LesleyTodoric

The Great Gatsby Chapters 7 - 9

Jerz: Am Lit II (EL 267): Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Hmm, this story left me with an unsettling feeling. I don't know quite how to describe it. However, all throught he story I thought of T.J. Eckleberg as God watching people and finally when George Wilson says something about that to Michaelis and Myrtle, I realized that it wasn't just me and it had to be something of importance. Also, in a way, it reminded me of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" because of the struggled between the main character in that and Myrtle, both battled with love and God.

I was rather miffed that Myrtle died, because even though she didn't have a large part in the story, she was still very important. Without her, Gatsby wouldn't have owned up to be the man he had to be for Daisy. Without her, Gatsby would not have been murdered and left his "legacy" behind.

I still don't think Gatsby is "great". I think by lying about who struck Myrtle was wrong, Daisy should be punished for that especially because she knew she wasn't driving too well because she was upset. I think Gatsby was still hoping that if he took the blame for Daisy then she would realize how much he truly loves her and she would change her mind and run away with him instead of back to Tom.

There was also a sad feeling that I had for his parents, well his father in particular since we don't know his mother. His father seemed to not know what was going in in Gatsby's life. He still thought Gatsby was going to be somebody. Like every parent, he just wanted what was best for his child and for him to be successful. I feel bad that Gatsby lied to his parents and lied about his parents to Nick.

As for Nick. I still think he is a two-faced little shrew. He knew what Tom was doing with Myrtle and he didn't try to tell him it was wrong or stop him or talk to him. He just joined along in the fun. He also knew what Daisy was doing with Gatsby and he didn't try to stay true to Tom, his "best friend". Nick is a true actor in this story. One minute he is great friends with a person, the next he is back stabbing them. I think Nick was the one who needed to be punished.