Catalina asked this question about The Great Gatsby:
When Daisy uses the word "cool" to describe Gatsby (saying, "You're so cool,") does she mean it like the modern way we use the word? Or literally colder temperature than anyone else on that hot day? Or cool meaning unfazed? Or cool meaning lacking human warmth? It's a significant moment when she says that and I'd like to know what she meant exactly and why it meant that she was declaring her love for him.
Adam Good question. I would say it's a very different meaning than the modern concept and more like unfazed. Keep in mind Daisy is kind of simple lady trap…moreGood question. I would say it's a very different meaning than the modern concept and more like unfazed. Keep in mind Daisy is kind of simple lady trapped in the circumstances of here time... so take that as you will. All along Cool is a very slippery term but think of how with was written early in the Jazz age. The term gained popularity later on in the the jazz scene around mid 50's Miles Davis and company put it out into the world with "Birth of the Cool". As I understand it this was in opposition to the sort of corny conformity of the 50s. Maybe Miles read the book too? Cool is a word that stands the test of time. Stay cool.(less)
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