Dialectical Journal For The Great Gatsby

Words: 550

Pages: 3

Open Document

1. What is your favorite quote from the novel? Explain its significance. “It is invariably saddening to look through new eyes at things upon which you have expended your own powers of adjustment” (Fitzgerald 104). In The Great Gatsby, readers observe Jay Gatsby’s dream of Daisy Fay slowly disintegrate as he tries to transform the past into reality. This quote demonstrates the sorrow that floods through Gatsby when he realizes he was wrong in his attempts to change what has already been done. Although they were in love five years ago, Jay Gatsby discerns the fact that he and Daisy can never be the same when she rejects the once-loved Gatsby for the rich and eager Tom. Gatsby needed to look at Daisy in a new light even though he had his mind set on them falling in love once again.

2. Is Nick the best choice for narrator? If so, what are your …show more content…
Gatsby relished many luxuries such as his expensive car, enormous house, and the innumerable parties that overflowed with people every weekend However, the ultimate goal of these indulgences was to lure his one true love, Daisy Fay, back into his company. This novel portrays Gatsby as he lives half of the American Dream; he indeed used his talents to benefit his economic standing. The readers are introduced to Meyer Wolfshiem and Dan Cody, the two who encouraged Gatsby to pursue his dreams and assisted him along the way. Nonetheless, his economic standing did not ensure his happiness, as his transition from rags to riches was compromised because Daisy had already moved on. She was looking for a man with old money, someone who had been used to being wealthy - entirely unlike Gatsby, who did everything in his power to impress her with his new money. Although some, similar to Gatsby, appear like they are living the American Dream, deep inside they are lost without that one thing money cannot buy

The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

CHAPTER ONE “SHE HAD A DIFFICULT TIME OWNING UP TO HER CRAZY MIND.” My mother spoke softly, believing it was the first time I'd heard those words from her. We stood, with sharp eyes and sharp souls. In front of us lay a meadow, full of little discarded secrets left in the stones, and my grandmother's grave. “Don't you wish she would have given us another year?” my mother asked. “No, her time was destined before she even knew her name.” I flicked the watch, letting her know it was time to leave.…

Words 1706 - Pages 7

The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

The Great Gatsby Journal Entries Chapters 7-9 3/22/16; Chapter 7; What does money reveal about Gatsby? Gatsby’s use of money leads readers to believe that he is the elegant person Nick leads them to believe. Readers are curious on how he became so wealthy but they do not really dwell on the fact. Neither does anyone else in the story as long as they are provided for at Gatsby’s great parties. However, in Chapter 7, Tom says to Nick, “I found out what your ‘drug-stores’ were...He and this Wolfsheim…

Words 1068 - Pages 5

The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

“Did you know that they put mirrors in elevators to distract the occupants? The mirrors decrease the riders fear and create the illusion of a short ride.” Tam said. It was an odd thing say, although, contextually correct. Her sentence caused Casey to notice the elevator mirrors. In turn the mirrors noticed him back. Flattered they propagated his reflection in a parabolic curve and the interior volume expanded. He shook his head and infinite Casey's mimicked the gesture. He ignored them. Instead…

Words 2041 - Pages 9

The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

make copies.” Transferring her attention to the pictures, the one on top was of an old tintype with worn ragged edges and faded from age. Underneath and written in graceful, flowing script was the name of Monsieur Jacques Dominic Devereux, her fifth great-grandfather. “He was tall.” “That was unusual for the time as people were typically shorter in those days. Have you ever noticed how old door handles are lower than they are now?” “I never thought about. Makes sense now.” She had to squint at the faint…

Words 1354 - Pages 6

Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

1. As a zen buddhist, Basho believes in karma and the passing of deeds between lifeforms. This leads to a natural tendency to feel trapped "between worlds" as all actions of the believer should transfer from this life to the next. On page 98 Basho talks about different generations beginning to celebrate the festival of dolls, acknowledging his inevitable passing from this world to another one. 2. Again on page 98, Basho creates a poem that I think represents Kigo or seasons. "The passing spring…

Words 169 - Pages 1

The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

The tone of the passage is hopeful the author uses symbolism to advance the tone. One statement that illuminates the tone of the passage is: “And I understand that as long as there are dreamers left, there will never be want for a dream.”(Dimaline 231). The quote refers to the power of imagination and hope; it suggests that as long as there are people who dare to dream, there will always be hope for change. This supports the statement that the tone of the passage is hopeful as the quote encourages…

Words 223 - Pages 1

Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

Something changed about him. There was that hardness that wasn't there before. The other guys excused themselves. "You look well. How are you?" I genuinely missed him. We worked through the hard times together. "See I'm fairing- maybe not as great as you- but well," he avoided my eyes. He said that with a smile, but it seemed forced. "I'm glad. If you need anything, just tell me." "I would," he said with a glint in his eyes. I'm not sure if I imagined it, but somehow he looked menacing…

Words 1137 - Pages 5

The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

at her revamped living room while Bass worked on getting the Quail she had caught early that morning ready to put in the oven. Listening to the shopkeeper's wife on that first visit into town, Charlie realized that she had a keen interest in her great-grandma's junk. So, she and Bass had the blackout equivalent of an estate sell and now had a healthy credit at most of the shops in town along with two goats and a hen house full of chickens that they had barted for. The cabin was cozy and going…

Words 593 - Pages 3

The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

The soft click of a key turning in a lock alerted Tom to Booker's impending arrival, and a joyous smile played over his lips, highlighting his attractive face. Closing his book, he gazed expectantly across the room, waiting in anticipation for the moment his lover walked through the door. It was a vision he knew he would never grow weary of seeing. He took an almost child-like pleasure in seeing the man he adored enter his apartment every evening, so much so, he often found himself blushing with…

Words 1599 - Pages 7

The Great Gatsby Dialectical Journal

Nick describes himself as both highly moral and tolerant. He also mentions how he reserves judgement on others, as his father taught him, as a way to not misunderstand them. Although he states this, the fact that he casts an instant judgement on Gatsby in the brief mention, also means he’s a hypocrite. 3. Nick mentions that he knew Tom Buchanan in college and that…

Words 2627 - Pages 11