The Human Stain

I found the first reading assignment to be interesting. I enjoyed how the book included background history about what was going on at that time such as the part about Bill Clinton's presidency scandal and how everyone was focused on his sex life rather than his policies. I was confused at first at who was narrating the story but once Colman and Nathan started to talk together I realized that Nathan was the narrator. I am intrigued about where this story is going because Coleman mention the affair at the beginning and I wonder if the wife died from heartbreak because she knew about the affair.

Great Gatsby Chapter 2

I think it is sad how all of these characters are in affairs except for Nick. I used to tolerate Tom but after his actions in this chapter I dislike him. I first started not liking him when he and Nick were on the train and he made them get off so he could go meet with his mistress, Mrs. Willson. When they met up he began taunting Mr. Willson while having an affair with his wife, Myrtle. I feel bad for Mr. Willson because he is completely oblivious to the fact that Tom is having an affair with his wife and meanwhile everyone, even her sister is aware of the affair. I feel bad for Nick because he has to sit around and hear all about their affairs and their history. I also didn't like Tom during the end of the party scene when he told Myrtle that she cannot say his wives name and then proceeded to break her nose. 


I have also noticed that female characters have been portrayed in a negative way. One example is when Tom and Myrtle get into an argument about whether she can say Tom's wife's name "Daisy" and then Tom treats her like she is his property when he breaks her nose. Myrtle was especially described in a negative way by Nick right from the beginning when he is talking about her lack of physical beauty. Mrs. McKee is also described in a negative way when she is first introduced.