Who wants to read an essay I wrote for AP English?

Not you! But I'm proud, and therefore posting it anyway.

Here's the prompt from our teacher:

Edmodo post #2 (due Thursday 12/29 @ 11:59 p.m. OR when you are about 2/3 finished with book, whichever comes first)
• Again, what book are you reading and what page are you on now?
• First, respond to someone’s question from post #1 AND comment on one other thing that person wrote in his/her post (this part can be late if you are on the “out of town” list, but please do it at some point when you return).
• Go back and read your entire post #1. Has anything changed for you? Why or why not?
• Consider any TWO of the following: intriguing character relationships, thought-provoking internal or external conflicts, extended metaphors/symbols, emerging potential “themes” or commentary on “America” that the author may be trying to convey. Explain and comment on your choices.
• For those reading the same book, pose another question.

Here's the question of my fellow classmate which I responded to:

Megan M.: What did you think of Gatsby when Nick first met him? Did he seem to fit all the hype about being so amazing?

And, my response:

Blast it, late again. You should see me right now. I’m typing like a hunchback; my back and neck hurt very badly. I think I have scoliosis.

The page I’m currently on in the novel The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, has no page number labeled on it. All I see is the text that reads “CHAPTER VI.” This doesn’t really tell me anything about the page number, though. I can infer, however, I am on page 103, for the previous page is labeled “102” and the one after it reads “104.” This is just a wild guess. I’m just that risky of a person.

@Megan M. – My initial reaction to Nick’s encounter with Jay Gatsby was a hardy guffaw (not really, but nonetheless the moment was humorous). Nick’s feeling of surprise and almost embarrassment almost mimicked mine, for I was not nearly expecting Gatsby to be a young and seemingly-outgoing man. I should probably address your true question now, right? Although this Jay fellow did not necessarily meet the hype of a great, mysterious man, he met it in a different criterion. Gatsby proved to be not the kind of shallow, rich buffoon I expected him to be, but instead, a likable man with exciting interests and a wonderful smile (at least, Nick thought he had a wonderful smile…in fact, he seemed slightly aroused). So yes, Megan M., Gatsby was indeed amazing, but not in a way I’m sure any reader would have expected.

Reading my first post, I have come to the realization that I was only a young, foolish, and easily-confused lad at the time. Fitzy’s novel has picked up in pace tremendously, to a point where I can no longer contain myself. The book is very dialogue-heavy now, with character interactions all over the place. This allows for easy focus and interest management. I still stand by my argument that states that the story has very captivating conversations, but my outlook on the “perplexity” aspect has fizzled down to a plankton-sized…thing.

Among the choices provided to discuss, two stand out momentously: INTRIGUING CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS and EXTENDED METAPHORS/SYMBOLS. Look, they’re so momentous I’ve typed them in all caps. Let’s address INTRIGUING CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS first. There are many interactions among characters in this book, but two that strike significant in my opinion are between Nick and Jordan, and Gatsby and Daisy. The relationship between Nick and Jordan is an interesting one. It was first suggested by Tom and Daisy, so it seemed a little forced at first. But after Gatsby’s party, they seemed to have clicked like salt and pepper (although salt and pepper don’t always click. I mean, who puts pepper on their salted pretzels?). The two seem like polar opposites, Nick being honest, unbiased, and collected; Jordan being deceitful, spoiled, and lazy. They were still brought together by what Nick described as love, in a way. It’s a relationship that’s doomed for failure in any aspect, for love cannot be sewn together by antonymous personalities.

Gatsby and Daisy are a very fascinating couple. The first instance of romance between them was their kiss in Louisville. Since then, Gatsby has been non-stop thinking of Daisy, staring at her dock on East Egg each evening (seems a little obsessive, no? Oh, the things we do for love~). At their tea party encounter, things begin uncomfortable but soon incline to a romantic, lively reunion. Daisy is even brought to tears by her joy. This is the relationship that has truly defined this novel as an American classic if you ask me.

The second choice, EXTENDED METAPHORS/SYMBOLS, was thoroughly addressed in my initial post, but I suppose I’ll reiterate. The obvious symbol of the novel is the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg. These eyes, seen on the cover of the book and mentioned in “CHAPTER II,” serve as a greater being that overlooks the valley of ashes. The eyes stare in dismay, for everything it sees is essentially death, and that the modern world is headed towards a shallow, self-absorbed future.

Fellow Gatsbiers, we meet again. Although I’ve noticed none of you responded to my post thus far. I am disappoint (that’s not a typo, by the way—just an internet meme). Here’s something you folks can contemplate, but probably not reply to: What are your thoughts on Nick and Jordan’s relationship? Do you think it will prosper or fail?