Jazz song and novel

Song: “Nowadays / Hot Honey Rags” sang and performed in “Chicago”

Novel: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Video from the song (movie scene): 

Lyrics of the song:

Announcer:

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Chicago Theater is proud to announce afirst. 
The first time, anywhere there's been an act of this nature.

Not only one little lady, but two! 


You've read about them in the papers and now here they are! Chicago's own killer dillers


those scintillating sinners


Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly!

Roxie and Velma:


You can like the life you're living


You can live the life you like


You can even marry Harry


But mess around with Ike


And that's
Good, isn't it?


Grand, isn't it?


Great, isn't it?


Swell, isn't it?


Fun, isn't it?


But nothing stays

In fifty years or so


It's gonna change, you know


But, oh, it's heaven


Nowadays

Announcer:


Okay, you babes of jazz.

Let's pick up the pace. 


Let's make the parties longer. 


Let's make the skirts shorter. 


Let's all go to hell in a fast car and KEEP IT HOT!


Roxie and Velma:


And all that Jazz!

Relations’ between “The Great Gatsby” and “Nowadays / Hot Honey Rags”:

The song is the finale of the musical “Chicago”; which is a very famous movie of two girls who want fame and commit murder; this crime is what makes them extremely famous together. The song can be related to the novel in many different aspects mainly because the events, in both the song and the book, occur in the 1920’s or the so-called “Jazz Age”. Frist of all there are these showgirls who killed and got no punishment at all, this reflects the idea that society has lost all its values. Then there is the aspect of people being able to live whichever life they prefer, people can be married and have lovers at the same time which is a very important characteristic of some characters of the novel (Daisy and Tom). After that there is the song’s reminder that at the time nothing lasted and everything came to an end which is what happened to every relationship in the book, except for Tom’s and Daisy’s marriage which is not a real relationship for it has no feeling in it, and even to the life’s of some characters (Gatsby, Myrtle and Wilson).  Finally the song states that living nowadays (1920’s) it’s heaven and it must be for those who have no morality because the 1920’s are a time of progress, criminals, jazz and people believing that they can have fun and be free. This “heaven” presented in the song appears in the book, however it crashes down because the illusion has to come to an end and when it does there are consequences especially for those who truly believed in the portrayed heaven (Gatsby who thought he could be with Daisy, Myrtle who believed she could rise by being Tom’s mistress and Wilson who was stupid enough to believe that his wife was loyal). In conclusion, the song and the novel are so famous because they do not only tell a story but they represent a historical period and an era in itself. Even through the events in the song (movie) and the book are so different, both have common elements, which arise in the fact that they both exposed the “Jazz Age”.    

The Great Gatsby audiobook pg 29-35

Found in here or in here.

Gatsby and Napoleon Bonaparte

Gatsby can be compared to Napoleon Bonaparte, if the comparison has as criteria the relationship with their beloved. In Fitzgerald’s book The great Gatsby the main character is portrayed as a new rich who’s parties are quite famous even through nobody really knows the host; people know that he is in some illegal business and wander about it. Gatsby is described by Nick (the narrator) as a kind and amiable person, and later the reader finds out that he is in love with Daisy (Nick’s cousin and the wife of Tom, Nick’s old fellow in Yale). Gatsby loves Daisy deeply and has been looking for the opportunity to be with her for a long time. Gatsby earned a fortune, bought a mansion and throws lavish parties so that Daisy would be please and they could restart their love affair. This relationship started when Gatsby was a soldier near Daisy’s house and decided to get involve with her for the mere experience of it (But to do so Gatsby had to lie and pretend that he belonged to an elite society when he didn’t.) However, Gatsby plan tumbles down when he discovers he is in love with her. Gatsby is send to Europe and when the war is over he tries to go back but this is impossible and so Daisy, tiered of waiting and with influence from her parents, decides to marry Tom Buchanan, a rich famous guy.

Napoleon and Josephine’s story can be related Gatsby and Daisy’s. Napoleon decides to marry Josephine because of her noble titles, her supposed money and her age (She is older than him and if he marries her people will se him as  mature person, which is necessary in the army). Josephine's beauty and charm attracted Napoleon but he wasn’t in love with her until they married and he became mad for his wife (He idolatrized her). Gatsby and Napoleon fell in love with a woman they weren't supposed to love and they both raised very high, (Gatsby became very rich and Napoleon became the emperor of France) which attracted both of their special ladies. Josephine and Daisy are quite beautiful and materialistic; they are not as perfect as their lovers make them out to be. Daisy does what fits her the best and Josephine is adulterous and a liar, but Napoleon and Gatsby think they are unflawed; they fooled themselves into loving them. And so it could be said that they don’t real love Daisy nor Josephine (because they don’t know them) but rather they love the idea of these ladies and the idea of being in love.  But the illusions and the lies are discovered and both Gatsby and Napoleon become demolished because of the lack of love form those they love so deeply. Gatsby and Napoleon are two characters (fictional and historical) that possessed almost everything (money, fame, power, etc.) except what they really wanted: the love from Daisy and Josephine. 

Writing Strategies

Brainstorming: 

Text:

If I could have three wishes I’d be confused as to what to do with them. However, after some thinking I’ve realized that I would be between two kinds of wishes: wishes beneficial only to myself, and wishes beneficial to others and myself. It is hard choosing only three wishes because the possibilities are endless. But I think I would choose those beneficial to others and myself (my community) for my own wishes are much more essay to achieve and they wouldn't be that great if compared to the other things I could do. Besides the wishes and dreams that people have for them selves they must be achieve on their own. And it is only then that these desires have their  full value for if they are not earned then they do not belong to the person who might have found or encounter them.  There for, if I could have any three whishes they would be: that finally there could be peace in the world, that there would be no more violence (no matter what might justify it) and that all children could be happy. But I would also work hard on my own wishes so they could become true. 

Paraphrasing activity

Original: Of the more than 1000 bicycling deaths each year, three-fourths are caused by head injuries. Half of those killed are school-age children. One study concluded that wearing a bike helmet could reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent. In an accident, a bike helmet absorbs the shock and cushions the head. From "Bike Helmets: Unused Lifesavers," Consumer Reports (May 1990): 348.

Paraphrased version: According to "Bike Helmets: Unused Lifesavers" Bicycle injuries are very dangerous and can cause deaths, especially if it is a head injury. To decrease the number of accidents and deaths caused by bicycles it is important to wear a helmet for it protects the head.  Taken from: "Bike Helmets: Unused Lifesavers," Consumer Reports (May 1990): 348.

Example: The use of a helmet is the key to reducing bicycling fatalities, which are due to head injuries 75% of the time. By cushioning the head upon impact, a helmet can reduce accidental injury by as much as 85%, saving the lives of hundreds of victims annually, half of whom are school children ("Bike Helmets" 348).

Midnight in Paris: The assignment.

Zelda Fitzgerald:

Women are an undermined genre for they are said to be weak and only useful in domestic activities. However, this is not true and women have the obligation to prove that this belief is false but to do so they must not believe the lie themselves. Women have to fight for greatness and recognition; they have to fight harder than men simply because they are women. The fact that women have to work harder should not be an obstacle but an impulse to achieve importance. My husband is quite a famous writer (F. Scott Fitzgerald) but I will not let myself be defined as simply his wife for I am more. I have the ability to create art just like he does, I can write and dance. Society looks upon women as the mere companions of the different male figures but I will never fit into this classification because I will not let myself accept it. And so I do everything that pleases me whether it is seem as appropriate or not. I drink and have fun and, honestly, why shouldn’t I? I never cared about what people thought or said and I’m not going to start now. I am the only judge that matters in my life and I am trying to prove that women are higher than what they are thought to be. But I can’t do this on my own and so I am inviting different women to portrait their talents and abilities, to not let their men defined them and have fun for life has no value and becomes incredibly dull without a little fun. 

American Dream

My definition of the American dream:

America, since it was discovered, has been known for being a place full of possibilities and opportunities where people can make the life they want for themselves. These ideologies developed in Europe when the news of a new continent full of gold and rich minerals started to go around. This news gave people hope and the opportunity to start all over again in a new place. And so all kind of people went to America (some looking for fortune, others for fame, land, love, family, etc.). These were the begging’s of the American dream but as time went by this dream became more and more believable for people. The European war destroyed very important cities and caused many damages.  And so people went and seek refuge in America the continent but especially America the country for its economics and industrial advantages. And as time progressed so did the situation of the United States until it became one of the most important countries in the world and eventually it ended up being the world’s most important power.

This is the story of the American dream and how it became a representative ideology of the United States. But what is it? This is an easy question taking into account what was said above. The American dream is simply the belief that people can improve their lives by finding all kinds of opportunities and possibilities in the United States. According to these idea, men’s dreams and prospects can be accomplished easily in America.




Definitions of the American dream:

• http://www.americansc.org.uk/Online/American_Dream.htm's definition of the american dream: 

"Traditionally, Americans have sought to realise the American dream of success, fame and wealth through thrift and hard work. However, the industrialisation of the 19th and 20th centuries began to erode the dream, replacing it with a philosophy of "get rich quick". A variety of seductive but elusive strategies have evolved, and today the three leading ways to instant wealth are large-prize television game shows, big-jackpot state lotteries and compensation lawsuits."

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Dream's definition of the American dream: 

"The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth.The idea of the American Dream is rooted in the United States Declaration of Independence which proclaims that "all men are created equal" and that they are "endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights" including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

• http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/american+dream's definition of the American dream: 

"noun

1.

the ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity traditionallyheld to be available to every American.

2.

a life of personal happiness and material comfort astraditionally sought by individuals in the U.S."

Video of prohibition

America

America can be defined as both the continent of America or the country called The United States of America. However, the second one is the most popular, known and used and so we shall define America as a country. But not as any country for it is a very important one and even it may be argued that at the moment it is THE COUNTRY. The United States of America have a huge amount of territory that is spread all over the world (North America, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico). But as impressive as its geographical space may appear to be, it is not the main reason of why this country is so important. America represents the ideals of progress, power, greatness, multicultural societies, equality, freedom, opportunities, etc. (The fact that it represent these ideals does not necessarily mean that they are all implemented perfectly). These ideals that supposedly (no place is perfect) can be found in America is what makes it such a special place that people look up to. 

Object that represents America: The object that best represents America is the statue of liberty for it has a very deep meaning that portrays what America is suppose to be. These meaning is conveyed by different symbols, that are:

“Torch: The torch is the strongest symbol that Bartholdi incorporated into

the Statue. In fact the Statue's real name reflects its true meaning: "Liberty Enlightening the World".

Crown: The statue wears a crown with seven spikes. This represents the 7 seas and 7 continents of the world, re-enforcing the universal concept of liberty.

Tablet: The Statue holds a tablet in her left hand. It is a book of law based on the founding principles of this nation, a nation based on law.

Writing on the Tablet: The Statue's tablet contains writing on it. This was one of the last changes that Bartholdi made to the Statue. It was originally left blank. Bartholdi placed the date of America's independence on the tablet (JULY IV MDCCLXXVI). They are in roman numerals which are symbolic of law.

Windows of the crown: (25) Represent the heaven's rays of light that shine over the 7 seas and continents.

Shape of the Tablet: Do you know what the tablet's shape is called? It is a keystone. In architecture, a keystone is the stone which keeps the others together. Without it everything would fall apart. The keystone of this nation is the fact that it is based on law. Without law, freedom and democracy would not prevail.

Sandals: The Statue of Liberty actually wears sandals. She is also not standing still. Even though the Statue stands on a pedestal, she is actually walking ahead moving forward. This goddess is lighting the path to freedom through peace, not violence. Her footwear also suggests her stature as a free person.

Robe: The Statue of Liberty wears a free-flowing robe or stola, which powerfully refers to the Roman influence of the goddess "Libertas", which was worshipped by freed slaves.

Broken Chains: Located at the Statue's feet symbolize the freedom that Lady Liberty has. It demonstrates that the Statue is free from slavery and bondage.

Shields: Richard Morris Hunt made some representations in his pedestal design as well. He placed shields on each side of the pedestal symbolizing the states in the Union.

Granite Brick: There are 13 layers of granite that comprise the body of the pedestal. The 13 colonies formed America in 1776.” Taken from: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080216164808AA62gq6

Song that represents America: The song that best represents America is its national anthem which is called Star spangled banner.

Lyrics of the America National Anthem:

“O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O thus be it ever when free-men shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust!”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

Taken from: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0194015.html

Movie that represents America:  A movie that represents America (during the civil war) is Gone with the wind.

American Dream in the 1920's

The American dream in the 1920’s.

The 1920’s are an era full of contradictions, as almost every era in the history of human kind. There are the ideas of success and progress while there are also ideas that promote violence and injustices. All of these ideas are present in the concepts of:

• Mass production, which was executed by Henry Ford. This person is a very important character during this period for he represents what the 1920’s were “supposed” to be. And he once said, “I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can't be done.” The quote represents the general belief (during the time) that everything can be done and mass production its  a proof of that ideology.

• Freedom, during this time there was also the big event of women having the right to vote.  This right made women felt that they were free and that they didn’t belong to men anymore. This feeling of freedom allowed women to dress and live as they pleased (have fun). Louise Brooks is the stereotype of this kind of women that were called flappers.
  
  

“When I went to Hollywood in 1927, the girls were wearing lumpy sweaters and skirts . . . I was wearing sleek suits and half naked beaded gowns and piles and piles of furs.”

- Louise Brooks

• Hollywood was also a highlight point in the 1920’s for it was during this time that Hollywood started to gain its reputation with movies and television. In 1927 the first movie with sound was released and it was called The jazz singer. 
  
  

• Jazz culture was also an important part of the time. The 1920’s gave allowed jazz to move from its birthplace in New Orleans to big cities such as Chicago and New York. The decade, also, gave raise to artist such as King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory and Duke Ellington.
  
  

“If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know.”

- Louis Armstrong

•          Prohibition is probably one of the most important occurrences of the 1920’s. Prohibition was a law passed from the progress that prohibited people from consuming and vending of any kind of alcohol in the United States of America. This reform brought with it many bad consequences that included: Mafia (Bootlegging: traffic of alcohol that was brought from Canada or Mexico), Speakeasy clubs (places where alcohol was sold illegally) and moonshining (people making their own alcohol). 

Al Capone was an American granter, during the prohibition, who led a crime syndicate called The Chicago Outfit. This group was dedicated to smuggling, bootlegging liquor, prostitution and other illegal activities. Al Capone once said “When I sell liquor, it's called bootlegging; when my patrons serve it on Lake Shore Drive, it's called hospitality.”

• 
  
•       Racism was quite common during the time. It became quite violence and it was taken to its worse by the KKK. The Ku Klux Klan was a group of white people who implemented extreme methods of aggression against black people.

Taking into account all of what took place during the 1920’s it can be seen clearly that this was a time of contrast for both good things and bad things were happening. 1920’s society was progressing but at the same time it was going backwards. And so what about the American dream during this period: was it there or was it none existing. One point of view about the American dream during the 1920’s is that it was a contrast between being there and not being at all. This contradiction is due to different contrast that characterized the 1920’s. It is true that America was becoming a better place, that there were opportunities for everyone and that there was progress. But at the same time there was violence, discrimination and illegal activities that brought negative consequences to America. And so both things were happening at the same time: the American dream was a truth and the American dream was a lie.