Improving Journal Entries
A good quote or a good question is the start of an excellent entry, but you need to note why
you picked it or try to answer the question. A good entry has a what (the quote or event
you are reacting to), a where (the page number) and a why (a tentative answer to your
question or your reason for noting the quote or events). An excellent entry has a thesis like
response.
(p92) “They’re such beautiful shirts,” she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. “It makes
me sad because I’ve never seen such—such beautiful shirts before.”
(p92) “They’re such beautiful shirts,” she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. “It makes
me sad because I’ve never seen such—such beautiful shirts before.” Why is she crying?
(p92) “They’re such beautiful shirts,” she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. “It makes
me sad because I’ve never seen such—such beautiful shirts before.” Is she crying because she's
happy or sad? Is she being materialistic or romantic? Maybe it's a little of both.
(p92) “They’re such beautiful shirts,” she sobbed, … I’ve never seen such—such beautiful shirts
before.” Is this just one more sign of how materialistic Daisy is? Or is she crying because her
true love Gatsby finally has the money that would allow them to be together? Is this the
culmination of her dream too? Or is she crying because she realizes she should have waited for
Gatsby? If she'd hung on a little longer, she'd have had love and money. She could have
avoided all that heartache with Tom. I think she thinks he just rode into town to rescue her.