vlog

Ok, I got it to upload finally. Also, sorry about the sound. It turned out a little quiet... enjoy.

Non-Classical music

<div style="padding: 3px; width: 400px; text-align: center;"><object width="400" height="334"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2LoYM5OWIqI?fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2LoYM5OWIqI?fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="334"></embed></object></div><a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com">Lyrics</a> | <a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/beatles/">Beatles lyrics</a> - <a href="http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/beatles/cant+buy+me+love_10026466.html">Can't Buy Me Love lyrics</a>

For this I chose a song by one of my favorite artists, the Beatles. This is one of their more lighthearted songs, but the themes coincide a lot with the character of Gatsby. Gatsby has all the possessions in the world, but the one thing in the world he desires most is Daisy's love. He spends all his days and nights waiting for her, not being truly happy even though he has everything in the world. This goes to show that there is deeper meaning to life than what you can physically touch. The singer shared the same sentiment as Gatsby when he says "I'll give you all I've got to give if you say you"ll love me too" and "I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love." He shares the same plight as Gatsby, and for that I pity him. Both these men have everything but the one thing that matters; love.

Letter to Scotty

Letter About Literature

Dear Mr. Fitzgerald,

                It is an honor to be writing to an author of such legendary caliber, however deceased you may be. For that I shed a single tear, however you most certainly live on through your writing. Personally, The Great Gatsby is one of the best if not the best book I’ve read. All the layers beyond the text really give the book a deeper meaning that what can be seen on the surface, and I think I could read it multiple times and still be amazed at your use of symbolism, themes, mood, motifs, conflict, and all the other literary tools that make “Gatsby” so much more than a story. It is a work of art.

                The themes are so transcendant and deep, yet the characters are still relatable. I think everyone knows a few Tom Buchanans, who have all the looks and money, but without the substance. On the same note, we all know a few Gatsbys as well. The dreamers, who put on a phasad of tranquility when deep down inside there’s a storm of emotions they can’t share with the world. When Gatsby finally gets what he wants, however, his dream is shattered by a reality of the corrupt world we live in. It really is touching stuff. I was able to relate to all the great characters at different parts of the book, and I think that’s one of the best parts about this book. The characters might demonstrate different flaws of the human race, but they are still very relatable. Gatsby’s past is sure shady, and some people would condemn him for his alleged illegal fortune, but he’s still an extremely likeable character, someone I would be happy to know in real life. It’s impossible not to care when he meets his fate. It’s the unshakable passion and hopefulness that makes Gatsby such a likable character. I was able to relate to his dreamer attitude and his tenacity to never give up. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the character of Gatsby really affected me. I think we all want to have his hopefulness and that’s why it’s so sould shatteringly sad to see his spirit crushed when Daisy refuses to leave Tom. It’s depressing to see how dreams don’t always live up to the buildup we give them. And in Gatsby’s case, even with all his earthly possessions, he still dies alone, without the one thing he truly needed in life; love.

                All that being said, another aspect of the book I truly enjoyed, second to only Gatsby, was your use of Nick Carraway in telling the story. I think in the same way that we’ve all been Gatasby at some point or another, we’ve also been Nick. The logical onlooker. The realist to Gatsby’s dreamer. In a way, Nick is the foil to Gatsby; sensible and down to earth. That’s why he’s so drawn to Gatsby. He’s never known someone so conflicted and with so much zeal. Anyway, I don’t want to ramble so I’ll close this. Those are just a few of my thoughts on the book, and a few of the things I particularly enjoyed about the book. It was truly an enlightening experience reading your work, Mr. Fitzgerald, and I hope to find more books that can enthrall me as much as The Great Gatsby.

Sincerely,

Brandon Blewett