Post by thethoughtpolice on Sept 27, 2011 13:25:51 GMT
Chapter 8
The motif of dust makes a reappearance - Gatsby's house is very dusty. It is used to represent the demise of Gatsby's dream, as his mansion - once an elaborate centre piece in his plan to win Daisy - is now stale, dusty and decaying. Represents the affect Tom's brutal confrontation with Gatsby and how this, together with losing Daisy, has impacted on Gatsby's elf esteem.
Gatsby is attracted to Daisy as she is everything he doesn't have. With the promise of love, Gatsby has taken on the pursuit of Daisy as religion - 'grail'. We are not convinced wealth is a bad thing, but is tainted when there is so much poverty in the world. There is also a sense that wealth naturally preserves youth and beauty. Fitzgerald is presenting Gatsby in a long line of romantic heroes - like Arthur of Camelot - who will stop at nothing to win and preserve the affections of their woman.
Gatsby has retained the ability to dream through his life, although his dreams can be ridiculous or hurtful. Tom, Daisy etc. have purposeless lives, whereas Gatsby knows what he wants. He is optimistic and hopeful, far more attractive a quality than cynicism. Nick admires his ability to attempt to achieve his dreams. He also takes the blame for Daisy killing Myrtle, sacrificing himself, not running away to make sure Daisy's OK. Doesn't run from problems like Tom and Daisy do - a more pleasant quality.
TJ Eckleburg billboard motif, in a confused mistaken identity is seem to be the face of God. Fitzgerald is suggesting advertisements become the new God, responsible for making people aspire to material wealth, like Myrtle who coveted the clothes and lifestyle of people wealthier than her. Fitzgerald is saying more people follow fashion than follow God.
Gatsby's death is described very factually. He is killed 'off stage' - giving him an undramatic end, emphasising the reality and brutality of it. The novel's violence is real and raw, not melodramatic. Millionaire's death, in his swimming pool, although a lonely death. He realises sunlight and roses, with the appearance of beauty, can be harsh, sees things differently. By seeing things as they are, he realises he is past the stage of uncontrollably chasing Daisy, so he doesn't care if she doesn't call.
He almost wants to die as without his dream he is nothing. Taking away his dream takes away his purpose - he no longer belongs in this world. However, there is ambiguity as Nick only suspects that this is the case.
'Holocaust' highlights the total destruction caused by the tragic event. No poetic justice, ridiculously cruel.
The motif of dust makes a reappearance - Gatsby's house is very dusty. It is used to represent the demise of Gatsby's dream, as his mansion - once an elaborate centre piece in his plan to win Daisy - is now stale, dusty and decaying. Represents the affect Tom's brutal confrontation with Gatsby and how this, together with losing Daisy, has impacted on Gatsby's elf esteem.
Gatsby is attracted to Daisy as she is everything he doesn't have. With the promise of love, Gatsby has taken on the pursuit of Daisy as religion - 'grail'. We are not convinced wealth is a bad thing, but is tainted when there is so much poverty in the world. There is also a sense that wealth naturally preserves youth and beauty. Fitzgerald is presenting Gatsby in a long line of romantic heroes - like Arthur of Camelot - who will stop at nothing to win and preserve the affections of their woman.
Gatsby has retained the ability to dream through his life, although his dreams can be ridiculous or hurtful. Tom, Daisy etc. have purposeless lives, whereas Gatsby knows what he wants. He is optimistic and hopeful, far more attractive a quality than cynicism. Nick admires his ability to attempt to achieve his dreams. He also takes the blame for Daisy killing Myrtle, sacrificing himself, not running away to make sure Daisy's OK. Doesn't run from problems like Tom and Daisy do - a more pleasant quality.
TJ Eckleburg billboard motif, in a confused mistaken identity is seem to be the face of God. Fitzgerald is suggesting advertisements become the new God, responsible for making people aspire to material wealth, like Myrtle who coveted the clothes and lifestyle of people wealthier than her. Fitzgerald is saying more people follow fashion than follow God.
Gatsby's death is described very factually. He is killed 'off stage' - giving him an undramatic end, emphasising the reality and brutality of it. The novel's violence is real and raw, not melodramatic. Millionaire's death, in his swimming pool, although a lonely death. He realises sunlight and roses, with the appearance of beauty, can be harsh, sees things differently. By seeing things as they are, he realises he is past the stage of uncontrollably chasing Daisy, so he doesn't care if she doesn't call.
He almost wants to die as without his dream he is nothing. Taking away his dream takes away his purpose - he no longer belongs in this world. However, there is ambiguity as Nick only suspects that this is the case.
'Holocaust' highlights the total destruction caused by the tragic event. No poetic justice, ridiculously cruel.