The Great Gatsby Chapter 1 Journal

George Angelopoulos 4˚

1. The Great Gatsby: Chapter 1, Pg. 1-21

2. Nick Carraway identifies himself as both the author and the narrator. He calls himself a man of open-mindedness and a man of great virtues. He fought in war, and now works as a bondsman on Long Island. He joins his cousin, Daisy, and her husband, Tom, for dinner one evening where they discussed current events, as well as philosophies. After returning home, Nick notices Gatsby, his neighbor, but decides to leave him be.

3.             a. Tom Buchanan

            b. “Now he was a sturdy straw-haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner. Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward. … It was a body capable of enormous leverage-a cruel body” (7)

            c. Tom Buchanan is a person of great power and wealth. He came from a very wealthy family, which fostered his appetite for an extravagant lifestyle. He views himself as the best of the best, and demands others do the same. Even though he has a wife, he is keeping a girl in New York for his own enjoyment. Life is either his way or the high way.

            d. Tom Buchanan represents everything that Nick does not like in humanity. Tom represents the superficial rich who only care about their own well being. Tom has so much, but at the same time lacks everything. He has money and power, but lacks love, family values, and commitment. In Nick’s mind, Tom is the bad rich guy to emulate. Nick does not want to cast judgment on Tom, but at the same time Nick does not want to become Tom.

4. “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages the you’ve had.” (1) Nick’s father gave Nick this piece of advice, which he admits had followed him his entire life. Nick identifies this quote as a cornerstone for his tolerance and virtues. This quote is significant and memorable because it is counter cultural. Our society is one of gossip and rumors, back in the time period of this book and today. This virtue goes against society, which means that Nick can be a character who is different from everyone else in society. Nick replaces judgment with understanding, which makes him a very unique character who is capable of great good.