Jordan Baker when we first see her in chapter one doesn't seem like she would be any different from Daisy or someone like her with less of a voice. She is seen floating, but this initial impression changes when Nick mentions that he recognizes her from the papers. Instantly she changes from just being a lesser version of Daisy- she has a job! Which no one else in this book seems to have most of the time. She also has no family and doesn't seem to be tied to anything except golf. The second encounter he has with her notes another difference- she has a brusque manner. In chapter three, when Nick meets her at Gatsby's party, she remarks that the 'twins' have dyed their hair. I don't think Daisy would be so blunt (honestly, rude) to say that to someone she met once a month before. Physically she was slender, tan, has gray eyes, and a "bored, haughty face." As for her character, she does try to keep peace, especially in the argument between Gatsby and Tom as a terrible marriage is exposed. However, Nick, in the end of chapter four, calls her incurably dishonest. Even though there is this blemish in her character, Nick does admit that he likes her, and she even says that she likes him.
I thought it was weird that said she liked him because he wasn't a careless person, because she seems to be proud of the fact that she is careless. Maybe it's a lovable defect to her?
Anyway, the reason I laid this all out about
So, my question:
Is Daisy as big of a mystery as we think she is?
I really like the fact that you talked about Jordan Baker since we did not discuss her much in class. I think that you are pretty accurate in saying that Jordan is basically the complete opposite of Daisy (other than the fact that they both are wealthy and immerse themselves with the higher economic crowds). However, I do still think that Daisy remains a mystery as a character to the reader. Jordan’s physical features are almost clearly laid out in the book but all we get from Fitzgerald of Daisy is about her lips/eyes and body movement. For me at least it was still hard to get a full grasp on the identity of Daisy and who exactly she is as a person. Does she have any goals, morals, opinions of anything? Or does she just seem to float on by as Nick does sometimes in this novel? (Didn’t mean to get off on a tangent there…) Anyways, I like your perspective though on how Jordan and Daisy are are similar but very much different at the same time! You got me thinking more about the book now! :)
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ReplyDeleteKayla,
ReplyDeleteThe whole opposite Daisy thing is really just a different way to look at it- not saying it isn't possible. I don't think Fitz would make and of his characters so predictable (obviously not in his nature). And to answer your question; Daisy is a lot like Rococco art at the end of the book, in my opinion- a lot of beauty and fluff. I think she just shut the door, on responsibility (Myrtle), on opportunity (Gatsby), and on progression. Glad to help with the thinking and such!
Rebecca,
Honestly, my main thought about Daisy at the end of the novel is that she fulfilled her dream for her daughter- she played so far into the part of the beautiful fool that I don't know if she would ever come out. Running over someone does that to you, I guess. Glad I got you thinking!
Taylor
I liked how you talked about Jordan in your post. She seemed to be completely left out of our discussions in class. Jordan is a crucial character in the novel...wihout the descriptions of Jordan we would have less of an understanding of Daisy. It bothered me that Daisy always seemed like a mystery to me throughout the novel. I never got a clear understanding of the kind of person she was and always hoped to learn more about her. I always questioned what she lived for...what made Daisy get out of bed everyday? Each day seemed to blend together because she was never doing anything important.
ReplyDeleteDo you think Daisy turned out "all right" at the end? To me, the only person that turned out "all right" at the end was Nick. It seemed like he was the only person that took "the decline of the American Dream" into consideration. He actually got away from this terrible lifestyle they all lived in.
I enjoyed your blog :)