That Evening Sun

The Author, William Faulkner, believes that a writer should help others endure tragedies throughout their lifetime and that a writer should write about courage, sacrifice, honor, compassion, and endurance. Almost all of these subjects, especially courage, honor, and pride shine through in the characterization of Nancy. “Jesus is somewhere near by to kill her, however what gives her courage is the presence of the children. “When yawl go home, I gone,” (Faulkner 174). Although Nancy is extremely frightened on the inside because she knows she will die, she stays strong and courageous for the sake of her children. She knew that Jesus would kill her, but she kept hope that he wouldn’t.  Her family doesn’t seem to care much about her, when they abandon her for their own sake.

The title, “That Evening Sun,” symbolizes that fact that once the sun goes down Nancy will die. When the time comes and she sees the sun going down, she tries to be courageous. Nancy continues to be brave in this story when she asks, “When you going to pay me, white man? When you going to pay me, white man?” (Faulkner 168) She maintains her pride and honor, rather than just sitting by without being paid. Most often, black a woman of the time would not be as daring as to continually asks a white man for money.

The Great Gatsby 9

1.     Chapter 9 Pages 163 - 180

2.     Summary: Nick begins the final chapter of this book two years after the death of Gatsby. Reporters and journalists were constantly around the house asking questions about George Wilson and Gatsby. Nick tries to arrange a funeral for Gatsby because he doesn’t want to go through the pain and suffering alone. Gatsby’s so called “friends” do not attend his funeral. He receives excuses such as, “cannot come down now as I am tied up in some very important business and cannot get mixed up in this thing now,” from Meyer Wolfsheim. “None of his “friends” actually cared about him, let alone really knew him. They only wanted to be a part of Gatsby’s life because of the fun parties. Those who did attend were Nick, former servants, Gatsby’s father, and Owl Eyes. Gatsby’s father, Henry C. Gatz, was extremely proud of his son for what he had accomplished and he was convinced that Gatsby had a grand future ahead of him. Later, Nick starts to remember his time in college and decides to move back to the Midwest because the East had a “horrible affect on everyone’s actions.” He meets with Jordan one last time to find that she is engaged to another man. Although they say goodbye on bad terms, Gatsby is still half in love with her. At the end of this novel, we see a change in Nick. He is no longer passive, taking everything in, but he starts to speak up. Next, he meets Tom, discovers that Daisy never told Tom the truth, and calls them both careless people. A message I get from this is that we have to allow our “new” ideas to join with the old ones, in order to progress in life. Nick is telling to take Gatsby as an example, and to wake up before our hearts are broken. We cannot lose sight of reality in the think of our illusions and dreams.

3.     Character:

a.     Henry C. Gatz

b.     Quote: “He had reached an age where death no longer has the quality of ghastly surprise, and when he looked around him no for the first time and saw the height and splendor of the hall and the great rooms opening out from it into other rooms his grief began to be mixed with an awed pride.” (168)

c.      Qualities: Henry C. Gatz is a solemn old man, with a thin grey beard. He is a good, proud father with eyes filled with excitement. He sees Gatsby’s success for the first time in his life and is filled with joy at the sight of it. All Henry wanted was for Gatsby to prosper and be happy. He is a loving father and he is deeply saddened when Gatsby dies.

d.     Role: Henry C. Gatz is Gatsby’s father. He knows Gatsby’s true identity and who he really was. Henry is someone who is completely real in Gatsby’s life because we never see him lie, cheat or manipulate anyone in this novel. He is one of the few people that went to his funeral because he truly loves Gatsby.

4.     Quote: “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…” (pg. 180)

Nick’s words are pointed directly towards the reader. He is touching on the dream that Gatsby had for his life with Daisy and how that dream has gone away. Although this may be true, Nick reassures us that tomorrow is a new day and new opportunities will come before us. This is a parallel to the American dream: one of new opportunities and chances. Nick encourages us to keep our eyes on the green light, like Gatsby did; to keep on dreaming and believing. This book closes with the thought that even though sometimes we may not accomplish something fully today, there is always going to be a tomorrow to try again and succeed in achieving our dreams.

The Great Gatsby 8

1.     Chapter 8 Pages 147 – 162

2.     Summary: Chapter 8 begins with Nick going over to Gatsby’s house. Gatsby tells Nick that nothing had happened as he had waited at the Buchanan’s house until four o’clock in the morning. Nick tells Gatsby to leave, but he will not consider it. He wants to wait until their last moments together to see if there is any hope with Daisy. Gatsby explains how when the two of them first met, he had fallen in love. It was only because Gatsby had been separated from Daisy, that she had married Tom. He tries to convince himself that Daisy never loved Tom. After the car accident that killed Myrtle, Gatsby tells Nick that even though Daisy had been the driver, he would blame it on himself.  Myrtle’s husband, George is distraught and determined to figure out who murdered her. He asks to Tom, who then blames Gatsby. Wilson, furious, appears at Gatsby’s mansion and shoots him while he is in the pool for the first time all summer. Then, Wilson goes on to shoot himself. When Nick calls the Buchanan’s to inform them of the death of Gatsby, the butler tells Nick that Tom and Daisy have packed up and left town.

3.     Character:

a.     Michaelis

b.     Quote: “He didn’t like to go into the garage because the work bench was stained where the body had been lying so he moved uncomfortably around the office—he knew every object in it before morning—and from time to time sat down beside Wilson trying to keep him more quiet” (165).

c.      Qualities: Michaelis, a hopeful man, is one of the few characters that actually cares about George Wilson’s well being. He is the only person who stays with him overnight to try to make him feel better. He tries to calm him down by asking him questions. Michaelis is the main witness to Myrtle’s death. He is honest with his words and he is concerned about others. While the majority of the characters in this novel live in a dream, Michaelis lives in reality.

d.     Role: While Michaelis is seen as just a coffee shop owner to some, he is also a source of information for the investigation of the murder of Myrtle Wilson. Michaelis was there to witness the car accident. Because he kept asking the ‘right’ questions to George, George was lead to believe that Gatsby had killed Myrtle. Although Michaelis means well, his questions caused George to kill Myrtle.

4.     Quote: “They’re a rotten crowd,” I shouted across the lawn. “You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” (154)

I think this quote shows how Gatsby is better than the other characters who are rich, those who cheat, and those who lie. All Gatsby is doing is trying to accomplish his dream: getting Daisy to love him. Although he his caught up in some bad events, Gatsby is not a bad person. He is the only character in the novel that has a purpose; who is trying to pursue something he wants in life. In the end of the novel, I believe Gatsby does, for a moment, get what he had hoped for. When they were together for a little while and when Daisy professed that she had never loved Tom, he got Daisy’s love. In the end, Gatsby died for his love and his lifelong dream was accomplished.

The Great Gatsby 7

Chapter 7 Pages 113 – 145

1.     Summary: Because Daisy does not enjoy Gatsby’s parties, Gatsby decides to stop throwing them altogether. Nick, Gatsby, and Jordan go to the Buchanan’s house to have lunch together. The nurse brings Daisy’s daughter into the room they were in, leaving Gatsby shocked to find that the child was actually real. Daisy and Gatsby’s feelings towards each other become evident to Tom and he starts to wonder if they are having an affair. Together, they all travel to New York and stop for gas at Wilson’s Garage. Although he does not know whom, George realizes that his wife was cheating on him. At the Plaza Hotel, Tom picks a fight with Gatsby concerning Daisy and Gatsby’s past and relationship. On the drive home, Nick, Tom, and Jordan find that Myrtle had been hit by a car and killed near Wilson’s garage. They later discover that it had been Daisy driving the car that hit Myrtle, but Gatsby says he will take the blame for it to protect her.

2.     Character:

a.     George B. Wilson

b.     Quote: “He was a wife’s man and not his own.” (pg. 136)

c.      Qualities: blonde; gullible; weak; spiritless; faintly handsome; respectful; caring; hard-working; his wife is more dominant than him; loves and praises his wife; loving; devastated by the affair

d.     Role: Although George has only appeared in this novel a few times, he plays a vital role in this novel. George is a weak character, controlled by his wife. She no longer wants to be with George. Unlike the other characters, George is not extremely well off. Wilson makes his living through his garage and will continue to work even when he is ill, in order to please Myrtle. George is the complete opposite of Tom. Tom treats woman like objects and he does not care about them. On the other hand, George is in love with Myrtle and really cares for her.

3.     Chapter Quote: “Was Daisy Driving?” Yes,” he said after a moment, “but of course I’ll say I was.”


This quote was significant because it illustrates Gatsby’s extreme love for Daisy. It shows that Gatsby will do just about anything for Daisy, including going to jail for her. In previous chapters, Gatsby thought the only way he could win Daisy’s love was through material objects and money. However, I think Gatsby has realized that along with those material objects, he has to really demonstrate his love through his actions. I think Gatsby’s affection towards Daisy has shifted from infatuation, to true love.

Great Gatsby 6

1. Chapter 6 Pages 97 – 111
2. Summary: This chapter begins with a reporter showing up at Gatsby’s door, asking for a statement from him. Nick reveals Gatsby’s true identity- James Gatz, from North Dakota who didn’t even finish two weeks of college. We learn about Gatsby’s past and how, as a fisherman, he met Dan Cody on his yacht. Dan Cody acted as a mentor for Gatsby. He took Gatsby in as a personal assistant on his yacht, and together they traveled around the world. While Gatsby had to look after Dan because of his alcohol abuse, Gatsby decided to stay away from alcohol. After Dan dies, James Gatz starts anew by changing his name to Jay Gatsby and aspires to become as rich as Dan was. Continuing, Nick sees Tom, Daisy and the Sloans at Gatsby’s mansion. The following Saturday, Gatsby throws another party and Daisy shows up along with Tom. Because she is unhappy the entire time, Gatsby becomes unhappy too. Gatsby starts to remember his first kiss five years ago and wants things to be the way they were in the past. However, Nick points out that he can’t have the same thing twice making Gatsby angry.
3. A. Dan Cody
b. “Cody was fifty years old then, a product of the Nevada silver fields, of the Yukon, of every rush for metal since seventy-five.”
c. Qualities: Chapter six describes Dan Cody with an “empty face.” Dan Cody was a successful, rich man. He acted as though he was a mentor for Gatsby. Because he was a heavy drinker, Gatsby was forced to take care of him. In return, Cody gave all of his money to Gatsby, making Gatsby where he is today.
d. Role: Dan Cody’s role thus far is a mentor and an idol to Gatsby. With the exception of his alcoholism, Gatsby aspired to be like Cody. Cody was his best friend and given the background on Cody, we can decipher more information about Gatsby. Because of Dan Cody, Gatsby turned his life around and aspired to become successful. Dan Cody is a great example of new money that he worked for with a great life and he opened Gatsby’s eyes, to the possibilities of new opportunity in his life.
4. Quote: "You can't repeat the past."
"Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!"
Gatsby wants to relive his past, so that he can be with Daisy. However, Nick knows that this is nonsense and it can never happen. He tries to explain to Gatsby that there is no turning back time. Gatsby ignores this, believing that he will one day get Daisy back. Even though the past cannot be altered, the future can be different- whatever Gatsby wants it to be. Gatsby is thinking of life, as though he is in a fairytale and with all of his riches, he will be able to win Daisy. His heart will be broken when he realizes that he may not ever be with Daisy again.

The Great Gatsby 5

1.     Chapter 5 Pages 81-96

2.     Summary: Nick arrives home late at night from a date with Jordan when Gatsby comes across the lawn in hopes of convincing Nick to set up the date with Daisy. Nick agrees and Gatsby offers him a business deal that Gatsby refuses. Nick and Gatsby spend the day cleaning up the house so that it is perfect for Daisy and on the morning of the tea, Gatsby enters the house after walking in the rain. In the beginning of their meeting, Gatsby wonders if he made a mistake meeting Daisy because it was painfully awkward, but later they warm up to each other and rekindle their friendship. Gatsby invites Daisy and Nick over to his mansion to admire his possessions and tells Klipspringer to play the piano for them, when Nick feels uncomfortable and leaves them alone for their privacy.

3.     a. Character: Klipspringer

b.     Quote: “...an embarrassed slightly worn young man, with shell-rimmed glasses and scanty blond hair. He was now decently clothed in a sport shirt, open at the necks, sneakers, and duck trousers of nebulous hue."
(94)

c.      Qualities: Mr. Klipspringer plays the piano, yet he is not confident at all. He will do whatever Gatsby tells him. Mr. Klipspringer is staying with Gatsby and he is seen doing liver exercises in one of Gatsby’s rooms. He is poor and Gatsby looks down on him. When Gatsby treats him unkindly, he just takes it and doesn’t attempt to stop him.

d.     Role: Klipspringer’s is first introduced in Chapter five. His role is a man who lives in Gatsby’s house who plays the piano. He is commanded by Gatsby and does whatever Gatsby wants him to do. Klipspringer does not stand up for himself, showing us how much power Gatsby has. He is a mysterious character that we don’t know much about. Klipspringer brings out both the good and bad in Gatsby’s character. Letting him have a home, but mistreating him while he lives there.

4.     "I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business. But I'm not in either one now." (87)

Right when we thought we were getting to know Gatsby better, we realize we still don’t know much about him at all. This shows where Gatsby made his money also. The ‘drug business’ leads me to believe Gatsby made quick money illegally. The fact that Gatsby is saying this to Nick shows that he has started to trust Nick and confide in him. Nick and Gatsby’s friendship is growing deeper.

The Great Gatsby 4

1.     Chapter 4 Pages 61 – 80

2.     Summary: Chapter four begins with Nick describing all the different people that went to Gatsby’s house that summer including the rich and powerful people. Gatsby sends for Nick for the first time and they tell stories while out to lunch; however, Nick doesn’t believe any of the stories Gatsby tells, but he later finds proof that Gatsby must not have been completely lying. Nick meets Gatsby for lunch again with an old Jewish gambler, Meyer Wolfsheim, who is later revealed as the man who fixed the World Series in 1919. At Gatsby’s request, Nick has tea with Jordan whom reveals that Gatsby is in love with Daisy and Daisy had second thoughts before marrying Tom. Gatsby hopes that Nick will invite Daisy over to his house while Gatsby is there so they could see each other.

3.     a. Meyer Wolfsheim

b.     Quote: "No, he's a gambler... He's the man who fixed the World's Series back in 1919."
(73)

c.      Qualities: Meyer Wolfsheim is a small Jewish man, with a flat nose, a large head, and tiny eyes. We see that he is a gambler and a cheater when we find out that he fixed the World Series in 1919. Mr. Wolfsheim is very emotional when he calls to mind the tragedy that happened just outside the restaurant. He is a long time friend of Gatsby’s, but he only acknowledges Nick to figure out if he is doing business.

d.     Role: Although we don’t know much about Gatsby, Meyer Wolfsheim helps us learn more about him. He helps to portray Gatsby in a different light. Nick thinks Gatsby may have become wealthy with the help of Meyer Wolfsheim.

4.     Quote: "Anything can happen now that we've slid over this bridge, I thought; anything at all..."

This quote stood out to me because it talks about how the city can be a whole new place filled with new, foreign opportunities as compared to the Eggs. The word “slid” gives this quote a negative connotation. Nick is familiar with the Eggs, yet he does not know much about the city. When Nick went to New York, he witnessed Tom Buchanan take another life. This probably stuck with Nick and he may be scared to enter this foreign land where anything can happen- good or bad.