Journal 19: Characterization in Chapter 1 of The Great Gatsby

Nick Carraway Adjective: Quietly Quaint Nick is a tall, thin, handsome man. As graduate of Oxford, Nick is obviously well-educated. He is a war veteran, which inevitably makes him a respectful person. He carries himself very well and dresses with sophistication. His actions are quiet; he talks the least but says the most. Nick is a timid and shy character who reserves judgment based on his personal beliefs. Nick also becomes romantically involved with Jordan Baker. With his initial appearance, the first impression of Nick Carraway you receive is definitely quiet and quaint. Tom Buchanan Adjective: Rich Rascal Tom is affluent and his money is the only thing he has going for him. Daisy only loves him because he is rich. Tom is barely good-looking. His words are sincere unless he is lying about the affairs he has with women. Tom is not shy but is wary about suspicious fellows like Gatsby. His cheating ways definitely characterize him as a rascal. The phone call Tom received in chapter one from his mistress showed that he was a scoundrel for not being able to properly keep his affairs separate from his family life. Daisy Buchanan Adjective: Beautiful Fool Daisy is a beautiful young woman with an eye for style. She loves the lavish lifestyle. Her words are cheery and always filled with flirtatious remarks. She is high on life and tries to make the best out of things. She loves unconditionally and is easily tricked into falling in love. Daisy knows that she is a fool. She knows her young daughter will grow up to be a fool just like her and all other woman. Jordan Baker Adjective: Confident Jordan is strikingly beautiful and is very much like Daisy in an appearance sense. Her actions are unlike Daisy’s because Jordan is a cheater, given that she cheated in her golf tournament. Her words are somewhat caustic and bitter. Jordan becomes romantically involved with Nick Carraway. She is very self-centered and possesses a strong personality. Her actions are straightforward. Daisy speaks with a purpose and her voice is heard. She is much like a standby in the story, just like Nick is. Although, her presence does serves a purpose. Jay Gatsby Adjective: Dashing Old Sport Jay Gatsby is a rich man who lives in an enormous mansion across the water in East Egg. He is in love with Daisy, but Daisy is married to Tom. Jay was supposed to marry Daisy but rich girls don’t marry poor boys. Jay is acquiring his great wealth in a sketchy manner. He throws lavish, extravagant parties to hopefully impress Daisy. He calls everyone “old sport” to try to make his made up life seem legitimate. Jay is genuine and has good intentions, but his whole life is basically a lie.

Why I told Nick I was engaged to another man

I told Nick I was engaged to another man because I was ticked off that he threw me over the phone. I thought he was an honest, straightforward person. He was not the person I believed him to be. Besides, no one dumps me. I could have any man I wanted, and I know Nick knew that. I guess our relationship suffered throughout the summer, given what was going on around him and I. I told him I was engaged to another man because I wanted to make him jealous. Despite the fact that he dumped me, I could see it in his eyes that he was in love with me. Why would he break it off with me if he loved me? I don't deserve to be treated like I mean nothing. If I meant something to him, he would have showed me he loved me. He didn't hold onto me, so I told him I was engaged to another man to break the heart he never gave me. After seeing my best friend Daisy's marriage almost fall completely apart, I am wary of relationships. I'm still waiting for the right man to come along in my life and this man I am engaged to is most likely the one. His name is certainly not Nick Carraway.

What was I feeling when I was in the hotel suite

I was feeling incredibly uncomfortable as I sat and listened to the "love triangle" argue in the hotel suite. Nick and I tried to leave, but Tom wouldn't let us. I didn't feel like listening to them bicker and fight about who loves who loves more. I was feeling terribly sad because I felt sorry for my friends. How could they put themselves through this twisted situation? Tom had a history of preying on woman like Myrtle. He had once gotten into an accident and there had been a maid in the car. He obviously had some sort of sexual relations with this woman. I feel sorry for Daisy and wish she would have left Tom a long time ago. Then again, Daisy shouldn't have advanced onto Gatsby, given that she was a married woman, with a child. Listening to them argue was putting me in a awful mood. I felt the awkwardness Nick was feeling as well. I was feeling extra sweaty in addition to the stifling heat in the scorching, summer air. I was afraid that Tom, Daisy, or Gatsby was going to bring me into the conversation and question me, or ask for my opinion. I wanted nothing to do with any of this. I would be there for my friend Daisy if she needed me and that is all.

What was I thinking when I pulled up to the scene of the accident (Myrtle's Death)

Oh my gosh...it's Myrtle. She's dead. They're saying it was a flashy, yellow car that hit her. I only know of one flashy, yellow car and Gatsby and Daisy were driving it on the way home. I can't believe Gatsby hit her! Or was it Daisy driving? I think it could have been Daisy because she was hysterical after she ran out of the hotel. She must have climbed into the driver's side first and sped home as soon as Gatsby hopped in the passenger's seat as a result of chasing after her. Daisy probably saw Myrtle and didn't stop the car because for one, she was tired of Tom having an affair with another woman (she had to know who the woman was by now), and two, she probably thought she could eliminate one more obstacle in this twisted life of hers. Daisy knew on that car ride home who she wanted to be with, I know she did. She wanted to be with Tom. Pulling up to the accident scene, I thought to myself, this could all be over if Gatsby takes the blame for the hit and run. Daisy can go back to her family and erase Gatsby from her life. Myrtle's death subsequently makes Tom's life easier and I think he will put all of his focus and attention on Daisy now that his mistress is dead. I think Tom now realizes that Daisy could easily be taken away from him if he doesn't start treating his woman right.

Why I told Nick about Tom's love affair

Everybody knew? Why not tell him? Nick and Daisy are family. Cousins to be exact. He had the right to know. He is new to the Big Apple; he deserves to know the juicy gossip being spread around the town. Not mention he is devastatingly handsome and I am good looking myself. I told him because I like to spread gossip and it was a way for me to talk to him and flirt a little bit. He seems so innocent. Besides, Daisy has to suspect Tom is cheating on her! I honestly do not think she cares though. Tom is rich, affluent, and forceful. Daisy is afraid to leave Tom because he would make her life a living hell. Nick wouldn’t dare tell Daisy about the affair. Nick is a trustworthy guy, I can tell. I figured I would tell Nick before anyone else did. I am the closet, reliable source to Tom and Daisy. I’m glad I told him. I can see Tom and Nick becoming very close since they are technically family. I figured I’d let he know before he becomes a victim or third-wheel of the affair.

What was I feeling when I cheated in my golf tournament

I know I cheated in my golf tournament. I was feeling pretty good knowing I looked good. There was no way I was losing that match. I didn’t feel nervous at all about cheating. I feel as if I have to uphold a decent reputation up here in the sophisticated West Egg. I’m from Louisville, with no family other than an aunt older than dirt. I need to make my own luck. If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying. I am a strong woman and I will tell you like it is. I don’t feel sorry for cheating in my match, and even if I did get caught, I still looked good doing it. I like the feeling of stirring up a little trouble and gossip; it is what I’m good at. I always have to be in the loop. I always want to be the center of attention no matter what. Nick noticed me. He remembered seeing me once and had heard an unpleasant story about me, which I’m sure he can’t remember the details of. I may be self-centered but one thing I’m not is boring. I’m a fun time and I enjoy myself and my company. I feel that others adore me for my ability to know everything that is happening in the social world.

What was I thinking when I told Nick that Gatsby wanted him to arrange a meeting with him and Daisy

When I told Nick that Gatsby wanted him to arrange a meeting with him and Daisy, my mind was running wild. I knew this would surprise Daisy and she would be thanking Nick immensely. I knew Daisy had loved Gatsby before, and I think she could most certainly love him again. I don’t approve of Tom’s treatment and disloyalty to Daisy. I hope he doesn’t find out about the set up. I think I want her to fall in love with Gatsby and leave Tom. When I told Nick, he seemed all for it. I think he is going to set it up! Daisy is my very best friend and I want the best for her. I just hope Nick doesn’t get in trouble for setting this meeting up. I’d be devastated if Tom or someone else hurt Nick as a result of their insecurities. Gatsby talked to me about wanting to see Daisy in a manner that made me think he was the one for Daisy, not Tom. I realize now that Daisy should have waited for Gatsby to get back from the war. Even though Tom is rich and seemingly perfect, his affair with Myrtle is ridiculous. Daisy deserves better. I think she deserves a man who will love her and be loyal to her and only her. I think she deserves a man like Jay Gatsby. I hope Nick’s “tea party” with Daisy and Gatsby goes well.