James “Jay” Gatsby is a name heard on the tongues of both East and West Egg residents, and his renowned charisma and glamorous parties have attracted high-profile guests. Guests like to talk, and if you haven’t heard this rumor already, Mr. Gatsby may or may not be an Oxford alum!
Yes, you read that right, the University of Oxford, located in England for only the most prestigious of students. The mystery surrounding Mr. Gatsby grows with every party he throws! Any person worth their salt would be honored to have graduated from such a fine establishment, but the enigmatic Gatsby refuses to openly talk about the details of his college years…
Frequent guests of Gatsby’s parties have offered their opinions on the matter:
“He told me once he was an Oxford man.” – J.B.
(Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 3)
“An Oxford man! Like hell he is! He wears a pink suit.” – T.B.
(Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 7)
“When he told me he was at Oggsford I knew I could use him good.” – M.W.
(Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 4)
The informants have all allowed their initials to be published, but not their names, in fear of losing exclusive access to these extravagant events, but if you’re truly curious, you could do some sleuthing of your own… If you’re popular enough to get invited, of course!
Now, an insider account of Gatsby’s words himself:
“He hurried the phrase ‘educated at Oxford,’ or swallowed it, or choked on it, as though it had bothered him before. And with this doubt, his whole statement fell to pieces,” – N.C.
(Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Chapter 4)
Gatsby says he went to Oxford… But does anyone have genuine proof? Why wouldn’t he boast about such an achievement? Either the mysterious Gatsby is more illusive than we presume, or perhaps he didn’t attend Oxford at all. Nevertheless, he doesn’t seem to take any pride in the great Oxford name!
Who knows what juicy rumors will present with the next few social gatherings?
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. eBook #64317. Project Gutenberg, January 17, 2021, online.
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/64317/64317-h/64317-h.htm
1 Comment
Add Yours →I think the quotes from the novel utilized in this journalistic fashion are really interesting. It is interesting to see how you took quotations from many distinct parts of the novel and presented them cohesively and constructively within your text. These quotes really tie your writing back to the novel and add an extra dimension to your blog’s theme.