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Michael Rossi
July 25, 2009
Advanced Placement Language and Composition
The Great Gatsby Essay prompt two: Shelia Graham writes: “I think Scott (Fitzgerald) wanted me, through my reading, to understand and perhaps share some of his basic tenets about existence: that as he so often old me, there was no such thing as happiness. …As he explains, “…the sense that life is essentially a cheat and its conditions are those of defeat and redeeming things are not ‘happiness and pleasure’ but the deeper satisfactions of the struggle.
Failure is Success ,Selfishness is Charity, War is Peace
How does Fitzgerald, through his novel, attempt to share and impose his beliefs upon his readers? This question arises from reoccurring instances throughout the characters lives within the text. Each character has qualities about them that bring them misfortune. Fitzgerald shows that no one, not even the great Gatsby, is devoid of these poor qualities. Gatsby is tormented by jealousy and greed, Nick is unable to stay true to himself and to others, and Tom is an ignorant racist. Each of the novel’s characters were set on a trajectory towards failure instigated by their poor attributes. Achieving success and happiness is an impossible feat. It is like a child trying to keep a beach ball submerged under water. Fitzgerald demonstrates that humanity cannot be truly happy due to these two pillars of reason: happiness is nonexistent and at the core humans are driven by selfish motives.
Happiness is a relative term unique to the individual. Humanity has struggled since the beginning of its existence to order to attain success. Gatsby was in possession of wealth and friends and his goal was to settle down with Daisy. Many would consider love a necessity in one’s life. For some it is what they perceive as happiness or success. Through Fitzgerald’s eyes, success is failure. Humans base their idea of happiness upon some form of achievement. Successfully accomplishing one’s achievements will leave them with a satisfied feeling that may be perceived as happiness. If one fails to accomplish their goal, then they become subject to a
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self induced agony. The only true form of happiness is the state of wanting nothing. The character who most relates to this is Nick. Nick regards his friends as fools because they have unrealistic goals. . This is best exhibited when Nick (in the attempt to offer courage to Gatsby) said, “ ‘Thery’re a rotten crowd,’ I shouted across the lawn. ‘You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.’ I’ve always been glad I said that. It was the only compliment I ever gave him, because I disapproved of him from beginning to end (154). This quote is a great representation of Nick’s true feeling. He tells Gatsby he does not believe him to be in Tom, Daisy, and Jordan’s circle when in reality he disapproves of him from beginning to end because he is the circle’s main pursuer of happiness’s shadow. Tom wants Daisy to become subject to his ownership and Gatsby wants Daisy to abandon her husband and current life to be together with him. These high and lofty goals set Gatsby and Tom up for devastating failures. Tom was forced to realize that he can be wrong and Gatsby was forced to realize that people do change, and that the world does not revolve around him. Since Nick lived humbly and did not allow himself to be rendered head over heels for a potential lover, he did not experience such a drastic fall at the end of the novel. Nick was on the outside of the ring of great ambition created by his friends. Nick flowed through the novel and did not struggle through it. He simply socialized with his friends to witness the spectacle that was their existence.
Fitzgerald also made it possible for the readers to determine that characters within the text acted out of selfishness. Very often in life, people make friends who share similar goals and values in order to learn and grow with them. Through Gatsby, Fitzgerald was able to convey the concept of growing at the expense of others, not with them. Gatsby used Nick to grow closer to Daisy. Gatsby was portrayed as the most generous man throughout the novel. He threw parties in
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which he did not fully partake. He purchased food and alcohol for his guests that he did not consume. Fitzgerald tries to show that selfishness is part of human nature do to the elaborateness of Gatsby’s selfish rouse. Gatsby was conscious of his plan to obtain Daisy through his lavish parties. He did not try to stray from selfishness, but to disguise it from others so that meeting Daisy would seem more natural. He would simply be a guest and a generous man whose reputation and generosity were wildly renowned. To others Gatsby’s interest in Daisy would portray him as a man who simply wished to meet everyone and please everyone. Daisy would simply be the next of Gatsby’s list. If Gatsby had neglected to fortify his reputation he would simply be a heartbroken stalker who sought to steal Daisy from her husband. Through Gatsby his questionable business and obsession with a married woman seemed permissible due to his multitude of redeeming qualities. If Gatsby’s desires and occupation were to belong to another person who did not emanate an aura of perfection throughout the novel, then they would become clear as lucid selfishness, distinguishable to any reader. If Nick was involved in shady business, was still poor, had an unknown reputation, and sought after a married woman, the reader would show no sympathy towards him.
Fitzgerald believes that humanity cannot truly be happy due to these two pillars of reason: happiness is nonexistent and at the core humans are driven by selfish motives. The Great Gatsby could be read as Fitzgerald’s handbook. None of the characters within the novel were able to fulfill their dreams, however Nick had no remorse. Since Nick had no selfish dream he was able to witness the dreams of other and partake in their excitement. Nick was not happy about every aspect of his life; however he did come the closest to true happiness. He was not subject to life suppression, either by his financial status, his haphazard love life, nor the horrid
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death of his closest friend. Pristine happiness and success are impossible because life always presents new obstacles both internally and externally. Nick did not swim against life’s current, but rather coast along with its waves. Nick is like the child that continually pounces upon the beach ball and thoroughly enjoys the duration in which he is able to maintain his balance. He is used to the ball fighting with his weight and sending him in the cold ocean. He knows that it is impossible to stay atop the ball and he will fall just the same way in which Gatsby and the others did and he does not mind for he knows those who never give in come the closest.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Monte Cristo Essay
Rossi, 1
Michael Rossi
July 10, 2009
Advanced Placement Language and Composition
Essay Topic One: “Is Edmond’s vengeance justified? Consider this question within the contexts of just retribution. Based on what he had taken from him, is what he does just?
The Black Hole
What are the contexts of retribution, and when is retribution just? In the novel The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas, the protagonist, Edmond Dantes was faced with this question of just retribution. Edmond was wrongly imprisoned, and his life was ruined because of this imprisonment. He was unable to be with the love of his life, he lost the position of captain, and he was unable to be at his father’s side as he died. Whilst in prison Dantes thought that his life was shattered and devoid of meaning. All Edmond had to reflect upon was the horrible intensity of his suffering and the betrayal he felt against those who had forsaken him. When he meets Abbe Faria, he is given newfound hope and a chance at escape. This, along with the prospect of an enormous wealth, inspires Dantes with thoughts of revenge. He undoubtedly believes that this revenge is just. Dantes uses the knowledge and techniques taught to him by Abbe Faria to aid in his quest for revenge. The vengeance that Edmond takes is indeed justified because he is unable to regain the fourteen years lost as a result of his enemies. Although the Count’s desire for administering vengeance wavers when he begins to see those who he is harming as people and not objects of hatred. The Count is still entitled to revenge.
The Count’s enemies are depicted as crude heathens that any of Dumas’s readers would be able to identify as horrid villains. Each of Edmond’s adversaries were worthy of his
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vengeance. Through the use of characterization Dumas portrays Fernand, Danglars, and Villefort as different forms of society’s evils. Fernand represents a juvenile form of jealousy. He simply desires Dantes’ lover Mercedes. His form of jealousy simply covets objects and Mercedes is subject to this objectification. Fernand does this to achieve his own happiness. Villefort is the embodiment of corruption. Villefort’s rash and hostile judgment towards Dantes represents the strife coursing through the government due to Napoleon Bonaparte. Edmond thought he was doing the correct thing when he wished to follow his conscience and distribute Napoleon’s letter only to be convicted of high treason.
Danglars is the novel’s most pristine embodiment of evil. Danglars sought to destroy Dantes simply because he achieved the rank of captain without arduously pursuing it. His jealously is clearly unjustified because Dantes hadn’t expected his promotion, nor had he boasted about it. Using unjustified jealously as his basis for revenge, Danglars committed an act that set him apart from both Fernand and Villefort as the main antagonist. He acted upon his anger toward Dantes and had others rally to his cause.
Dantes receives hatred from the antagonists as a result of circumstances which were beyond his control. He could not control who Mercedes chose to love, who Morrel chose as captain, nor could he choose the current political situation. Dumas inspires in the reader a hatred for Dantes’ enemies by attributing to them an unjust evil.
The Count had the courage and wisdom to spare those who were related to his three main enemies out of respect for Mercedes: “’What do you ask of me?’ He said. ‘Your son’s life?’ Well then, he shall live!’” (472). He even believed that these people were destined to receive his
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revenge. The Count showed mercy to young Albert who attempted to strike the Count with his glove. This action was one of the most despicable insults one could issue against another in
Dumas’ time. Not only would the Count’s emotion grant him the permission to return the blow, but society also dictated retaliation. For the Count to not retaliate allows him to rise above societal pressure and retain his God-like qualities: “’You cannot suppose I have the least desire to live after I have been publicly insulted, before a theatre full of people, in the presence of your friends and those of your son, challenged by a mere child who will glory in my pardon as in a victory?’” (473). This line truly emphasizes the sheer magnitude of Albert’s insult. Therefore, the Count deserves revenge against the entire society who had damned him so. The case of unjust imprisonment caused by the bitterness of villains was left dormant by society.
The Count was double crossed by his so called, “friends” and fellow worker. The fact that society had no desire to investigate the mistreatment of an innocent sailor whom most people adored alone, grants the Count the right to revenge. Everything that gave Edmond joy was destroyed by his imprisonment. His father died without him, Mercedes married another man, and his occupation was revoked.
Although the Count’s desire for administering vengeance wavers when he begins to see those who he is harming as people and not objects of hatred, he is still entitled to revenge. Through revenge the novel was able to portray the reoccurring theme of man versus God. While the Count sought revenge he thought himself to be God, however by seeking revenge be became more like Satan. Through mercy for Valentine and witnessing Edward’s death the Count was able to see through a humble lens and become more like God: “’Fool that I am,’ said he, ‘that I did not tear out my heart the day I resolved to revenge myself!’ (474). The Count was subdued
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by his ever present love for Mercedes and understood his error in acting like God. This turn of events illustrates a drastic change within the Count. The Count regresses from being the Count of Monte Cristo back to Edmond Dantes. He no longer has mortal enemies and his generosity and
love were revived. He gave riches to Morrel and Valentine and set off to be with Haydee. Edmond’s once blissful happiness was absorbed by the suffering within the Count’s heart was and replaced with a black hole that he sought to fill with vengeance. Dantes most important victory was not over his physical adversaries, but over the Count whom Edmond apprehended. Edmond filled the darkness with what he originally withdrew from it, the Count of Monte Cristo.
Michael Rossi
July 10, 2009
Advanced Placement Language and Composition
Essay Topic One: “Is Edmond’s vengeance justified? Consider this question within the contexts of just retribution. Based on what he had taken from him, is what he does just?
The Black Hole
What are the contexts of retribution, and when is retribution just? In the novel The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas, the protagonist, Edmond Dantes was faced with this question of just retribution. Edmond was wrongly imprisoned, and his life was ruined because of this imprisonment. He was unable to be with the love of his life, he lost the position of captain, and he was unable to be at his father’s side as he died. Whilst in prison Dantes thought that his life was shattered and devoid of meaning. All Edmond had to reflect upon was the horrible intensity of his suffering and the betrayal he felt against those who had forsaken him. When he meets Abbe Faria, he is given newfound hope and a chance at escape. This, along with the prospect of an enormous wealth, inspires Dantes with thoughts of revenge. He undoubtedly believes that this revenge is just. Dantes uses the knowledge and techniques taught to him by Abbe Faria to aid in his quest for revenge. The vengeance that Edmond takes is indeed justified because he is unable to regain the fourteen years lost as a result of his enemies. Although the Count’s desire for administering vengeance wavers when he begins to see those who he is harming as people and not objects of hatred. The Count is still entitled to revenge.
The Count’s enemies are depicted as crude heathens that any of Dumas’s readers would be able to identify as horrid villains. Each of Edmond’s adversaries were worthy of his
Rossi, 2
vengeance. Through the use of characterization Dumas portrays Fernand, Danglars, and Villefort as different forms of society’s evils. Fernand represents a juvenile form of jealousy. He simply desires Dantes’ lover Mercedes. His form of jealousy simply covets objects and Mercedes is subject to this objectification. Fernand does this to achieve his own happiness. Villefort is the embodiment of corruption. Villefort’s rash and hostile judgment towards Dantes represents the strife coursing through the government due to Napoleon Bonaparte. Edmond thought he was doing the correct thing when he wished to follow his conscience and distribute Napoleon’s letter only to be convicted of high treason.
Danglars is the novel’s most pristine embodiment of evil. Danglars sought to destroy Dantes simply because he achieved the rank of captain without arduously pursuing it. His jealously is clearly unjustified because Dantes hadn’t expected his promotion, nor had he boasted about it. Using unjustified jealously as his basis for revenge, Danglars committed an act that set him apart from both Fernand and Villefort as the main antagonist. He acted upon his anger toward Dantes and had others rally to his cause.
Dantes receives hatred from the antagonists as a result of circumstances which were beyond his control. He could not control who Mercedes chose to love, who Morrel chose as captain, nor could he choose the current political situation. Dumas inspires in the reader a hatred for Dantes’ enemies by attributing to them an unjust evil.
The Count had the courage and wisdom to spare those who were related to his three main enemies out of respect for Mercedes: “’What do you ask of me?’ He said. ‘Your son’s life?’ Well then, he shall live!’” (472). He even believed that these people were destined to receive his
Rossi, 3
revenge. The Count showed mercy to young Albert who attempted to strike the Count with his glove. This action was one of the most despicable insults one could issue against another in
Dumas’ time. Not only would the Count’s emotion grant him the permission to return the blow, but society also dictated retaliation. For the Count to not retaliate allows him to rise above societal pressure and retain his God-like qualities: “’You cannot suppose I have the least desire to live after I have been publicly insulted, before a theatre full of people, in the presence of your friends and those of your son, challenged by a mere child who will glory in my pardon as in a victory?’” (473). This line truly emphasizes the sheer magnitude of Albert’s insult. Therefore, the Count deserves revenge against the entire society who had damned him so. The case of unjust imprisonment caused by the bitterness of villains was left dormant by society.
The Count was double crossed by his so called, “friends” and fellow worker. The fact that society had no desire to investigate the mistreatment of an innocent sailor whom most people adored alone, grants the Count the right to revenge. Everything that gave Edmond joy was destroyed by his imprisonment. His father died without him, Mercedes married another man, and his occupation was revoked.
Although the Count’s desire for administering vengeance wavers when he begins to see those who he is harming as people and not objects of hatred, he is still entitled to revenge. Through revenge the novel was able to portray the reoccurring theme of man versus God. While the Count sought revenge he thought himself to be God, however by seeking revenge be became more like Satan. Through mercy for Valentine and witnessing Edward’s death the Count was able to see through a humble lens and become more like God: “’Fool that I am,’ said he, ‘that I did not tear out my heart the day I resolved to revenge myself!’ (474). The Count was subdued
Rossi, 4
by his ever present love for Mercedes and understood his error in acting like God. This turn of events illustrates a drastic change within the Count. The Count regresses from being the Count of Monte Cristo back to Edmond Dantes. He no longer has mortal enemies and his generosity and
love were revived. He gave riches to Morrel and Valentine and set off to be with Haydee. Edmond’s once blissful happiness was absorbed by the suffering within the Count’s heart was and replaced with a black hole that he sought to fill with vengeance. Dantes most important victory was not over his physical adversaries, but over the Count whom Edmond apprehended. Edmond filled the darkness with what he originally withdrew from it, the Count of Monte Cristo.
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