Hello fellow AP Lit classmates. I wanted to discuss the topic of TJ Ekleberg and the Valley of Ashes. Right now im just throwing out ideas because i really dont know where i want to go with this essay. the topics that are suggested seem to have one basic direction- i dont want to write an essay that's already been written, if u know what i mean.
Anyways... TJ represents how the american dream leads you nowhere, expect to a dead end where your dreams fail. TJ's hopes and dreams were destroyed because of the corruption of the american dream. he now resides in the valley of ashes, where Gatsby soon follows the same path that TJ went down. Corrupted hope led them to the Valley of Ashes. TJ's big blue eyes were a sign of hope but because of the american dream- it was destroyed.
Owl Eyes, Gatsby, and TJ are also one of the same- they're like the Holy Trinity. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. I say Owl Eyes is the Father because we refer God to TJ and Owl Eyes. It only makes sense that Owl Eyes watched Gatsby be buried because it's like God (Father) watching Jesus getting nailed to the cross. TJ would be the Holy Spirit because his hope and spiritual presence was always there throughout the novel.
Again i still dont know where i want to go with this essay. if you have any suggestions i would love to hear it in the comments.
Nathan,
ReplyDeleteI don't think you give yourself enough credit here. This sounds like an excellent approach to the novel. I enjoyed talking with you about your topic outside of class today. If you need more help, feel free to come see me again. I look forward to reading your essay!