Love Across Classes: The Consequences in Fitzgerald and Hartley’s Novels

suggests that Fitzgerald believes it doesn't matter either way. In "The Go-Between," the Maudsley residence known as "Brandham Hall" is portrayed as an upper-middle class "Georgian mansion," but the architectural style is criticized as being "over-plain." This critique by Hartley implies that the Maudsleys' lifestyle lacks substance, similar to the Buchanan family and their manner of living. "Court Place," Leo's home, is described as "ordinary," which Marcus snobbishly assumes indicates grandeur. This further suggests that the Maudsleys are not a family to be admired. To Leo, his home is just as meaningful as Nick's "small eyesore" is to him, as it is loved by its resident.

The Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby represents a soulless and desolate piece of land. Fitzgerald employs the literary device of juxtaposition to ironically portray the area as a "fantastic farm, where ashes grow like wheat." This emphasizes Fitzgerald's argument that the region is lifeless and will remain so, as the crop that sprouts is already burned and devoid of value. The term "ashes" serves as a metaphor for the inhabitants of the valley, who lack any prospect of advancement despite holding onto the promise of the American dream. "The eyes of Doctor T."

J. Eckleburg" is a powerful and enduring symbol in the novel, representing the characters' profound despair. Wilson's interpretation of the eyes as belonging to an all-knowing God implies that the billboard may be a satirical representation of God, as the people continue to struggle. The color of "Doctor T.

The eyes of J. Eckleburg are extremely powerful, with the combination of their "blue and gigantic" size and the "enormous yellow spectacles" they wear. The blue color

emphasizes the sadness felt by the residents, while the yellow spectacles seem to mock them, representing the vibrant and glamorous life of the upper classes. This billboard serves as a symbol of the flawed American dream, as it is old and deteriorating, and the Valley of Ashes is largely forgotten by those seeking success. The American dream traditionally stands for discovery, individualism, and the pursuit of happiness. However, The Great Gatsby reveals that in the 1920s, the dream has been corrupted by the influence of "old money" and a relaxed social environment, particularly on the east coast. As a result, it becomes impossible for the desolate inhabitants of the Valley of Ashes, commonly referred to as "gray men," to achieve happiness. This location is unique in The Great Gatsby because it vividly portrays hopelessness and decay.

The location's significance lies between New York and the Eggs, exposing that the dream has failed and the "powdery air" must be inhaled by the wealthy and nouveau riche. This metaphor showcases the gray lifestyles these individuals lead, where imperfection reigns and only a modicum of life exists. Wilson's garage symbolizes a failure of the American dream, embodying hopelessness and worthlessness, evident in Wilson being labeled as "spiritless" by Fitzgerald. The mention of a "dust-covered wreck of a Ford" is particularly disheartening, as it suggests that the poor may never have had the opportunity to emulate the rich and possess cars, even though Ford was intended to provide cars for all Americans. This could signify Fitzgerald's belief that the American dream is unattainable for the majority. On the other hand, Ted's farm in The Go-Between represents vitality with its

four horses and the scent of manure in the countryside. This farm embodies happiness for the lower classes in the 1900s and resurfaces at the end of the cricket match.

The text reveals that Wilson and Ted have different outcomes, but ultimately both paths lead to the same conclusion. This could symbolize the failure of the class system, as inter-class marriages are not accepted despite the existence of hope in certain areas. In contrast to the Valley, New York is a place of overwhelming noise, vulgar aesthetics, and a slightly eerie atmosphere. The party at Myrtle's apartment exemplifies the disillusionment of the American dream, as it descends into drunkenness and fights. Fitzgerald portrays Myrtle's apartment as small and unattractive, with "tapestried furniture" that creates a juxtaposition with scenes of luxurious gardens in Versailles. This highlights Myrtle's desire to live like a wealthy French princess, but in a materialistic manner.

The purpose is to demonstrate Myrtle's constant longing for wealth. The depiction of a "hen sitting on a blurred rock" represents her nearness to the extravagant lifestyle she desires but cannot attain. In The Great Gatsby, New York City is frequently mentioned and depicted as luxurious and showy, brimming with "movie stars." However, it is far from being a place of genuine joy. Fitzgerald describes it as "the city rising up … in white heaps and sugar lumps … with a wish of non-olfactory (not smelling money)." This figurative statement suggests that New York is a temporary source of pleasure that quickly fades away.

The irony and deceit of Myrtle, Gatsby, and Wolfshiem in New York is represented by the color white. The park is illuminated by a delicate

pale light, but this image suggests that there is little hope in the city. Leo discovers a beautiful plant called "atropa belladonna", despite its poisonous nature he admits he would like to look at it again. However, he soon realizes its danger and destroys it, just before Marian and Ted's affair is exposed. The presence of the "belladonna" symbolizes beauty tainted with poison within the Maudsley family.

Gatsby's house and Myrtle's apartment share similarities in their presentation of items appearing out of place, as Gatsby impresses his beloved Daisy. Gatsby's collection of shirts, in various patterns and colors such as coral and apple green, symbolizes his hope for a life with Daisy, despite the knowledge that "rich girls don't marry poor boys". Although Gatsby has acquired great wealth through questionable means, he is still far from reaching the level of the "old money" class. The hues of the shirts hold significant meaning, representing the purity of Gatsby's pursuit. On the other hand, the "Marie Antoinette music rooms" in Gatsby's house could foreshadow a similar fate that he faces. Just like Marie Antoinette, Gatsby may face a downfall despite his wealth, drawing a parallel between their situations.

The "green light on the dock" symbolizes Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy and the American dream in the novel. However, it ultimately fails as evident from the Dutch settlers' inability to possess the 'green breast'. Gatsby's unwavering hope encapsulates the unattainable essence of the American dream. The Go-Between and The Great Gatsby both share similar themes and conclusions, with location symbolizing various essential themes, including the significance of possessions. The "four candles" outside the Buchanan's house represent futile actions of those with

'old' money.

In the epilogue of The Go-Between, Leo sees "the south-west prospect of the Hall" which represents new hope and optimism in the future. However, the scenes of the "drunken woman" and the imagery of "the Dutch sailors" and Gatsby on his "blue lawn" ironically suggest that the American dream will never come true, despite the efforts put into it. The word count is currently 1650 words, which exceeds the limit of 1588 words. We need to eliminate unnecessary parts and possibly add a sentence about GB and Marie. Lastly, we must carefully consider the introduction and conclusion.

/More vale of ash. Unlikely to be pursued with word limit.

• To fulfill at least 1/3 of the word limit, more information about GB is needed, specifically focused on Gatsby's party.
• The ending will likely be relocated to the conclusion.
• Marie Antoinette will be included as background for one of the paragraphs that has already been completed. This will leave approximately 200 words for both the introduction and conclusion. It may be necessary to integrate the ending into the conclusion, which is not a bad idea. Sparknotes will be used for assistance. One point to note: GB is expected to be the more challenging of the two novels, and I would appreciate more information about certain parts before forming an incorrect impression (I blame you, Debbie Houghton).

AND we no longer have reference to GB, but I hope I can manage without it (somehow, someway).

We have approximately two weekends to complete

the task, so I hope to finish as soon as possible. This will give me time for revisions, but the faster we finish, the better. I wouldn't worry too much because we only need to add a maximum of 4 paragraphs.

On the social class sheet, there are some items that still need to be done:
- Buchanan’s house
- Ted’s farm (will do)
- Gatsby’s parties (not sure if I can include this, but I'll try)
- Gatsby’s mansion (partially)

Therefore, these ideas require further consideration. We have about 13 days left which is equivalent to two weekends. However, one Saturday is reserved for Ding Dong and the other for Orchestra Yet.

To meet our goals, we should focus on:
- Reducing word count
- Improving phrasing (done last weekend)
- Possibly enhancing the introduction
- Completing the summary grid for Dave by Tuesday
- Incorporating impressive vocabulary

The current word count is 1670 words which is reasonably close to the upper limit. It's okay since it's just around 20 words over. Good luck in finishing it within the next two weeks.

Yours truly,
Chris J Hosking xx

2nd draft: 1711 words, I will needd to get rid of at least 50.
All changes have been mostly implemented now; it's up to you (me) to reduce the word count.

Good luck! Our aim is to print next Tuesday after we have a final check.