Great Gatsby and the American Dream Essay Example for Free

Great Gatsby and the American Dream Essay Dream is a wildly creative and imaginative futuristic story of ones, or another’s life dream. It is the American Dream is one that encompasses the most imaginative story which is what the person desires to have or accomplish in his lifetime. Although all people of all ages have American Dreams, the notion of such a dream is truly impossible because of its wildly imporportionate measures of desire. In the Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the mysterious Jay Gatsby, had a similar fantasy dream. But, in theory, Jay Gatsby is just as far as any other person in their progress towards their true American Dream. Jay Gatsby, whose dream included of being with the girl of his dream, and being filthy rich. Having that sort of dream was not only impossible but by pursuing his dream, it directly led to his downfall and soon his assassination. The American Dream is a widely known and used notion of a person’s â€Å"dream life†, many try to follow or achieve their goals until they realize it is just plainly impossible. Others realize from the very start that their most wild and extravagant American dreams are just what they are†¦ dreams. But then, people like Jay Gatsby do not give up and fight until the end, this came to be the case literally in the â€Å"Great Gatsby† when Gatsby pursues his dream until the time of his death. The entire notion of the American Dream had captured Gatsby, and his dream soon began to dictate his life, and actions. Throughout the novel, Jay is following this one dream that he truly believes can be his one day. This dream was to become very rich and have Daisy Buchanan as his lover. In fact, he does quite well in progressing in the dream until the point where he combines reality and his fantasy and completely forgets about reality. This notion of the American dream was very much hyped up in the time after World War 1, in the 1920’s called the Jazz Age, and this is just the same time frame that this novel is put in. Since there was many wrong doings and many people trying to accomplish these impossible dreams, the time period gave quite a influence on Gatsby and his actions toward his dreams. The corruption is explained by Diane Telgen even further; â€Å"Fitzgeralds book mirrors the headiness, ambition, despair, and disillusionment of America in the 1920s: its ideals lost behind the trappings of class and material success (Telgen, 2). Although something may be impossible, Gatsby knows he will not stop until he achieves it, but due to this mindset he also begins living in a fantasy where he sees his dream take over his life and reality and influence his actions. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald both openly and subliminally incorporated symbols to represent Gatsby’s dream and his progress to attain the unattainable. As the reader reads the book he is foreshadowed by these symbols of how the dream for Gatsby is literally out of his reach, and thus will never be able to grab it. Throughout the novel, there are many times where Gatsby is looking out and sees a green light. Since the dream has taken control, he warps a simple light into something magnificently grander in his mind. In the text of the novel Fitzgerald writes, a single green light, minute and faraway, that might have been the end of a dock. †(ch. 1) As seen in this quote, Gatsby has been overwhelmed by his dream and all he sees is his dream. He has even confused the differences between logic and fantasy. because as seen here he, throughout the book, continuously is gazing at this minute green light thinking of it to be his dream and the closeness between him and Daisy. But he of course fails to realize the reality of the scene that it might just simply be the end of a dock, nothing more, nothing less. Not only was Gatsby blinded by such disillusionment between reality and fake, but he strived to achieve his goal by doing whatever he thought was needed for the accomplishment of such a dream. Jay Gatsby was so emotionally and physically attached to his American Dream that he would do absolutely anything to attain such a dream. Jay is willing to not only lie, but to do crime and other horrendous things just for his money and love. While in the Car going to New York City, Jay tells Nick Carraway his life dream, what is not told is that this life dream is late to be recognized as false and a cover up lie for Gatsby to seem better off and richer that what he really is. One of these lies is captured by Richard Lehan; â€Å"These absurd adventures he went on like living like a rajah in the capitols of Europe and collecting rubies and jewels made some question his honesty. † (get real quote not paraphrased one). Also not only did he make up a new life, in order to mpress a simple girl and earn money he was willing to even do crime which is just absurd in today’s society’s eyes. In the time of the 1920’s there were many immoral practices and many immoral practitioners like Gatsby committing crimes and making up his life as he went. In the novel he really is just not willing to give up on his greedy dream. Even to the point of death he kept on thinking to himself that there might still be a chance for him to have Daisy for himself, as his lover one day. The Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerald included a twisted plot where the main character Jay Gatsby takes off on an impulse to love Daisy Buchanan and want her and his money. OF course his American Dream was just out of reach and due to such standards for Gatsby it truly led to quarrels between the characters which ended up with Gatsby’s death. Jay Gatsby, whose dream included of being with the girl of his dream, and being filthy rich. Having that sort of dream was not only impossible but by pursuing his dream, it directly led to his downfall and soon his assassination. He was so attached to such a dream he saw simple, everyday objects as signs to him that he is getting closer to Daisy, he also was willing to stoop as low as for a wealthy man to commit crime to earn more money just to impress Daisy Buchanan. He also did not stop there, he made up his own fake life where it lightened up his past for Daisy’s amusement and sticked to that notion until his assassination. Through this novel, it is yet again showed how the notion of the American Dream is just what it is; a notion or a dream, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing attainable.

Essay --

I believe that each and every child is unique and special in their own way. No two children are the same, therefore their behavior will not be the same and the way they respond to guidance will not be the same. However, all children want and need to be treated with love and respect. How you treat at child from a very early age will create the foundations of their self-esteem and self-worth. Children need to know that they are cared about by their teachers and they also need to feel safe and secure when they are at their school. As an early educator, it is my responsibility to demonstrate the rules of the classroom and continue to enforce them. I believe that if children are aware of the rules and know the appropriate way to treat one another from the very beginning, you will have a positive classroom environment with minimal misbehaving. I strongly believe that a child should never, under any circumstance, encounter emotional, verbal, or physical abuse. They should, at all tim es, be treated with respect and kindness. I believe in positive guidance and discipline strategies, having a supportive physical environment that can guide children’s behavior, and learning about feelings, friends and that their teachers are supporting them. Positive discipline strategies begin with the adult’s behavior with good limit setting and clearly communicating those limits to the child. They also include teaching more appropriate behavior such as, giving clues for the new behavior, giving choices, and supporting children in their new behavior. Positive guidance and discipline also include changing something about a situation, and ignoring behavior when it is fitting. Setting limits with children can be difficult and time consuming. Doin... .... It is also very important to build a strong feeling vocabulary because emotions can be very hard to understand. As teachers all we want for our children is to be cared about, respected, and successful. Implementing the proper discipline strategies has a giant role in this. I cannot express enough how important it is to show your children respect and love while still showing them that there are rules and limits that they are to follow. How a child is treated at a young age affects them for the rest of their lives. As an early educator you are creating the foundations for that child’s future. Using positive behavior strategies will help that child excel in academics and everyday life. Disrespect and abuse are never the answer; there is always a positive and respectful way to handle any behavior situation. Children are little humans, they deserve your best!

My Identity/My School

I am a unique individual who enjoys the beauty of nature. I appreciate the things around me. Living life to the fullest is what I am up to; thus giving inspiration to others by treating them fairly regardless of their race and traditions make me fulfilled. Like other individuals, I am a sociable person who enjoys meeting new set of people. Meeting and knowing others’ personality is a great privilege and I find them helpful in making myself a better individual. As the saying goes â€Å"no one is an island†, so meeting another people gives me more ideas and views of what life is. There are times when I encounter difficulties in life, I immediately think that life is not worth living for but when I meet people whose problems are so complicated, that is the time I compare my situation to them and realize that I am blessed and I should not give up and quit immediately because there is always a solution in every problem. In addition, since humans compose of body, soul and spirit, I make sure that I do not only feed my body with supplements to make it strong but as well as my spirit. I strongly believe that my soul needs something in order to grow and live. I make sure to attend the Sunday church and not only that, I also read the word of God because that is the food of our soul. Going to church and have fellowship with my brothers and sisters in the Lord makes my week complete. I know I can face another week because I am strengthened not just physically but spiritually. On the other hand, in order to make myself active, I too indulge into different kinds of sports that can help me strong physically. I find sports very interesting because it does not only energize my body but it quickens my mind in how to play the game. The more I play; the good techniques and strategies creep in my mind especially if I play the sports with my family. I just like being with them. It is a good feeling to be with your love ones. No amount of money can measure or compare if your family is intact and having a good time all together as one. Playing sports is one of the ways we can bond each other as family. Further more, since I am an administrator (assistant principal) it is my philosophy to educate every student regardless of their backgrounds; thus, each one of them can learn more and be the most equip student if just given by the government the proper tools of technology, has a place conducive for learning, and safe environment. Feature Article  Country School  Allen Curnow Ethnic Identity: Aside from being an educator, I am an African American with strong beliefs about helping my fellow African American brothers and sisters as well as other ethnic groups that I encounter. Helping others by educating them is such a noble work. I would like to have them good education as I have. Giving them good education can make them competitive in every endeavor they are in. It does not mean that I am an African American I cannot already do the things which others do. In fact, my ethnicity is not a hindrance to be a successful educator. My ethnicity is not an issue in making me successful in life. I want other people realize especially those who look themselves as inferior to stand firm of what they believe in. I would like to inspire them that through education, they can make their lives fruitful and success is just on their hands if they will continue in educating themselves. Moreover, I would like to inculcate to the young learners that good education is the only wealth our parents leave that nobody can snatch or steal it away from us. Moreover, I would inspire them by telling them that our status and ethnicity in life cannot hinder our dreams to have good education and to be educated. School Community: The school I hope to create is a place that is safe and conducive for all learners. I want that school to be well-equip with materials related to the learning areas of the students. Since school activities are social activities, we must look into the routine found in adult society as a guide in laying the basis for routine in classroom organization and control. Much of the details of providing a good work space can be routinized. There should be a place where to put things out of the way, and everyone in the room should know where each thing goes. Routine should merely aid, in setting before the pupils, opportunities for educational experience. The ability to set up routine and to conform properly to it is in itself a worthwhile and necessary outcome of education. The complexity of the modern school, system calls for more routinization of our classroom procedure. It is, therefore, exceedingly important for the teacher to determine what classroom activities should be routinized and made into habits. The teacher will find the task much easier if the pupils are brought to see and understand fully the value of routine. Likewise, he should make it a point he wishes to develop. Certain classroom activities should be conducted in the most effective way to allow more time for essential learning activities. It is therefore necessary that daily activities can be turned into habits to facilitate speed and avoid waste of time. This is time-and-nerve-saving, and it is also good education Routinizing certain activities has a further value in that it prevents confusion and saves time. Confusion reduces the effectiveness of learning activities. Routinizing also aids in keeping the attention of the pupils upon their work. The following should make up routine activity. If considering discipline the teacher must remember that he is constantly faced with two behavior problems—one is the problem of what to do to take care of the immediate situation. This is the one tow which the teacher typically gives relative overemphasis. The other problem is the one of visualizing the long-time behavior patterns that the teacher is trying to develop in the learner. The learner must also be helped to organize long-time needs and goals and also visualize the behaviors that are likely to help him achieve these goals. In not only to plan present behavior to meet day by day situations, but must also have a vision of the goals of his behavior in the future that will be most satisfying. Teachers must help learners practice using both immediate and remote consequences, particularly the latter since these are more difficult to see.                                 

Stephen Decatur, Naval Hero of the War of 1812

Stephen Decatur (Jan. 5, 1779–March 22, 1820) was a U.S. naval officer who became famous for his exploits during the  Tripoli War. He later served as a heroic commander in the  War of 1812. He was killed in a duel by a fellow officer whose court-martial he had participated in years before. Fast Facts: Stephen Decatur Known For: Naval exploits during the Tripoli War and War of 1812Born: Jan. 5, 1779 in Sinepuxent, MarylandParents: Stephen Decatur Sr., Anne PineDied: March 22, 1820 in Bladensburg, MarylandSpouse: Susan WheelerNotable Quote: â€Å"Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong!† Born at Sinepuxent, Maryland, on January 5, 1779, Stephen Decatur was the son of Captain Stephen Decatur, Sr. and his wife Anne. A naval officer during the American Revolution, Decatur, Sr. had his son educated the Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia. Graduating, young Stephen enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania and was a classmate of future naval officers Charles Stewart and Richard Somers. At the age of 17, he secured employment with the firm of Gurney and Smith and aided in securing timber for the keel of the frigate USS United States (44 guns). Early Career Wishing to follow his father in the naval service, Decatur received the aid of Commodore John Barry in obtaining a midshipmans warrant. Entering the service on April 30, 1798, Decatur was assigned to United States with Barry as his commanding officer. He sailed aboard the frigate during the Quasi-War and saw action in the Caribbean as United States captured several French privateers. Demonstrating his skill as a gifted sailor and leader, Decatur received a promotion to lieutenant in 1799. At the end of the conflict in 1800, the U.S. Navy was downsized by Congress with many officers discharged from the service. First Barbary War One of thirty-six lieutenants retained by the U.S. Navy, Decatur was assigned to the frigate USS Essex (36) as first lieutenant in 1801. Part of Commodore Richard Dales squadron, Essex sailed to the Mediterranean to deal with those Barbary states that were preying upon American shipping. After subsequent service aboard USS New York (36), Decatur returned the US and took command of the new brig USS Argus (20). Sailing across the Atlantic to Gibraltar, he turned the ship over to Lieutenant Isaac Hull and was given command of the 12-gun schooner USS Enterprise (14). Burning Philadelphia On December 23, 1803, Enterprise and the frigate USS Constitution (44) captured the Tripolitan ketch Mastico after a sharp fight. Renamed Intrepid, the ketch was given to Decatur for use in a daring raid to destroy the frigate USS Philadelphia (36) which had run aground and been captured in Tripoli harbor on October. At 7:00 PM on February 16, 1804, Intrepid, disguised as a Maltese merchant ship and flying British colors, entered Tripoli harbor. Claiming that they had lost their anchors in a storm, Decatur asked permission to tie up alongside the captured frigate. As the two ships touched, Decatur stormed aboard Philadelphia with sixty men. Fighting with swords and pikes, they took control of the ship and began preparations to burn it. With combustibles in place, Philadelphia was set on fire. Waiting until he was sure the fire had taken hold, Decatur was the last to leave the burning ship. Escaping the scene in Intrepid, Decatur and his men successfully evaded fire from the harbors defenses and reached the open sea. When he heard of Decaturs achievement, Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson called it the most bold and daring act of the age. In recognition for his successful raid, Decatur was promoted to captain, making him, at age twenty-five, the youngest to hold the rank. For the remainder of the war, he commanded the frigates Constitution and Congress (38) before returning home at its conclusion in 1805. Three years later he served as part of the court martial that tried Commodore James Barron for his role in the Chesapeake-Leopard Affair. In 1810, he was given command of United States, then in ordinary at Washington DC. Sailing south to Norfolk, Decatur oversaw the refitting of the ship. War of 1812 Begins While in Norfolk, Decatur encountered Captain John S. Garden of the new frigate HMS Macedonian. During a meeting between the two, Garden wagered Decatur a beaver hat that Macedonian would defeat United States should the two ever meet in battle. When war with Britain was declared two years later, United States sailed to join Commodore John Rodgers squadron at New York. Putting to sea, the squadron cruised the east coast until August 1812, when it put into Boston. Returning to sea on October 8, Rodgers led his ships in search of British vessels. Victory Over Macedonian Three days after departing Boston, Decatur and United States were detached from the squadron. Sailing east, Decatur spotted a British frigate on October 28, approximately 500 miles south of the Azores. As United States closed to engage, the enemy ship was identified as HMS Macedonian (38). Opening fire at 9:20 AM, Decatur masterfully outmaneuvered his adversary and methodically pummeled the British ship, ultimately forcing its surrender. Taking possession of Macedonian, Decatur found that his guns had inflicted 104 casualties, while United States had only suffered 12. After two weeks of repairs to Macedonian, Decatur and his prize sailed for New York, arriving to a massive victory celebration on December 4, 1812. Refitting his ships, Decatur put to sea on May 24, 1813, with United States, Macedonian, and the sloop Hornet (20). Unable to escape the blockade, they were forced into New London, CT by a strong British squadron on June 1. Trapped in port, Decatur and the crew of United States transferred to the frigate USS President (44) at New York in early 1814. On January 14, 1815, Decatur attempted to slip through the British blockade of New York. Loss of President After running aground and damaging the ships hull leaving New York, Decatur elected to return to port for repairs. As President sailed home, it was attacked by the British frigates HMS Endymion (40), HMS Majestic (58), HMS Pomone (44), and HMS Tenedos (38). Unable to escape due the damaged condition of his ship, Decatur prepared for battle. In a three-hour fight, President succeeded in disabling Endymion but was forced to surrender after sustaining heavy casualties by the other three frigates. Taken prisoner, Decatur and his men were transported to Bermuda where all learned that the war had technically ended in late December. Decatur returned to the United States aboard HMS Narcissus (32) the following month. Later Life As one of the US Navys great heroes, Decatur was immediately given command of a squadron with orders to suppress the Barbary pirates which had become active again during the War of 1812. Sailing to the Mediterranean, his ships captured the Algerian frigate Mashouda and swiftly compelled the Dey of Algiers to make peace. Using a similar style of gunboat diplomacy, Decatur was able to compel the other Barbary states to make peace on terms advantageous to the United States. In 1816, Decatur was named to the Board of Naval Commissioners in Washington D.C. Taking up his post, he had a home designed for him and his wife, Susan, by famed architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Death by Duel Four years later, Decatur was challenged to a duel by Commodore James Barron for comments he had made regarding the latters conduct during the 1807 Chesapeake-Leopard Affair. Meeting outside the city at Bladensburg Dueling Field on March 22, 1820, the two squared off with Captain Jesse Elliott and Commodore William Bainbridge as their seconds. An expert shot, Decatur only intended to wound Barron. As the two fired, Decatur severely wounded Barron in the hip, however he himself was fatally shot in the abdomen. He died later that day at his house in Lafayette Square. Over 10,000 attended Decaturs funeral including the President, Supreme Court, and the majority of Congress. Legacy Stephen Decatur was one of the first national heroes after the American Revolution. His name and legacy, like those of David Farragut, Matthew Perry, and  John Paul Jones, became identified with the U.S. Navy.