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. 
Nebojsa Varagic
10/17/2012 06:50:34 am

I don't think Gatsby ever knew Dan Cody. I think that because on page 100 of the book, he's talking to Daisy about the pictures he has in the room. There's a picture of Mr. Dan Cody and he'asked about it, but he replies saying that that's his old friend that has died. He also has a separate picture of himself. Knowing that Gatsby has lied about his past and where he is from. I think that he didn't know Dan Cody. I'm thinking that his past that he tells people his fake. If he acts like he's from a certain place and knew certain people, people would view him differently. I feel as if Fitzgerald wanted us to think that Gatsby knew Dan Cody so we would think that Gatsby actually knew him and that Gatsby had a great past.

Reply
Ashleigh Wood
10/18/2012 09:03:13 am

Well I think that Fitzgerald's allusions do apply to Gatsby as a character. & no I don't think he is doomed because he can get through this since he is called the Great Gatsby. & yes he knew Dan Cody because he made him his assistant. Dan Cody also helped gatsby realize that drinking is bad for him. So Dan Cody had helped Gatsby in a lot of ways.

Reply
Tom Twyford ( Big Daddy T)
10/18/2012 12:56:06 pm

I think that hiding his real past of who he is involved in his tragedy. I believe if he was straight out honest with who he was before he wouldnt have the trouble with hiding his past, and constantly telling lies. He shows a different person currently in the story, but doesnt want people to know who he actually is, because he doesnt want people to know, and not like him. Thats why he has all those parties and doesnt know half, if not most the people there because he doesnt want to be alone.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    October 2012

    Categories

    All