SOAPST

      These last couple of weeks we began reading The Great Gatsby in class. This novel was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The purpose of this book is to entertain and to explain. The novel tells about Nick, who is the speaker, and his interactions with the other characters such as, Daisy, Gatsby, and Jordan. The events in the book take place during the summer of 1922 in various parts of New York. Nick had moved there in order to make money of his own, even though he came from a well-off family. He did not want to live on his parents money, but instead see what he can do on his own, so he began working in stocks. During his time in New York, he met with his cousin Daisy, her husband Tom, and Daisy's friend Jordan. Nick learned that Tom was cheating on Daisy, and was amazed at how they pretended everything was all right. Nick also heard about the famous Gatsby, who also happened to be his neighbor, and finally got to meet him at one of his parties.
      Nick soon realizes that Gatsby is a very complicated person. There are constantly rumors circulating about him, and he hardly ever denies or accepts them, but simply allows people to believe whatever they want. Gatsby is a very convincing and charming person, although every word he says to Nick is always carefully thought out and measured. Nick soon finds out the reason for this from Jordan. Jordan explains to Nick that Gatsby and Daisy were in love, and because of certain circumstances could not be together. That was why Gatsby bought a house across the bay from Daisy's house in the hopes of one day meeting him. Jordan tells Nick that Gatsby requested to set up a surprise meeting with Daisy at Nick's house, so now Nick has to decide whether or not he wants to get involved in the situation.