The Great Gatsby!

5. Evaluate “The Great Gatsby” as a criticism of the corruption of the American Dream.

 

In the book, The Great Gatsby, by F.Scott Fitzgerald, every character has its own views of the American Dream. Each character interprets the dream differently to benefit them. The American Dream was founded on the phrase from the Declaration of Independence "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The phrase itself has already been corrupted, but in the book, it takes a different meaning. F. Scott Fitzgerald creates characters and scenes, to explain the corruption of the American Dream in the 1920’s. Jay Gatsby, one of the main characters in the book, came from a poor family. He never did accept the fact he was born poor he actually invented another life for himself, were he could have wealth, which he believed was happiness. This, to him was the American dream.

Jay Gatsby idolized Daisy for her social status. She was wealthy, powerful and popular in society; she had all the characteristics that he wanted. He consciously became the man he had always dreamt of becoming. A rich, intelligent gentleman that was sure of himself and the people around him.  

“The truth was that Jay Gatsby, of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God—… So he invented just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen year old boy would be likely to invent, and to this conception he was faithful to the end.” That is how James Gatz, the young farm boy, created Jay Gastby. He corrupted the American dream by becoming rich unlawfully; something he believed was the easy way into popularity. Fitzgerald creates this character to emphasize that the American Dream, in some terms, refers to the social climbing happening around that time, with illicit forms such as bootlegging.

Those who inherited their wealth like Tom and Daisy Buchanan who live a life of pleasure and luxury. Also corrupt the American Dream because they haven’t worked for their money. They waste and spend the money they didn’t work for, on materialistic objects. Throughout the novel Tom criticizes Gatsby for obtaining his money in an unlawful way. But at least Gatsby worked in order to get his money, as he is following his dream.

Tom also despises Gatsby for being a “newly rich” person. It is Tom’s selfishness and egocentric characteristics that corrupt the American dream, by not letting others pursuit their beliefs of happiness.

“I see now that this has been a story of the West, after all-Tom and Gatsby, Daisy, and Jordan and I were all Westerners, and perhaps we possessed some deficiency in common which made us subtly unadaptable to Eastern life.” Almost every character was provoked by the majestic lifestyle the East brought them. The lived a life of parties and no moral values. Jay Gatsby was devoted himself in trying to achieve happiness by living this way. He’s dream also included the socially acceptable Daisy, the love of his life. After all, Gatsby’s American dream was focused on wealth and power; he was reaching this by illicit ways. Ironically, Gatsby dies while trying to achieve his corrupted American dream. It was the pursuit of wealth that brought Jay Gatsby to his end.

Blog #24: More current events

Blog # 9 Hepatitis A Threatens Swimmers At San Diego Beach

This headline is a red flag waving, warning us that we have mistreated our beaches. We know that the Tijuana River empties their sewage on Imperial Beach. Its not the first time we hear this, we all know that eeverything that goes into the sewage system ends up on our beaches. What is important here is that our beaches have become much polluted and the water now contains diseases that we never expected. A team of researchers from San Diego State University took some samples from the Imperial Beach, and they found that 80% of the samples had Hepatitis A. this is very threatening to the surfers, swimmers and fishermen, and anyone that visits Imperial Beach.

"We export 2 million tires to Mexico every year to keep them out of California landfills and then they end up coming back when it rains through the Tijuana River channel at the end of the pipe."

This shows that even California, hasn't been able to find a solution to this problem, a way to recycle this material that will benefit us all. 

 

Blog #23: Environmental Current Events

This was an article from November 13, 2009. It stated that the City Council was in charge of deciding the fate of the seals at La Jolla Children's Pool. A law will go into effect on January 1; it makes it clear the uses for the beach. Jan Goldsmith, a San Diego City attorney supports Judge Timothy Taylor's decision to rule out a 2005 state ruling that orders the seals removal. 

"A new law goes into effect on January 1 that broadens the scope of acceptable uses for the beach. It also gives control of the Children's Pool to the city council. Judge Timothy Taylor ruled that nothing would be gained by enforcing the 2005 ruling for a month-and-a-half. San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said he's happy with the ruling."

I don't think everyone will be too happy about the ruling. Where could the seals possibly go? They have no other home, yet they do pollute the beach, so how are we supposed to know hat is the right thing to do? 

 

From D'Vaughn McCrae’s blog, since I know she has a similar question, I read one of her articles titled, Residents Protest End to 2nd Trash Pickup

I have actually been reading articles like this one that talk about the rise of recycling trash. 

"That additional service will no longer be provided as a result of cuts made by San Diego last year to close a $43 million midyear budget gap. Some Mission Beach residents are just beginning to learn about the loss of the service, which costs the city $58,000 a year, and are lobbying City Hall to restore it."

If the City or state raises the price on recycling or collecting trash, then less people would want to recycle. More trash would end up on the streets and eventually in the ocean!

 

San Diegans Urged To Throw Their Butts Away

How many times have we seen people flick their cigarette butts on the streets, when there is a trash can two feet away from them? This is something that upsets me so much! Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the U.S. They can be found everywhere, mostly on beaches. Even though San Diego has banned alcohol and cigarettes on beaches and parks, they are still a major issue. What are we doing to prevent this from happening?  

"Because you have birds and fish that mistake them for food," David said. "Also they are not made of cotton, they actually include plastics, so they never totally breakdown."

This article is reliable and supports my essential questions in some ways. San Diegans need to learn to dispose cigarette buts appropriately and HTHMA students need to learn to dispose trash and recyclable items correctly.

Honors History Essay #3

The 1920’s were among the most preliminary years in American History. This decade was known as the Roaring 20’s, most likely because America experienced a fast growth in economy, commerce and culture. These among other factors created a roaring lifestyle for many Americans. The economy was prospering and benefited citizens who were involve with the marketplace. Culture played a huge role in society, such as music, fashion and literature. Yet one of the most important changes during these years was the women liberation movement, which opened the door for women’s rights.

A women’s movement started many years back in history. The first or maybe on of the first women success in history started in 1807,when New Jersey granted women the right to vote in the State Constitution. Women kept struggling to make their voices count, in 1919, the federal woman suffrage amendment is written by Susan B. Anthony. It is later introduced to Congress in 1878, where after many reviews and examinations it is approved by the House of Representatives.  

It took women more than 100 years of campaigning until Amendment 19 was finally signed into law on August 26, 1920, granting women the right to vote. It is a historic event, because women were now accepted as full American citizens with an equal protection under the law. Today, most countries allow women to participate in politics and economic affairs, but it took years of campaigning and suffering trough harsh times.

Carrie Chapman Catt was president of the National Women Suffrage Association (NAWSA) for two terms. It was under her second term in which the 19^th Amendment was signed and it culminated along with women’s rights. "To get the word 'male' in effect out of the Constitution cost the women of the country fifty-two years of restless campaign...” Chapman referred to the struggle it took to obtain their natural rights.

After this, wealthy women went on living a fancy and luxurious lifestyle. Culture and fashion were a part of women, and played a huge role in society. Women had also changed their standards in society. For example women in the Roaring 20’s liked to party, they would smoke and drink although alcohol was prohibited. They lived a life similar to men, and even though they still attended their families, they were more liberal.

All these benefits and comforts came to women after the success of their movement. It lasted many years, but it gave women the same rights as men. It was an event in history that changed our world and values for women.

 

Resources:

http://doe.sd.gov/octa/ddn4learning/themeunits/1920s/style.htm

http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/decade20.html

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4929

Blog #23: Environmental Current Events

Council Will Decide What Happens To Seals

This was an article from November 13, 2009. it stated that the City Council was in charge of deciding the fate of the seals at La Jolla Children's Pool. A law will go into effect on January 1, it makes it clear the uses for the beach. Jan Goldsmith, a San Diego City attorney supports Judge Timothy Taylor's decision to rule out a 2005 state ruling that orders the seals removal. 

The most important information is that the City Council will have the final decision, wether or not the seals will remain in La Jolla Children's Pool. 

The article includes the interview of a Jan Goldsmith, the S.D City Attorney. Yet it misses other important information like the opinion from other City Attorneys. This will help us make assumptions on the issue. The Public opinion might not be relevant but I did wanted to see other peoples ideas. 

I actually saw this article before i read another one about cigarette butts, which is the most littered item. But this article shows that the community is already looking at ways to clean and preserve our beaches. 

San Diegans Urged To Throw Their Butts Away

November 13, 2009

SAN DIEGO — The local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is holding a Cigarette Butt Awareness Day tomorrow. Activists will be at three busy intersections in beach communities to urge people to throw their butts away.

Cigarette butts are called the single most littered item in the United States. The problem has gotten even worse since many communities imposed indoor smoking bans.

San Diego bans smoking in city parks and on beaches, but discarded cigarette butts are still an issue.

Ken David, who is with the Surfrider Foundation, said butts aren't only a litter problem; they're also an environmental concern.

"Because you have birds and fish that mistake them for food," David said. "Also they are not made of cotton, they actually include plastics, so they never totally breakdown."

A recent study from San Diego State suggests cigarette butts should be classified as toxic hazardous waste.

 

Blog #22: Your MSB Organizations

Blog #21: Gatsby! Ch 1-4

Gatsby and Nick are both somewhat detached from their surroundings. Compare and contrast this sense of detachment. How are they similar and/or different in this respect?

When Nick was at Gatsby's party for the first time, he noticed that Gatsby was standing alone observing his guests. Gatsby was not drinking and he didn't seem to be having much fun.

On chapter 4, we realize that Gatsby and Daisy had an intimate relationship. Even though he is very wealthy, he loves her and he wants to get her back no matter what.

Nick has been observing and analyzing everyone.

Blog #20: Beginning The Great Gatsby

1. Who is the narrator? Describe his perspective, biases, character traits, etc.

The narrator is Nick Carraway, he studied at Yale. He seems like a smart efficient man. Even though his family is wealthy, he doesnt spend it and wants to invest it. He lives in the West Egg which is why we know he wants to use his money wisely.
He thinks Tom Buchanan is a bit showy, it seems he doesn't like them very much.

2. What do you think F. Scott Fiitzgerald accomplishes by chooses this specific narrator versus another choice, such as a different character or 3rd person?

He is wise, compared to what he believes of himself. He thinks highly of Gatsby, even though Nick is charismatic.
He is not that biased, and brings a view or perspective that makes it clear to infer about people's character.

Blog #19: Critique a professional example

The Igloo

1. What is the most successful element of this work sample? Why do you believe this?

The artist uses recyclable items that we use daily. for example he uses newspapers, paper cups and plastic bags. Instead of trowing them away, he uses them to create an igloo.  

2. What is the message of the work? How do you know?

I think his message is that, even in remote conditions like he is, you can create something beautiful from household objects that might destroy our environment. maybe someone, in a near future we might depend on these items to help us live trough our rough climate. 

3. Who or what is the intended audience for this work? How do you know?

Intended audience can be anyone, that can figure this object out. Young children will find this interesting and they can start creating their own artwork. Young adults can build more complex examples and so on. the main idea is to recycle and reuse what you might consider trash. 

4. How do specific elements of the work sample come together to deliver the message?

Plastic bags are used all the time and they are found in beaches. these bags can be recycled and reuse. Newspapers or any type of mail that might never get used, can be recycled. in fact you can call any magazine that you rarely read and cancel your subscriptions in order to save more trees. As we all know trees are critical for the survival of humanity.

5. Describe one technique the creator of this work used. Why do you think this technique was used for this specific piece of work?

This is an igloo from artist David Hamlow. 

It consists of trash collected and includes newspapers, paper cups and plastic bags.

I noticed that it has no or few flexibility, especially in the entrance. the dimensions seem wrong because it has odd edges. 

6. Why did you choose this work sample?

This piece stood out, because it represents a type of housing or refugee for some people. It gives a message of preserving our habitat. 

Honors Literature Writing #2

David Henry Thoreau gave a true assessment of literature, “In literature it is only the wild that attracts us. Dullness is but another name for tameness. It is the uncivilized free and wild thinking in Hamlet and The Iliad, in all scriptures and mythologies, not learned in schools, that delights us.” Thoreau explains that the malice of writing is what connects us, and delights us to literature. I’ve heard this connection with the analogy of “the cruelty of war makes us love war.” These connections seem true, it was the sin, and the darkness brought by the scarlet letter that makes the novel, The Scarlet Letter, so enthralling.

The scarlet letter is meant to impose on Hester Prynne shame; the letter itself is uncivilized, because it brings misery to Hester Prynne, for the rest of her life. She is scorned with this letter, and even poor innocent Pearl, having nothing to do with the initial sin, has to bear with the criticism. The owns people see Hester as the sinful one, and even though she hasn’t committed the sin alone, she has to

The first view of wild thinking is the novel starts with the “Goodwives”. They, the women of mature age and members of the church, condemn Hester Prynne for her adultery. They delegate about the punishment Hester must receive, “This woman has brought shame upon us all, and ought to die,” say a pitiless woman. Even thought the magistrates decide on her punishment, the women who are supposed to feel pity for Hester repudiate her deeds and would like to see her be humiliated by bringing shame to all women. Now a day, if we know someone commits adultery, we start judging them right away, because it is the shame we bring upon them, that makes us more powerful. It gives us the opportunity to feel better than them, and we get addicted to this feeling, that we keep on doing it.
The main character and storyline that is contradicting the values of the townspeople is Reverend Master Dimmesdale. When Hester is publicly humiliated, Dimmesdale tries to avoid the magistrates from forcing Hester to reveal the father of her child. He only does this because he is unsure and afraid of people from knowing his dark secret, yet he never tries to defend her from the rough criticism. The multitude is amused by Hester’s suffering; they judge her as a sinner, even though Dimmesdale, being a “pure” man has committed a sin as well. Later on in the novel, the townspeople and Pearl, Hester’s daughter, see the affection and connection between Hester and Dimmesdale, the people try to ignore it because they don’t want to realize that their own minister has done them wrong.