Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why does Gatsby fire all his servants and stop throwing parties?
Why does Gatsby fire all his servants and stop throwing parties?
Gatsby wants to avoid the gossip about him and Daisy.
Why does Daisy kiss Gatsby while Tom is on the phone in the other room?
Why does Daisy kiss Gatsby while Tom is on the phone in the other room?
She is living recklessly and trying to get caught or get back at Tom.
What does Gatsby see at Daisy's that he finds hard to believe?
What does Gatsby see at Daisy's that he finds hard to believe?
He sees Pammy, Daisy and Tom's daughter.
What does Jordan mean when she says, "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall"? What literary devices are being used?
What does Jordan mean when she says, "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall"? What literary devices are being used?
When does Tom realize that Daisy loves Gatsby?
When does Tom realize that Daisy loves Gatsby?
What does Gatsby hear in Daisy's voice?
What does Gatsby hear in Daisy's voice?
What is ironic about the way Daisy, Tom, Gatsby, Jordan, and Nick travel to the city? What does it symbolize?
What is ironic about the way Daisy, Tom, Gatsby, Jordan, and Nick travel to the city? What does it symbolize?
What conversation took place at Wilson's gas station that made Tom feel as if he was not in control?
What conversation took place at Wilson's gas station that made Tom feel as if he was not in control?
Why does Nick state "there was no difference between men" in reference to Wilson and Tom?
Why does Nick state "there was no difference between men" in reference to Wilson and Tom?
Why is Myrtle upset when she sees Tom and Jordan?
Why is Myrtle upset when she sees Tom and Jordan?
What does the weather symbolize in this chapter?
What does the weather symbolize in this chapter?
What does Gatsby's observation about Daisy signify?
What does Gatsby's observation about Daisy signify?
What memory do Daisy, Tom, and Jordan recall at the hotel suite?
What memory do Daisy, Tom, and Jordan recall at the hotel suite?
Why is Tom questioning Gatsby's past at Oxford? What does Gatsby do that is surprising?
Why is Tom questioning Gatsby's past at Oxford? What does Gatsby do that is surprising?
What is Nick's fascination with Tom's transition "from libertine to prig"?
What is Nick's fascination with Tom's transition "from libertine to prig"?
Why did Gatsby ask Daisy to admit that she never loved Tom?
Why did Gatsby ask Daisy to admit that she never loved Tom?
What is significant about Nick forgetting, then remembering, his 30th birthday?
What is significant about Nick forgetting, then remembering, his 30th birthday?
What has George Wilson done to his wife, Myrtle? Why?
What has George Wilson done to his wife, Myrtle? Why?
What 'incident' takes place as the first falling action after the climax?
What 'incident' takes place as the first falling action after the climax?
Why did Myrtle run out in front of Gatsby's car?
Why did Myrtle run out in front of Gatsby's car?
Who does Tom think killed Myrtle? What really happened?
Who does Tom think killed Myrtle? What really happened?
What is Tom's reaction to finding out that Myrtle has died?
What is Tom's reaction to finding out that Myrtle has died?
Where does Nick find Gatsby when he returns to East Egg with Tom? Why?
Where does Nick find Gatsby when he returns to East Egg with Tom? Why?
How does Nick feel about Jordan and the Buchanans at the end of the day?
How does Nick feel about Jordan and the Buchanans at the end of the day?
What does Nick see when he goes to check on Daisy? Why is this significant?
What does Nick see when he goes to check on Daisy? Why is this significant?
What does the conclusion of chapter 7 include?
What does the conclusion of chapter 7 include?
Study Notes
Gatsby's Actions and Motivations
- Gatsby dismisses his servants to avoid gossip about his relationship with Daisy, hiring trusted associates instead.
- He seeks to create circumstances where he can rekindle his romance with Daisy away from prying eyes.
Tensions in Relationships
- Daisy kisses Gatsby while Tom is occupied, reflecting her rebellious nature and desire to provoke Tom.
- Gatsby is overwhelmed upon meeting Daisy’s daughter, Pammy, realizing the reality of their past and the connection between Tom and Daisy.
Symbolism and Literary Devices
- Jordan’s statement about life restarting in the fall symbolizes looming change and the end of carefree summer days, hinting at future consequences.
- The oppressive heat symbolizes rising tensions and emotions, representing passion, jealousy, and impending conflict.
Conflicts and Self-Realization
- Tom begins to realize Daisy’s feelings for Gatsby when she compliments him in front of him, indicating a shift in power dynamics.
- Gatsby hears Daisy’s voice as a representation of wealth and status, highlighting his outsider status despite his wealth.
Journey into the City
- A role reversal occurs as Gatsby takes Daisy in Tom's car while Tom takes Jordan and Nick in Gatsby's, symbolizing shifting social standings.
- Tom feels a loss of control when Wilson reveals his knowledge of Myrtle’s cheating, illustrating Tom's vulnerability and the challenges to his dominance.
Comparisons and Reflections
- Nick notes the similarity between Tom and Wilson, both experiencing betrayal and emotional turmoil in their respective relationships.
- The characters’ reflections at the hotel about a past guest highlight Gatsby's exclusion from their social circle and reminders of Daisy's past.
Climax and Turning Points
- Gatsby's plea for Daisy to deny her love for Tom leads to emotional unrest; her admission of past love signals the climax.
- Nick’s remembrance of his 30th birthday marks the end of an era in the 1920s, emphasizing a transition in his life perspective.
Consequences of Actions
- George Wilson locks Myrtle away due to suspicions about her infidelity, showcasing the dark side of their relationship dynamics.
- A tragic incident occurs when Myrtle is struck by Gatsby's car, leading to a series of misunderstandings and revelations.
Misconceptions and Reactions
- Tom wrongly believes Gatsby is responsible for Myrtle's death, intensifying the conflict between him and Gatsby, though Daisy is the actual driver.
- Tom displays emotion over Myrtle's death, revealing his complex feelings despite his usual arrogance.
Final Outcomes and Realizations
- Gatsby’s presence outside the Buchanan house reveals his hope for a future with Daisy, despite the grim reality of their situation.
- Nick's disillusionment with Tom, Daisy, and Jordan culminates in a desire to distance himself from their morally ambiguous lives.
- The chapter concludes with Nick acknowledging Daisy’s unwillingness to leave Tom, highlighting her conflicted loyalties and Gatsby’s poignant loss.
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Explore key concepts and events from Chapter 7 of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Learn why Gatsby changes his social habits and Daisy's actions during pivotal moments in the story. Perfect for quick review or study sessions.