Opening
Based on how diverse the United States has become since the 1920's, have the distinctions between social classes increased or decreased? Is it simply based on what region of the world you live on? Have the upper and lower classes simply become so centralized in specific regions that people just can't relate to them?
Core:
Even though Tom forces Nick to stay at the party, why does he seem to have no problem attending a dinner with his cousin's husband and his mistress?
While reading the book, I realized that Nick seemed like someone that gets pushed around a lot by other people. Nick says " Though I was curious to see her (Myrtle), I had no desire to meet her-but i did." (24), which makes the reader believe that Nick seems to be intimidated easily even if he is in an uncomfortable situation. Nick even says that Tom forced him to meet Myrtle and have dinner with them and their neighbors. Although it would make sense for Nick to decline this invitation no matter what, you also get the sense that Nick and Daisy aren't that close to begin with. Daisy says, "Even if we are cousins. You didn't come to my wedding" to which Nick replies "I wasn't back from the war". This shows how dry their conversations are, and how more than anything they are not close enough to get wrapped into each others personal lives.
Why does Nick become so infatuated by Jordan Baker, despite having only met her a few nights?
I believe that the reason why Nick becomes infatuated by Jordan is because of what she represents and because of her unique character. Throughout the book, Nick seems completely out of place in the neighborhood, especially at Gatsby's parties. It isn't until later in the book that Nick says " I began to like New York, the racy, adventurous feel of it at night, and the satisfaction that the constant flicker of men and women and machine gives to the restless eye." (56) I believe that Jordan represent these traits, and as a result, leads to Nick being attracted to her.
The second reason is that Jordan seem like the approachable woman that Nick has met in New York so far. Myrtle, Ms. McKee, and even Daisy seemed to be very snooty or concentrated on their own wealth. Jordan on the other hand is the only one woman Nick has met in New York that has not only been different, but has shown interest in him. "I hate careless people. That's why I like you." (58)
Closing:
Several people seemed to be aware of Tom having a mistress while being married to and having a child with Daisy. To what extent has the idea of "infidelity" and "trust" become more strict or loose in modern day society?
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