Chapter 1 Reading Tasks

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Nick’s first impression of Daisy and her household: “Their household was even more elaborate than I expected…and Tom Buchanan in riding clothes was standing with his legs apart on the front porch” (6).
This elaborate description of Daisy and Tom’s house shows how rich the two are. The personification used emphasizes the beauty and splendor of the front lawn. The depiction is completed with an image of Tom standing in an aggressive stance, showing that he is an arrogant man.
Daisy’s voice: “I’ve heard it said that Daisy’s murmur was only to make people lean toward her; an irrelevant criticism that made it no less charming” (8).
Daisy is portrayed as a charming young woman. However, she uses her charm to manipulate people into paying more attention to her. This quote shows that Daisy can be both amiable and alluring.
Jordan Baker: “Miss Baker and I exchanged a short glance…I was about to speak when she sat up alertly and said ‘Sh!’ in a warning voice…Miss Baker leaned forward unashamed, trying to hear” (12).
The way that Miss Baker shushes Nick shows that she is an independent woman who can take care of herself and likes to be in charge. Miss Baker also shows that she is bold and will not hesitate to do what she wants when she tries to eavesdrop on Tom’s phone call.
Tom’s views on the book he recently read and its philosophy: “Have you read The Rise of the Coloured Empires by this man Goddard? …Well it’s a fine book, and everyone ought to read it. The idea is if we don't look out the white race will be – will be utterly submerged. It’s all scientific stuff; it’s been proved…It’s up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things” (10-11).
Tom shows that he is well-read, but he b...

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...to men in an alluring voice. White can also represent angelic character, which is emphasized by the rippling and fluttering of the women’s dresses.
“We walked through a high hallway into a bright rose-colored space, fragilely bound into the house by French windows at either end. The windows were ajar and gleaming white against the fresh grass outside that seemed to grow a little way into the house” (7).
The color pink often symbolizes love, tenderness, and acceptance. This is ironic because Tom and Daisy’s house is described to have a rose-colored space, but their relationship is not perfect. Tom has a mistress, Daisy accuses Tom of hurting her, and Daisy grudgingly accepts Tom’s love for polo and horses. In addition, pink and white together are common “wedding” or “marriage” colors, which is also ironic because Tom and Daisy do not have a perfect relationship.

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