The Great Gatsby - 4th Blogging

Chapter VI

           The chapter begins with how Gatsby became the Gatsby now. During reading the descriptions of Dan Cody and his relationship with Gatsby, I realized that Gatsby is really a stubborn person. Even though he was poor at first, he finally achieved his goal, which was to be a wealthy successful man. This kind of made me to question that Daisy could be another goal for him. Because he thinks he can achieve everything what he wants and did achieve, he is enthusiastic in everything. Perhaps, his love is not a true love but a jealousy that she lives with her husband happily while Gatsby has to live by himself despite his millions of dollars.

           I think Gatsby is truly a sad character He never experienced a true love; at least, he doesn’t seem to experience. Also, it was really sad that he thinks he can do whatever he wants with his money. Even though everyone wants to be a millionaire like Gatsby, no one wants to lose his or her emotions including love.

The Great Gatsby - 3rd blogging

Chapter IV, V 

The romance between Gatsby and Daisy is rekindled.  Gatsby tells Nick about his pasts and Nick gets puzzled. Gatsby tells him that he was inherited all the money and legacies from his parents and relatives. Also, he tells him that he was educated at Oxford College. Then, the conversation turns to his past romance with Daisy. When he used to be a soldier during the World War, Daisy was the prettiest girl whom everyone fell in love. Gatsby then asked Nick to arrange tea meeting with Daisy. When Daisy arrived, Gatsby got really awkward and talked to Nick privately while Daisy was still there. Nick scolded him for not being mature. When Gatsby and Daisy reunion again, their relationship got better and Nick left and let them be together.

To me, Gatsby’s personality was unbelievable. Rich people tend to boast themselves and are actually happy. However, Gatsby acted as if he were a boy. When he talked to Nick individually, leaving Daisy alone, he was just like the Wily Wonka in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Even though the two characters are rich financially, they have sad pasts and often reminisce about their memories. They show that there are something more than to look good physically.

2nd blogging - inkblotz

             I read one of the short stories by Jihyun Rhim. It was about a mom who was so obsessed with her son’s grades. It kind of reminded me of my mom and I. She always asks me what grade that I got and tries to persuade me to go to other academies to study SATs. I never can make a rebellion because the consequences are more severe. Just a few days ago, when the edline reports were updated, my mom called me right after school. When my phone bell rang, I knew that she would say something to me because I couldn’t make straight As. I think such obsession is natural for Korean moms.

             Some people call such competition makes the nation stronger. Because everyone needs to step on someone else in order to achieve one’s fame, money, or other values, some people say the competition is being ruthless and unemotional. I think Korean society is above and beyond the standard of competition. Not like Americans, Koreans put all their efforts into education to achieve success.

             Dues to the pressure that students get from their families, some even commit suicides because they couldn’t resist the obsession. I think it is really sad to be like that. Even though some pressure aid one’s academics, bombing with pressure is definitely not good. I hope the Korean society to change its values gradually so that no more students would suffer from their families academic pressures.

The Great Gatsby - 1st blogging

Chapter I, II, III

Having read the first three chapters of “the Great Gatsby,” I became somewhat interested in this novel even though it only talked about the settings and characters generally. I thought the settings were very paradoxical. Although the East Egg and the West Egg were next to each other, they had totally different characteristics; the East Egg represented noble antiquity while the West Egg represented a new rich extravagance. Not only the two Eggs but also the valley of ashes and the New York City were exactly the opposite; valley of ashes was corrupt and poor while New York City prospered and flourished financially.

           Throughout the three chapters, the descriptions of the Great Gatsby made me fascinated and confused. Why did he sponsor huge parties and watch people enjoying and invite people whom he doesn’t know. Why is he portrayed as a sublime and luxurious character that is using awkward words in speeches such as ‘old sport’? I was a little annoyed because the book didn’t tell me why. I should find out about him more later in the chapters.