Homework for Lesson #16, The Great Gatsby

Sally's Homework:

• I want to share my impressions on Mr. Gatsby. The title of this book is The Great Gatsby, while Mr. Gatsby finally appeared in chapter 3. From the former chapters, we know that Gatsby must be a rich man and love parties. So I imagine that he must have a gorgeous “enter”, but the truth is among so many guests, non of them recognized him. And Nick noticed Gatsby by him saying “I am Gatsby” calmly. I hardly believe it at first because he was totally different from what I expected. Same as Nick, in my mind he should be a “florid and corpulent person in his middle years”. 
• He is famous, but he was not surrounded by people, and even seemed to be lonely. While people were dancing at the party, he did not join then and just stood alone and looked at those groups with approving eyes. “No one swooned backward on Gatsby, and no French bob touched Gatsby’s shoulder”. That is quite odd for a wealthy person. I was confused, and I feel like he was holding the party not for himself and he did not enjoy it at all. 
• Gatsby is not arrogant as most wealthy person might be, in fact he is polite and kind. He started the conversation with Nick in a friendly and polite way. When he excused himself he gave a small bow. He also invited Nick to go up in the hydroplane and come to his beach. In some way, he does not fit in his status.
• Gatsby’s story and identity is also a mistery. He was said to be a murderer, an Oxford man, a bootlegger. Until he told part of it to Nick and readers. The story between he and Daisy is amazing, and it totally changed my impress. We finally know Mr. Gatsby’s secret, that behind his “nuttiness”, there is an unfinished love.