The Great Gatsby: Chapters 4-5

(1) "'After that I lived like a young rajah in all the capitals of Europe — Paris, Venice, Rome — collecting jewels, chiefly rubies, hunting big game, painting a little, things for myself only, and trying to forget something very sad that had happened to me long ago.” With an effort I managed to restrain my incredulous laughter. The very phrases were worn so threadbare that they evoked no image except that of a turbaned “character” leaking sawdust at every pore as he pursued a tiger through the Bois de Boulogne." (Chapter 4)

The author here is arguing saying that it is very hard to believe somebody's story if they make it over the top or even not imaginable to believe. In some stories, it can be true, but most likely in the situations they are just building up to a lie. However, in this situation a young man says he lives like a "rajah" and has done numerous, out of the ordinary activities to relieve his sorrow from the past. The main character, Nick, doesn't believe this idea because the young man tells his story in such a mellow tone, as though it it no big deal; however, the young man was telling the truth the entire time. This come as a huge shock to Nick. This demonstrates the author's argument that in some cases, even the unbelievable ones, that it can be true. (Words: 143)

2) "He was balancing himself on the dashboard of his car with that resourcefulness of movement that is so peculiarly American — that comes, I suppose, with the absence of lifting work or rigid sitting in youth and, even more, with the formless grace of our nervous, sporadic games." (Chapter 4)



This quote is showing the audience the true side of Gatsby. He uses multiple uses of verbs to describe how he is always moving and restless, as well as youthful. By describing how he is restless and American the narrator is implying that Americans are adventurists. As Gatsby is willing to look past the risks of any action taken. The quote gives a tone of certainty with verbs and nouns that gives off positive connotations. The narrator then uses cause and effect to present his next point. The fact that Gatsby is acting like an "American" is from his youthfulness. Along with his youthfulness, absence of hard work makes him more energetic. (Words: 114)

3) "I saw him opening a chest of rubies to ease with their crimson-lighted depths, the gnawings of his broken heart." (Chapter 4)

 Nick is watching Gatsby open up a chest of rubies and explains that the gems are the way to ease the “gnawing of his broken heart.”  The author is arguing that in order to fill and satisfy the void of his broken heart, as a result of his relationship with Daisy not working out, he buys expensive things like rubies in an attempt to make himself happy. Sadly, Gatsby finds that he cannot buy himself happiness because even after admiring his “crimson-lighted” jewels, he still finds that the void still remains more prominent than ever. (Words: 97)

4) “I am the son of some wealthy people in the Middle West — all dead now. I was brought up in America but educated at Oxford, because all my ancestors have been educated there for many years. It is a family  tradition.” (Chapter 4)


In this sentence, Fitzgerald gives us more information on Gatsby’s background. He begins by saying  “some wealthy people.” When he says “some,” it makes the reader feel as if he does not know who his parents are. The only reason he is rich is because he got it from his parents. The author says it is a “family tradition” to have all the family members educated. However, Gatsby does not have any kids so this will not be a “family tradition” anymore. From the author’s argument, it is known that what Gatsby says might not be true. (Words: 99)


5) “The rich get richer and the poor get-children.” (Chapter 5)
   

This quote is focusing on the rich and the poor. The rich people are rich because they focus mainly on their money so they get richer and richer. While the poor people don’t have the money to focus on so they are busy making a family. Rich people aren't looking to have children because they would not be dedicated to the child. At the end of the day the rich are only focused on being rich. Poor people want to have children so they can have something in life because, they don’t have money to focus on. They want children so that they can grow up and be successful.(109 words)