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Journal Entry #9: A Eulogy for Gatsby

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L adies and gentlemen, we’ve come together today to remember and honor a man who embodied both ambition and mystery: Jay Gatsby. Known to many as "The Great Gatsby," his legacy is as breathtaking as it is tragic; a true reflection of his unwavering belief in the American Dream, the power of reinvention, and his relentless pursuit of love. Gatsby didn’t come from wealth or privilege. He started with humble beginnings, but through sheer will and determination, he built a life of grandeur and sophistication. His journey was one of immeasurable ambition, rising from a modest start in North Dakota to amassing an empire of wealth; all with the hope of winning back Daisy Buchanan, the woman he loved. Gatsby’s story mirrors the American Dream itself: the idea that anyone, regardless of where they begin, can rise to greatness. But Gatsby was more than just his fortune. He was a man shrouded in mystery, with a charisma that drew people in. His lavish parties, luxurious lifestyle, and...
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Journal Entry #8: Questions to consider...

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Do you like the ending of the book?: The ending of "The Great Gatsby" is sad and tragic, and whether or not one likes it depends on the perspective from which the novel is read. Personally, I find the ending fitting for the novel's themes, though not necessarily "enjoyable." The conclusion offers a sense of closure to the narrative, while reinforcing the novel’s central themes of disillusionment, the elusiveness of the American Dream, and the consequences of unrequited love. Jay Gatsby's death is both shocking and inevitable. Throughout the novel, he is portrayed as a dreamer, someone obsessed with an idealized version of the past, especially his relationship with Daisy Buchanan. His inability to move beyond this dream ultimately leads to his downfall. Gatsby's tragic fate serves as a commentary on the unattainable nature of the American Dream and the destructive power of obsession. His death, a result of a mistaken identity, underscores the theme of the...
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Journal Entry #7: Sentence Starter (Comparing Characters)

Gatsby's character in "The Great Gatsby" and Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" share striking similarities, primarily in their unwavering pursuit of an idealized version of the American Dream. Both characters are deeply invested in the belief that success, wealth, and social status will bring them happiness and fulfillment, despite the overwhelming obstacles they face. Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, seeks to recapture the love of Daisy Buchanan, believing that his wealth will win her back. Similarly, Willy Loman's obsession with being well-liked and achieving material success leads him to constantly chase unattainable dreams, neglecting the more meaningful aspects of life, such as personal fulfillment and family relationships. Both characters are deluded by their own ideals. Gatsby is consumed by the illusion that he can recreate the past, while Willy’s fixation on his dreams of success blinds him to the reality of his failures. Their misguided pursuit ...
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Journal Entry 6: Reflections on Text-to-Text Connections

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  As I dive deeper into "The Great Gatsby", I can't help but think of other works that touch on similar themes, especially "Breaking Bad" and "Death of a Salesman". While each of these stories is unique in its own right, they share underlying themes with Fitzgerald's novel, offering a richer understanding of the characters and their motivations. One of the most prominent themes across these works is the pursuit of the "American Dream". In "Breaking Bad", Walter White embarks on a journey to escape his unfulfilling life as a high school chemistry teacher, seeking wealth and power through illegal means. Like Gatsby, Walter believes that money and status will finally give him the life he’s always dreamed of. But in the end, both characters fall victim to the very dream they chase. Their moral compromises and destructive choices lead to their downfall. Just as Gatsby builds his extravagant lifestyle in hopes of winning Daisy’s love,...
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Journal Entry #5: Analysis of Novel Using Literary Lenses

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Psychological Lens: Examining "The Great Gatsby" through a psychological lens reveals the complex inner lives of the characters, especially Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is fixated on recreating an ideal moment from his past; his perfect love for Daisy. This obsession can be understood as a defense mechanism, allowing him to avoid confronting the harsher truths of his life, such as his modest origins, his detachment from reality, and his inability to adapt to the changes in Daisy and society. His relentless pursuit of Daisy serves to mask the recognition of the futility of his dream. Psychologically, Gatsby’s persistence is an attempt to regain control over his life and to overcome the sense of inferiority he once struggled with. Daisy’s mental state is equally important. She appears emotionally numb and passive, almost resigned to her circumstances. Her indecision between Tom and Gatsby can be interpreted as a reflection of her inability to face her own inner desires and disappointment...
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Journal Entry #4: Notes on Resilience

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When I think of resilience in "The Great Gatsby", the character who immediately comes to mind is Gatsby himself. He worked tirelessly to rise from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest individuals on Long Island. When Gatsby finally opens up to Nick about his life five years earlier, Nick recalls his story: “However glorious might be his future as Jay Gatsby, he was at present a penniless young man without a past” (Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, pg156). Five years ago, James Gatz literally had nothing but the clothes on his back. Yet, after returning from the war, he remained determined to succeed and reclaim Daisy, showcasing his remarkable resilience. Another character who embodies resilience in "The Great Gatsby" is Nick Carraway. Despite many people’s reluctance to attend, Nick is committed to ensuring Gatsby gets the funeral he deserves. His perseverance is evident when he makes numerous phone calls trying to reach Meyer Wolfshiem, a longtime friend ...
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Journal Entry #3: Biographical and Historical Context

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The Author's Life: F. Scott Fitzgerald, was born in September of 1896, in S aint Paul, Minnesota , and was a distinguished American novelist best known for his vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age and his examination of the American Dream. His life was shaped by both personal and professional struggles. Coming from a humble background, Fitzgerald attended Princeton University and rose to fame with his debut novel, "This Side of Paradise". However, it was "The Great Gatsby" that firmly established him as a key figure in American literature. Fitzgerald’s personal experiences, especially his turbulent marriage to Zelda Sayre, who faced mental health challenges, deeply influenced his writing. Their relationship was marked by instability, emotional struggles, and alcoholism. These personal hardships shaped Fitzgerald’s interpretation of the American Dream, a theme central to *The Great Gatsby*. His characters, particularly Gatsby and Nick Carraway, reflect his own struggl...
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