The Great Gatsby: Chapter 9

I found it kind of sad that nobody would go to Gatsby's funeral, but I guess most of them were scared away. It kind of shows you how good of friends he really had because, like Owl-Eyes said, they used to pour in by the hundreds to his parties. It's kind of like that saying where it's better to have a few really good friends than 100 lousy friends....(something like that...quality not quantity).


Somehow I knew deep down that Tom was behind Gatsby's death. He didn't even show any remorse when he found out Wilson killed Gatsby because he probably knew Wilson would go kill him. I'm guessing that's why Tom and Daisy left town right away. I like how Nick compared Tom to a child, because that's how he is--selfish and always wanting his way. I'm thinking that Tom stopped Daisy from sending any flowers or calling or something like that because I'm sure she heard about how Gatsby died.

I like how Nick talks about Daisy and Tom at the end and about how inconsiderate the rich are. They make messes that they never clean up and can get away with most anything because of their money and popularity. I guess it's no wonder how they seem to think their better than everybody else...somebody's got to because I think that poorer people seem to be kinder because they appreciate what they have (not in all cases, but in many).

Well, I can't say that I'm really "crushed" because Nick broke up with Jordan because apparently she's engaged to some other man now...unless she just said that because she didn't want to show that she was really hurt or something--because her pride got in her way (and believe me, pride is one thing that that woman isn't lacking...)

Overall, I thought the book was pretty good...much better than the Grapes of Wrath. I feel like Gatsby's whole life and existance was in vain though. Even though he was rich and threw lavish parties, because he was living such a lie and fantasy, nobody really knew him and nobody seemed to remember him when he died....

The Great Gatsby: Chapter 7-8

Well, I'd have to say that this was probably the most interesting section of reading we've done so far. I was shocked when I read that Gatsby dies...I almost wanted to read on to the next chapter, but I didn't have time.

You know, if Tom had only not taken Gatsby's car, I think a lot of these troubles could've been avoided (Why on earth did Tom want to take Gatsby's car anyway??). For instance, had he not taken the car, he wouldn't have had to get gas at Wilson's and Myrtle wouldn't have seen him in the car and wouldn't have thought that Jordan was his wife, so she wouldn't have become so frantic. Myrtle probably wouldn't have ran out into the street towards Gatsby's car--trying to talk to Tom--and Daisy wouldn't have hit her. George wouldn't have gone "mad" and wouldn't have tracked down Gatsby and killed him.

But something good did come out of this...I guess Tom and Daisy are finally back together and loving each other. Which makes me think back to the River Styx connection and the billboard with Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's eyes on it. The River Styx talked about how promises were made to someone but that person would end up dying in the end. I guess that could kind of explain Myrtle and Gatsby (how Daisy said she'd run away with Gatsby and how Tom was going to get Myrtle out of the dump she was in). I guess the fact that George thought the eyes of the Dr. were God was somewhat true (in a symbolic way). Those eyes saw everything and disapproved of it...I guess they were finally being judged or something...I don't know...

Question: What's the importance of the leash? I have a few ideas in my mind why George would be so upset about this but I'm not sure...anybody have some input on this?

All I can say is that now I want to read more....