What historical perspective about American values does Fitzgerald present through his use of allusions in chapters 5-7? Be sure to reference John Rohrkemper's article and the novel.
This is a two part assignment 1) write your own response answering the question above and 2) respond to one of your peers. Your responses should be written in clear, concise paragraphs that are purposeful to understanding the complexities of the texts. Be sure to follow rules for conventional rules for grammar and mechanics.
The four men mentioned in John Rohrkemper's article are "pioneers" Buffalo Bill Cody and Daniel Boone, and presidents Franklin and Jefferson. Their reputations for courage, "trail-blazing" and success were inspiration for the character of Gatsby. Gatsby himself is a representation of Americans taking action to obtain the "American dream".
ReplyDeleteEmmy, I love your response. I absolutely agree with your analysis of how the pioneers inspired Gatsby, for one of his main goals in life is to achieve the "American Dream." Also, Benjamin Franklin was not a president. Teehee.
Delete-Brennan
I agree with Emmy as to why these figures have been instrumental to establishing Gatsby's identity. In particular, the allusion to Buffalo Wild Cody was made, a man who has "capitalized on the western myth" (Rohrkemper 156). He led the Wild West Shows and has been considered to have brought the "Western lifestyle" to the East. As he does this, he is also in hopes of gaining much profit as he creates the illusion of adventurous, never-seen-before (more so exaggerated) showcases of his Wild West Show to potential attendees. Similar to Buffalo Wild Cody, Gatsby creates an illusion of satisfaction through materialistic wealth in hopes of attracting Daisy. Much of America is based on capitalist principles in pursuit of personal gain. To be successful in this, illusions are created to portray personal benefit for the other individual(s) as well, just as Buffalo Wild Cody and Gatsby have done.
DeleteCarolina Vallin
DeleteAmerican Lit.
Mr Saldivar-8
1/May/2014
I can agree with Sosna's connection between Gatsby and Buffalo Bill, but I would not say that the four figures were used as inspiration because of their courage and success. Buffalo Bill was "the savage violence of the frontier brothel and salón" that he introduced to the "Euro-American civilization" in the east (Rohrkemper 156) in the same way that Gatsby brought his personal corruption into the lives of people living in the East Egg.
I agree with you Carolina but i do not think Gatsby brought personal corruption into the lives of the people in the east egg. I think that it is just their life style because of the historical figures discussed, and most people would think like Gatsby. I also think that Fitzgerald is implying that so many people think like Gatsby and others in east egg and that is what's corrupting America.
DeleteI agree that Gatsby's inspiration was Franklin, but I don't think that he was inspired by Jefferson. This is because Gatsby contradicted Jefferson's most important morals, such as the "...agrarian dream... the dream on which James Gatz turned his back" (Rohrkemper 159). Rohrkemper says that the "valley of ashes" in the The Great Gatsby, is an illusion for Jefferson's ideal of hard work through farming. Gastsby clearly neglects this ideal, as he leaves his own "valley of ashes" (where he grew up), and brings himself in the West Egg through illegal methods instead of honest hard work.
DeleteGatsby's inspiration was not Franklin or Jefferson, but the man created by Fitzgerald mushing the courageous/adventurous aspects of the two pioneers mentioned in Rohrkemper's article for Dan Cody. I also wouldn't use the word "inspiration". Cody was an intriguing male role model who traveled, had hobbies, lived luxuriously and most importantly, he was living the vastly desired wealthy "American dream", again relating to one of the major themes of The Great Gatsby. I like how Maddie is connecting the valley of ashes, however I feel that the connection should be made between Dan Cody and Jefferson as well. The article explains that Jefferson's idealism was something shared with Gatsby's character though his intentions become unclear as time elapsed because of the parts of Gatsby that felt cheated, possibly by the incident of Dan Cody's death because instead of indulging as a beneficiary, Ella Kaye- Cody's mistress- worked the situation out so he got nothing. Because he gained Cody's trust not through greed and was then left without validity of his relations, Gatsby may have then subconsciously became focused on striving for wealth rather understanding what he wanted once he reached his goals.
DeleteBrennan Quinn
ReplyDeleteMr. Saldivar
American Lit
5/1/14
In chapters five through seven, Fitzgerald subtlety alludes to historical figures to portray the difference in American values and morals. In John Rohrkemper's document, he makes the connection that Buffalo Bill and Daniel Boone's name creates Dan Cody (Buffalo Bill's name was William Cody). Daniel Boone is often considered to be a pioneer of the westward expansion of the United States, a hero. Juxtaposing Daniel Boone, is William Cody (AKA Buffalo Bill.) Buffalo Bill was famous for being an outlaw, a bad guy. Dan Cody represents both the good and evil in society. Although a drunk, Cody still took the poverty stricken Gatsby under his arm for the chance of attaining a better life. Fitzgerald alludes to Buffalo Bill and Daniel Boone through Cody to make the statement that America would not be the same without the 'goods' and 'bads' of people.
Darcey Gans
DeleteMr. Saldivar
American Literature, Per. 8
5/1/14
I disagree with Brennan that Fitzgerald uses the allusion to Buffalo Bill Cody to juxtapose the positive and negative aspects of every individual. Cody and Gatsby are each immoral, but create an illusion of valor in order to achieve their goals. Both represent a "figure of...de-evolved...idealism" (Rohrkemper 156), in that Cody was not a brave explorer but a extravagant salesman, and Gatsby has not achieved his success from honest work, but from bootlegging. Neither Cody or Gatsby are the original names of each man but are persona's that they created in order to create an identity that represents the individual that each desires to become. Both men view themselves as lacking the skills they need to achieve their goal though, which leads each to create an image of themselves that other people will see as successful. However this is a self-harmful behavior, for illusion is a distortion of reality. An individual never truly attains their attains success, and is therefore unable to derive their own happiness and confidence that would come from that success.
Interesting, Darcey!
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ReplyDeleteDiana this needs further development. Why would one person like Buffalo Bill Cody represent 'superficial/corrupted elements of westward expansion."? What larger aspect of American life would Gatsby represent?
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ReplyDeleteFitzgerald alludes to both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson in order to show the juxtaposition of these two characters in defining the American identity. Rohrkemper suggests that T.J. Eckleburg is a reference to Thomas Jefferson and his disdain for the city. Jefferson’s idealistic agricultural society deteriorates before him as he watches New York turn into an industrial, materialistic powerhouse. The latter description is the vision of Benjamin Franklin, an urbanite and supporter of the elite. Although Gatsby and Franklin are often compared, Gatsby abandons Franklin’s strong sense of morality for wealth, paralleling a similar shift in America. Despite the fact that Jefferson and Franklin represent contrasting interpretations of the American dream, both ideologies are corrupted by the actions of characters in The Great Gatsby, thus symbolizing the demoralization of Americans in the early 20th century.
ReplyDeleteWell stated, Molly!
DeleteI agree completely and it's not just because I was in your group. The eyes of T.J. Eckleburg does have strong relation to the views of Jefferson which is evident in your explanation. However, you could mention why Gatsby gives up his morality in order to make him not seem so shallow.
DeleteI agree with what you and Madison both said. Like Madison stated the eyes of Eckleburg relate strongly to the views of Jefferson. You may want to incorporate Daisy into all of this because she impacts his morality shift
DeleteLaurice
DeleteI agree with Molly as well. As she stated Fitzgerald alludes to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to show the contrast in the foundation of American ideals.However, I feel you should incorporate the representation of these values seen in Gatsby's lifestyle.
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ReplyDeleteAs discussed in the previous class, the four men mentioned in John Rohrkemper's, "The Allusive Past: Historical Perspective in the Great Gatsby", contribute to the American values that inspire Gatsby. The four men that help reveal who Gatsby is, are Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Buffalo Bill, and Daniel Boone. All these men's ideals influence Gatsby except for Franklin's idea of the American Dream. Gatsby loses Daisy to the power and wealthy, Tom Buchanan. The only logical way is for Gatsby to compete for Daisy's attention with more wealth and fame. This is the reason and motivator for Gatsby's success. This is where Franklin comes in. Franklin believes in moral improvement in relation to success but Gatsby "makes no mention of moral improvement; his goals never appear to be more than success- material success" (Rohrkemper 157). Franklin firmly believes that one must better him or herself to achieve success, however Gatsby has no interest in bettering his morals. He is too caught up in the illusion of Daisy, blinding him from reaching what Franklin belives as success.
ReplyDeleteI agree Madison, Gatsby is so caught up with Daisy that he loses track of himself and his own identity. However, maybe you could explain how it connects back to the loss of morals that Rohrkemper talks about. Since Gatsby loses track of himself, his life revolves around artificial wealth thus contradicting the values he alluded to from Franklin.
DeleteI absolutely agree with Madison, Gatsby only "sails forever on the horizon", and does not reach for the horizon. He achieves Franklin's external American dream, but doesn't follow the principles of self-improvement and common sense. Gatsby was afraid of failure therefore he dedicated his entire life to materialistic wealth instead of developing an intellectual order.
DeleteIn chapters 5 through 7, Fitzgerald alludes to Buffalo Bill Cody and Daniel Boone, the heroes of the Wild West, to emphasize on the idea of the replacement of traditional American moral values by material wealth. In the novel, Fitzgerald creates Dan Cody, a combination of the two historical figures, to help solve the conundrum of Gatsby’s identity. Buffalo Bill Cody is “the founder establishing the communities in which the American dream might be realized” (Rohrkemper 156) while Daniel Boone “capitalized the western myth and created a parody of it” (Rohrkemper 156). Dan Cody directly relates to Gatsby because they both modified themselves to become individuals that the corrupt society would look highly of. This artificial empowerment that revolves around materialism negatively affects both characters. Although Cody exposes Gatsby to the skills and experience that are needed for the pursuit of wealth and power, he fails to teach Gatsby the importance of a moral base and contentment.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this. This also alludes to Benjamin Franklin. Gatsby's Hopalong Cassidy alludes to Franklin's "moral perfection which Franklin had practiced as a young man" (John Rohrkemper 157). Gatsby wanted to ensure his success even being young but he failed to be morally responsible. Gatsby strives for the American Dream but follows Franklin's plan. Even if it was successful, in moral terms, for Franklin, it could never be for Gatsby because he wanted wealth and power. Fitzgerald, here, shows the American dream as demoralizing because of the materialism that revolves around it.
DeleteKelly Acevedo:
DeleteI totally agree with you on how both Bill and Boone emphasized on the replacement of moral values by material wealth. However, if you could add or expand on HOW it negatively affects both characters, it would be great!
Victoria, I agree with what you said. I think if you were to include the idea of the horizon that we spoke about then it would have helped to better explain or go in depth about "Although Cody exposes Gatsby to the skills and experience that are needed for the pursuit of wealth and power, he fails to teach Gatsby the importance of a moral base and contentment." Explain how Gatsby stopped as soon as he was successful instead of going beyond what he has already accomplished to reach the horizon.
DeleteI agree that lack of a moral base is what Cody did not seem to mention to Gatsby. I would have liked to see you make a connection or go beyond just the two characters. What do those characters represent as a whole?
DeleteBoth Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody were merged to create the character Dan Cody, the man who took Gatsby in when he was 17. Boone and Cody were pioneers that made their own success and wealth, such as Gatsby did. Rohrkemper suggests that both men "bring back the not the essential courage and decency of the westward pioneers, but the superficial, or in the case of Gatsby's mentor, the corrupted elements of westward expansion" (Rohrkemper 156). Therefore by alluding to Boone and Cody, Fitzgerald explains Gatsby's loss of moral for exchange of materialistic wealth which was depicted through Dan Cody. In the allusion of materialistic wealth, Fitzgerald defines what the American dream has become.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this, Gatsby focuses too much on the materialistic things in order to attain success that he does not even care that the people at his "lavish parties" are just not his friends;however, I think you should explain Fitzgerald's view of the American Dream because it is important to understanding the novel and its purpose.
DeleteI completely agree. I believe that the allusions to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill were not only used to characterize Dan Cody and his relation to Gatsby, but also to illustrate the shift in American society from "western" ideals to "eastern" ideals over time. In the novel, the relationship between the past and the present is an important theme. The "de-evolution" from Boone's altruism to Cody's corruption is reflective of the change we see in Gatsby, from a man of humble beginnings to a man obsessed with wealth and power. This sharp contrast between Boone and Cody, young Gatsby and old Gatsby, is also symbolic of the development of American character; the nation was founded on a basis of democratic selflessness but over time evolved into a country obsessed with materialism and status.
DeleteBuffalo Bill Cody brought “the corrupted elements of westward expansion” (Rohrkemper 156) to the east. Fitzgerald alludes to Cody through Gatsby. Gatsby, from the West Egg, brings the infidelity Daisy committed with him to the East Egg. Gatsby’s presence in the East Egg exposes corruption in Daisy and Tom’s marriage. Cody and Gatsby suggest “a loss of the idealism, courage, and valor of an earlier America[n], which are exchanged for the pursuit of material wealth” (Rohrkemper 156). Bill Cody makes a parody of the westward expansion through his Wild West Shows in order to reap the profit. Gatsby exposes multiple flaws in Daisy and Tom’s relationship in order to gain Daisy, and the wealth he thinks she stands for. Fitzgerald presents the repetition of demoralization of Americans in the past and present. This reoccurring American dream of wealth that leads the said characters to corruption in order to attain it.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you on the corruption in Daisy and Tom's marriage. As Nick first mentions in chapter one/two, the moral decay in family goes hand in hand with the moral decay of the upper class. The thing that sustains Daisy and Tom's relationship was also money and wealth. Daisy was unable to break away from Tom because she would lose her wealth and position in the upper class. The irony in Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship is that while Gatsby wants to reassure himself of Daisy's love for him, he does not seem to mind the idea that Daisy left him because he's poor. This reflects on the society’s image of the American Dream, where it was believed that a person or love can be bought with money. However, Gatsby fails to see that his wealth will not help him obtain Daisy or the love and happiness that he dreams about. Focusing too much on materialistic goods caused Gatsby’s dream to become corrupted.
DeleteIn chapters five through seven of The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald references a "pioneer" to allude to the morals and values of the American identity. In "The Allusive Past," John Rohrkemper suggests western pioneer Buffalo Bill Cody represents the corrupt image of America. Cody used his performances as an illusion to what actually happened during westward expansion. He exploited Americans to gain wealth. This in turn reveals the complexity of Jay Gatsby's character. Like Cody, the organization of Gatsby's extravagant parties was only an illusion to his personal gain: Daisy Buchanan's love and affection. The connection Fitzgerald makes from Bill Cody to the American identity exposes "the corrupted elements of westward expansion" and "the pursuit of material wealth" (Rohrkemper 156).
ReplyDeleteI follow what you mean Teya. Gatsby used these parties to identify himself as someone with material wealth, but all he really wanted was Daisy. Fitzgerald makes that material wealth connection with Gatsby because of the similarites in what they believed was the way to self fulfillment.
DeleteI completely agree with you Teya I also thought that the allusions to the corruption helped a better understanding of Gatsby because he is very much associated with Wolfsheim and accused of bootlegging so then he would do this for his personal gain to compete with everyone on the ladder of power and wealth for like you said his personal gain to get Daisy Buchanan's attention.
DeleteJohn Rohrkemper describes Buffalo Bill Cody as a pioneer who brings back the superficial/corrupted elements of westward expansion. Fitzgerald's allusion to Bill Buffalo Cody helps understand Gatsby's character because Gatsby is superficial himself; he created another person, Jay Gatsby, who is a rich, perfect human being. Also, Bill used the American Dream only to make a parody of it just like Gatsby. Throughout the novel, the corruption of the American Dream is evident because Gatsby is blinded by his luxurious and materialistic things that he does does not realize what love and happiness really are. The American Dream is based on the idea of rags to riches; however, Fitzgerald shows through Gatsby's character that a dream can become corrupted when acquiring wealth and power become the only focus.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Diana, Gatsby becomes more of a "Buffalo Bill Cody" throughout chapters 5-7. Readers began to see the corrupt side of Gatsby and who he really is. He becomes this fake person because once Jay Gatsby is formed , James Gatsby is dead. In Gatsby's head the only thing important in achieving the American Dream is how much you have and what it is worth, rather than what it means to him or how hard he worked for it. Also,Gatsby fails to face reality in understanding what his love for Daisy and happiness really mean , just like you stated.
DeleteI agree with part of what you said Diana. Gatsby is very similar to Buffalo Bill Cody and he is getting more and more corrupt, but I disagree with the idea that Gatsby is acquiring power and wealth just to have power and wealth. From what I understood the main reason that Gatsby becomes obsessed with gaining wealth is because of his love for Daisy. His search for happiness takes a turn for the worst because he stops seeing Daisy as a person, and more of as a prize to be won.
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ReplyDeleteIn chapters 5-7 of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald alludes to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody in the idea that they are icons of the pioneer experience. The character of Dan Cody in the novel was Gatsby's mentor and he alludes directly to Buffalo Bill Cody. John Rohrkemper in "The Allusive Past: Historical Perspective in the Great Gatsby" states that Dan Cody represents "the corrupted elements of westward expansion" (Rohrkemper 156). In the time of western expansion, people wanted land and they would do anything to get it such as fighting wars. This is seen through Gatsby's "pursuit of material wealth" with the material wealth being Daisy Buchanan Rohrkemper 156). He goes through "wars" with Tom in the sense that he competes with Tom over Daisy by trying to be more wealthy and powerful than Tom was which ends up in Gatsby losing all of his morals in the process.
ReplyDeleteFitzgerald alludes to both Buffalo Bill Cody and Daniel Boone within the character Dan Cody, who is Gatsby's mentor. John Rohrkemper describes these pioneers as "icons of the American pioneer experience, of rugged individualism, of faith in manifest destiny" (Rohrkemper 156). However Daniel Boone is more of the authentic pure hero and Buffalo Bill encourages the corrupt side of obtaining fame. Both personalities create the character Dan Cody ,and Dan Cody initially created the made up "Jay Gatsby" persona. Through Dan Cody, Gatsby is introduced to the American Dream based on Buffalo Bill's ideas. Gatsby becomes superficial due to the fact that he obtains his wealth by whatever is necessary such as his bootlegging. Gatsby has "a loss of the idealism,courage,and valor of an earlier America" (156) which once was pursuing dreams with hard work, however Gatsby now absorbs himself in the "pursuit of material wealth" (156) ultimately forgetting what he is living for within his artificial American Dream he has created.
ReplyDeleteI agree! It seems as if Fitzegrald is trying to imply that Gatsby is a typical American that looks up to all these historical figures that have all these "great" ideals of how to live as an American, but it in reality is actually corrupting America. By the way, have you noticed that Dan Cody is Buffalo Bill Cody and Daniel Boone's name combined?!
DeleteFitzgerald's purpose of The Great Gatsby is to " explore America's past, to recover some idea of ourselves as people, to look to a starting place, and find out what that thing was, that was America" ( Rohrkemper 153). In regards to this, Fitzgerald alludes to two historical figures, Franklin and Jefferson as presented in " The allusive Past: Historical Perspective in The Great Gatsby" by Rohrkemper, to piece together what America had become and how their values and perspectives still apply in the 20th century. While Franklin strived for urban growth within a city and becoming successful altogether but having good morals, Jefferson focused on materialistic success and the only way to become successful as a person was to become "rich" which is insisted to be the "American dream". Unfortunately, many people made the American dream be Jefferson's ideals in which is reflected off the east and west egg. "Gatsby's plan, unlike Franklin's, makes no mention of moral improvement; his goal appears to never be more than success-material success" ( Rohrkemper 157), as what Jefferson implemented. Fitzgerald portrays Jefferson's ideals within Gatsby and everyone else to show what the American identity had become, materialism over morality.
ReplyDeleteGreat Job Melanie! You incorporated the article and The Great Gatsby very well and it was clear and concise. It's also very relatable to the 21st century and the modern "American Dream." I agree that the modern "American Dream" is based on Jefferson's ideals and how several Americans have turned away from developing their humanity and morals and have focused instead on becoming dependent on modern technology and advances. In fact, for some reason your statement reminds me a lot of Self-Reliance by Emmerson and Nature and that we have become disconnected and too dependent on urbanization and advancement; just like Buffalo Bill Cody became focused on becoming successful and famous.
DeleteThank you Sarah! Yes that's exactly what i was trying to say. Ah yes, i like Emerson and I'm glad you made that connection! But yes, I feel like many writers try to get that message through.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with you Sarah, there is definitely a tie between corruption and the American dream presented in The Great Gatsby. Gatsby was forced to re-invent himself to fit into this materialistic society. Rohrkemper added that Gatsby "makes no mention of moral improvement" (Rohrkemper 157). To Gatsby, there is no need for self-improvement because he has already accomplished everything it takes to be powerful: wealth, and social capital. He attempts to make up for his lack of morality with the illusion that he is happy because of his success, but as you said, Gatsby is caught up in a fantasy that has lead him astray from the bigger picture.
DeleteSarah, I think Gatsby's American dream was not just Daisy but rather his dream was to get rich and powerful and use that wealth to get Daisy. Which is why he throws the big parties in hopes of attracting Daisy. I totally agree when you said both,Gatsby and Bill Cody used people for their own personal gain. Showing the corrupted city that corrupts its inhabitants. I also agree when you said that Gatsby’s success is derived from corruption and his happiness is false. Gatsby is so blinded by his goal to become wealthy that he doesn’t realize money can’t buy love and happiness. Gatsby, in pursuit of his dream loses himself and becomes the superficial Gatsby we know.
DeleteThank you Teya I accidently deleted it but I reposted the same one lol
DeleteBethany O'Grady
ReplyDeleteWithin chapters 5-7, Rohrkemper connects Gatsby’s American dream with Ben Franklin’s ideas of American self fulfillment. Ben Franklin was an idealist and believed in “moral perfection”(Rohrkemper 157) He believed the way to achieve moral compass was by documenting. Unlike Franklin, Gatsby’s way to self fulfillment is through material wealth, which connects to Buffalo Bill Cody, who was the corruption in western expansion. Gatsby gives up love with Daisy when going after his idea of the American dream but soon realizes that he wanted to obtain that love again “in pursuit of our dreams, we have abandoned that element which connects them with a larger dream, that identifies them with the strivings of mankind, that gives them a grandeur larger than personal success or glory.” (Rohrkemper 157) Fitzgerald shows how Gatsby has it all with the parties and the big mansion but as he stood by the lake and reached his hand out as if trying to reach something he desired, he had abandoned his love which was greater than any party or wealth he had.
Luis Almanza
DeletePeriod 8
I disagree that it is a dream that Gatsby and what you alluded to being that many Americans want and strive for their dreams. I find it to be nearly the opposite. It is the want for self fulfillment that can always never be attained. That Ben Franklin as a example only shows how his desire for self fulfillment was nearly an illusion because it was very set up and prepared for him already.
In John Rohrkemper's document, he states “Fitzgerald wishes to make the comparison between Franklin and Gatsby and their “plans”(157). Benjamin Franklin and Gatsby both create plans for perfection to achieve the American Dream. While Gatsby uses his plan to go from the original James Gats to Jay Gatsby, the corrupted, superficial version of Gatsby; Franklin’s plan is one of moral perfection. Gatsby’s goal is just for materialistic success while Franklin mentions moral improvement. Gatsby achieves his success- he buys cars, has a mansion he can show off to Daisy - but lacks a moral base. The American Values shown through this is the desire for wealth and money and that while “in pursuit of our dreams, we have abandoned that element which connects them with the larger dream” (Rohrkemper 157) In pursuit of these dreams we lose ourselves by getting too caught up in the dream. Fitzgerald shows how throughout time America lost its morals and values and “the city of dreams which Nick first imagined it to be” turns into a city that “does not fulfill dreams; the city subverts dreams; and its inhabitants” (Rohrkemper 158) The novel shows corrupted individuals like Tom who is racist and Daisy is corrupted with the thought that women should be objectified. Gatsby achieves the American dream but doesn’t go further. While Franklin strives for the horizon Gatsby is only looking at the ships from a distance.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. Gatsby is surrounded by ideas involving material wealth and the hopes of gaining back Daisy- merely a self created illusion, like mentioned above "he is only looking at the ships from a distance." Gatsby is simply waiting for Daisy to be attracted by the wealth and power he gained from the hard work of others. In addition, I do not believe that it is the true American Dream that Gatsby has achieved. The American Dream was about being successful and happy, but it did not include giving up one's morals, values, and beliefs; similar to what Gatsby has done.
DeleteIn chapters 5-7 in The Great Gatsby Gatsby we are introduced to Gatsby’s American Dream which is Daisy; while on the other hand Buffalo Bill Cody’s American Dream was success and fame. Both used people, illusions, and corruption at an attempt to obtain their American Dreams. Gatsby used Nick as a middle man to get closer to Daisy and Buffalo Bill Cody used the Indians to gain profit; both used people for their own personal gain. Gatsby, who is from West Egg, exposes the corruption in Tom and Daisy’s (both from East Egg) relationship and the corrupt ways they live in. Buffalo Bill Cody also exposes and brings “the corrupted elements of westward expansion” (Rohrkemper 156) to the east. Lastly, both Gatsby and Cody set up illusions; for example, Gatsby sets up the illusion to the East Egg that he’s truly happy and successful but in reality his success is derived from corruption and his happiness is false and that in reality “his life ha[s] been confused and disordered since [Daisy]” (Fitzgerald 110). On the other hand Buffalo Bill Cody set up the illusion of the “western myth” that allowed his show to gain such success and fame.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you Sarah!
DeleteI love how you went in further depth and tied the way Bill Cody used the Indians and how Gatsby used Nick. But I'm not sure if Gatsby's form of American Dream is Daisy. I believe that he wants to acquire wealth and power in order to obtain Daisy but not that Daisy is his American Dream. Gatsby wants power and control just like Dan Cody in order to fulfill his desires and get Daisy.
Carolina Vallin
ReplyDeleteAmerican Lit.
Mr. Saldivar-8
1/May/2014
In The Great Gatsby, FitzGerald alludes to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody, two western pioneers that help understand the two sides to Gatsby's American experience. Daniel is remembered as "the authentic hero" that established "communities in which the American dream might be realized" (Rohrkemper 156). He becomes the facade that Gatsby wishes to present to the social elite, an honorable, independent adventurer living the American dream to its fullest extent through his extravagant parties and possessions. However, Gatsby's true character is better revealed through Buffalo Bill Cody's description as "a parody of the heroic pathfinder" (Ruhrkemper 156). Just like Cody is only a parody of the western pioneers, Gatsby's accomplishments are only illusions of a successful American man. Through this allusion, Fitzgerald shows how Americans considered honesty a necessity for their experience, rather they only need to feel accomplished in the first class's eyes.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's piece, "The Great Gatsby", is filled with allusions to previous history makers, which included the likes of Daniel Boone and Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson's impact on Fitzgerald's writing is seen throughout the chapters and influences the growth of Gatsby's character. In John Rohrkemper's article, "The Allusive Past", Rohrkemper mentions that Jefferson had, "an agrarian dream, precisely the dream on which James Gatz turned his back" (159) suggesting that going away from the agrarian dream leads to mass corruption. Jefferson's main focus was one of self-sufficiency, which then leads to success. This is shown by Gatsby's character through the fact that he builds his fortune on the pain of others rather than working for himself. Although not specifically mentioned by Rohrkemper, Jefferson also instituted the Embargo Act in 1807. This embargo gave Jefferson complete control over the economy, which is similar to Gatsby's control over the bootlegging trade.
ReplyDeleteOlivia, I love this! I like how you tied the embargo act into this because we did not talk about it but it clearly relates.
DeleteOlivia, I really enjoyed how you brought in the idea of the embargo act. You went beyond what others may have been thinking. The relationship between how the embargo act contribute to Jefferson's success over the economy and how Gatsby has control over the trade is well thought out..
DeleteIn John Rohrkemper's article, Dan Cody, Jay Gatsby's mentor in The Great Gatsby, is described as being a mix of two significant figures in American history. These two figures, while having the same persona as a "rugged individualist" who embodied the sense of "The Ideal American," have a very different reality of who they are and therefore represent Gatsby in similar ways. Daniel Boone (Dan in Dan Cody) was an American pioneer who explored, built, and lived life with an authentic sense of "rugged individualism." On the other hand, Buffalo Bill Cody (Cody in Dan Cody) made a circus of the western ruggedness that personified the ideal American and never really was anything that he portrayed himself to be and pretended that he knew. Corruption is mainly the difference between Boone's authenticity and Buffalo Bill's mockery. Jay Gatsby, the product of these two clashing ideologies as Dan Cody's mentee, is shown to be both the real and fake sides of America as his character unfolds. His wealth, though seeming real and part of the "rags to riches" scheme that is common in America ends up later being his downfall. His blindness and corruption that came with the illegal gaining of his money is a representation of America and the spread of materialism. The idea that wealth and material things equates to success in life is a faulty principle that drove Gatsby's life until many of the things that he really cared about were pushed away. This idea of Gatsby being the face of "Ideal American" values is correct as Fitzgerald shows how the "Ideal American" value of material wealth being above all else is an idea that cannot be continues successfully in society.
ReplyDeleteIn The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald alludes to four different pioneers of America like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody. These four people represent and make up a part of Gatsby because they together represent wealth, power and also corruption and pioneer traits. This goes along with John Rohrkemper's article on how this is alluding to the American Dream/Experience. Although Gatsby instead of working at a job to achieve the money and power Gatsby achieves it in a more corrupted way, a way that would not be thought of when thinking of the American Dream. He still represents it because he basically started from the bottom then went on to become a very wealthy man but he didn't do it the way it is traditionally done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and I also believe that these allusions represent the corruption behind Gatsby. I also agree with you when you said that Gatsby still represents the American Dream even thought he didn't do it the "traditional way" because I believe this is showing the more modern and corrupt American.
DeleteIn chapters five through seven, Fitzgerald alludes to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody to show the gradual decline of traditional American values and their replacement by the preference of material wealth. Gatsby’s progression throughout the book reflects this decline and is accompanied with a distinct shift in character. Daniel Boone represents the image that Gatsby wishes to create for himself. Through lavish parties, familiar mannerisms, and an overall air of mystery and excitement Gatsby flaunts his wealth and prosperity. In this form “he is his own creation … the romantic notion of who he should be” (Rohrkemper 155). Buffalo Bill Cody represents Gatsby’s true motivations. Gatsby obsesses over Daisy, who in this case becomes a symbol for happiness. Gatsby believes that wealth and power is the reason that Daisy chose Tom over him, so he does everything he can to obtain more and more material goods to woo Daisy into a relationship with him. Over time in his scramble for wealth and success, Gatsby loses his sense of self and bases his happiness on how close he is to obtaining Daisy.
ReplyDeleteIn The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald portrays the way in which a moral man becomes corrupted by wealth, and emphasizes that this is an ongoing cycle in America. Rohrkemper suggests that Dan Cody is the product of “Daniel Boone de-evolved to Buffalo Bill Cody” (156). He means that Dan Cody’s moral character (represented in Boone) had been “…exchanged for the pursuit of material wealth.” (Rohrkemper 156), represented in Buffalo Bill Cody. Now that Dan Cody has experienced corruption, he passes on this pattern as a “mentor” to Gatsby. Nick says that Gatsby “turned out alright in the end” (Fitzgerald 2), but also describes his obsession with success and “ineffable gaudiness” (Fitzgerald 99). Gatsby shows to be a person with good intentions, but becomes crazily absorbed in trying to live life like the corrupt wealthy people of the East Egg. Through Buffalo Bill Cody to Dan Cody, and Dan Cody to Gatsby, Fitzgerald shows America’s corrupt obsession with wealth.
ReplyDeleteIn chapter 6 of The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald alludes to the pioneers Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody in the creation Dan Cody, a representation of everything Gatsby wishes to attain. However, “Dan Cody, in some ways like Buffalo Bill Cody, brings back not the essential courage and decency of the westward pioneers, but the superficial,....corrupted elements of westward expansion” (Rohrkemper 156). In this reference to Buffalo Bill Cody, Fitzgerald presents the loss of the American identity in the pursuit of artificial goods and materialistic wealth.Gatsby’s obsession with wealth lead him to throw away his identity as James Gatz and instead create for himself an artificial character, Jay Gatsby. His yearning for amassing riches and status parallels with that of his yearning for Daisy, who effortlessly obtains the luxury Gatsby wishes to have. To satisfy his quest for the horizon, Gatsby lost sight of moral values and becomes corrupt through his journey.
ReplyDeleteGreat response, Lina! I wholeheartedly agree with your idea that the allusion to Buffalo Bill Cody represents the "loss of American identity in the pursuit of...materialistic wealth." To take this further, I would say that Dan Cody, and Gatsby by extension, represent the facade of industrialization. Actual American industrialists, such as Rockefeller and Carnegie, also symbolized the ultimate American dream: becoming a self-made man. However, these industrialists built their lives on the hard labor of others, sacrificing the "American identity" of those workers for their own wealth. Therefore, Gatsby and Dan Cody represent an entire class of rich men that put up a facade of achieving the American Dream, when all they have achieved is enormous wealth. I also like your analysis of how Daisy effortlessly gains what has always sought to achieve- it presents the conflict between Gatsby and Daisy through the entirely different context of jealousy and social status.
DeleteLuis Almanza Jr.
ReplyDeletePeriod 8
April 1, 2014The historical insight brought onto from The allusive Past: Historical Perspective in “The Great Gatsby” by John Rohrkemper, brings the notion the Gatz remains real and Gatsby remains legendary. Gatz is symbolic to Danielle Boone in his true self-made reputation, which despite this is looked down upon, as he is characterized as a discredit-full American. While Gatsby is symbolic to Buffalo Bill Cody who is know for being a true American pioneer, who is based upon the materials wealth despite whatever he may of accomplished “capitalized on the western myth… a parody of the heroic pathfinder”(Rohrkemper156). Despite this Buffalo Bill Cody and Gatsby are looked upon as true Americans as they are based upon an illusion of wealth and success. As in Chapter five to seven of The Great Gatsby and how much material wealth has significance to him when he never accepted his parents due to their lack of wealth and success because “his imagination never really accepted them as his parents at all”(Fitzgerald 98). Which shows his imagination was the creativity, which drove him to become a materialistic man rather a idealistic man, built upon the disguise he surrounded himself by. Creating him to be destined to become nearly just man of legend rather than a man with strong ideals and purpose, not bound to the materials that define him .
Buffalo Bill and Gatsby are definitely allusions for sure on what a "successful American" is according to their artificial identities they constructed. I like the idea of Boone giving Gatsby his desire to become legendary, definitely makes sense... wonder where you got that from?
DeleteHector Salazar
ReplyDeleteThrough the historical allusions that Fitzgerald uses in chapters 5-7, Fitzgerald uses historical figures to represent the different “faces” and identities of Jay Gatsby. He utilizes the Identities of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin to portray Gatsby, and Buffalo Bill Cody and Daniel Boone to create Gatsby’s mentor and friend, Dan Cody. Fitzgerald does this to portray that Americans value materials and fake identities formed by what society wants you to be. These identities, reflected through Gatsby’s identity change from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby reflects, that an individual creates a fake identity so that other will except him or her and reach this artificial success.
Benjamin Franklin represented the urbanists dream and success as well as moral perfection. He is the man who based success off of what you could contribute to society and as Rohrkemper explained, “Gatsby’s plan unlike Franklin’s, makes no mention or moral improvement; his goal appears never to be more than success- material success” (Rohrkemper 157). This reflects American success as Thomas Jefferson; materialistic American that rates ones success through profit and economic gains through making your fortunes by others expenses. As Rohrkemper goes on to explain, “…we have abandoned that element which connects them with the larger dream, that identifies them with the strivings of mankind, that gives them a grandeur larger than personal glory” (157) the American dream, as Daniel Boone reflects, should be for the benefit of our fellow American rather than putting other below us to gain our own personal success. If Americans helped one another reach success than this would be the ultimate American dream, one of equality where no one is better than the rest, where everyone can live up to this “moral perfection” and achieve success.
Also I thought I would bring up a new idea I haven’t seen anyone write about yet but thought might be of some relevance….For Jay Gatsby, his goal is to ultimately re-establish his previous relationship status with Daisy. He created this new identity of Jay Gatsby in order to impress upon Daisy and live up to the man he thinks she wants him to be. He has set Daisy onto a pedestal with high expectations of her and he goes on to take on his materialistic side to prove to Daisy that he can be her, in a way, perfect man. This perfect man also reflects upon the American dream, to be materialistically/ economically successful. As Daisy stated in Chapter one about her hopes for her daughter, “I hope she’ll be a fool- that’s all a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool” (17), Americans, in this case specifically women, depend on financial security and this, at the time, was what made one successful or not.
Hector,
DeleteI thought this was a well developed analysis of the allusions used in this book. I particularly liked the part about how Gatsby created his new identity in order to prove to Daisy that he was a man that represented the American Dream. I also liked how you used a quote from Daisy herself- which only strengthened your overall analysis. Good job! -Steven Fitz (#waterpolo life)
I agree with the overall analysis of your first two paragraphs but your third paragraph left me confused. You say that Gatsby's wealth represents the American Dream and that he created his new identity to impress Daisy. You then state that women at the time depended on financial security which is what decides if they are to be successful. You should explain the connection these two ideas as I am not sure what you are trying to say.
DeleteThe connection is that Daisy is looking to find the perfect man, which I. This case is a well off/ financially stable man who can give her whatever she so desires. So Magaña, the connection is that Gatsby gains financial success in order to become the man Daisy dreams of.
DeleteIn the Great Gatsby by F. Scott. Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald alludes to Benjamin Franklin through Jay Gatsby. John Rohrkemper goes deep in explination and detail in this comparison between the two. The main similarity between the two is "Franklin and Gatsby and their plans" (Rohrkemper 157), plans being the strive for perfection in the lives of both Franklin and Gatsby. Franklin aims for "moral perfection" in his life, he wanted everyone to be morally just, while on the other hand Gatsby had aimed for only "material success", wanted everyone to believe he was perfect because of his surroundings. Gatsby lacks the ability to reach the horizon and do as least as possible to reach his dreams while Franklin strives to keep going and improving his goals as his life went on. This shows how America has stopped reaching for the horizon as a whole, and how America has become corrupt as a whole. America now tries to reach for success with no moral base, instead of gaining that success with moral reponsibililty.
ReplyDeleteI agree partially, I think they both want to achieve the same goals but Franklin's visions of success comes in with the tide while Gatsby's sail forever on the horizon (TEWWG reference) due to a lack of a moral core as Rohrkemper states in his article.
DeleteI agree with your analysis. I also think that Benjamin Franklin focused more on moral perfection and focused less on material wealth. However, I do not completely agree with you when you say that America has stopped reaching for the horizon as a whole. I think that America's value have simply evolved and have changed over time. I do agree when you say that America has no moral base, but the U.S still reaches far and beyond the horizon. As Gatsby proves with Daisy, persistently trying to achieve one's goals is possible, even without a huge presence of a moral compass. Now more than ever, sheer determination and hard work, just as Benjamin Franklin believed, can still get the job done.
DeleteKelly Acevedo
ReplyDeleteMr.Saldivar
Anerican Lit Pd 5
04-30-14
In chapters 5-7 of The Great Gatsby, Gatsby's mentor, Dan Cody is being alluded to both Buffalo Bill Cody and Daniel Boone. They are known to be " icons of the American pioneer experience " ( Rorhkemper 156 ). Bill Cody obtained his fame through shows that he organized about cowboys, called Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Daniel Boone on the other hand was less superficial because he was most famous for his exploration and settlement of what is now Kentucky, therefore making him a true American pioneer. Both Cody and Bill make up for the character of Dan Cody who in turn introduces the idea of the American Dream. This dream consists of a set of ideals in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success. Gatsby turns superficial because he does whatever means necessary to achieve his wealth : Daisy. He becomes so absorbed in achieving this " wealth ", that he does not realize that he is actually in the " pursuit of material wealth " ( 156 ). His goals of achieving the American Dream becomes an imitation or mock since Gatsby's wealth is not authentic.
Ashley Lopez
ReplyDeleteMr.Saldivar
American Lit Period 5
5/01/14
Throughout chapters 5-7 in The Great Gatsby, by F.Scott Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald uses allusions to pioneers like Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody in order to understand Gatsby's character and therefore portray America’s beliefs and conditions. Gatsby looks up to Dan Cody and desires to be just like him, a man with immense wealth and power in order to ‘satisfy’ Daisy. Dan Cody just like Boone were “of rugged individualism, of faith in manifest destiny” (Rohrkemper 156). While Boone used the belief of manifest destiny as a way to explore and expand, Dan Cody followed the ‘American Dream’ as a way to acquire wealth and power just like Gatsby. In the other hand Buffalo Bill Cody is exactly as Dan Cody and brought corruption to the ‘American Dream’ with elements of self fulfillment just like Gatsby wants, in order to spark a flame with Daisy. Fitzgerald uses both pioneers in order to portray the development of the belief of the American Dream decaying as years progressed.
In chapters 5-7 of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatbsy, Fitzgerald uses character Dan Cody, Gatbsy's mentor, to allude to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody. Boone is considered "the founder, establishing communities in which the American dream might be realized" (Rohrkremper 156). Buffalo Bill Cody is "the exploiter of that dream [...] a parody of the heroic pathfinder" (Rohrkremper 156). Fitzgerald juxtaposes these opposite personas to show the different parts of Gatsby-who he aspired to be versus who he became. Through Dan Cody, Gatsby is introduced to the American dream based on Cody's ideas. Gatsby's American dream is personal gain in the form of attention of Daisy Bunchanan. Instead of working hard to reach his dream, Gatsby falls to becoming superficial Gatsby is focused primarily on "the pursuit of material wealth" (156), leading to "a loss of the idealism, courage, and valor of an earlier America" (156).
ReplyDeleteIn The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses characters like Dan Cody- who is a mix of Daniel Boon and Bill Cody- to allude to the past and further highlight Americans' values which are corrupted by the want for material wealth. Gatsby creates a "Platonic conception of himself" (Rohrkemper 156) when he first meets Dan Cody. Since Dan Cody serves as Gatsby's mentor, he heavily influences what he believes in and what values he thinks are important. Dan Cody's Buffalo Bill side emphasizes the "superficial...corrupted elements of westward expansion. By alluding to American heroes such as Buffalo Bill, Fitzgerald is able to highlight what a bad influence Dan Cody was on Gatsby since he was only "Daniel Boone de-evolved to Buffalo Bill Cody" after all (Rohrkemper 156). This allusion also shows the loss of idealism and valor of America in the past- and shows how it has evolved into a material wealth society fueled by false conceptions of happiness through money. This examination of Gatsby's values reflects upon America as a whole and how we are falsely led to believe that wealth is the only way to achieve the American Dream.
ReplyDeleteI agree totally with the idea that Gatsby's values reflect those of America as a whole and that people think wealth is the only way to achieve American Dream. I think it is a great point that is one that can be seen all around the United States. Also thought you did a great job of showing how the illusions related back to American society.
DeleteIn chapters 5 through 7, Fitzgerald presents a historical perspectives about American values through his use of allusions to men mentioned in Rohrkemper’s article who are Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody. He alludes specifically to these people to contribute to the idea of American values in The Great Gatsby. These values build up the character Gatsby is. The character Dan Cody is a “fusion” of Daniel Boone and Bill Cody. With Boone basically representing individualism and Bill Cody representing corruption, the allusion helps understand Gatsby’s identity. Dan Cody, Gatsby’s mentor, was able to teach Gatsby the secret to be wealthy and successful individual in a corrupt world, however, failed to teach Gatsby to go beyond his success and to actually reach the horizon. Gatsby lacked to realize the importance for a moral base. The idea of putting successful before all is a concept that fails, especially, after some time, everything starts to fade away (in this context, it was Daisy). He was so absorbed by what surrounded him and the success he was gaining, the things he most cherished were gone in a blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe Great Gatsby alludes to Ben Franklin's The Art Of Virtues which is his method for success, and it is based on his principles for self improvement, moral improvement, and moral perfection. In Chapter 6 of The Great Gatsby, Gatsby talks of his childhood and it is evident that James Gatz changes his name to Jay Gatsby as a reinvention for himself. Gatsby was an impoverished child and wanted to change this lifestyle and by changing his name, he represents how he intends to reinvent himself. Although Gatsby wants to triumph in life and "Gatsby dreams as does Franklin, and achieves a kind of success, he ultimately lacks an overreaching vision" (Rohrkemper 157). Referring to Their Eyes Were Watching God, Gatsby represents the men whoms visions of success never came in with the tide compared to Ben Franklin's visions for success which does "come in with the tide" (Hurston 1). The reason for Gatsby's shortcomings of his visions of achievement are due to that fact that he, in comparison to Buffalo Bill, lack "a stable moral core" (Rohrkemper 157-8) which Franklin describes is essential to achieve your goals. Although Gatsby correlates with Franklin as they both dream visions of success, Gatsby "makes no mention of moral improvement" (Rohrkemper 157) and lacks a moral core which liquidates his chances of success.
ReplyDeleteGood work Malakye! I love how you make the reference to him changing his name and how along with his name he intends to reinvent himself. Excellent references to the Fitzgerald article and good use of quotes along with a quality explanation of the quotes. I agree with your analysis, keep up the good work. This is Vic by the way.
DeleteSophie Brooks
ReplyDeleteMr. Saldivar
American Lit pd. 8
5/1/14
In chapters five through seven, Fitzgerald alludes to four figures that are said to have an impact on Gatsby's lifestyle. Daniel Boone, Buffalo Bill Cody, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. It is seen through the picture of Dan Cody that both Boone and Buffalo Bill have taken the role of Gatsby's mentors. Meanwhile Franklin has made his presence on Gatsby in having "similar plans regarding material success" (Rohrkemper 157). However, when being compared to Thomas Jefferson, Gatsby seems to fall short of this particular allusion. Jefferson was a strong supporter of the Agrarian lifestyle, a way of living that was based on self-sufficiency, blood, sweat, tears and good-old-fashioned hard work. Jefferson, being a fan of the agrarian dream, "felt that abandonment of the agrarian ideal inevitably led to corruption" (159). Gatsby represent the contradiction to Jefferson through his work in the bootlegging industry. In doing so, Gatsby builds his fortune on the work of others while neglecting the views/influence of Thomas Jefferson
In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald alludes to four significant Americans, Buffalo Bill Cody, Daniel Boone, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Fitzgerald alludes to Franklin's values and ideals and compares them to Gatsby's. The audience sees this allusion when Mr. Gatz arrives at his sons funeral and shows Nick of Hopalong Cassidy with a list for success on the back cover. Through this the audience sees the comparison between Franklin and Gatsby and their "plans". Even though both Gatsby and Franklin have similar values to achieve the American Dream, the audience is able to see that Gatsby is more modern and therefore more lenient towards his plan since he stems from corruption. The audience also gets to see that Franklin was an idealist that strove for more perfection and on the other hand Gatsby was a materialist who only cared about material success. Fitzgerald uses this allusion to show the corruption in modern America and the obsession with material success.
ReplyDeleteFitzgerald alludes to Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography in order to show how Jay Gatsby contrasts the ideals of “moral perfection” (Rhorkemper 157) Franklin used to define the American identity. Jay Gatsby is literally a self-made man, a persona that poor farm boy James Gatz created in order to be worthy of Daisy’s love. In this, Gatsby resembles Franklin’s rags-to-riches industrialist change, an aspect of Franklin’s life that allowed him to truly acquire the American identity. The difference is that while Franklin improved himself in order to better his community and country, Gatz's self-improvement reflects a more materialistic and egoistic approach where he aims to better his image for Daisy. Ashamed of his past and willing to do anything to win Daisy, Gatz's self-improvement becomes a nightmare where his hunger for wealth takes over. Gatz's abandonment of the principles of morality in his pursuit of the American identity reflects the corruption in the early 20th century, as they both lack a moral base and rot Franklin's ideologies.
ReplyDeleteJessica Maciuch
ReplyDeleteMr. Saldivar
American Lit. 8th Period
4/30/14
In chapters 5 through 7 of The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald delves into the character of Jay Gatsby, specifically his ultimate desire to create an idealized, unattainable life with Daisy, and Gatsby's involvement in the bootlegging trade as the financial means to achieve this life with Daisy. Fitzgerald's juxtaposition of the purity of Gatsby's vision with the corrupt means of achieving this vision allude to America's expansionist history, specifically Thomas Jefferson's purchase of the Louisiana Territory. The allusion lies within the motive and the means of Jefferson's executive action. Just as Jay Gatsby is criticized by Tom Buchanan for participating in the illegal act of bootlegging, Jefferson was condemned for purchasing the territory for the reason that this power was not explicitly given to the president under the Constitution. However, Gatsby's pure intentions of creating a comfortable life for him and Daisy are paralleled by Jefferson's well-intentioned "American Dream to achieve and preserve the democratic ideal," (Rohrkemper 160). Therefore, Gatsby's dream of a perfect life with Daisy becomes a metaphor for Jefferson's goal to make America into an "Empire of Liberty" that embraces and expands the American brand of democracy. This metaphor is also extended beyond Jefferson to the entirety of American expansionist history, as the expansion of Jefferson's "democratic ideal" is used time and time again to justify corrupt foreign intervention and economic expansion, just as Gatsby's means to wealth becomes more and more corrupted with the justification of Daisy's future happiness.
Victor Iturralde
ReplyDeleteMr. Saldivar
American Lit 8th
4.30.14
In Chapters 5-7 of The Great Gatsby the audience is exposed to "the American Dream" that Gatsby displays through his desire for wealth and fame, as long as his affections and longing for Daisy. Benjamin Franklin's formula for successful living was based of his principles of self- improvement, and it included both personal details and common sense. In chapters 5-7 Gatsby displays a lack of moral roots, and seems to go against Franklin's principles of moral perfection. Gatsby has the same essential American Dream as Franklin, but he fails to go beyond the basic desires such as fame and wealth. Gatsby feels like Daisy chose Tom over him because of his ability to draw her in with his high wealth and status. Gatsby allows himself to become blinded by his longing for Daisy so much that he ignores the humble beginning found in Jay Gatz. He goes to extreme measures in his bootlegging and involvement in controversial projects that allow him to attain the status and wealth of himself, which in the earlier chapters were left mysterious. This proves how America has become corrupt and lost a real sense on how to reach for the horizon instead of looking from ships at a distance.
Hey Vic, I really like how you related Daisy's marriage with Tom to being a key factor in Gatz's failure to remain humble while in pursuit of the American dream. However, maybe you should add where the idea of looking for ships in a distant originated from, just so that the reader has a clear background. Keep up the good work!
DeleteGreat ideas Vic! I agree with your ideas. I like how you related the ships in the distance and the horizon to define both Gatsby and Franklin. I also like how you clearly showed the differences between Gatsby and Franklin when it comes to showing how their views of "perfection" differ.
DeleteFitzgerald’s use of allusions in chapters 5 through 7 of The Great Gatsby and the historical perspective shown by Rohrkemper in “The Allusive Past: Historical Perspective in The Great Gatsby” show the two different sides of Gatsby. James Gatz is his authentic side and is like Daniel Boone as they are both real and earned what they have. Jay Gatsby is similar to Buffalo Bill Cody as at “a loss of the idealism, courage, and valor of an earlier America, [they] exchanged for the pursuit of material wealth” (Rohrkemper 156). Gatsby and Buffalo Bill Cody are based on material wealth but are legendary as opposed to Gatz and Daniel Boone who are authentic and real. Jay Gatsby “sprang from his Platonic conception of himself” (Fitzgerald 98). Jay Gatsby created his own identity in his pursuit of great wealth which shows he is not real, idealistic man James Gatz is. By creating the identity of Jay Gatsby he becomes a legend but loses the real James Gatz who is a man based on strong ideals rather than the material wealth of Jay Gatsby.
ReplyDeleteIn chapters 5-7 in The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald alludes to Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson through Gatsby. Both Gatsby and Benjamin aimed to "achieve the elusive American Dream" (Rohrkemper 158). Unlike Franklin, Gatsby was more superficial and materialistic and lacked a moral base. In the case of Thomas Jefferson, his idea of the American Dream "preserves the democratic ideal". In the end, Gatsby symbolizes the corrupt world and how their dreams seem to stay far beyond the horizon similarly to Gatsby. Gatsby's sense of reality is lost which is why Gatsby's dream is never to be touched.
ReplyDeleteHey Iliana! I really liked how you said that Fitzgerald alludes to Franklin and Benjamin and connected them well. I just think you should elaborate a little more on Jefferson's idea because I don't really understand what the "democratic ideal" would be. So just like you did for Gatsby and how you said he is superficial, just do the same for Jefferson. Other than that, I liked how you said Gatsby's sense of reality was lost and his dream never to be touched. Keep it up girl!
DeleteNicolas Robledo
ReplyDeleteMr. Saldivar
American Literature Period 5
4-30-2014
In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald alludes to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody, in order to show the ambiguity and deterioration of the American values of hard work and moral wealth, that were founded by Benjamin Franklin. In the novel, Dan Cody introduces Gatsby into a lavish lifestyle that he would soon adopt. Dan Cody, a wealthy silver and copper baron, alludes to two major American figures. As shown in “The Allusive Past: Historical Perspective in the Great Gatsby,” “One, however, is the authentic hero, the explorer opening the wilderness, the founder establishing communities in which the American dream might be realized. The other is the exploiter of the dream, who, whatever his accomplishments, capitalized on the western myth and created a parody of it…..” (Rohrkemper 156), Dan Cody represents two different ideals. Daniel Boone, who represents the “Dan,” was pure in the sense that he expanded into the West with a strong sense of morals. He expanded not for material wealth, but to lay foundations for other people and himself to achieve their lifelong goals; to establish a real and meaningful legacy. Buffalo Bill Cody, representing the “Cody,” is the exploiter of the American dream. Buffalo Bill was corrupted by the West’s material offerings and established an artificial legacy. Dan Cody was Gatsby’s mentor. It was through him that Gatsby first got a taste of the wealthy and lavish life he leads. In the novel it states “And it was from Cody that he inherited money-a legacy of twenty-five thousand dollars” (Fitzgerald 100). This means that Gatsby embodies the ideas of Dan Cody. Therefore, Gatsby is exactly what Dan Cody was, a man who strives for success at any means necessary. This shows the weakening of the American ideals as presented by Benjamin Franklin, because “Gatsby’s plan, unlike Franklin’s, makes no mention of moral improvement: his goals appears never to be more than success-material success” (Rohrkemper 157). Success and values, when placed side by side, result in success being chosen and values being abandoned. Like Dan Cody, Gatsby has a little bit of Daniel Boone in him in the fact that he persistently worked hard for his success. He also has Buffalo Bill in him, because he fell to the temptation of material wealth. Gatsby’s moral corruption signifies the death of traditional self-righteous guidelines, and ushers in an era of virtueless pursuit of power.
In chapters 5-7 of The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald's alludes to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody in influencing the life of Jay Gatsby. These ideas are explained in "The Allusive Past," by John Rohrkemper, where he states that Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody come into play with the mentor of Gatsby, Dan Cody, who is a mix of Boone's individualist ideals and Bill Cody's corruption to show how America has been corrupted by the want for material wealth for their own well-being no matter what happens to others in the process. These two allusions both help to further understand Gatsby's character because of his influence from Dan Cody as Gatsby is taught to be a wealthy and successful individual in a corrupt world. But in the end never explains fully to Gatsby that the success had to be balanced with the world around him so he can keep loved ones like Daisy who he gains all his wealth for even if that means he has to be corrupt to gain his wealth. The values of Gatsby are a reflection of American society and how peoples only goal in life is material wealth whether it be a big house, nice car, lots of money which takes away from the actual idea of happiness through the people around you. This can be lost when like a lot of people are money hungry monsters they forget about the people who helped them and become self-centered and only think of what they need to keep this false sense of material happiness through their wealth.
ReplyDeleteFitzgerald shows how Americans betray historical ideals of Jefferson believed that Americans should be independent from others and not lean on anyone else for identity validation because it is better to earn "success" honorably than to cheat and live off of someone else's accomplishments. In chapters 5-7 it shows how Tom, and Gatsby are dependent on Daisy and gain things from her in order to better themselves. "His wife and his mistress, until an hour ago secure and inviolate, were slipping precipitately from his control" (125). Tom could feel his power of the two women in his life fading, he knew that without Myrtle and Daisy he would have nothing, and that would affect him more than he ever wanted. In Rohrkemper's article, it describes "Jefferson, of course saw the locus of the dream...his was an agrarian dream on which James Gatz turns his back" (159) Tom requires old money, money that has already been earned by someone else's success, Gatsby represents new money he obtained it by being a bootlegger. Gatsby depends on his associates, where as Tom depends on his family's social status and wealth to validate their success. On the other hand they also depend on Daisy because Daisy for Gatsby represents everything he was not or could not have but if he could obtain her she validates his success. For Tom, Daisy validates his masculinity and his social status. Tom, Gatsby and Daisy are FOIL characters in each others live because the major conflicts between the two men cause them to bring out each others strength's and weaknesses, and Daisy is the representation of the power struggle between them, that is why they are so dependent on her, so she can validate who is more successful. Jefferson's perspective of independence and self righteousness is no longer present in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
ReplyDeleteIn chapters five through seven in The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald alludes to Thomas Jefferson to define American values. In The Allusive Past: Historical Past in "The Great Gatsby," Rhorkemper indicates that Dr. T.J. Eckleburg becomes Jefferson's "Disgusting City." This disgusting city being where it is known as the Valley of Ashes and where there are "men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air" (Fitzgerald 23). This environment shows how Jefferson's beliefs of the agrarian life were failing and contributes to the corruption that was happening in America. This corruption as Jefferson saw it, was that although he was anti-materialism, everyone in The Great Gatsby choose material wealth over moral wealth. The loss of Jefferson's idealism by the characters in The Great Gatsby shows how Americans, even in the 20th century, have been falsely persuaded into believing that material wealth is needed to be happy and to achieving the American Dream.
ReplyDeleteIn The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald alludes to Buffalo Bill Cody when talking about Dan Cody. Dan Cody, Gatsby's mentor represents everything good in the American dream who then goes to Gatsby and the American dream turns into corruption and the lengths taken to achieve it. On page 100 of The Great Gatsby, Dan Cody is said to be the only one who can make Gatsby drink. This shows the corruption in Dan and how he can manipulate Gatsby into doing things just like Buffalo Bill who was idolized in America, despite his wrong doings. It could also represent the lengths taken to achieve something so materialistic.
ReplyDelete-Ashley Joaquin
Laurice Skinner
ReplyDeletePeriod 8th
In chapters five through seven of The Great Gatsby ,F.Scott Fitzgerald alludes to two of the greatest American pioneers, Daniel Boone and Bufalo Bill Cody in the character Dan Codu.Dan Cody is a representation of the deterioration of the American values. Dan Cody's character incorporates some of the characteristics of Buffalo Bill Cody in the sense that he brings back the morality of the pioneers "but the superficial, ...corrupted elements of westward expansion "(Rohrkemper 156).This reference to Bill Cody ,Fitzgerald represents the loss of the American vaue system in the conquest of material wealth.Gatsby's desire to obtain this exquisite lifestyles leads him to leave behind who he truly is and create a false persona. Mich like the pioneers ,Gatsby who is mentored by Dan Cody symbolizes the corruption of the moral values by Americans.