Skip to main content

What is the significance of the puppy? Why do you suppose Fitzgerald included it as an element in chapter 2?

The man from whom Tom Buchanan buys the dog "bore an absurd resemblance to John D. Rockefeller," a point that seems all the more notable in a book that emphasizes the difficulty, even the impossibility for some, of attaining the American Dream: the idea that any American, through hard work and perseverance, can prosper.  Certainly, to compare, in any way, a man selling dogs out of a basket on the street with Rockefeller is unexpected,...

The man from whom Tom Buchanan buys the dog "bore an absurd resemblance to John D. Rockefeller," a point that seems all the more notable in a book that emphasizes the difficulty, even the impossibility for some, of attaining the American Dream: the idea that any American, through hard work and perseverance, can prosper.  Certainly, to compare, in any way, a man selling dogs out of a basket on the street with Rockefeller is unexpected, but, here, it seems to be a statement on impossibility of the dream for this man: he may work hard and even look just like a millionaire, but he will never be able to reach that level of prosperity and influence himself.


Further, Myrtle Wilson's total lack of concern for her new puppy, once she'd sent someone for a box of straw and saucer of milk, is appalling and cruel.  It sheds a great deal of light on her character.  She wants things, she wants to have things, and she wants Tom to buy them for her.  She's not, however, interested in responsibility, and she is certainly not a kind or compassionate person.  During her party,



"The little dog was sitting on the table looking with blind eyes through the smoke, and from time to time groaning faintly."  



This dog is so young that she can hardly see, if at all.  She is surrounded by loud noises and loud people that she cannot see, without anyone to hold her or pet her or reassure her, and Myrtle is completely oblivious.  

Popular posts from this blog

In chapter one of The Great Gatsby, what advice does Nick's father give him? How does this make him a good person to tell this story?

Nick says that his father advised him that, before "criticizing anyone," he "remember that all the people in this world haven't had the same advantages" as Nick.  As a result, Nick claims that he is "inclined to reserve all judgments," presenting himself to the reader as a fair and dispassionate arbiter of character, and thus, a reliable narrator.   The problem is that Nick immediately reveals himself as anything but reliable, as he then launches... Nick says that his father advised him that, before "criticizing anyone," he "remember that all the people in this world haven't had the same advantages" as Nick.  As a result, Nick claims that he is "inclined to reserve all judgments," presenting himself to the reader as a fair and dispassionate arbiter of character, and thus, a reliable narrator.   The problem is that Nick immediately reveals himself as anything but reliable, as he then launches into a discussion of how pe...
Post a Comment
Read more

How and why does James Gatz become Jay Gatsby? Describe the young Gatsby/Gatz.

James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune,... James Gatz, a poor Midwestern boy of probable Jewish lineage, becomes Jay Gatsby, a presumed WASP and wealthy socialite, when he moves to New York City and acquires his fortune. It is wealth that has allowed Gatz to transform himself into Gatsby. However, those who know his background (e.g., Daisy and Tom Buchanan) never allow him to forget that he is nouveau riche -- that is, an upstart who has just recently made his fortune, whereas they arose from well-to-do families. Gatz became Gatsby through determination and discipline. At the end of the novel, the narr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Explain and discuss how the definitions of freedom change for the nation, for the freedmen and for southern whites after the Civil War.

After the Civil War, the definition of freedom changed in the nation, as slavery was ended with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865. The practice of slavery was disallowed, but definition of the freedom that would take its place was a subject of controversy, ongoing debate, and even violence in the decades to come.  For freedmen, freedom often meant reconciling with their families, who were broken up by slavery; choosing which church to... After the Civil War, the definition of freedom changed in the nation, as slavery was ended with the 13th Amendment to the Constitution in 1865. The practice of slavery was disallowed, but definition of the freedom that would take its place was a subject of controversy, ongoing debate, and even violence in the decades to come.  For freedmen, freedom often meant reconciling with their families, who were broken up by slavery; choosing which church to belong to without being ordered to attend religious services (or not to attend) by their mast...
Post a Comment
Read more