Monday, June 4, 2012

Journal 19: Characterizations


Nick Carraway Adjective ___Introverted ___________________ 

Nick Carraway is a main character throughout the novel.  He is quiet and loyal to each of his friends despite their crazy ideas.  After Nick returned to his home in the mid-West from WWI, he made the decision to move out East because he felt so out of place at home.  Even though he would be leaving his girlfriend, he believes that it would be better to live somewhere else. He bought a little house on the coast of West Egg in New York located on the Long Island Sound.  There he had the dream of becoming a bond trader.  He also hopes to get back into reading and writing now that he is settled in New York.  From his backyard, he could see East Egg, where some of his friends and family lived.  One of his closest friends named Jay Gatsby lived in a huge mansion next to Nick’s little house.  Once Nick was comfy in his new home, Daisy, Nick’s cousin, invites him over for dinner.  That is when Nick learns that Daisy’s husband Tom has been having an affair, and Daisy has done nothing to stop him.  This news disgusts Nick, but he decides to stay out of their personal life.

Tom Buchanan Adjective ____Self-Centered________________

Tom Buchanan is a wealthy man that lives on East Egg and is married to Daisy.  Tom was already acquainted with Nick when they went to college at New Haven.  Back in those days, Tom use to play football.  Tom only likes to think of himself and is depicted as aggressive in his every demand.  He must be in charge at all times because he wants to control his own life, despite that he is married.  Tom use to live in Chicago until he spent a year in France and then settled in his current mansion.  He enjoys polo and remains in a handsome appearance to attract ladies.  He is currently cheating on his wife with a woman named Myrtle, but demands that Daisy stay loyal to him. 

Daisy Buchanan Adjective ____Ditzy__________________________

Daisy Buchanan is described as Nick’s second cousin and Tom’s wife.  She is ditzy but charming.  She is willing to do whatever to make everyone happy, but her intent is very different from her actions.  Daisy has an exciting voice that makes her very attractive towards men.  She is beautiful but confused with the requests of others.  Daisy is always flirting with a guy and keeps her guard up due to upsetting situations in her life.  Daisy might appear intelligent and happy, but she is truly depressed with the outcome of her life.  However, she is a mother of a three year old daughter that is rarely spoken of.  She knows that her husband is having an affair but remains by his side. 

Jordan Baker Adjective ___Sly_____________________

Jordan Baker is very smooth in her actions but is able to keep everything she wants a secret.  She must always look good in her actions, even though most of them are discouraged.  She is described as attractive because she is slender, angular, and athletic.  She has gray eyes which makes herself more unique than the rest of her friends.  Her posture describes the pride she has in herself.  With her shoulder pushed back so her chest sticks out, she knows she is pretty to look at.  One of Jordan’s best friends is Daisy, who she grew up with in Louisville, Kentucky.  Jordan is also known for being a professional golfer despite the fact that she cheats occasionally.  In the novel, Jordan travels around the world on tour and doesn’t seem to have any close relatives or family.    

Jay Gatsby Adjective __Independent___________________________

Jay Gatsby is independent because he isolates himself from everyone else.  Even though he is Nick’s next door neighbor, he spends most of his time at his own house.  His mansion located on West Egg directly across the water from East Egg.  It is filled with furniture and other expensive items that are not necessary.  Occasionally he will throw wild parties at his own house, but will not attend them.  With a marble pool, beautiful gardens, and a groomed lawn, Gatsby is trying to impress Daisy with his wealth.  Gatsby likes to be by himself because it gives him time to think about the past.   

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