Journal 20 – The Great Gatsby Conclusion

Nick uses the imagery of Gatsby’s parties and talks about how they will never again fill his house. The party is finally over for Gatsby and everyone has left. Nick headed into a new world with the shore melting away around him. The green light is a visual symbol of hope for Gatsby and is similar to the green land that the Dutch sailors first came across. In the end, the green beacon’s light was as intangible as Gatsby's dream. The green light was as bright and enthralling as Long island was when the Dutch sailors found it. The continent enchanted the Dutch explorers and was filled with their hopes and dreams just like the green light enchanted Gatsby. Gatsby reached as far as he could, but like the sailors, his dream eluded him and remained out of reach. We push forward towards our dreams but are only dragged back into the past.  

Journal #19

Nick Carraway Adjective __open-minded___

Nick is a young man from the mid-west. He doesn’t specifically describe his physical appearance. He is tolerant and tries not to judge those around him. He is also quiet, overly polite, and reserved. He had just moved to west egg to work in the bond business. He meets up with his cousin and her husband and has dinner with them. He tries to reserve his judgment on Gatsby.

Characterization in Chapter 1 of The Great Gatsby

Tom Buchanan Adjective _____arrogant_____

Tom is well built and highly muscled. He has a gruff voice and his body language seems aggressive. He talks about a book called The Rise of the Colored Empires and raves about how black and white blood lines need to be kept separate. He openly endorses racism and even leaves dinner for a phone call with his supposed lover.

Daisy Buchanan Adjective ___charming__

Daisy is lounging on the couch with Jordan and they are both wearing dresses. She has a charming laugh and seems happy to see Tom. She had dinner with Nick and and wants him to date Jordan. She fell in love with wealth and seems shallow and easily bored.

Jordan Baker Adjective ___self-centered____

She is a slim attractive girl with an erect carriage. She plays in golf tournaments frequently. She is polite but seems distant. She is in the midst of trying to balance something when Nick meets her and only vaguely acknowledges him.

Jay Gatsby Adjective ___fixated_____

Gatsby is everything that Nick scorns. He is wealthy and flamboyant. He is only briefly described in the first chapter when he is staring at the light on Daisy dock. He has dedicated his life to win her back and she became his goal for becoming wealthy.