Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Gatsby vs. Van der Luydens / vs. Beauforts
Gatsby rarely shows himself at his own parties, similar to how the Van der Luydens rarely showed themselves in the New York society. Do you think, as Ellen depicted to Newland, that both of these people are so popular because of this? Also, if Gatsby is the new money, how does he relate to the Beauforts? Do people like him, unlike how the people of New York disliked the Beauforts?
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When Gatsby makes his presence scarce, it adds to the mystery that surrounds his life. On the other hand, the Van der Luydens know that their high place in society does not require them to be in the direct view of the public at all times. By limiting his appearances, Gatsby makes the public speak and gossip about him, which makes him popular. However, there could be a negative association that comes with his popularity. An example is how Nick begins to think that Gatsby is involved in some sort or criminal business.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Ryan that by Gatsby making himself scarce at his parties he adds to his appeal. However this does not make Gatsby well liked necessarily, just interesting and mysterious. Because Gatsby is so private, most people do not know him that well and therefore it is impossible for most of the guests at Gatsby's parties to genuinely like him. People's attraction to Gatsby is strictly superficial. Although people like Gatsby for only superficial reasons, Gatsby is not viewed in a negative way like how New York society views the Beauforts. This is because that people do not really know much about Gatsby's private life unlike the Beauforts.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that they don't know much about his private life, but I don't think thats the main reason why the New Yorkers didn't like Beaufort. They were extremely against new money, and it only added to their dislike that he had a bad past. However Gatsby lives in a different society, so his new money might not be as much of an issue.
ReplyDeleteI think that two factors make Gatsby mysterious, and they are Gatsby's wealth and his not showing up at his parties. If it was a poor man who does not appear at public events, people would not care about this man. Since Gatsby has great wealth, people are interested in him and willing to see him, talk to him and get to know him. The society in the Age of Innocence seems to be more strict because old money people like Archer and May's family are very elitist and not accepting of new rising wealthy people. This might be because old money people are threatened by the rising of new power. However, in Gatsby's society people of old money are more open to the new money people. For example, Tom and Nick get along well.
ReplyDeleteIn the Age of Innocence, it is evident that old money feels threatened by the rising power of the new money. The people of the old money, who have ruled that society for a very long time, are conscious of their slipping power to the people of the new money. On another note related to intimidation, i believe that Gatsby's absence from his parties influences how people think about him in many ways. For instance, i believe that this may make Gatsby popular or "the talk of the party," but i also believe that this makes people almost intimidated by him. People could think that Gatsby thinks that he is above them due to his wealth and notable connections, which could easily intimidate people, or make them feel inadequate. This could be a reason for people claiming they believe he killed people or is involved in criminal business. As for the Van der Luydens, i believe the same principle applies for the exception of the guests at their parties respecting them more so than feeling intimidated by them. I believe that people respect them more because people mentor them. They are looked up to by the other, younger people of their society where, in Gatsby's society, people tend not to view age as a measure of prestige.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a difference between being well-liked and holding an advantageous position in society. In both the cases of the Van der Luydens and Gatsby, their lack of presence causes conversation and makes people think about them, wish they were there, essentially it adds to their clout. Yet in Age of Innocence, it's clear that the strongest families and people are not necessarily the best liked. Nobody really likes the Beauforts, but they have a ballroom, so they're an important family.
ReplyDeleteFew people seem to genuinely like Gatsby either. Like the Beauforts, people use him for his hospitality and when he is dead, they no longer have any use for him. Yes, his lack of presence increases his mystery, and thus his social standing, but it does not make him well liked.
This is actually an interesting question.
ReplyDeleteGatsby is an enigma. Differing from both the Van der Luydens and Beauforts, no one really knows much about him nor genuinely likes him as many have mentioned before. I don't think Gatsby uses his social scaritity for any gain like the Van der Luydens. And he also has reason to flaunt his wealth, whereas the Beauforts are just tacky.