Question

At dinner, Tom leaves to eat at another table. Daisy tells _____ that the girl is "common but pretty" and even goes so far as to give Tom her "little gold pencil" in case he needs to write anything down.

Answer 1

The quoted passages are from Henry James's novella, 'Daisy Miller,' which focuses on a young American woman's experiences in Europe and her interactions with societal norms through various characters.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passages provided appear to be from different points in Henry James's novella, Daisy Miller, which explores themes of innocence, social norms, and cultural clash through the character Daisy Miller, a young American woman traveling in Europe.

The novella presents interactions between Daisy and other characters, including Mr. Winterbourne, who is both captivated by and critical of Daisy's free-spirited behavior, which flouts European societal expectations.

These excerpts depict the social environment of the time, the character dynamics, and the conflict between individual freedom and societal pressure, as Daisy navigates the complex social terrains with varying degrees of regard for the rules that bind others.

This story provides insight into societal and gender norms of the late 19th century and portrays the challenges faced by a young woman who doesn't conform to them.

Answer 2

At dinner, Tom leaves to eat at another table. Daisy tells Nick that the girl is "common but pretty" and even goes so far as to give Tom her "little gold pencil" in case he needs to write anything down

Step-by-step explanation:

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” this scene takes place during a dinner party at the Buchanan’s house. Tom leaves the table to eat with another group, and Daisy confides in Jordan Baker about her feelings towards the girl that Tom is dining with.

Daisy describes the girl as “common but pretty,” indicating that she sees her as attractive but lacking in sophistication or refinement. Additionally, Daisy gives Tom her “little gold pencil,” suggesting a level of intimacy and trust between them, as she wants him to have it in case he needs to write anything down while away from the table.

This interaction provides insight into the dynamics of the characters’ relationships and the social dynamics of the time. Daisy’s comment reflects her judgmental nature and her tendency to make superficial assessments of others.

The act of giving Tom her pencil signifies a level of familiarity and closeness between them, highlighting the complexities of their marriage and interactions within their social circle. This moment adds depth to the characters and contributes to the overall themes of class, wealth, and relationships in the novel.

“The Great Gatsby” is a classic work of literature that continues to be studied and analyzed for its portrayal of the American Dream, social class, and moral decay. This particular scene showcases Fitzgerald’s skill in capturing the nuances of human behavior and interpersonal relationships within the context of 1920s America.