Hey readers! I'd like to dedicate this next post to all of the guys I've come to know since moving here. They've all made such a big impact on my life, mostly beyond my control, and I believe they deserve an honorable mention.
First up, I'd like to talk about Tom Buchanan. Now I met Tom in college at Yale and we're friends, but I need to speak truthfully about him, against my usually non-judgemental attitude. Tom is your typical bully. He was a star football player, and his body is built to boot! However, he's not too bright, and, aware of this, does what he can to mask his stupidity in a variety of strange ways. He's strong and persistent, yet arrogant and forceful as well. His testosterone fueled personality occasionally leads him to lose his temper and make unwise decisions. Countless times, I've seen myself getting pushed around by him like a chess pawn. He likes to use people to his own benefit, sadly, treating them as lower than himself. Despite his flaws, he is married to Daisy, is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson, and is very wealthy.
Next, we have Jay Gatsby himself. Mr. Gatsby is my neighbor here in West egg. He lives in a huge mansion that dramatically triumphs over my small home. On Saturdays, Gatsby would throw extravagant parties displaying his wealth. Everyone wanted to go, and, ironically, at his own party is where I unexpectedly met him. Gatsby is a dishonest, mysterious man. Nobody truly knows how he got so wealthy or how he arrived at his high social status. I had heard many rumors about his origin until he told me the truth. I learned that his real name is James Gatz and he was born in North Dakota. He was schooled for half a year at Oxford after fighting in the war. He is in love with Daisy Buchanan, Tom's wife, and since meeting her, has dedicated his life to gaining enough wealth to be with her. He got to where he is today with the help of Dan Cody, the man who inspired Gatsby to do whatever it takes to achieve wealth.
Third, we have George Wilson. He lives in the valley of ashes and runs a auto shop. He is married to Myrtle Wilson and I haven't had much time to speak with him. I know that his wife was having an affair with Tom and that he was clueless. Also, the death of Myrtle really shook him up. It was really sad seeing him like that.
Lastly, I would like to include myself in this list, and I do this as humbly as I may. I am from Minnesota and educated at Yale, like Tom. I moved to West Egg and went into the bond business. I found a cheap, yet nice house located right next to Gatsby's mansion and I occasionally like to go down to East Egg to visit my cousin Daisy and Jordan Baker (whom I secretly like). I was early on taught not to judge others for they have not been given the same opportunites as me. Throughout my time here, I have been helping Gatsby rekindle his relationship with Daisy by hosting tea parties and introducing him to close friends. It's not the most fun or rewarding work, but somebody has to do it.
