Reading Question

1. Describe  what happens when Myrtle is killed in chapter 7. How did it happen? Who was to blame? Use textual evidence.

During chapter 7 Myrtle is killed by getting hit by a car. After going to the city the whole group of Tom, Nick, Jordan, Gatspy, and Daisy head home. Daisy and Gatspy are in Gatspy's car and Tom, Nick, and Jordan are in Tom's car. Myrtle and Wilson are going to move because Wilson has found out Myrtle is cheating on him but doesn't know with who. Myrtle runs out of the house after an argument and runs into the street only to get hit by a car. After she is killed later on Nick asks Gatspy if they ran into anything on the road. This is when it is revealed that Daisy was driving the car and was responsible for the accident but Gatspy is going to take the fall because he thinks that would be the chivalrous thing to do.  

Reading Question

1. Having learned something about the Lost Generation in class, find a passage in this week's reading that reflects the feelings of many people after WWI. To what extent does this passage represent the worldview of the Lost Generation? Please copy the passage as part of your answer.

The statement I thought related to this was on page 36 and was of Myrtle talking about a huge list of physical possessions the she HAS to get: "My dear," she cried, "I'm going to give you this dress as soon as I'm through with it. I've got to get another one tomorrow. I'm going to make a list of all the things I've got to get. A massage and a wave, and a collar for the dog, and one of those cute little ashtrays where you touch a spring, and a wreath with a black silk bow for mothers grave that'll last all summer. I got to write a lost so I don't forget all the things I got to do."

I belive that this fascination with objects and shopping is one of the many feelings people had after the war because after having seen and been in situations with so much death and despair people felt a lack of emotions being ok and that frivolous things you can't touch and use are useless. I think this is displayed here with her need to purchase and buy more and have a new dress and all of that.

Blog Post

Do you think that the American Dream is specific to The United States in some way? Explain why or why not?

I believe that the American dream is something that first came around in America due to Americas capitalistic economy and the ability for anyone to start their own busyness and spend their money how they want. Having this freedom means that all you require is hard work and determination and you can get far in life. I believe other countries that have adopted capitalist economy's now have their own American dream but because America has been the center of attention when it comes to starting new for so long there is very little recognition for other countries that are capitalistic that allow hard work in exchange for success.