The Human Stain

My first reaction to reading the human stain was confusion. I was confused by how the professor worked to be in his position and lost it, and more confused on what Bill Clintons affair had to do with that(as we looked at in class). As i read on into the chapter, i was almost frustrated that a job could be taken away by someone for whoever manipulated something and interpreted it as a racial slur, when that was clearly not the professors intent. It is both confusing and interesting how individuals personal lives, and mistakes within their personal morals or belief could ruin everything for someone, even if these different opinions have nothing to do with the work that is actually being done itself.

Gastby

In the first couple of chapters of The Great Gatsby,  there is a clear underline "connection" within the characters we meet. Continuously, there is a concentration on the fondness of money and the ideals of class and how that comes into play for Gatsby. Gatsby talks about where he came from  and where he wants to be, what his goals are. He wants to "fit in" with the group of high class. In this class of people, the characteristics of Myrtle can be seen as actions that sum up the ones of her high class friends. She gets complimented on her dress, acts as if its surprising because its something old to her, and then rejects it out of her slightly snooty attitude. This quality is one that can be seen in a variation of ways within multiple characters in the first few chapters and on, its all about class.