Note: This blogging assignment regards (starting on) page 100 of the eBook provided for you under the “Gatsby” tab. 
         Gatsby: The Great Gatsby eBook (click the button)


Consider the following before responding:

Fitzgerald continues to reference western heroes by naming Gatsby’s benefactor “Dan Cody,” an allusion to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody. In the late eighteenth century, Daniel Boone, an American pioneer, created routes for westward expansion to what is now Kentucky and Missouri. Narratives of these exploits were published in magazines, inspiring young people with accounts of courage. Buffalo Bill Cody began his career with a series of Wild–West experiences, working for Custer, shooting buffalo, and acting as a scout for the U.S. Army.

In Chapter 7, we learn of Gatsby’s origins as James Gatz of North Dakota. In the novel, Gatsby has become his alter ego, leaving James Gatz behind as he travels the world as Dan Cody’s steward. 

How do Fitzgerald’s allusions—to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody—apply to Gatsby as a character? Is Gatsby doomed to tragedy as long as he disguises his Midwestern origins in favor of a more extravagant, fictional biography? Do you think Gatsby ever knew a Dan Cody—why or why not (I’m looking for support from the book!)?

Keep in mind that Fitzgerald’s allusions are in regard to Dan Cody, not Gatsby himself. Respond in no less than five, thorough sentences for the entire twenty points. 


Allusion -- an implied or indirect reference especially in literature; also : the use of such references. 
Ashley Judge
10/18/2012 09:08:38 am

Fitzgerald's allusions to Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody apply to Gatsby by him being in the war like Bill Cody. They seem to know what they want in life. Gatsby wants to be with Daisy. I think Gatsby is doomed.I dont think Gatsby ever knew a Dan Cody because, he likes to make a lot of things up, like college.

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Ashley Ash
10/18/2012 10:40:56 am

As a character fitzgerald uses the allusions of Daniel Boone and Buffalo Bill Cody to show what Gatsby is trying to be. He is trying to present himself to everyone as a high class pioneer that has figured out ways to sell liquor and get rich. He is trying to hide his old past to be able to show himself as a richer person. He is doomed to failure because he is giving up his western origins for a more gangster lifestyle. In turn for this lifestyle he is living a dangerous life by that he is going around having to risk safety and it shows that he is in danger by that he had cars following him when he and Daisy hit Myrtle. he may not have known a Dan Cody, but is implying he did to keep up his ruse he has going on. he has everyone thinking that he he is someone he isn't, so he says he knows people that he says he doesn't.

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Amber Sands
10/23/2012 07:18:30 am

Gatsby is trying to hide is past, and present himself as a upper class man to everyone because he wants to get with Daisy. He went into the the U.S. Army, just like Buffalo Bill Cody did. He changed his past in his mind, into something more likable to other upper class men and women. Yes, he is doomed to failure because he is not being completely honest with anyone. He may have known Dan Cody, or Dan Cody may have been a figment of Gatsby's imaginary life.

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