and feel the way they do. We know that Daisy lives a sad and uneventful life, but now the stories show why she feels that way. The night before her wedding, she “cried and cried… [and] wouldn’t let go of the letter” (Fitzgereld 81). We now understand that Daisy’s source of despair is her loving Gatsby and not being able to be with him. After the story, the readers can understand Daisy more and she doesn’t seem as shallow. Gatsby is known for his extravagant parties, and the stories about him and Daisy explain that his love for Daisy is the cause for all his parties and even the place where he lives. The stories show Gatsby’s motivation for almost everything he does.
Taylor D. Period 4
2/12/2014 08:58:29 am
I totally agree with everything you said. Everything in this chapter gives an insight as to why each character acts the way they do. It helps readers understand why Daisy wants her daughter to be a "beautiful little fool", she doesn't want her daughter to be hurt by love like she was.
Kevin H P4
2/12/2014 01:48:40 pm
I agree with what you are saying, but I'd like to elaborate on your last statement that the stories show Gatsby's motivation... I think that Daisy is Gatsby's motivation for everything that he does. Gatsby, someone who "doesn't want any trouble with anybody" (43), may or may not have taken to organized crime, something that causes a lot of trouble for a lot of people, in order to become rich enough to try and impress Daisy. The fact that he is willing to change so drastically for her shows that she is his main motivation for his actions
Matt R period 2
2/11/2014 07:58:01 am
At this point in the novel, Gatsby's relation to Daisy is revealed and the purpose behind his affairs begin to make sense. Gatsby gained his fortune from inheritance and bough his house to one day meet up with Daisy. However, right after this section, Gatsby is pulled over by a policeman and says how he did a favor for the comissioner, and kept driving. Although much is revealed of Gatsby's beginnings, it becomes apparent that we still know little of his life. Gatsby comes off as a criminal with his relations with the police and Wolfsheim. In this section I feel that Gatsby becomes more sinister, rather than misunderstood.
Jack M. 1
2/12/2014 10:29:47 am
Interesting point Matt, and a great way to look at it. Gatsby seems to be a nice enough person when Nick meets him, but those who don't know him well assume that he is a spy or related to the devil, making him out to be a bad person. On top of that he holds these extravagant parties but he never introduces himself. Like you mentioned, he is good friends with Wolfsheim who is a "gambler" of great status (Rigging the world series and all) but a shadier than most gamblers, sporting human molars as cuff buttons. Maybe this sinister side of Gatsby lead to his unexplained riches?
TJ A. period 2
2/12/2014 11:12:50 am
I think this is a valid point, but then again there isn't a lot right now to confirm that. What we can confirm though is that whatever happened between him and Daisy, it distraught him enough to drop everything and move close to her and up until during tea does he finally come out of his somewhat trance like state. He is even described as arriving at Nick's house looking sleepless and gaunt, really setting the stage for the two's relationship.
Trevor K 4
2/12/2014 11:15:03 am
I do agree that the more revealed about Gatsby, the more sinister he does become. He is likely in illegal activities, which is how he gained his wealth. However, I feel that the more sinister Gatsby is, the greater his love for Daisy is. He is showing that he is willing to do whatever it takes to get Daisy back. His "bad" actions do not necessarily mean bad intentions. With Gatsby moving to the east, it shows that he is willing to do whatever it takes to rekindle his love with Daisy.
Yousuf A 5
2/12/2014 12:50:13 pm
I agree that the relations between some of the characters have been clearified, but I don't necessarily think she knew she would be unhappy with Tom. I think instead the scene with Jordan was showing an internal conflict with Daisy, and whether or not she should wait for Gatsby or marry Tom. Jordan explains that Daisy pulled out the pearls and said, "Take em downstairs and give em back to whoever they belong to" (Fitzgerald 81). Daisy was willing to return the expensive pearls as a way of showing her unwillingness to the marriage. Overall, I agree with your point that the scene gives depth to one dimensional characters, but I think showing an internal conflict between money and happiness was the real cause of the scene.
Rachel VW period 5
2/13/2014 12:08:54 am
I think that this is a very valaid point. Up to this point the reader is lead to believe that Gatsby is a very good, genuine person. However, after Gatsby origionally tells us that he is a criminal it is easy to judge him and instantly assume that he is a really bad person, however, I think this thought is counter acted with the motivation behind his crimes. This motivation I feel makes the reader kind of feel sympathy toward him and could be viewed as sort of a sweet gesture.
Nadim K
2/11/2014 08:07:16 am
By hearing both Gatsby's past and Jordan's story on Daisy, we now have the understanding that Gatsby and Daisy knew each other before he went of to the war. We also get the understanding that he might care for Daisy because in the story we hear,"Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay"(Fitzgerald 78). We also get the understanding that Daisy and Gatsby might meet together later on in the story.
Caleb S, Period 5
2/11/2014 02:03:21 pm
Nadim I think that it is good and important that you used the quote about Gatsby's house being near Daisy’s. I agree that it does kind of foreshadow that their houses being so close together will cause them to see each other later in the novel. And I don't mean just see each other in the way of them seeing each other as they are both getting their mail in the morning. I mean it in more of the way of them actually seeing each other, maybe in some type of secretive way that will cause future problems.
Tyler Ken. 1
2/11/2014 08:08:49 am
Chapter 4 opened the novels story line and the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. In chapter 4, Gatsby opens himself up to discuss his Montenegro war medal and his Oxford picture with colleagues. Nick truly believes Gatsby and " saw the skins of tigers flaming in his palace on the Grand Canal ; I saw him opening a chest of rubies to ease, with their crimson-lighted depths, the gnawings of his broken heart"(71). Nick's ride with Gatsby opens Gatsby and proves many of Gatsby's claims that Gatsby has gone to war and to Oxford. Jordan says that Daisy had a romantic relationship with Jay Gatsby and on the night before Daisy's wedding, Daisy states " Take 'em downstairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to. Tell 'em all Daisy's change' her mine. Say 'Daisy's change' her mine" (81). Daisy wanted to call off her wedding with Tom to go off and find Jay Gatsby, to rekindle their relationship. Jordan cites that " I saw [Tom and Daisy] in Santa Barbara when they came back and I thought I'd never seen a girl so mad about her husband"(81). Clearly, Daisy was not happy in her marriage and seeks a loving relationship. Gatsby and Daisy want to find each other and Nick and Jordan could connect them. Both stories make the characters more dimensional and detailed in the novel.
TJ A.
2/11/2014 08:29:23 am
The new characterizations give new meaning to the type of lives Daisy and Gatsby are living. You now see that Gatsby's party have purpose, not only is it to find Daisy but also because deep down, he is lonely. You also see that Daisy's cheering behavior may be a mask for something deeply impacting that happened to her right before her marriage. Anything that the two characters do now has a deeper connection to them based on their past.
Brenda N. 4
2/12/2014 11:23:45 am
I agree with you that readers find out that Gatsby is lonesome due to the mention of his family members dying. I also agree that the two characters now have a deeper connection, but I believe that Daisy's cheery facade happened partially before her wedding and during. Before because it is true that she did have to cross a huge milestone in choosing a better future to deal with society she lives in over her love. After because during her marriage, we find out the first incident of Tom's adultery a month before a child was born. "A week after I left Santa Barbara Tom ran into a wagon on the Ventura road one night, and ripped a front wheel of his car. The girl with him got into the papers too,... she was one of the chambermaids in the Santa Barbara Hotel" (Fitzgerald 77). Tom's adultery is inferred here because of its randomness in Jordan's story.
Ali D. 4
2/12/2014 11:51:33 am
I agree with you when you say that Daisy is masking her feelings because we do find out that before her wedding with Tom she drank a lot because she got a letter from Jay Gatsby. She really does love him and probably will never stop, so yes she is masking feelings because she is married to Tom but still loves Gatsby. Gatsby's house does have a purpose, to be closer to Daisy. He wants her to come over and he has worked very hard from being poor to filthy rich to get Daisy back in his life again. I agree with you're statement though.
Dong L. Period 5
2/11/2014 08:34:36 am
Both stories reveals more information on Daisy and Gatsby and it shows their true feelings. The readers are inform the tragedy Daisy faced in her past and live a terrible life without having Gatsby by her side, while Gatsby gain a reputation for his accomplishments and parties. When Gatsby said, "Well, I'm going to tell you something about my life... I don't want you to get a wrong idea of me from all these stories you hear"(Fitzgerald 65). I think that Gatsby is starting to open up to Nick and trust him in order for him to talk about his personal life. However, I think that he might use Nick to get closer to Daisy since she is Nick's cousin.
Corey J 5
2/12/2014 10:39:35 am
I agree with you Dong when you say that Gatsby is using Nick in a way to get closer to Daisy, although I feel there's a bit more than that. The story Jay tells Nick seems like it is very untrue in a few ways, especially when he very quickly mutters the part about how he was educated at Oxford. Some of the things may be true, but it seems like a big lie.
Paulette D. Period 5
2/11/2014 08:40:16 am
I think the point of Fitzgerald revealing the past of Gatsby and Daisy was for the reader to view both sides of what had occurred. Without this background, readers would not understand the events that are about to happen. Gatsby reveals why he feels comfortable amongst strangers “because [he] drift[ed] here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to [him]” (Fitzgerald 67). Later in the chapter, the readers discovers that Daisy met Gatsby a couple months before she marries Tom (75). Fitzgerald’s explanation of both Gatsby and Daisy’s past is a hint to readers that their paths will cross.
Andrea C. 2
2/12/2014 08:31:48 am
I agree with your point of Fitzgerald saving the past of Gatsby and Daisy for a later time. Through the eyes of Nick Carraway, he makes his own observations about Gatsby and Daisy as separate people. However, with the new information about their pasts, he makes the connection between the two. This helps the readers understand the events and rising actions of the plot.
Jack M. 1
2/11/2014 08:40:38 am
These stories are very important to the plot because it gives us a lot of information about the back stories between these two lovers, but the relationship isn't as appearent until Daisy's story when she says: "The officer looked at Daisy while she was speaking, in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at sometime, and because it seemed romantic to me I have remembered the incident ever since. His name was Jay Gatsby, and I didn’t lay eyes on him again for over four years — even after I’d met him on Long Island I didn’t realize it was the same man." (Fitzgerald 75). This passage gives a great amount of detail that helps the reader identify Daisy more as a character, and like stated before, it introduces the love between Jay and Daisy.
Matt C. 1
2/12/2014 09:11:49 am
I agree with your comment Jack. However I think it is important to note that the reason that Gatsby is making himself out to be rich and successful is because Daisy married Tom, who is just that. However what Daisy is really looking for is exactly what Gatsby already is. This could lead to problems further down in the future.
Jimmy M P2
2/12/2014 01:44:13 pm
I don't think the reason Gatsby became rich is to outshine Tom. I think that he just wanted desperately to get Daisy's attention. Once he gets Daisy's attention, that's when he would have to start to impress her with things such as his wealth.
Angel.A p5
2/11/2014 08:46:39 am
after reading chapter 4, we understand more and more about Gatsby and Daisy. Before, we knew there was some kind of connection, but now, we fully understand the love that those two had. The fact that Gatsby bought his house was revealed, " “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay.” We now understand why Gatsby was trembling and pointing at a green light in chapter 1, that light is Gatsby's source for hope and love for Daisy. We know that Daisy was crying her eyes out the night before her wedding, because of the letter she received. there's this powerful connection between those two that we will see unfold in later chapters.
Rachel H. Period 4.
2/11/2014 08:50:27 am
I feel like by bringing up the past of both Daisy and Gatsby plays a really significant role within the novel. When Daisy's past is brought up, Jordan says "Wild rumors were circulating about her--how her mother had found her packing her bag one winter night to go to New York and say good-by to a soldier who was going overseas" (Fitzgerald 75). Gatsby is really the soldier in New York. I feel like this signifies the love and innocence that Daisy represents throughout the entire novel. As for Gatsby, he states "I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me" (Fitzgerald 67). Gatsby tries to run away from his problems, which does not really help, but really tells a lot about his personality. He ran away from Daisy, and it took him forever to get back to her. Even with this, he has to go through both Nick and Jordan to get to her.
Giancarlo G. Period 1
2/12/2014 05:25:07 am
I completely agree with you, Rachel. There’s a new perspective about Gatsby and Daisy, and give a better understanding of whom they are as individuals. I feel that Gatsby has feelings for Daisy and purposely thinks of her through his actions, "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). Gatsby still loves Daisy, and wanted her to be close by. In addition, Gatsby throws these big parties in hopes of running into Daisy, as Jordan states, “it must have been the man she used to know. It wasn’t until then that I connected this Gatsby with the officer in her white car” (Fitzgerald 77). Gatsby hopes that Daisy would get dragged to one of his huge parties, like most guests at his parties do, so both of them can reconnect, and hopefully, fall back in love.
Riley S. P2
2/12/2014 08:58:33 am
Rachel, I like how you bring up Daisy's onnoncence, the love had for Gatsby was true and pure. She was a young girl in love willing to do anything to be with the man, like run away from home. The only thing I could disagree on with your post is thy Gatsby runs from Daisy. He doesn't run away, he goes to war. Gatsby leaves with te impression that Daisy will wait for him and when he returns they can get married. We all know she doesn't since she is now married to Tom. Gatsby is still holding on to their innocent love, which will stir things up later in the novel
Joe S Period 1
2/11/2014 08:52:00 am
The revelations introduced in this chapter gives the reader a more in depth view of the characters' feelings and lives. Gatsby's decisions of having giant parties, buying a mansion near where Daisy lives, and the news paper clippings all connect to how Gatsby can be described as a character who wants what he once had. It's a way in which he expresses his wants and the vivid love he still has for Daisy. Gatsby, with his actions, is slowly seeking the pure love that Daisy once offered to him. It seems as if all he wants is just to have her back. Gatsby implies that he is "awfully glad to see [Daisy] again" (Fitzgerald 86). As soon as both Daisy and Gatsby see each other after such a long time they are reminded by the pure connection they had in the past. The characters' love and description of their past enforces their true complexity to come out. In my opinion, from here on out, the characters will start to reveal things we may have never expected, making them more complex characters rather than simple ones.
Bakari C. 2
2/13/2014 11:42:41 am
Joe, I think that your comment was well thought through. This comment was something that truly made sense and it hit into what Fitzgerald is slowly leaking in through the characters. For example, Gatsby trying to repeat what the past created for him is most definitely something that becomes apparent. His actions are generally intentional, sometimes resulting in a foggy view of clear subjects. Furthermore, when it comes to Daisy, I believe that her past hasn't shaped her into who she is, but rather emphasized her beliefs more. Her mother's force in the marriage and the party they throw for her both cause, as you put it Joe,"[her] past enforces [to cause] true complexity to come out."
Andrea C. 2
2/11/2014 09:00:41 am
The two stories between Gatsby and Daisy tell more of the character developments because it gives a deeper insight to the past of the two. It explains the tragedy of their love, but when they meet again, Daisy says, "I am awfully glad to see you again." It makes it seem like the sacrifices they both made were worthwhile in the long run. It also makes me think that the facade Gatsby and Daisy put up is fake and the truth lies in their love for each other.
Kristen C. period 4
2/11/2014 09:12:50 am
Both stories told about Daisy and Gatsby unfurl the plot more for the story. Details of Gatsby's past life gives more of an insight to who Gatsby is, and gives the reader a clue to the reason for the way he acts. Daisy's story, on the other hand, only seems to create more of a mystery for the reader to ponder. In Daisy's story, Baker explains, "After that she didn't play around with the soldiers any more, but only with a few flat-footed, short-sighted young men in town, who couldn't get into the army at all. By the next autumn she was gay again, gay as ever"(Fitzgerald 75). If Daisy was so in love with Gatsby, what happened to make her change to like someone else? This gives the reader more of a motive to keep reading, and give more depth and mystery to the character of Daisy.
Lizzy K
2/11/2014 09:13:03 am
These two stories create a background to the stories to characters that have mysterious pasts. Daisy traveled to France with Tom and Daisy came back a different person. Jordan questions whether Daisy “…went in for amour at all – and yet there’s something about that voice of hers” (Fitzgerald 77). Jordan’s story leaves the reader wondering what made Daisy do the things she had if it wasn't for love. It also tells the reader what the other characters are holding onto as they interact with the same people Nick does.
Giancarlo G. Period 1
2/11/2014 09:32:05 am
The stories give a new perspective about Gatsby and Daisy, and give a better understanding of who they are as individuals. I feel that Gatsby still has feelings for Daisy and purposely thinks of her through his actions. For example, "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). I think that Gatsby still feels for Daisy, and misses having her in his life; he still remembers the memories he has with her and has certain feelings about her. One can see that Gatsby is threw parties and enjoys pleasing people, “as he doesn’t want any trouble with anybody” (Fitzgerald 43). I feel that now knowing that Gatsby and Daisy were once a thing now changes the novel, because their feelings will come out into the open. Also, Tom and Daisy’s marriage could possibly suffer from this too, because Daisy also can connect will someone on the side, as Tom does with Myrtle.
Rachel H. Period 4
2/12/2014 09:00:09 am
I completely agree with you, Giancarlo. I definitely feel like a new perspective of Gatsby and Daisy are given, especially considering it includes the two of them being together in a relationship, and having a past relationship as well. I did not really see it coming in the beginning that they would be in love, but once the clues began to come together, it made it more evident. For example, when Jordan reminisces on Daisy's wedding as "She wouldn't let go of the letter. She took it into the tub with her and squeezed it up into a wet ball..." (Fitzgerald 76). This is significant because it shows that their love never really died. I also liked how you mentioned how it could potentially ruin Tom and Daisy's marriage, because later in the novel in chapter 6, Tom states "I'd like to know who he is and what he does...And I think I'll make a point of finding out" (Fitzgerald 108). This is also significant, and I think will end up playing a key part in the novel; a feud between the two men over Daisy.
Carl A. Period 5
2/12/2014 10:19:33 am
In chapter four, we get an insight on Gatsby's past and his connection with Daisy. We finally know the purpose of his actions, to get Daisy to visit him so they may meet again. Although, it is still important to look at the other side. When Gatsby told his story it doesn't seem very believable, "'I'll tell you God's truth.' His right hand suddenly ordered divine retribution to stand by. 'I am the son of some wealthy people in the Middle West...I was brought up in America but educated at Oxford, because all my ancestors have been educated there'" (Fitzgerald 65). This does not really match up to what we already know, along with Jordan Baker's recollection of Gatsby. He even said he lived in San Francisco, clearly not in the Middle West. Do we really know he's telling the truth?
Justin C
2/12/2014 12:42:59 pm
I agree with your comments as well as your ideas about the story. I can see a new perspective as well as new details that the story brings out about Gatsby and Daisy. Now what are your predictions about the relationships in the story. Do you think the Daisy and Tom will end up getting a divorce or do you think they will continue to hid their affairs from each other.
Matt C. 1
2/11/2014 09:33:06 am
The two stories told give more depth and understanding of Gatsby and Daisy. It gives background on both characters which can clear up mysteries surrounding them. For example, Gatsby says, "so I thought you ought to know something about me. I didn't want you to think I was just some nobody. You see, I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me" (Fitzgerald 67). Having background knowledge on Gatsby is good for the reader because it show where he comes from and what things that have happened in his life that may influence him in some way.
Conrad
2/12/2014 03:01:13 am
I agree. However, is the background knowledge valuable if it is false? Does chapter five create more questions than it answers?
Stephanie B; Period 5
2/11/2014 09:45:20 am
Prompt #5
The revelations of Daisy's and Gatsby's past add dimension to these characters and alter our attitudes towards them. When Gatsby tells Nick that the rest of his family had died, causing him to inherit this large sum of money, Nick notices that "[Gatsby's] voice was solemn, as if the memory of that sudden extinction of a clan still haunted him]" (65). From observing Gatsby's behavior, Nick is able to detect that Gatsby is upset over his family's death, which is a very common and relatable cause of sadness for many people. The emotion that Gatsby portrays causes him to become more human to the readers, and allows us to feel sympathy towards him. Daisy has the same effect on the audience as Gatsby. As readers, we sympathize with her, especially when Jordan describes how she "cried and cried" before the bridal dinner when she was about to marry Tom, saying that she changed her mind about committing to him (76). The reason why she ended up marrying Tom is unknown, however, the strong emotions that she expresses in the story cause the readers to humanize her more as well. At the beginning of the story, Daisy gives us the impression that she is a shallow, ditzy character, but now has been revealed as to having more depth and sophistication than we initially thought. The revelations of Gatsby and Daisy also creates more mystery to their characters as well. Readers now question the motives of the characters, such as why Daisy married Tom instead of Gatsby. Personally, I believe Gatsby's and Daisy's choices are likely influenced by how they were raised. Being part of the richer classes placed certain pressures on both Gatsby and Daisy. For example, Daisy may have been pressured to marry Tom because he had more money, which would ensure that Daisy was secure financially and socially because Tom would make her look good, therefore, her parents pressured her to marry him instead of Gatsby. This is a possibility because of what Daisy said (referencing to the beginning of the novel) about her daughter, how she "hope[s] her daughter will be a fool", meaning her daughter will be foolish enough to love a rich man blindly even if he doesn't treat her right (17). Gatsby may have faced the pressure of going to Oxford, and becoming more "educated" than most because of his upbringing. Gatsby even tells Nick that it was a family tradition to go to Oxford, therefore, he may have had a certain standard to uphold that he didn't want to, which is why he appeared uneasy to Nick saying where he went to school. As the novel continues to unfold, these certain revelations and their mysteries may become clearer.
Emylee F. Period 5
2/12/2014 06:07:26 am
I agree with you that their background stories humanize them. However, I feel as though Gatsby's background story is not completely true. So, when his influence is much different from Daisy's. Although he received a higher education and has an extreme amount of money, what if this is another reason for him doing so? I know it was discussed in class today that the parties were all for Daisy, so how was Gatsby supposed produce these parties? Well, by creating something that allowed him to get more money. I do believe that Gatsby doesn't come from as wealthy as a background that he likes to portray. So does that make him more humanized or shallow?
Becca K Period 4
2/11/2014 09:57:57 am
I think the two stories in this chapter greatly help us build Gatsby as a character. We learned that Gatsby had truly been in the war and was an Oxford man, and more importantly we learned about Daisy's and Gatsby's past relationship. I think this was key information to be informed of, because now we can begin to understand why Gatsby does what he does. After reading the two stories, I now believe that Gatsbys solo purpose in life is to win back Daisy, and he began by buying a house close to hers."'Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay.'" (Fitzgerald 78). Even Jordan comments on why she thought Gatsby throws lavish parties: "'I think he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night,'" (Fitzgerald 79), and I agree with her. I think everything he does is in an attempt to reconnect with her. After reading this chapter, I was able to understand Gatsby a lot better, as well as see everything from his prospective.
Jelani P 2
2/12/2014 07:03:47 am
After chapter 4, like you, I was really able to understand Gatsby and his logic. Jordan's story gave me a new insight on the past and now I'm left questioning a wide array of possible outcomes. I feel like chapter four was the chapter that really split the book open for me.
Elainie K 1
2/12/2014 12:22:27 pm
I agree with your outlook on the revealed characterization of Gatsby and Daisy in the fourth chapter. The stories in this chapter serve as almost a turning point in the story of how we perceive both characters. Jordan's story reveals Gatsby's true feelings for Daisy, with which we can infer his intentions with his wealth. She states, "[Gatsby] looked at Daisy while she was speaking, in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at" (Fitzgerald 75). Here the readers get a glimpse of his reasoning to flaunt his wealth- in hopes that Daisy will see him as a prosperous man. Now that we know why Gatsby does what he does, we can have a better understanding of who he really is and what the rest of the story entails.
Ali D. P4
2/11/2014 10:24:52 am
The stories told in chapter four reveal a bigger meaning to the characters. Gatsby loved and still loves Daisy and it is said that she drank a lot before her wedding because Gatsby still loves her. She does still love Gatsby and knows that Tom, her husband, is not faithful. Gatsby moved to be by Daisy and is so close that he can see the green light on her dock. This chapter revealed a lot about the characters lives that will be seen more as the book goes on.
Daniella A P4
2/12/2014 02:35:36 am
I agree that Gatsby still loves Daisy, and it is sad how she reacted to her wedding. The fact that "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 83) really brought a new meaning to his character. She was crying at her wedding because she still loved Gatsby.
Noelle S.
2/12/2014 11:36:56 am
I also agree with you guys. The fact that Gatsby is always caught gazing off I the distance at that green light shows readers that he still thinks about Daisy a ton because the green light comes from Daisy's porch. We can foreshadow that nick will bring Daisy to Gatsby's house eventually in the novel. I think the fact that Gatsby is still in love with Daisy will bring up a new conflict in the story, because Daisy is married to Tom.
Ashlee P. Period 5
2/11/2014 10:29:33 am
Up to this point, Nick has always seen Gatsby, though mysterious and strange sometimes, in a positive way like most of the people in the novel, but chapter four questions Gatsby's credibility and esteem. After Gatsby tells Nick that he attended Oxford and looked at him sideways he, "knew why Jordan Baker had believed he was lying...and with this doubt, his whole statement fell to pieces, and i wondered if there wasn't something a little sinister about him, after all," ( Fitzgerald e-reader). This question posed by Nick might make the reader wonder about Gatsby's motives. Similarly, Nick then goes to have lunch with Jordan Baker and it is revealed that Gatsby and Daisy were in love before he went away to war and before she married Tom and that Gatsby wants Nick to invite Daisy over for tea. Fitzgerald gives reason for Gatsby trying to have a relationship with Nick or even impress him and this again questions Gatsby's motives. However, when Jordan Baker points out that, "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay," (Fitzgerald e-reader), Fitzgerald still offers a positive light to be shade on Gatsby and a reason for Nick to be unfazed by the strange events of the day.
Amber H. p 4
2/11/2014 10:31:46 am
These stories of Gatsby and Daisy change the story dramatically. For starters with Gatsby's past, it relieves a bit of the mystery that surrounds him. He gave his roots, coming from a wealthy family, that answers where his fortune comes from and could also give a clue at to why he pines for Daisy so much and he always has his house filed with people. He lost his family, so he is filling that emptiness in his life with his parties. Since family is supposed to be who you are able to confide in, and he lost that, he found it in Daisy and when he went off to the war he thought he may have lost her and he wants that intamite connection back. As for Daisy, her being in love with Gatsby before he went to war, not being able to see him or contact him, not knowing if he survived she married Tom as a substitute for Gatsby. And when they came back from their honeymoon and she was "mad about [him]" (76). Daisy could have put all her love for Gatsby into Tom because she could have convinced herself that he was gone forever.
Monica E. Period 1
2/11/2014 10:33:13 am
I think that by Gatsby telling Nick of his past and Jordan telling Nick of Daisy's past gives more information and images to the readers. I feel that we get a better feel of the characters. We learned that as the novel progresses, more personality traits will be revealed about the character. "Then came the war, old sport. It was a great relief, and I tried very hard to die, but I seem to bear an enchanted life (Fitzgerald 66). When Fitzgerald writes this, it is to show that Gatsby's life is not perfect because he is very rich. He is lonely, and it is because of Daisy he felt the need to die. We learn that although Gatsby used to be a gambler and is currently wealthy, he also has a heart.
Jennifer C. Period 1
2/11/2014 11:21:00 am
I completely agree with your point, Monica. I feel that at first we see Gatsby as this man who is very rich and that was about it. Although there are rumors going around about what kind of person he really is, as readers we really don't know what to believe. This chapter is really where readers start to see these emotions from Gatsby about his life and how Gatsby isn't this happy man even though he has a lot of money. He told Nick the story of his past because "[he] thought [Nick] ought to know something about [him]. [He] didn't want [him] to think that [he] was just some nobody" (67). In reality, Gatsby is a very complicated character who has left Daisy for the war and has struggled to overcome that ever since.
Kevin T. period 1
2/11/2014 10:41:06 am
Up until this point in the novel, we knew very little about both Gatsby and Daisy. During Nick and Gatsby’s lunch, we gained a deeper view into Gatsby’s life prior to moving to West Egg. It reveals that Gatsby is someone who has done many things and have exceeded at what he has done, but there is a subtle hint that he is hiding something more. This showed when Gatsby and Nick were in the car on their way to eat. “He hurried the phrase “educated at Oxford,” or swallowed it, or choked on it, as though it had bothered him before. And with this doubt, his whole statement fell to pieces, and [Nick] wondered if there wasn’t something a little sinister about him” (Fitzgerald 64). The way Gatsby’s manner of speaking, gave way to the idea that he was fearful of something he is doing or has done. This idea is backed up when Wolfsheim is introduced to Nick. Wolfsheim is a gambler who rigged the World Series, one would suspect how Gatsby would have made such an acquaintance. Daisy’s past made an appearance later on. It showed how Gatsby was actually someone who was important in her life, who disappeared causing her to become who she is now. My opinion of daisy hasn’t change much, although it seems that at one point she was more free spirited and less dependent on others.
Eric F 2
2/11/2014 10:47:20 am
Though the lesson is cliche, this goes to prove the old idea every person is at the center of their own universe, and every person is the cumulative combination of everything that has ever happened to them. While we assumed that Daisy and Gatsby both had some sort of backstory, whether interesting or otherwise, we could not confirm it until now. But this also reveals the underlying motivations for the characters, such as why Gatsby stayed in West Egg and one of the most remarkable moments in Daisy's life.
Megan J P4
2/11/2014 10:47:50 am
The two stories in chapter four help readers to make connections and change perceptions regarding Gatsby and Daisy. Gatsby states that “My family all died and I came into a good deal of money… I lived like a young rajah in all the capitals of Europe… trying to forget something very sad that had happened to me long ago” (Fitzgerald 67). This sad thing is most likely how Daisy and Gatsby were in love but Gatsby left for the war and Daisy eventually married the wealthy Tom. The fact that Daisy got drunk on her wedding day and wanted to, “Tell ‘em all Daisy’s change’ her mine”(78), adds new ideas such as that Daisy may have only married Tom for his money, that she may have never stopped loving Gatsby which led Tom to pursue Myrtle, etc. The perception of Gatsby is more interesting though. Up until this chapter, not much was known about Gatsby other than he was an incomprehensibly rich guy that hosted extravagant parties. The above information changes the perception of Gatsby to a lovesick soldier with good morals that has such determination to achieve his dream that he buys his house solely to be close to Daisy. But, things get interesting when Mr. Wolfsheim is introduced. He is a gambler, fixed the world series, and says to Nick: “I understand you’re looking for a business gonnegtion” (72) to which Gatsby replies “this isn’t the man” (72). This completely questions the hopeful/ authentic Gatsby the lovesick soldier and instead introduces the concept that Gatsby may be involved in crime, morally corrupt, and that he may have unsavory origins of wealth. Only time will tell what perception is true as the novel progresses.
Amanna V
2/11/2014 02:02:09 pm
I completely agree with you Megan. I really like the observation you made between Daisy's love for Tom and for Gatsby. I agree that she still harbors a deep love for Gatsby that she will never feel for Tom and that Tom seeks Myrtle for this reason. After the wedding night, I believe that she realized that her fake happiness in marrying Tom was an illusion and something to take the place of the void Gatsby had created in her after he left for war.
Scott A. 5th
2/11/2014 10:50:46 am
I think that these revelations add new depth to the book. Fitzgerald wrote that Daisy and Gatsby once were lovers but were sepererated. Daisy fell for Tom, a man with great wealth and a big reputation. Gatsby later got involved in shady business to gain wealth and even "bought that house so Daisy would be just across the bay" (78). Gatsby wanted Daisy to notice his house and wealth to win her back. These revelations put the pieces of the puzzle together. It explains why Gastby is so into getting to know Nick, why Gatsby throws crazy parties and why Gatsby built his reputation so high.
Jennifer C. Period 1
2/11/2014 10:58:26 am
Fitzgerald reveals very little about each character as they are introduce, leaving their lives and traits a mystery for readers to uncover as the plot advances. He made Gatsby to be the most mysterious by adding the idea of rumors surrounding his past. Fitzgerald also portrays Gatsby almost like a celebrity or a public figure. Gatsby's story sheds light on his past and character by telling Nick the struggles that he went through "trying to forget the sad thing that happened to [him]" (Fitzgerald 67). When Jordan talks about how he was involved with Daisy before she marries Tom, readers also get the sense that Gatsby isn't just a man who inherited a lot of money and throws big parties every weekend, instead he appears almost more human-like by showing emotions that readers have not yet witnesses in the novel.
Gillian C. P2
2/12/2014 09:26:46 am
I completely agree with you, Jennifer. Fitzgerald describes Nick as one who practically praises Gatsby, yet we are unclear as to why Nick feels this way about Gatsby, and why he finds him so special. After both Gatsby and Jordan's stories are told, I believe Nick begins to realize that maybe Gatsby isn't at all what he seems to be. After discovering that Daisy and Gatsby had previously met, and that Gatsby at one time wasn't at all wealthy, it seems to be that his actions (gaining wealth, throwing parties, buying a house across the bay from Daisy's) all reflect the average human-like emotions, like you said, and the desperation for love, or more specifically, Daisy's love.
Caitlin C 2
2/11/2014 11:04:01 am
At this point in the story, the characters are all much more developed. Gatsby, whose name has leaked its way into every bit of gossip and made its debut in every outlandish tale, is now revealed to us as more than a terrible host. Now we know Gatsby as a hopeless romantic. Daisy has also been further developed as more than the “innocent” housewife to Tom. Daisy is the one that got away, she slipped out of Gatsby’s grasp and it changed him forever. I no longer see him as this fantastic rich man who holds parties merely to “live it up” or even impress people, his sole purposes for the party were to hopefully find some connection to Daisy, his Daisy who lived just across the bay, either by mutual friends or by her appearance at his home. I also learned a lot more about Daisy, who seems unintelligent at times, like when she remarks about the butler’s nose, but here, is portrayed as someone who grieves her loss when she lost Gatsby, almost to the point of not marrying Tom. (Referring to the string of pearls) “Take ‘em downstairs and give ‘em back to whoever they belong to. Tell ‘em all Daisy’s change’ her mine…” (Fitzgerald 76) Daisy, who is never written about ever consuming a drink, is now completely beside herself, “… she came out with an absolutely perfect reputation. Perhaps because she doesn’t drink… you can hold your tongue, and, moreover, you can time any little irregularity of your own so that everybody else is so blind that they don’t see or care.” (Fitzgerald 77) In these stories, we see why Daisy is the way she is now, and how these stories of her and Gatsby have changed her.
Angel.A
2/12/2014 05:32:14 am
I agree with what you are saying. We learn a lot more about Gatsby and Daisy. Gatsby only purchased his home so that he would one day see Daisy walk through his door. His purpose for the parties weren't to have fun or chat with anybody, he did them For Daisy. Also for Daisy, we learned that the two had an obvious connection and that they were once lovers. Daisy almost didn't marry Tom because of the letter she received from Gatsby, all of these evens lead up to who the characters have become.
Amber H. p4
2/12/2014 08:43:19 am
I completely agree with you Caitlin, learning these things about Daisy and Gatsby give a new twist to the novel. It is just like in real life, normally you don't know anything about a person unless they sit you down and they tell you their life story. But otherwise you learn along the way and through mutual people and rumors, true or not. These stories give a truth to them (in Gatsby's situation what he wants to be his reality or what had become it more importantly).
Carissa C. P4
2/11/2014 11:04:18 am
The backgrounds of Gatsby and Daisy are essential in the novel. It gives the readers an understanding of their motives and reasoning behind their actions. Early on in the novel in chapter one, Fitzgerald drops hints that Gatsby and Daisy know each other when Daisy says, "Gatsby? What Gatsby?" (Fitzgerald 18). Daisy's actions lead the reader to think that Daisy knows Gatsby somehow and is hiding something from the rest of the group. Jordan later reveals that Gatsby and Daisy intensely dated and that they were madly in love with each other. The reader also finds out that Gatsby bought the house purposely near Daisy's and throws all the lavish parties in order for her to come over and rekindle their old love. Daisy character is also expanded further upon, with Jordan mentioning that she was crazy about Gatsby and was unhappy in marrying Tom. Daisy seems to have feelings for Gatsby still and is unhappy in her marriage with Tom due to those feelings. The backgrounds gives more insight into the character which is important as the novel progresses.
Jordan C. 2
2/12/2014 07:38:20 am
I agree with you Carissa that yes these character's backgrounds are essential to us understanding everything they were meaning to do within the novel. Both Gatsby and Daisy are both unique characters in themselves but with knowing this information it almost shines a light on the fact that even though they seem unique they are actually very similar to each other as they have two lives they are living and it all goes back to how they previously know each other. However, I slightly disagree with you on your point that Daisy is unhappy with Tom I feel as though Daisy might seem that way but I believe that deep down she feels that her feelings for both men are equal but her love is fonder of Tom than Gatsby. And that is she would be with Gatsby if only she waited for him.
Morganne J p.5
2/11/2014 11:04:23 am
From the very beginning of the novel, up until midway through chapter four, Gatsby has been perceived as a new and mysterious kind of character. Jordan has appeared to be one of Daisy's rich friends and also some what of a standby character. Daisy is Tom's wife, Nick's cousin, and made out to be a rich ambitious woman. However, from the moment she declares, "Gatsby?...What Gatsby?" (Fitzgerald 11) in chapter one, she slowly is pieced together by her past. As readers, we see her impatience with her husband, her secret keeping abilities, and her blithe outlook in life as the novel progresses. Once chapter four is read, it is finally revealed how Gatsby fits in to the puzzle of relationships between the characters, how Jordan and Daisy are such close friends, and why Daisy is so uneasy in her marriage with Tom. Now, we know the reason for Daisy's jumpy emotions towards her relationships and we can also ask, is Gatsby just a genuinely nice guy, or does he do what he does to ensure he will get what he wants?
Harshita K P:1
2/11/2014 11:05:05 am
Chapter four illuminates dimensions to which is hidden beneath the character Jay Gatsby. The two stories that were told within this chapter provides us with a different perspective towards Gatsby and Daisy and their connection. The connection between them is a very elaborate love story which unfolds the unexplained parts of this novel. As the story goes on it is revealed that "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay"(Fitzgerald 78). This shows that cares alot for Daisy. In addition to his affair with daisy, the green light that is introduced in chapter 1 as one on the stories symbols symbolizes his dream. Which from this chapter the reader learns that his dream is to make his love for daisy real Across the bay is also the green light that Gatsby always looks at, and that green light is the porch light of Daisy's house.Gatsby's feelings for Daisy overwhelm him, which shows that he cannot stand not being away from her.This makes his love for her that more interesting to the reader as it grows and alters the way we perceive the characters.
Carl A. Period 5
2/11/2014 11:06:39 am
The new details of both Daisy and Gatsby's characteristics shows more insight on who they truly are. The stories answer many questions about Gatsby and Daisy. We now know why he was trying to grab the "green light" and the purpose of these parties, to get Daisy to come. The two were in love previously, "The officers looked at Daisy while she was speaking, in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at some time, and because it seemed romantic to me I have remembered the incident ever sing. His name was Jay Gatsby..." (Fitzgerald 75). She only married Tom because she didn't know he would ever come back, and when she got the letter, she was devastated. Also, Jay Gatsby is a character with great values, not just a shady business dealer.
Dong L. Period 5
2/12/2014 07:57:30 am
I agree with your ideas Carl since Jay Gatsby's characteristics is now more explain, which allow Nick to know more about Gatsby without judging his trust. Gatsby isn't some rich guy that only throws party, he is a man with a mission and he is doing all he can in order to win his lover back.
Trevor K 4
2/11/2014 11:07:23 am
The stories told about Gatsby's and Daisy's past are monumental in understanding both characters. Gatsby's story is one that clears up a lot about his character. Gatsby's story clears up why he is throwing parties as he says, "I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me" (67). It seems that Gatsby is ashamed and deeply saddened about his upbringings. His story changes how we look at Gatsby because he changes from an weird character, to one that has internal struggles and doesn't know how to solve them. Miss Baker's story clarifies Daisy's past as well. The experience of when Jay Gatsby left for the war was traumatizing to her, but she tried to move past it even though the thought of Gatsby would still always be there. This story changes how we look at Daisy and Gatsby. It shows how Daisy can't be happy with Tom. When she was drunk and was venting her true feelings she says, "take [the pearls] downstairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to" (76). Daisy is evidently depressed and hasn't moved past her earlier experience with Gatsby. Gatsby is also depressed and is longing to meet Daisy again. This sets up an interesting conflict between Tom and Gatsby for the rest of the novel.
Chandler S. Period 5
2/12/2014 11:40:29 am
Great point Trevor, I agree with you that it does clarify a little bit about Gatsby that we as readers couldn't of picked up on earlier in the novel. However, I do not believe that it clarifies everything up for us. We know that Gatsby and Daisy were something at one point, and yes I agree that Daisy was probably a little upset when she got that letter from Gatsby. The more important thing is right after that when it states "Next dat at five o' clock she married Tom Buchanan without a shiver" (81). She had the opportunity to call everything off and wait for Gatsby to come back, but she didn't. I think there's this element to Daisy that we pick up on through the novel, a sort of oblivious sense to her. Even though Gatsby knew everything that happened with her and I don't think he see's that with her. I think the exposure helps us as readers in some cases, but I think there's still a lot to be said.
Vasudha P Period 1
2/11/2014 11:09:26 am
Gatsby and Daisy have helped us comprehend a better understanding of the characters. For example, the green light and how Gatsby always observes it. The green light represents the green light of a stoplight, that acts as an encouragement for Gatsby to try and bring back that bond he once had with Daisy. Fitzgerald tries to bring the readers a hope that the romance between them will be renewed by saying Gatsby "bought that house so Daisy would be just across the bay" (78). but I feel Fitzgerald foreshadows a rather disappointing outcome for all of the characters. His use of the Valley of Ashes at the beginning of chapter two symbolizes a wasteland that society has made for itself. It is a sinister place and from Fitzgerald's vivid description one can only infer that this dark gloomy place plays a big role in the future.
Monica E Period 1
2/12/2014 12:33:26 pm
I agree with you Vasudha; I feel that Fitzgerald is portraying dark and depressing events that are bound to happen. I also agree with that the different symbols pointed out so far in the novel have portrayed the events that have happened so far. For example, after the green light was presented, Gatsby and Daisy met up after years.
Shivam P. Period 2
2/11/2014 11:09:48 am
The revelations made by Gatsby and Jordan are important, because they reveal some of the mystery behind each character. In Jordan's story, we learn that Gatsby and Daisy were in love with each other, but separated because Gatsby left for the war. This proves Gatsby's story on how he was a soldier. Also, through Gatsby's revelation, we learn, even if it might not be true, a little more about Gatsby's past and his upbringings. This helps the reader understand about more about his character.
Scott A. 5th
2/12/2014 12:27:01 pm
Shivam, I agree with your opinion on how the revelations change the novel. Gastby was in love with Daisy at one time but he left for war and Daisy married Tom. Gatsby wanted to reconnect with Daisy desperately so he bought a house across from hers. He even participated in illegal business to gain wealth to show Daisy that he is the man shes always wanted.
James J:2
2/11/2014 11:12:45 am
One of the revelations that is provided to the reader is why Gatsby worked so hard to make his money. Gatsby worked so hard to earn his wealth because he felt that that was the only way that he would ever be able to win Daisy back with money and power. The chapter also reveals why Gatsby chose to live on West Egg. Gatsby chose to buy his house on West Egg so that Daisy would be, "just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). Gatsby wanted to live close to Daisy but not too close. I feel that other than symbolic purposes, Gatsby lives on West Egg, rather than East Egg, because he is also afraid of meeting Daisy again, and does not want to accidently meet her in a situation that is not in his control, which is why he organizes the get together with Nick, so that he could be "ready" when he meets Daisy.
Taylor D. Period 4
2/11/2014 11:15:31 am
This chapter I feel like gives the most insight as to who exactly Gatsby is as a person and where he is coming from. Loving someone then being told that they are going to marry someone else must have been the hardest news Gatsby has ever received. He loved Daisy in a way that you only see in movies. He treated her like a princess but the war split them apart. Gatsby became so distraught that "Gatsby bought that house so Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). Gatsby throws such crazy get togethers in hope that one day Daisy will come over and he can prove to her how much he loves her. Of course he feels empty inside and yearns for someone to open up to and Nick seems to be that person. It becomes lonely when you have no one to truly understand you and your problems. Gatsby is empty and the parties help with that but in the end, they are only a temporary fix. He needs to find his person. He needs to finally be able to confide in someone. I feel like this chapter was a huge eye opener for Gatsby and who he is as a person. It does explain more about Daisy that you wouldn't be able to tell if you didn't read it. But mostly this chapter gives a better understanding of Gatsby.
Morganne J p.5
2/13/2014 10:19:45 am
When this chapter is read, lots of people say that their opinions towards Daisy as a character change because they learn more about her. However, I agree with you that Gatsby is also one we get to see into more depth. Anything new that we learn about Gatsby in the book is an eye opener and I think that you explained him as a character in this chapter perfectly!
Hannah B. P1
2/11/2014 11:21:34 am
The background information changes the audience's assumptions on the characters based on the stereotypes we know of during the 20's. The characters are no longer one-dimensional; we learn that Daisy is in reality emotionally damaged from her past experiences. Gatsby looked at her "in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at" (Fitzgerald Ch 4). Daisy was so sure she would have a life with this wonderful, perfect Jay Gatsby, but is suddenly conflicted when she realizes it will damage her social life. She felt inclined to choosing Tom because he is the safest choice. Marrying him would be better for her reputation and her quality of living, because he's lives a wealthy lifestyle like she does. Her choice of marrying Tom Buchanan for this reason instead of Gatsby leads to her to realize how unhappy she is with her life. Gatsby tries so hard to gain wealth by being involved in his mysterious business in hopes of winning Daisy back with money.
Mackenzie K. period 4
2/12/2014 11:15:36 am
I agree with you completely, Hannah. With the telling of the two different stories, we get a better idea of why Daisy and Gatsby act the way they act. But I also feel that in the revealing of the two stories, we see how materialistic the two characters are. Daisy won't marry Gatsby because he does not have money. And Gatsby believes that the only way to gain Daisy's love is by making a lot of money. Despite the fact that they due really love each other, Daisy is not willing to commit to a poor man.
Rachel VB (4)
2/12/2014 12:17:47 pm
I agree with you, Hannah. I like how you pointed out the fact that although Daisy has a lot of money, she is not happy. We figure this out after hearing Jordan's story that this is because of Gatsby. It makes the audience realize that they were truly in love and possibly still are.
Alayna D.
2/12/2014 01:02:40 pm
Along with Rachel and Mackenzie I agree with you Hannah. I feel like the story about Daisy and her life choosing a husband adds depth to Daisy as a character. When I first read about her I thought she would just be a dumb arrogant woman, but this background helps me understand her thoughts and feelings.
Emma S. 2
2/11/2014 11:21:59 am
When I read about Gatsby’s background story of him being of great wealth and all of his accomplishments, I questioned whether he was lying or he was telling the truth. I came to the conclusion that he was not because when reading his lifestyle matches up with the story that he tells Nick. Gatsby seems to have to prove to Nick that this is his life, there are many rumors going around about what he has done, “I don’t want you to get a wrong idea of me from all these stories you hear” (Fitzgerald 65). Daisy on the other hand is a gold digger and seems to get around fast. She “fell in love” with Gatsby but ended up marrying Tom because he has money. Jordan is a gossiper; she tells everyone’s story but her own.
Ambreen M (Period 1)
2/11/2014 11:34:31 am
I agree with you Emma, however I wouldn't say Daisy is the type to get around but rather a gold digger as you have mentioned. She has a need to fill her thirst for wealth and will do anything for it. She does love but money is a more important factor for her.
Miranda L Period 4
2/11/2014 12:33:31 pm
I agree with you Emma, I feel like Daisy is a gold digger and the only reason she married off to Tom was because of his big name and fortune. I feel she obviously does not care that Tom is not a good person. She only cares about his money.
Bailey F p2
2/12/2014 05:35:57 am
I agree with you Emma. Daisy was really in love with Gatsby, and only married Tom for his money. We find out later that she was a mess on her wedding day due to a letter that Gatsby had sent her. She wanted to call off the wedding and she said to Jordan: "Take 'em down-stairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to. Tell 'em Daisy's change' her mine. Say: 'Daisy's change' her mine!" (Fitzgerald 76). She was talking about the extremely expensive pearls that Tom had gotten her. She wanted to give them back and forget him entirely. It turns out that Gatsby did not have enough money to satisfy her, so the next day she decided to just marry Tom. Again, she does love Gatsby but money is more important to her.
Zak D 5
2/11/2014 11:22:29 am
After hearing the stories of Gatsby's and Daisy's pasts, we know that they knew each other before Gatsby went off to war and he developed feelings for Daisy. Daisy's reasoning for not marrying Gatsby was because of his absence of wealth. This is a foreshadowing of more to come between Gatsby and Daisy because he has changed and has become wealthy while Daisy is unhappy with Tom.
Jordan T. P4
2/11/2014 09:39:32 pm
I see where you get that but I feel like Daisy isn't that shallow. Yeah we see money is important to her but I don't think that that is why she chose Tom instead. I do think that we will see a relationship between Gatsby and Daisy form, but like the last relationship they had there is something that Daisy doesn't see in Gatsby.
Emylee F. Period 5
2/11/2014 11:23:09 am
Although Gatsby's story was told, nothing really impacted a change of thought I feel about him. I do not whole-heatedly believe all that he is saying, considering people claim he has "killed a man." Although he provides many details of his background, there are still specific and significant aspects of his background that are not present. As for Daisy's background story, it honestly made me love her more yet there is an annoyance I hold for her too. My annoyance for her came when in the book Jordan said, "The officer looked at Daisy while she was speaking, in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at..." (75) about how Gatsby looked at her. Yet, there was nothing stated of how Daisy admired him, until the night before her wedding. When it came to Tom, however, a man she met shortly after she had gotten engaged to someone, she was "...so mad about her husband." (76), In all honesty, I hold these oppinions for one major reason, I am a sucker for a good love story and although Daisy is supposed to be beyond-beautiful-woman, some of her actions are so questionable that I feel as though her beauty is the only thing some people care about.
Mark M. P5
2/11/2014 11:24:06 am
Maybe I just read it wrong but I thought both of these "revelations" just added to the mystery of the two characters. When Jordan says that they loved each other before Gatsby left for the war, it is just told so vaguely that I can't help feeling that no one actually knows the story. Even Gatsby's story seems to be told as if though he isn't even sure anymore. Both of these stories were too vague in my opinion in order to be considered revelations that reveal anything about the characters of Gatsby and Daisy.
Corey K. (period 5)
2/11/2014 11:46:46 am
Personally, I would have to disagree solely because the characters in my opinion become more than one dimensional. Yes there true feelings and intentions are a mystery, but the actual characters develop into more real people. From there back ground together, both Daisy and Gatsby changed. Daisy has decided that the best way to live is to be a "pretty fool" because 1) wealthy men are attracted and 2) the difficulties of love are easier to deal with. On the other hand Gatsby realized that power and wealth are not everything and one must have love in order to be complete in life.
Conrad
2/12/2014 03:05:58 am
I like what both of you have to say. Later on Nick tells Gatsby that "you can't relive the past," but Gatsby disagrees. How does this fit in?
Haley M (4)
2/11/2014 11:26:33 am
After hearing both Gatsby's and Daisy's story, the readers are able to realize the past relationship between them. They also begin to realize the intentions of Gatsby. Gatsby has been seen as some lonely man who hosts parties to seem less lonely or to show off his house and wealth. Now that the past has been revealed, readers look at Gatsby differently. "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). He purposely bought a huge house across from daisy so he could feel connected to her. He also hosts all the parties so that maybe by chance Daisy might stop by and reconnect with him. He wants her to see what he has made of his life and maybe she would by chance fall back in love with him, like he loves her.
Becca K Period 4
2/12/2014 07:42:12 am
I agree that after reading the two stories, the intentions of Gatsby are discovered. Building on that, I think it is now clear that Gatsby wants to recconect with Daisy. "He had waited five years and bought a mansion where he dispensed starlight to casual moths" (Fitzgerald 79), just so he could talk to Daisy again, and maybe even win her back. It may even be possible that he is trying to impress her with these lavish parties he is able to throw. I think the two stories really helped the readers form a better opinion of Gatsby's opinion.
Becca K Period 4
2/12/2014 07:43:46 am
*form a better opinion of Gatsby's intentions
Ambreen M. (Period 1)
2/11/2014 11:26:47 am
As we hear about Daisy and Gatsby, we have come to the conclusion that these two characters were aware of each others presence before during the war. You can tell there is intensity and some sort of past relationship when Gatsby is inviting Daisy for tea and adds on by saying "'Don't bring Tom" and Daisy answering by saying "'Who is 'Tom''" (Fitagerald Chapter 4). Daisy and Gatsby were in love and Daisy promises to wait for him when he goes off to war but ends up marrying Tom to satisfy her materialistic need. Gatsby has a purpose for his parties, it is to prove that he is capable of wealth and wants to win Daisy back.
Kelly B P1
2/11/2014 11:28:26 am
The stories give us insight into the reasons behind the actions of these two characters. Knowing that there was a past love affair between Daisy and Gatsby allows the reader to better understand their lives now. Daisy appears sad and we are inclined to feel for her, but now I see her as a terrible person who asked for it. I feel no remorse for her at all after leaving Gatsby for money. And for Gatsby, I see a man driven by a broken heart. It is very evident that he still cares for Daisy; "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). Even after she left him, he still wants to be around her, needs to be around her. That is why he partakes in his actions, in hope for money. He hopes more money and their past love will draw Daisy back to him. I feel more for Gatsby than Daisy at this point in the story where it had been the opposite before these stories.
Rose A P4
2/12/2014 12:47:20 pm
I agree with you Kelly. After hearing the sides of both stories from Gatsby and Daisy I have a greater feel for Gatsby because he tried so much harder for their relationship to work. I also feel for Daisy too though... When she was done reading the letter Gatsby had sent to her "she took it into the tub with her and squeezed it into a wet ball, and only let me leave it in the soap-dish when she saw that it was coming to pieces like snow" (Fitzgerald 76). Her figurative language is used to develop a deeper meaning. She couldn't wait for Gatsby any longer not only because she was waiting for years but knew it would never completely work. Overall, Gatsby did try hard to gain back Daisy's love but Daisy also couldn't wait forever to start her life.
Shelby D 5
2/11/2014 11:36:20 am
The stories given to us in chapter four give a definite change to the perception of the both Gatsby and Daisy. Daisy we see as a young woman who had been conflicted by love. She was forced to make the decision of whether to marry Tom, for money, or Gatsby, the one who looked at her the way “every young girl wants to be looked at” (Fitzgerald 62). This gives us much more clarity of her prior actions. We, as readers, are better able to understand why Daisy might have said that she hopes for her daughter to be a beautiful fool, earlier in the novel. As for Gatsby, we are better able to understand the motivation behind his actions. As Gatsby is telling Nick of his time serving in the war, he describes how he “tried very hard to die” (Fitzgerald 54). Understanding this idea and comparing it to the actions he takes, such as moving to West Egg which is relatively close to Daisy, shows the true personality of Gatsby. Throughout this chapter, it is clear that there is an underlying connection between Gatsby and Daisy that will most likely be touched upon more throughout the novel.
Brandon K 4
2/12/2014 03:53:02 pm
From my understanding of this, she wasnt forced to make a decision between Tom and Gatsby. She was more just pushed into marrying a young wealthy East Egger. With the mention of a debut and her being shown off so she could continue the family line of old money and class.I think this thought of her being forced into something she didnt want really makes me want to root for Gatsby despite his sketchy recent background.
Corey K. (period 5)
2/11/2014 11:41:39 am
In chapter four, both Gatsby and Jordan come to Nick in order to talk. Being the a nonbiased, and nonjudgmental narrator, Nick can have a better understanding of both Daisy and Gatsby and the connection between the two. In chapter two, Daisy gives off an impression of being innocent and states that she would rather here daughter be a "pretty fool" just as she considers herself to be. Gatsby on the other hand is thought of to be a mans man, who possess everything in life and is a genuine person. However, after the stories and a clear consensus that at one point Gatsby and Daisy lived each other, both characters develop into more real people. Daisy was torn between Jay and Tom after the war and was given emotion and feeling. Gatsby was given the same; he becomes a more emotional character and shows how money isn't everything. After chapter four, both Daisy and Gatsby develop into more well-rounded characters and are not as one dimensional as one may think.
Hailey A. 2
2/11/2014 11:43:18 am
The new information we get about Daisy and Gatsby gives the novel a new direction and makes us rethink what we already know about. The new information about Gatsby killing a man is revealed after Nick talks Gatsby up so much saying how you wont find a better man but after this, after finding out he might be a murderer, what should we actually think about hm.
Rachel VW Period 5
2/11/2014 11:53:27 am
Going back to the beginning of the book, people being able to trust Nick and open up to him are how we get these too back stories that allow us to see deeper into the characters. We, as readers, also know that we are going to get a very unbiased story from our narrator so that we can form our own opinions. Gatsby's story is about the love of his life, Daisy. Also, about how he lost her. Before this part in the story, we feel like Gatsby lives the ultimate life, he's got money, he has friends that attend his party's all the time, he has a beautiful home. But when Gatsby shares his story, it opens up a more emotional side to himself and it lets the reader see that even though he has all of these things he is still empty inside because he doesn't have that special someone to share it with. The same thing happens with Daisy, and you're forced to realize that Daisy's life isn't all perfect, and this "perfect" life wasn't just handed to her. And I feel that Daisy's story also leaves the reader with a sense that they are both sill looking for that one thing to fill that whole that is still left in their hearts/lives even though from the outside it looks like they have everything. I think that their stories allow the reader to view them more as regular people instead of celebrities.
Mackenzie K. period 1
2/11/2014 11:54:23 am
The two stories change the novel drastically. We see the hardships that Gatsby has gone through and the pain that Daisy has suffered in loosing Gatsby. It also shows the softer side of Gatsby. When Jordan is telling Nick about Gatsby's plan she says, "He wants to know...if you'll invite Daisy to your house some afternoon and then let him come over," (Fitzgerald 78). This changes how we look at Gatsby because he is no longer this rich man that just happens to live next door to Nick. He is a man searching for his long lost love. These stories also show that Daisy still loves Gatsby. When Jordan tells Nick about Gatsby's plan, she mentions that Daisy woke her up in the middle of the night and asked about Gatsby. She still has interest in him after all these years. This changes how we look at Daisy because now we understand why she appears to be happy but how Nick can see her pain. These stories connect Gatsby and Daisy as well, obviously with the fact that they love each other but also, we can make the connection that they both make people feel important. The both have that kind of attitude and we can see that connection more evidently.
Julia C. 2
2/12/2014 04:10:22 am
I agree with you Mackenzie that the two stories changed the novel. I think it is important that we got the new stories about the characters past because it gave us a better understanding of who they are as characters. I also agree that it gives a new depth to Gatsby as a person who is seeking love and not just a rich man who enjoys throwing parties.
Casey D 4
2/11/2014 11:58:52 am
In this chapter Gatsby tries to open up to Nick about his past life, something that he has done with very few people. Gatsby's fantastical history that he describes to Nick appears to be fictional and made up, in an attempt by Gatsby to impress Nick. Gatsby states during his drive with Nick that he is from the Mid-West, but when asked which part he says, "San Francisco" (70). This obvious contraction, along with others diminishes Gatsby's God like status and makes him seem more human and real. Gatsby is no longer an imposing and mysterious host, but rather a regular guy trying to impress his friend.
Mark M
2/12/2014 11:53:04 am
While Gatsby's story is definitely fictitious, I don't think it had anything to do with impressing Nick. Throughout the story Nick has been the person people vent to, not the person they try and impress. I believe there are other motives behind Gatsby telling Nick the fake story.
Josh S. 5
2/12/2014 01:06:02 pm
I agree with you Casey about Gatsby opening up to Nick more but with his fictional story telling. However like Mark, I do not believe that the story's purpose was to impress Nick. If anything, I believe that the story adds an even more mysterious side to Gatsby. It leaves the reader asking the question, why would Gatsby lie to Nick? Fitzgerald has Gatsby tell the story but for other reasons and I think mainly to add a more mystical outlook on Gatsby.
Melissa S. (Period 2)
2/11/2014 12:13:14 pm
"'My family all died and I came into a good deal of money...After that I lived like a young rajah in all the capitals of Europe...collecting jewels, hunting big game, painting a little, things for myself only, and trying to forget something very sad that happened to me long ago'" (Fitzgerald 65-66). Nick, our narrator, sees Gatsby's little confession as a lie that he has repeated multiple times. His backstory wasn't really explained previously until now, and of course Nick is suspicious of him because of all the rumors he has heard about Gatsby. Then Gatsby states that "'Then came the war, old sport. It was great relief, and I tried very hard to die, but I seemed to have an enchanted life" (66). Here it shows how deeply Gatsby actually felt, and that he was not superficial as Nick first thought.
Katelyn B Period 2
2/11/2014 12:20:10 pm
The revelations of the earlier lives of Daisy and Gatsby unveil the impact their past lives, involving their relationship disconnected by the demands of life, had on how they developed into the grown adults the readers have come to know. Both Daisy and Gatsby have coped with the loss of their relationship in opposite ways, but still share the same love for each other highlighting a still existent connection. Daisy through this experience has turned into an innocent girl grieving from losing the love of her life because her mother prevented her from saying good bye to her soldier, Jay Gatsby. To cope, Daisy tried finding love that could not be taken away from her (such as men who enroll as soldiers), but instead for men who were better off and already wealthy, leading to her exchange of vows with Tom Buchanan. A few days before the wedding though Daisy received a letter from Gatsby bringing back all of her emotions of the past relationship causing her to go into a hysteria; “Take ‘em downstairs and give ‘em back to whoever they belong to. Tell ‘em all Daisy’s change’ her mine…” (Fitzgerald 76), leaving her wanting to call off the wedding because she knew she was marrying Tom for the wrong reasons since her heart still belonged to Gatsby. As for Gatsby, his coping differed: "I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me" (Fitzgerald 67). Gatsby tries to run away from his problems revealing a lot about his personality and why he is socially awkward. He is afraid to love again in fear that it will be taken away just as it did with Daisy (form of rejection). He loathes for the presence of Daisy in his life which is why he throws his weekly parties, in hope that his "green light" just across the bay will one day reunite with him, whether it be through people related/connected to her that attend the parties or Daisy making an appearance herself. Readers are now able to depict the personalities and motives of both characters as their past is brought up showing just how heavy of a toll it plays on who they have become.
Miranda L Period 4
2/11/2014 12:27:56 pm
Before reading this chapter, Gatsby and Daisy seemed like two characters that would not be described into much detail, but after each of their pasts are revealed, it shows a different side to each character. Gatsby opens up more and shows his sensitive side for his love towards Daisy. He is no longer the mysterious and quiet man that readers thought he was. I feel like this chapter also reveals that Daisy is not just a young woman with nothing better in her life, but to spread rumors. She actually has a meaningful past and a softer side to her. A reader can predict that Gatsby and Daisy will meet again when Jordan tells Nick that Gatsby said, "He wants to know... if you'll invite Daisy to your house one afternoon and then let him come over." (Fitzgerald 78).
Shelby D 5
2/12/2014 11:31:11 am
I agree that Gatsby does open up and show a more sensitive side of himself. However, I think more importantly the reader is able to realize that Gatsby is human too. He lies about his past, telling Nick of how is "the son of some wealth people in the Middle West - all dead now" (Fitzgerald 53). But, we can infer that in fact that he is more than likely not of wealth. We know this because if Gatsby was from wealth he would have married Daisy, but instead she married Tom, who was very rich. So, although I do believe it does show Gatsby’s more sensitive side, I believe that the more important portrayal is of Gatsby’s human nature as a regular person.
Alyssa Z. period 4
2/11/2014 12:40:42 pm
As two stories are told during chapter four, rather than looking at the stories themselves, I looked into why they these characters chose to tell these stories to Nick in the first place. Referring just to Gatsby, I feel that he tells Nick his personal stories because he truly does care about Nick's opinion of him as Gatsby stated earlier in chapter four, "I don't want you to get the wrong idea of me from all these stories you hear" (Fitzgerald 65). Although the details within the stories are important for interpreting the change of opinion for a character, I feel as if the reasoning the story being told is just as important.
Elizabeth Z 2
2/11/2014 12:45:16 pm
Up until this point in the story, Gatsby has seemed rather empty. With the expression of both his undying love for Daisy and his past (whether his story is true or not), it given the men depth. All that the reader has been told so far is the description of his pties, in which he knows hardly anybody, and a bit about his friendship with Nick.The fact that Gatsby has he'd on to that cloven though "about six weeks go, [Daisy] had the name gastby for the first time in years" (Fitzgerald 77). It just gos to show that, no matter how empty and desolate Gatsby seems, he still does feel just like anyone else, and there is more to him than just weekly partying at his house.
Melissa S. 2
2/12/2014 11:06:32 am
I agree with you, Elizabeth. Gatsby does seem like an empty shell of a man when we first meet him in the novel, but the stories that he tells to Nick plus the stories that Jordan explains help to fill those holes in his personality and backstory. The novel is now opening up Gatsby's character, and we don't see him as just a lonely man who throws parties anymore.
Daisy O. Period 4
2/11/2014 12:47:17 pm
The description of Gatsby’s past is still puzzling due to his infinite wealth and connections with Wolfshiem. Gatsby tells Nick that he has a “souvenir of Oxford days” (54) and an honorable medal from WWI, but Nick does not completely buy it. He recognizes the proof, but still feels that Gatsby is an odd character for trying to prove himself. Daisy’s past shows the connection between Gatsby and Daisy. They were in love while Gatsby was a Lieutenant in WWI, but still got married. The puzzling part was that Daisy regretted getting married the day before the wedding after receiving a letter from Gatsby. This suggests that she might still have feelings for him, and allows readers to sympathize Gatsby. Gatsby’s house and parties were all an effort to see Daisy again, which shows the hopefulness of Gatsby that Nick admires about him.
Joe S
2/12/2014 06:07:25 am
I really like how you connected everything Daisy. The description of their past and the regret stand out to me. I think it's such a grand way in which Fitzgerald incorporates the way Daisy has regret over her mistake. Daisy " took the [letter] into the tub with her and squeezed it up into a wet ball" (Fitzgerald 76). In the line, Daisy is stunned to realize that in that second her life became complicated and made a huge mistake. Her emotions wrap up into ball that struggles and regrets.
Andrea B. (period 2)
2/11/2014 12:51:45 pm
I feel like this chapter reveals a lot about Gatsby from those two stories. It revealed a lot about his character and also his personal life. He has had these feelings for Daisy all this time, and shows his more sensitive side to the readers and to Nick about his love for her. He opens up a little more and seams more relaxed around Nick. Another character that we learn a lot about through this situation is Daisy. Daisy at once did love Gatsby, before he had left to go over seas. The night before her wedding, Jordan found her "lying on her bed as lovely as the June night in her flowered dress- and as drunk as a monkey" (Fitzgerald 76). She was drinking her sorrows away, trying to forget about her past soldier, and continue with the marriage. Although she knows that now Tom is cheating on her, Daisy still continues to be faithful to Tom. It is so easy and tempting for her to cheat with Jay, but she choses not to which I think shows a lot about her character and the type of person she is.
Tyler S (Period 4)
2/12/2014 11:09:22 am
Andrea, I disagree with Gatsby becoming more comfortable around Nick. When Gatsby is telling Nick about his past he is very nervous about it and it seems that he is insecure with his past. Readers can assume this by the way that Gatsby oddly slaps his knee and swallows some of his words.
Justin C Period 2
2/11/2014 12:55:28 pm
I believe that the new information that appeared about Gatsby and Daisy give us more insight and a better understanding of who they really are. Before the background information was given, we only really knew a couple facts about the two, the rest we had to infer for ourselves. " Gatsby brought the house so that Daisy would be just across the bay"(78). This information for example tells us how much Gatsby has feelings for Daisy.
Rachel VB (4)
2/11/2014 12:57:06 pm
In chapter four we learned a lot about Gatsby and Daisy and more importantly about their relationship. Gatsby had feelings for Daisy before he left for the war and these feelings did not completely go away when he arrived home. "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). This shows that Gatsby still has feelings for Daisy helps us make predictions about what will happen between them in the future.
Haley M (4)
2/12/2014 09:48:01 am
I like the points you brought up about Gatsby's intentions, but I think you also need to recognize that Gatsby made his whole life in hopes that he will win Daisy back. He throws the big party's so one day Daisy might have come and seen his fortune and fallen in love with him again. Gatsby will do almost anything to win Daisy's heart.
Hannah B
2/12/2014 11:09:40 am
I completely agree with both of you on the fact that Gatsby wants to win Daisy back more than anything. However, I think we need to consider and infer how this has affected Daisy's life as well. Is she really in love with him? Why didn't she break up the wedding as soon as she found out about Gatsby? These points will leave us questioning throughout the novel and most certainly poses as a link to foreshadowing, because it is a mystery to us.
Tyler Kol 5
2/11/2014 12:58:17 pm
Through these stories, readers gain insight which changes how Daisy is perceived. To readers, Daisy was a character who fell stupidly in love with her cheating husband. This idea forces readers to see daisy as one dimensional character, having no knowledge or emotion to develop or change her point of view. As the novel develops, readers now see that Daisy was not always hopelessly trapped in a relationship, and almost never married Tom in the first place. Daisy went through her own emotional struggle in order to decide who she loved more, Tom or Gatsby. Her choice of marrying Tom Buchanan for wealth instead of Gatsby leads to her unhappiness. This lost love is what drives Gatsby to partake in shady business deals to gain wealth, possibly winning back Daisy’s affection in the process.
Ryan F. Period Two
2/11/2014 01:27:24 pm
I agree with what you're saying Tyler, she seemed to be a one dimensional character but went through a period of growth throughout this past chapter that proves she is much more than that. Having such a large emotional struggle shows that she is capable of lots of change and at one point did love someone not just because of their wealth.
Katelyn B Period 2
2/12/2014 09:43:49 am
I like how you went about stating that part of the reason Gatsby starts to partake in shady businesses to gain wealth was to win Daisy's heart. Until I read your comment I had not thought about Gatsby becoming very rich just to attract Daisy back to him, but rather to replace his emotional feelings of her with materialistic objects in hope that they would make him happy. Again, I also agree with the fact that she came of age in a way when she began to realize that wealth in a relationship would not make her truly happy, especially when she wants to call off the wedding: “Take ‘em downstairs and give ‘em back to whoever they belong to. Tell ‘em all Daisy’s change’ her mine…” (Fitzgerald 76). The three hundred and fifty thousand dollar pearls did not provide the happiness in life that she wanted because it still left her feeling empty inside. This realization hit her when she received the letter from Gatsby bringing back the emotions from her past relationship with him, pointing out that she was marrying Tom for the wrong reasons and would never be truly happy.
Casey D
2/12/2014 12:03:37 pm
Although I agree with you that this chapter and Jordan's story provides a lot of insight into Daisy and her relationship with Gatsby, I disagree with you that Fitzgerald portrays Daisy as someone who fell stupidly in love with Tom earlier in the novel. Even when the reader is first introduced to Daisy, there is a sense of tension between her and Tom. After the phone rings for Tom, from his mistress, Daisy's face is described as, "each light deserting her with lingering regret like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk" (18). Although the reader does not find out until later why Daisy is so unhappy with her current marriage, there is already a sense of emotional trauma with in Daisy. She may appear to be one dimensional only because she purposely acts shallow to please Tom.
period 4
2/12/2014 12:04:14 pm
Costa D. (Period 4)
2/11/2014 01:03:55 pm
The specific reference made by Gatsby saying "I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me". This line doesn't alter my thinking process for Gatsby because I always considered that he was an odd one out. The fact that no one knew the truth about him and talked poorly of him at his own party gave sense that he separated away from society. Jordan discussing Daisy's past though adds to a friendlier relationship between her and Nick, which is why at the end of the chapter Nick states, "I drew her up again closer, this time to my face".
Tyler Ken. 1
2/12/2014 06:05:12 am
I agree that Gatsby is typically the odd one out and I feel that he holds himself out because he does not feel like he belongs with the people at his home and he is afraid of losing another significant other. Nick states that when he met Gatsby, " I'd got a strong impression that he was picking his words with care"(53). Gatsby alienates himself from society by not drinking at his parties also but I believe he alienates himself because he does not want the " sad thing", the losing of Daisy to Tom, to occur again, so Gatsby is afraid to make real social connections out of fear that he could lose another significant other.
Anna W. 1st
2/11/2014 01:20:45 pm
This chapter is the first time we actually get any good personal information on Gatsby's background, who he is, and why he might act the way he does now. Gatsby says to Nick, "You see, I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me," (67). From what Gatsby had already explained to him before this point, his life had been a series of ups and downs, but then later we find out that he's very sad because he is still in love with Daisy. Before this point, Gatsby's personality was mysterious, and somewhat shallow, and after this chapter I felt more connected to his character and this pain that he's been carrying around for so many years.
Carissa C. P4
2/12/2014 08:11:32 am
I agree with you Anna on the basis that you connect to Gatsby more. I feel sympathy for Gatsby because the woman he was and still is in love with did not wait for him so they could be together. I also think that along with Gatsby throwing all the lavish parties to meet Daisy, he uses them to mask his real emotions to be the calm, composed man he is portrayed in the novel. It is evident that he is still hurt on the inside and I believe he will never get over Daisy.
Yousuf A Period 5
2/11/2014 01:21:28 pm
The new details of Daisy and Gatsby show more about who they truly are. We now know why he was trying to grab the "green light" and the purpose of these parties, to get Daisy to come. The two were in love previously, "The officers looked at Daisy while she was speaking, in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at some time, and because it seemed romantic to me I have remembered the incident ever sing. His name was Jay Gatsby..." (Fitzgerald 75). She only married Tom because she didn't know he would ever come back, and when she got the letter, she was devastated. Also, Jay Gatsby is a character with great values, not just a shady business dealer.
Nadim K
2/12/2014 10:50:52 am
I agree with you because I think that once the green light was brought up in the story, we get the understanding that Daisy and Gatsby knew each other before the war.
Stefan Cefali Period 5
2/12/2014 01:08:35 pm
I agree with all of your statements about how chapter 4 really brought out the past of Gatsby and Daisy. Although I don't agree with the last statement about Gatsby being a person with great values. I think that that could be debatable because Gatsby lied to Nick's face when they were on the way to lunch about his past, and Nick had to find out the real story from Jordan. Not to mention up to this point we are lead to believe that the only reason Gatsby is associating himself with Nick is to get to Daisy.
Ryan F. Period Two
2/11/2014 01:22:32 pm
These stories completely change how the reader feels about Daisy. At the beginning, we all think of her as this, one might say, stereotypical blonde because of the way she acts. She pretty much knows her husband only married her because she's pretty and she's perfectly fine with that. Now we learn that she is the reason that Gatsby has all these parties, because he loves her and wants to see her and hopefully get to be with her any chance he gets.
Alyssa Z. period 4
2/12/2014 09:23:29 am
I agree with you Ryan. I feel as if the story has formed itself into revolving around Daisy and how special she is. At the beginning of the novel I thought that Gatsby was a well respected man of high authority, but after realizing that the reasoning behind all these parties was so that he could impress Daisy. It shocked me and made me respect Daisy more due to how much concern a wealthy man has for her
Bakari C. 2
2/11/2014 01:27:23 pm
being someone who is already read the novel and has a relatively decent understanding of it, it is hard to find new things about the characters that I hadn't thought of at all. but, an idea that continues to popup is a read is the purpose for this that comes along with Jay Gatsby. Everything from the parties he has, to the event he plans, to the way that he says things has an intention when it comes to him. this can be seen from the text, "I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me." Daisy, on the other hand, is someone who goes with what she feels. daisy is always someone who complete actions based upon momentary feelings. Towards the end part of the novel, this becomes more and more apparent. This sort of characteristic is becoming more prominent as the book progresses and more details are given out about her character.
Trevor B P5
2/11/2014 01:43:55 pm
Gatsby's story begins to shed light on his past and how he is as a character by telling Nick what he went trough "trying to forget the sad thing that happened to [him]" (Fitzgerald 67). And Fitzgerald does a good job revealing very little about the characters that are introduced to add mystery for the readers to uncover themselves. Through the story Gatsby has a lot of mysterious rumors in his past. Jordan then talks about how he and Daisy were involved before she married Tom. Gatsby's character also begins to feel more human from showing new emotions that have not yet been in the novel and from the stories he had told.
Paula R. Period 5
2/11/2014 01:46:42 pm
I think that rather than showing character development, this chapter gives us a better understanding of Gatsby. While out with Nick, Gatsby tells Nick of his upbringings saying that he is "the son of some wealthy people in the Middle West... [and was] educated at Oxford because... it is a family tradition" but in response to that Nick thought of how Jordan told him on how to tell when Gatsby was lying (Fitzgerald 65). The quote shows that yes, Gatsby trusts Nick but it can also show that Gatsby was lying about his past. Gastby immediately refutes all sources of information by stating that the people who birthed him were "all dead now" and when asked where in the Middle West he was raised he answered, "San Francisco" and San Francisco is most definitely not in the Middle West (65). The passage shows that Gatsby is only telling Nick what will fit his image of extravagant wealth now and that we do not exactly know of Gatsby's past yet.
Paulette D. Period 5
2/12/2014 07:36:35 am
I agree that Gatsby trust Nick enough to hear the truth of his past that he wants people to know, but not the whole truth. I do not agree with you, Paula, that we do not know anything from his past. We do learn about Gatsby’s past, but from a different perspective. Jordan recalls seeing the way “the officer looked at Daisy while she was speaking, in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at some time, and because it seemed romantic..” (Fitzgerald 75). The officer that Jordan was referring to “…was Jay Gatsby, and [she] didn’t lay eyes on him again for over four years---even after [she’d] met him on Long Island [she] didn’t realize it was the same man” (75). The readers discover that Gatsby and Daisy met and developed a relationship long time ago. I think Gatsby lies about his life, because he doesn’t want Nick to know about the past between himself and Daisy.
Ryan C p4
2/12/2014 11:11:40 am
I agree with both of you, I think that Gatsby is a man who has everything that anyone could ever want, except someone to share it with. He trusts Nick enough to tell him a skewed version of his life, rather than the truth. All Gatsby really wants is for Daisy to leave Tom for him. What readers find out later is that Gatsby fabricated this story for the purpose of showing off his wealth and extravagant lifestyle. The entire thing comes full circle when Gatsby "meets" Daisy, and her story is told.
Josh S. 5
2/11/2014 01:47:50 pm
These new revelations of the characters back stories make Daisy and Gatsby seem to be more overall dynamic characters. The new insight also creates some questioning of the true character of Gatsby. Jordan informs Nick that Daisy does not know of the planned meeting and "Gatsby doesn't want her to know. [Nick's] just supposed to invite her to tea." This brings upon the question, is Gatsby just using Nick? In the following chapter he rewards Nick with material things in order to meet Daisy. However, the back story of Daisy shows the reader that she is not just a ditsy pretty face that Gatsby wants to meet. They had a very strong emotional connection and she seemed to just get trapped with marrying Tom instead.
Imani B. 5
2/11/2014 01:49:01 pm
Chapter 4 tells the readers much more about Gatsby than they had known before. It reveals a more sensitive side to him as he decides to open up to Nick about his past life and how he gained all of his money through inheritance and trying to start over. And in Daisy's story, it reveals Gatsby as someone who might have lost the love of his life to somebody else but still holds the feeling close to his heart and will always have it, considering he feels the need to have to live by her. In the middle of the chapter, Daisy is proclaiming, "Take 'em down-stairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to. Tell 'em all Daisy's change' her mine. Say: 'Daisy's change' her mine!'" (p. 76) By reading this, I also think that Daisy is unhappy in her marriage with Tom, not only because he cheats anymore, but because of the love that she still holds for Gatsby that she gained back when receiving the letter from him before she married.
Daisy O. Period 4
2/12/2014 12:35:32 pm
I agree with you Imani that chapter four has given us more sympathy for Gatsby. We learn in this chapter that even though he lied to Nick though he said, it was “God’s Truth” (53). We get this more sensitive side of Gatsby, which allows us to forgive him for lying. Gatsby is a man in love. He is so in love that he became rich and has fabulous parties to get the attention of his love, Daisy .He loves Daisy so much that he is trying to ask Nick to help him to see her again.
Jimmy M P2
2/11/2014 01:49:50 pm
This chapter gives a new sense of meaning to these characters. Where they were characters once only seen as what they allowed others to know, they now have more depth behind them. "'My family all died and I came into a good deal of money...After that I lived like a young rajah in all the capitals of Europe...collecting jewels, hunting big game, painting a little, things for myself only, and trying to forget something very sad that happened to me long ago'" (Fitzgerald 65-66). At this point, Nick sees that Gatsby isn't as one dimentional as he once thought.
Renick W. 1
2/24/2014 11:26:38 am
Not only do we now know more about Gatsby but we also know but we also now know more about how Daisy grew up. She was the girl all the guys wanted and she had many men throughout her upbringing. Gatsby was one of them and he has never truly let her go.
Amanna V (4)
2/11/2014 01:52:09 pm
Personally, this chapter gave me a lot of insight into Daisy's real personality and character. What especially surprised me was that she used wealth and status as a façade for happiness. This was evident on the night that she married Tom. She had received a letter (presumably from Gatsby) and she retrieves the very expensive pearls Tom gave her and says, "Take 'em down-stairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to. Tell 'em all Daisy's changes' her mine." (Fitzgerald 76). Although it seems like all Daisy cares about is money, the circumstances at the time prevented her from being with Gatsby, so she chose the next best option. It is more evident now why Daisy isn't as affectionate towards her husband as she should be; she still harbors deep feelings for Gatsby, her first love. Regarding Gatsby, a lot of background information was given to the readers about why he does what he does. He throws lavish parties, became rich, got a big house all so that he can live up to what Daisy wants from a man. When in truth, Daisy really just wanted to be with him and was blinded by wealth and power.
Paula R. Period 5
2/12/2014 12:04:45 pm
I agree with you, Amanna. When Gatsby left for the war, she dated Tom but still loved Gatsby and when she found out about Gatsby's return she would rather give up the lavish lifestyle with Tom than live a life without her love, Gatsby. I disagree though that Daisy was blinded with wealth and power, I think that when she married Tom, she just accepted the wealth because she knew that was never going to be truly happy. I think Gatsby became wealthy to get Daisy's attention, thinking that Daisy no longer loved him because he was not as wealthy as Tom, which was not true.
DM period 4
2/11/2014 01:52:32 pm
These backstories provide us with the realization that both daisy and Gatsby are not whom they seem to be when we first met them. Our impression of Gatsby at first is that he's an incredibly wealthy man that, although very kind, likes to flaunt his money. It isn't until later in the we learn all he's trying to accomplish is to "forget something very sad that had happened to me long ago." After his loss if daisy it would appear he is just trying to ruin himself to finally receive pity for once or at the very least become less of a godlike figure to these people. However, in trying to ruin himself he wishes to create the happiness he was robbed of for those around him to give himself a sense of worth.
Caleb S, Period 5
2/11/2014 01:54:18 pm
In the beginning we think of Daisy as sad and kind of as a gold-digger. But through Jordan’s story it changes our views of her, now we can think of her as a women who is conflicted by love in her earlier life. Daisy and young Gatsby met and he looked at her “in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at” (Fitzgerald Ch. 4). She chose to marry Tom for his money in place of Gatsby, which leads her to her unhappiness. There lost love for each other may be the reason why Gatsby is driven to partake in these shady business deals. He wants to get rich and have wealth like Tom does in hope that he can somehow win Daisy with his money.
Elizabeth Z 2
2/12/2014 11:05:28 am
Going along with the idea of Gatsby partaking in shady deals in order to climb the financial ladder, I think that it also says a lot about the strength of his love for Daisy. Before he fell in love with her, he must have been a relatively good person. After all, he was awarded with a medal for valour. Once he fell in love with Daisy, went to the war, and she married Tom, he probably realized that he was not wealthy enough to logically marry her, himself. He was willing to put his reputation on the line so that he could win the girl in the end. Now, this isn't saying that shady deals are always good or okay, but it does characterize Gatsby as a character who is VERY much in love.
Jelani P 2
2/11/2014 01:54:44 pm
Jordan's story allows Nick to fully understand the reason for Gatsby's luxurious parties every weekend, "I think he [Gatsby] half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night," (Fitzgerald 79). This chapter really increases a lot of the mystery to the novel. As Fitzgerald uncovers more and more about the past, readers start to understand stand more of Gatsby's motives behind his actions and it is learned that his interest in Nick, parties and the placement of his house is all for Daisy, his past lover.
Zak D
2/12/2014 11:24:53 am
I agree with your point about why Gatsby throws these parties. He uses the luxurious parties to lure Daisy over and try and get his chance with her. He purposefully shows off because he wants to show his love what he has now.
Stefan C. period 5
2/11/2014 01:55:19 pm
I believe that these stories that were told in chapter four, for me really, changed my view of Gatsby the most. He has changed in my mind because at first he seemed like a great person. He was inviting Nick to all of these great parities, inviting Nick to lunches, but in the end we just come to find out that he is trying to use Nick to get to Daisy because of a past that they have had in there younger years. Gatsby changed from a rich man trying to share his wealth, to becoming a rich man that will do anything to get what he wants.
Ashlee P 5
2/12/2014 11:42:18 am
I agree that Gatsby seems to be using Nick after it is revealed that he has previously had a relationship with Daisy and wants Nick to bring them together. However, i feel that Gatsby genuinely took Nick out and wanted to show him a good time to pay him back for what he might do and not just persuade him to do something. To me when Nick tries to introduce Gatsby to Tom and Gatsby vanishes suddenly shows that he does not what Nick to think of him as fake or plotting individual by having anything to do with smiling in Tom's face when he knows how he feels about his wife.
Richard Webb Period 5
2/22/2014 09:52:46 am
Stefan, I disagree with the new way in how you view Gatsby. I don't think that he is trying use Nick, I think that Nick is the only person that Gatsby can confide in for help. I don't think that he is man that will do anything to get what he wants, simply because the only thing he really wants is Daisy.
Chris B. 5
2/11/2014 01:58:56 pm
This chapter brought a whole new meaning to the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy two character that fitzgerald started as separate story's until he united them with a back story. "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78) This Connection between characters allows a whole new depth to the story to be reviled.
Kathryn P P2
2/11/2014 06:45:08 pm
The chapter provides more depth to the characters by giving us a little description of their "conflicting" histories. It starts with Gatsby, who people do not know the truth about, because he doesn't want Nick to "get a wrong idea of [him] from all these [Nick] hears" (65). Truly, Gatsby is a compassionate person who had the love of his life taken from him. This love is Daisy. Gatsby and Daisy have had a deep past as well. This also gives depth to Daisy too. Daisy, I believe, is a girl that has had everything, but life has turned the tables on her too many times that she can't see the good in life. But there's one thing that Daisy is, she's loyal and compassionate, which will make these next chapters interesting, as Gatsby and she reunite after years apart.
Conrad
2/12/2014 03:08:46 am
Isn't the word "wrong" interesting when you think about Gatsby not wanting Nick to get the wrong idea about him?
James Jones 2
2/12/2014 10:23:05 am
I think I know what you mean but I'm not sure. I find Gatsby not wanting Nick to get the "wrong idea of [him]" ironic. I find it ironic because he does not want Nick to judge him based off of the rumors that other people spread, but he still does not tell Nick the whole truth about himself. An example of this is when he tells Nock that he comes from a wealthy family, even though Jordan's story later in the chapter reveals that Gatsby was not wealthy at all. How can Nick form a "right" opinion of Gatsby if he doesn't know the real Gatsby? I feel that the answer to this is that, according to Gatsby, the "right" opinion is the opinion that he wants to mold into Nick, even though it is not true, which causes the reader to ask themselves whether Gatsby is truly Nicks friend, or if he is just using him to get to Daisy.
Kathryn P P2
2/12/2014 10:26:28 am
Yes, I do, now that you bring it up. The word "wrong" is used as it is, because Gatsby wants to set right what he thinks is the "God's truth" (65). But the statements he makes, although some are real, others aren't the whole truth, and his past deals with the lower, possibly illegal side of the law. I also think that Gatsby used the word that way is because he didn't want Nick to see all of his faults and that Gatsby acted/acts this way is to impress Daisy.
Alexis B. Period 1
2/12/2014 05:38:55 am
The individual telling's of Gatsby's and Daisy's stories change path of the story. Gatsby's mysterious past is finally answered. The puzzle pieces of Gatsby's life, as well as the other characters in the novel such as Daisy and Tom, are finally matching up. the relationship between the characters can finally be determined. The stories also give depth to the characters seen as unimportant. For example, during a flashback when young Gatsby and daisy are sitting in the car, Gatsby, "looks at her in a way that every young girl want to be loved" (Fitzgerald 63). This shows the feelings Gatsby has her, which can potentially used to foreshadow why Gatsby chooses the decisions he does.
Anna W
2/12/2014 12:59:54 pm
I agree that this chapter gave a lot of depth to the characters, I wouldn't necessarily say they were unimportant before this chapter, but after, their personalities definitely show, and why they act the way they do. I also agree that it might foreshadow Gatsby's future decisions. He is so in love with Daisy, and now that he has contacted her, I wonder what he will do next since she is still married to Tom.
Jesse S. P.4
2/13/2014 01:00:21 pm
The two story's certainly contribute signifiicant changes in the novel as well as display how Gatsby's lies are slowly becoming more apparent and how they can now be eaily distinguished. Nick begins to capture these sublte mistakes in order to gain a better understanding of how Gatsby became to be. Prior to this, no one coud really tell whether or not the rumors were true, since no one really made any attempt to get to know Gatsby. He hasn't had that first-hand experience so he now finds it more difficult to maintain his lies in an effort to capture the love of his life Daisy.
Ammara A.
2/12/2014 07:27:33 am
Gatsby and Daisy's past impacts the direction of the novel immensely. You see two very different characters starting to tie in together. Gatsby and Daisy were in love, and the scene where she is in the tub where she held on the Gatsby's letter symbolized that her heart desired Gatsby. "She wouldn't let go of the letter,"(81). At that point, Daisy was conflicted and was torn between Gatsby and Tom and subduing her feelings for Jay, still married Tom. Gatsby's past history gives more insight on his character and the readers begin to piece together why he is the way he is and what made him like that. It was a turning point and a important addition to the novel because of all the little details we learn about the characters exemplifies how it affected their futures.
Maddy.B
2/12/2014 11:13:34 am
I believe that this particular chapter brings out the characters true colors. Gatsby, As a lost, broken hearted, loyal, hopeless romantic who wanted to do nothing more than to give the girl of his dreams everything he possibly could. Whereas daisy loves Gatsby but can easily throw it away. " She wouldn't let go of the letter. She took it into the tub with her and squeezed it up into a wet ball, and only let me have it in the soap dish when she saw that it was coming to pieces like snow. " (Fitzgerald 77). Daisy easily threw away her whole works which was that letter. Being so careless and in this story bring daisy's true character into the light.
Jordan C 5
2/12/2014 12:10:12 pm
Clearly, there is a bit of a love affair between Gatsby and Daisy. This is to be expected just by the set up of the story. However, up until about now, Daisy had never said nor had been explained to have had feelings for Gatsby other than casual flirting. However, when she is reminded of him, she reveals a bit of the feelings she has to come: “Well, about six weeks ago, she heard the name Gatsby for the first time in years. It was when I asked you – do you remember? – if you knew Gatsby in West Egg. After you had gone home she came into my room and woke me up, and said: "What Gatsby?" and when I described him – I was half asleep – she said in the strangest voice that it must be the man she used to know. It wasn't until then that I connected this Gatsby with the officer in her white car” (77). Basically, Daisy is foreshadowing the escalation of her feelings later in the book about Gatsby. Now that she had known he is in fact close by, and that her past relations with him are unfolding, the reader can start to see just how strong Gatsby and Daisy’s feelings were and how strong they have the potential to be in the rest of the story.
Bri D. Period 2
2/12/2014 12:59:20 pm
After we find about the past lives of Daisy and Gatsby, we can assume that there was some connection between the two before Gatsby left for war. Gatsby wants to be reunited with Daisey so, he asks Nick to tag along. This is because he is nervous that it has been so long since they have seen eachother. We also find out that "Gatsby bought that house so Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). It is obvious that Gatsby still has feelings for Daisy that overwhelm him, and he cannot stand not being away from her.
Kevin Hildner
2/12/2014 01:31:16 pm
I think that one of the biggest revelations that comes from these two stories is that we get to see Gatsby's true motives for everything that he has been doing. Knowing that he is in love with Daisy explains why he threw all of these parties, "he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night" (78), it also explains why he was staring off at the green light. Knowing this information about Daisy having been in love with Gatsby since before she was married is very important as well, because it kind of adds to the sense that Daisy's life is lacking meaning and purpose. As Mr.Conrad pointed out in class, Daisy really does not do all that much in her day to day life, she has a nanny raising her daughter, she does not work, and her husband is openly cheating on her. Knowing that Tom is not the man whom she is truly in love with, just adds to the idea that she is not happy in her situation.
Costa D.
2/12/2014 01:47:57 pm
I'm on the same track with you about Gatsby holding these parties hoping that Daisy would pop in. This also explains why Gatsby seems a bit anti-social at his parties, his main motive is to see and talk to daisy, therefore disregarding his guests.
Brandon K 4
2/12/2014 02:59:31 pm
These stories are important for two main reasons. The first is to more straight forward say that there is a relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. There were clues prior to this but this just finalized it. So this confirmation changes a lot about how we see both Daisy and Gatsby. We can see better how Daisy has gotten to her point of unhappiness as well as clearing up some of the motives of Gatsby. The other important thing that these stories do, is increasing the kind of distrust in what Gatsby says. His almost blatant lying and inconsistencies in this story begin to make him more questionable and sketchy for the reader.
Jesse S. P.4
2/13/2014 12:52:03 pm
Gatsby's back story was quite confusing to Nick, as Nick is not easily convinced that his wealth was an upbringing from his family wealth. When Nick undergoes the impression that Gatsby's wealth may not have been a result of his family history, that it was possible that he may have participated in a scandolous act with Wolfshiem. The industrial setting of the 1920's in American portrays the image of organized crime and "bootlegging". The ladies on the front lawn during the party came to this conclusion, "he's a bootlegger...one time he killed a man who had found out that he was a nephew to Von Hindenburg, and a second cousin to the devil."
Richard Webb Period 5
2/22/2014 09:39:27 am
The revelations by Gatsby and Jordan are very significant because some of the mysteries surrounding the characters are discussed. They allow the readers to view daisy's and Gatsby's lifestyles in a completely different way. Gatsby's past was revealed which showed a correlation to exactly why he bought his house. Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). The main purpose of his house was not to flaunt his wealth, it was to be close to Daisy. It was also revealed that Daisy is in an unhappy marriage and was once in love with Gatsby. The revelations changed the novel because there is now and evident connection between Gatsby and Daisy.
Mahia P - Per.1
2/24/2014 09:26:32 am
I found the detail in this chapter to be very interesting, and definitely helpful. I think that these two stories give the reader an understanding that wasn't given before. In this chapter, Nick says, "I had talked with him [Gatsby] perhaps six times in the past month and found, to my disappointment, that he had little to say" (Fitzgerald 64). I think that Nick was surprised, but happy to hear Gatsby talk about his past. The stories in this chapter also connect the dots of information that has not been clearly stated earlier in the story. I think that the ending of this chapter also leaves readers in suspense, because they want to know what happens of Daisy and Gatsby's meeting.
Renick W 1
2/24/2014 11:22:44 am
I think that the major revelation is that it explains Gatsby's purpose behind all his actions. Nick figures this out once Jordan tells him the story and he says, "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay" (Fitzgerald 78). It shows how Gatsby has made many decisions based on Daisy, all the way to buying a castle just so he could be close to her. His motives have finally been revealed.
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