The Great Gatsby Chapter 6 & 7

Questions and Answers

Summarize the story of James Gatz.

He was born to an impoverished farmer in North Dakota and legally changed his name to Jay Gatsby at 17. After briefly attending St. Olaf's, he dropped out to avoid being a janitor. His dreams intensified through his relationship with millionaire Dan Cody, whom he worked for. Gatsby inherited $25,000 after Cody's death, but could not access it due to Cody's mistress.

Who was Dan Cody?

Dan Cody was a millionaire fisherman who took Gatsby as his personal assistant.

What does Gatsby want Daisy to do, and what would this accomplish?

Gatsby wants Daisy to tell Tom that she doesn't love him, which would lead to Tom and Daisy's divorce, allowing Gatsby to pursue Daisy.

How does Gatsby respond when Nick tells him, 'You can't repeat the past'?

He insists, 'Of course you can!' and believes he can recreate his ideal past. Signup and view all the answers

What is ironic about Tom's statement that 'women run around too much these days'?

It is ironic because Tom himself is controlling and does not want Daisy to be free, while he is unfaithful. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Pammy, and how does Gatsby react when he sees her?

Pammy is Tom and Daisy's daughter. Gatsby is heartbroken and surprised, as it complicates his dreams for a future with Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom figure out that Gatsby loves Daisy, and how does he react?

Tom figures it out by observing Daisy and Gatsby's interactions. He reacts with disbelief and then suggests they go to town. Signup and view all the answers

What important discovery does Wilson make in chapter 7, and how does he react?

Wilson discovers that Myrtle is having an affair with Tom and reacts by wanting a car and heading west. Signup and view all the answers

What has Tom discovered about Gatsby's business dealings?

He discovered that Gatsby owns drug stores and is a bootlegger. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Myrtle running towards Gatsby's car, who was really driving, and who does Tom think was driving?

Myrtle was running to escape her husband; Daisy was driving, but Tom thinks Gatsby was driving. Signup and view all the answers

How has Gatsby's dream died in this chapter, and how has everyone else suffered loss?

Gatsby's dream of being loved and the center of attention is shattered. Wilson lost Myrtle, Tom felt betrayed, and Daisy experienced emotional stress. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Nick disgusted with Jordan at the end of chapter 7?

Nick is disgusted because Jordan is dramatic and won't stop talking. Signup and view all the answers

What comparisons does Fitzgerald draw between Tom and Gatsby?

Both are rich and successful and desire the best for Daisy, driven by pleasure and greed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

James Gatz's Background

Born to an impoverished North Dakota farmer, not to wealth in San Francisco.
Changed his name to Jay Gatsby at 17 to reinvent himself.
Dropped out of St. Olaf's College after two weeks to avoid working as a janitor.
His ambition increased due to his relationship with millionaire Dan Cody, whom he met while fishing on Lake Superior.
Inherits $25,000 from Cody's will, but loses it due to Cody's mistress, Ella Kaye.

Dan Cody

A millionaire from the Yukon Gold Rush who became Gatsby's mentor.
Took Gatsby as his personal assistant, influencing his aspirations for wealth.

Gatsby's Desire for Daisy

Gatsby wants Daisy to publicly declare her lack of love for Tom.
Achieving this would lead to Daisy's divorce, allowing Gatsby to pursue a relationship with her.

Gatsby's Perspective on the Past

Asserted to Nick that one can repeat the past, illustrating his desire to recreate a perfect life.

Tom's Irony and Control

Tom's complaint about women running around is ironic, considering Daisy's actions and his controlling nature.
Reflects Tom's possessiveness and attempts to dominate Daisy's life choices.

Pammy's Role

Pammy is Tom and Daisy's daughter, complicating Gatsby's idealized vision of a future with Daisy.
Gatsby feels heartbroken upon seeing Pammy, highlighting his feelings of loss and unmet dreams.

Tom's Recognition of Gatsby's Feelings

Observes the intimacy between Daisy and Gatsby, leading to disbelief and a desire to confront the situation.

Wilson's Discovery

Learns of Myrtle's affair with Tom, prompting him to seek a fresh start by heading west.

Tom's Insight on Gatsby's Business

Discovers Gatsby's connections to bootlegging and drug stores, raising suspicions about Gatsby's wealth.

Myrtle's Fatal Encounter

Myrtle runs towards Gatsby's car to escape Tom, ultimately leading to her tragic death.
Daisy was driving, but Tom assumes Gatsby was behind the wheel, leading to misattributed blame.

The Death of Gatsby's Dream

Gatsby's aspiration for universal love crumbles as he experiences profound loss.
Other characters face their own losses: Wilson loses Myrtle, Tom grapples with betrayal, and Daisy deals with emotional turmoil.

Nick's Disgust with Jordan

Nick grows irritated with Jordan's dramatic behavior and incessant chatter by the end of Chapter 7.

Comparisons Between Tom and Gatsby

Both are wealthy, ambitious, and desire the best for Daisy, showcasing similar motivations.
Fitzgerald suggests their shared greed ultimately drives them to compete for dominance in their social world.

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Description

Explore the complexities of Jay Gatsby's character in chapters 6 and 7 of 'The Great Gatsby'. This study guide provides essential summaries, including Gatsby's transformation from James Gatz to his ultimate dream. Ideal for students aiming to deepen their understanding of the novel's themes and character development.