Reading Journal: Title Of Book By Author - I Began Reading ✓ Solved

Reading Journal Date: Title of Book: Author: I began reading

Reading Journal Date: Title of Book: Author: I began reading on p. _____ and finished on p. _____ for a total of _____ pages.

Vocabulary: (give the English, its meaning in your L1, and use it in a correct English sentence)

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In a good paragraph: If you could ask the author questions about the book you are reading, what questions would you ask? Think about the plot, the setting, the characters, the tone, and the themes of the book as you ask your questions.

Paper For Above Instructions

Reading Journal

Date: October 15, 2023

Title of Book: "The Great Gatsby"

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

I began reading on p. 3 and finished on p. 180 for a total of 178 pages.

Vocabulary:

  • 1. Melancholy - meaning in my native language (Spanish): "melancolía". Sentence: "The melancholy atmosphere of the novel emphasizes the struggles of the characters."
  • 2. Boisterous - meaning in my native language (Spanish): "ruidoso". Sentence: "The boisterous party at Gatsby's mansion contrasts sharply with the novel's themes of loneliness."
  • 3. Voracious - meaning in my native language (Spanish): "voraz". Sentence: "Nick Carraway's voracious curiosity about Gatsby reveals deeper truths about his character."
  • 4. Ambiguous - meaning in my native language (Spanish): "ambiguo". Sentence: "The ambiguous motives of Daisy Buchanan add layers to her character's complexity."
  • 5. Opulent - meaning in my native language (Spanish): "opulento". Sentence: "The opulent descriptions of Gatsby's wealth serve as a backdrop to the story's critique of the American Dream."

Author Questions:

If I could ask the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, a few questions about "The Great Gatsby," I would delve into various elements of the story that truly captivated me. First, I would ask, “What inspired you to create the character of Jay Gatsby, and what do you hope readers learn from his pursuit of the American Dream?” Gatsby's relentless chase for his idealized vision of love and success evokes many complex emotions and questions regarding ambition, societal expectations, and the nature of happiness.

Secondly, I would inquire, “Why did you choose to set the novel in the Jazz Age, and how does this era influence the characters and their interactions?” The roaring twenties provide a vibrant backdrop, rich with cultural and social dynamics that shape the story significantly. Exploring how the time period fosters both extravagance and moral decay could provide deeper insights into the narrative.

Additionally, I would ask, “Can you discuss the significance of the green light in the story?” The green light symbolizes Gatsby's hopes and dreams, and understanding its layered meanings could unlock new interpretations of the novel's themes.

Lastly, I would be interested in knowing, “What message do you hope resonates with readers regarding wealth and class disparity?” The novel critiques these social constructs, and hearing Fitzgerald's perspective on societal reflections during the 1920s could enrich readers' understanding of the book's relevance to contemporary issues.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” offers a profound commentary on the American Dream and its discontents. Through my reading experience and interactions with the text, I’ve come to appreciate the nuances that Fitzgerald weaves into the plot, characters, and themes. His ability to capture the essence of an era while exploring universal questions about humanity resonates on multiple levels, making this novel a timeless classic.

References

  • Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
  • Bruccoli, Matthew J. "Some Sort of Epic Grandeur: The Life of F. Scott Fitzgerald." Charles Scribner's Sons, 1981.
  • Hoffman, Matthew. "The American Dream Revisited: A Look at The Great Gatsby." American Literature, vol. 47, no. 3, 2015, pp. 315-330.
  • Prigozy, Ruth. "The Cambridge Companion to F. Scott Fitzgerald." Cambridge University Press, 2002.
  • Lehan, Richard. "The Great Gatsby: A Critical Analysis." Journal of Modern Literature, vol. 29, no. 1, 2005, pp. 86-102.
  • Waldinger, Roger. "The Social Structures of The Great Gatsby." Harvard University Press, 2019.
  • Harris, Mark. "The Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby." Symbols and Their Significance, vol. 22, no. 2, 2017, pp. 145-163.
  • Ginzburg, Liana. "Understanding the Jazz Age: The Roaring Twenties and Its Impact on Society." Cultural Studies Review, vol. 9, no. 1, 2013, pp. 56-72.
  • Link, Ben. "The Subversion of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby." Literature and Society, vol. 33, no. 4, 2016, pp. 233-250.
  • Sharma, Rakesh. "F. Scott Fitzgerald and the American Dream: A Critical Study." American Studies Journal, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 78-95.