The Great Gatsby Study Guide PDF

The Great Gatsby...

The Great Gatsby Study Guide by Course Hero Nick Carraway sometimes speaks directly to the reader in the What's Inside present tense. ABOUT THE TITLE j Book Basics................................................................................................. 1 The title, The Great Gatsby, acknowledges Gatsby's great wealth and local celebrity but hints at the verbal irony that d In Context..................................................................................................... 1 much of Gatsby's "greatness" is phony. a Author Biography..................................................................................... 2 h Characters................................................................................................... 2 d In Context k Plot Summary............................................................................................. 5 The Great Gatsby is set in 1920s' America, an era marked by c Chapter Summaries.............................................................................. 10 tremendous change in the country's culture and lifestyle. g Quotes......................................................................................................... 17 Sometimes called the "Roaring Twenties," this period may be depicted best by another of its nicknames, the "Jazz Age," l Symbols...................................................................................................... 19 which calls to mind adjectives such as free-spirited and fast- paced that fit both the decade and the music genre that m Themes...................................................................................................... 20 became popular. e Suggested Reading............................................................................... 21 With the end of the Great War (what World War I was then called), a sense of liberation took hold of the country. The economy, as if infused with that spirit, began to grow by leaps j Book Basics and bounds. By the latter part of the decade, the United States had become the world's wealthiest country, with mass production spurring a massive consumer economy. Stark AUTHOR changes in America came at multiple levels: women won the F. Scott Fitzgerald right to vote and played a larger role in the workforce; appliances were becoming common in the home; automobile YEAR PUBLISHED ownership started to become widespread; and people were 1925 leaving rural areas for life in cities, resulting in the country's GENRE urban population outnumbering its rural population for the first Drama, Fiction time. PERSPECTIVE AND NARRATOR All of these movements combined to create an American The Great Gatsby is told in the first-person point of view, from society characterized by more freedom, more free time, and the perspective of Nick Carraway. more disposable income than in any previous generation. And, while much progress was made, a stark chasm developed TENSE between society's haves and its have-nots. The Great Gatsby is told primarily in the past tense, although The Great Gatsby Study Guide Author Biography 2 Socially and politically, the rich were regarded with esteem attack that killed him on December 21, 1940, at age 44. simply because of their wealth. They were awarded tax benefits and were widely admired. Many in society's lower Many aspects of Fitzgerald's life—his successes and levels had a burning desire to join the ranks of the wealthy. struggles—are mirrored in his work, including The Great Frivolous spending and recreational leisure were prevalent Gatsby. The details are scattered throughout his stories in the among the wealthy, while those in the middle and lower form of character traits, story settings, and conflicts. When The classes—with little income or status—suffered greatly. Great Gatsby was first released, it received mediocre reviews Advances in technology fueled consumption by the elite, as and sold poorly. By the time of Fitzgerald's death, the author they purchased luxuries such as automobiles, homes, radios, was largely forgotten. However, after the United States phones, and other items that were outside the reach of most entered World War II, a group called the Council on Books in Americans. Wartime decided to improve the morale of the armed services by providing them novels to read. The Great Gatsby was one of The themes in The Great Gatsby echo and scrutinize the the titles chosen and its inclusion radically affected the novel's societal influences prevalent in the Jazz Age. Its characters popularity and sales. Total sales for The Great Gatsby in 1944 embody the various classes, values, behaviors, and customs, reached 120 copies, while today the book regularly sells as well as the ideals and ethics—or lack thereof—of the time. It 500,000 copies per year. is the collision of all these factors—and most especially of two polarized classes both chasing the American dream—that is at The chronological order of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels: the heart of The Great Gatsby. This Side of Paradise (1920) The Beautiful and Damned (1922) The Great Gatsby (1925) a Author Biography Tender Is the Night (1934) The Last Tycoon (unfinished; 1941) Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota. His father was an unsuccessful businessman, so the family lived off Fitzgerald's mother's h Characters sizable inheritance. His mother's wealth provided opportunities for young Fitzgerald to mingle with the social elite in his hometown, but the family wasn't quite rich enough to be welcomed into the highest class of the social hierarchy. Jay Gatsby Much like Nick's character in The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald left Jay Gatsby appears to be the embodiment of the American his Minnesota hometown for an Ivy League education dream at the novel's opening. The self-made man is depicted (Fitzgerald attended Princeton, however, while Nick attended as a wealthy, charismatic businessman who, having amassed a Yale), joined the army, and later moved to New York City. When fortune, has built himself a lavish lifestyle in postwar America. he was 22 years old, he fell in love with socialite Zelda Sayre. From the outset, Gatsby is elusive and mysterious, the stories Although Zelda claimed to love Fitzgerald, she refused to of where he came from and how he amassed his wealth are as marry him until he was rich. It wasn't until Fitzgerald published numerous and fanciful as the people who attend his weekly his first novel, This Side of Paradise, in 1920 that Zelda deemed parties. Nick Carraway eventually learns that Gatsby was born him appropriate to marry. James Gatz, the son of a poor farming family from North Dakota. The Jay Gatsby of West Egg is an invention of the As Fitzgerald's writing career blossomed, he and his wife young James Gatz, who wanted a different, sophisticated life enjoyed their celebrity with lavish parties, heavy drinking, and for himself. Gatsby keep his origins a secret and presents to extensive travels. Despite the glamorous facade the family the public only what he wants them to see. The mystery leads displayed to the public, the style and pace of the Fitzgeralds' people to speculate. Some people are certain he was a life came at a price. For years Fitzgerald struggled with German spy; others say he acquired his money through illegal alcoholism and depression, which wreaked havoc on his career activities such as gambling and alcohol. Still others insist he and health. Ultimately, these factors contributed to the heart Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Characters 3 killed a man. Gatsby does not care what others think of him. His entire focus is building his wealth, power, and prestige, all Tom Buchanan in an attempt to make himself worthy of Daisy Buchanan, a young woman he had fallen in love with before the war. But Tom Buchanan is a boisterous, unruly, arrogant brute. Tom is Gatsby's dreams, like the identity he created for himself and self-centered and controlling, showing a complete lack of the extravagant life he leads, are hollow and fleeting and respect for (and sometimes abuse of) women, including his eventually lead to his downfall. Gatsby represents both the wife and mistress. Throughout the novel, Tom manipulates best and the worst of the American dream; without a proper situations and people to hide his indiscretions. Representing foundation, that dream is all just a light in the distance: bright, the elite, Tom looks down on those without money and those intriguing, and unattainable. Gatsby's downfall, particularly the with new money. bleakness of his funeral, can be read as a critique of the reckless indulgence in pursuit of that dream. George Wilson Nick Carraway George Wilson owns and operates Wilson's garage and gas station in the valley of ashes. Unlike his wife, Myrtle, George is Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, is a bright, insightful young resolved to his position in life, a quality that spurs Myrtle's man who has recently returned from duty in World War I. contempt for him. In his dealings with the world, George is Despite being raised in the Midwest, Nick moves to New York respectful and fair, even with those who treat him poorly, like to work as a bonds tradesman. Nick is portrayed as an honest, Tom Buchanan. In the end, his heartbreak over Myrtle's death fair, and impartial man who makes friends easily and often leads him to murder, and ultimately suicide, representing the serves as a mediator among both friends and acquaintances. tragic impact of greed and deceit. He witnesses the dichotomy between the poor and elite, causing him to struggle with the superficiality of affluence. Myrtle Wilson Daisy Buchanan Myrtle Wilson is Tom's married mistress. She lives in the valley of ashes with her husband, George. The valley of ashes is a Daisy Buchanan is the superficial, self-absorbed, flighty, and financial and social wasteland, and Myrtle wants to escape it even foolish woman Gatsby is in love with. Married to the for a better life. She believes herself desirable to wealthy men wealthy but arrogant Tom Buchanan, Daisy has an affair with and dislikes her husband for being poor. She represents lower Jay Gatsby, her former lover. Throughout the novel Daisy class striving for the wealth, prestige, and lifestyle of the elite. rarely displays any emotion beyond her apparent boredom; she lives as if simply going through the motions. When Tom confronts Gatsby about his affair with Daisy, she quickly Jordan Baker abandons Gatsby, quitting their game. Daisy represents the wealthy women during this era, many of whom were referred to Jordan Baker is Daisy's friend from girlhood and a wealthy as flappers for their forays—in dress, behavior, and professional golfer. Jordan represents the new woman of the thought—into the modern life they embraced in the 1920s. 20th century, and is more of a risk-taker than her childhood Daisy's final act, running from the responsibility of her car friend. She ignores social conventions, speaks directly, and accident, suggests that she is a risk-taker only if it does not cheats to get what she wants. She becomes romantically risk her real life and the privileges it affords her. involved with Nick, but their relationship deteriorates when Nick discovers her dishonesty. Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Characters 4 Character Map Cousins Nick Carraway Narrator; youthful, honest Dates George Wilson Jordan Baker Auto garage owner; Neighbors Professional golfer; represents lower class questionable honesty Murders Married Jay Gatsby Friends Elusive self-made millionaire Secret lovers Myrtle Wilson Daisy Buchanan Unfaithful wife; wants Acquaintances Beautiful, superficial woman to climb socially Secret Married lovers Tom Buchanan Brutish, wealthy man Main Character Other Major Character Minor Character Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Plot Summary 5 Full Character List Ewing Ewing is Gatsby's frequent guest who leeches off the rich man's Klipspringer wealth. Character Description Chester is a photographer who, with his wife, Lucille, lives in the New York Jay Gatsby is an affluent Chester McKee apartment below the apartment businessman who uses his Jay Gatsby rented by Tom Buchanan. mysterious wealth to throw extravagant parties. Lucille and her husband, Chester, are downstairs neighbors to Tom Nick Carraway is the novel's Lucille McKee Buchanan in the New York apartment Nick Carraway insightful, kind narrator who is not building. overly concerned with wealth. Michaelis, who is identified by first Daisy Buchanan is a beautiful, name only, is George's kind neighbor Daisy Buchanan superficial socialite who is courted by Michaelis who tries to comfort George after many men, including Gatsby. Myrtle is killed. Tom Buchanan is an arrogant, Meyer is Gatsby's unscrupulous Tom Buchanan wealthy bully who lives an immoral, Meyer business partner; a member of the abusive life. Wolfsheim mob. George Wilson is a gas station owner George Wilson content to be part of the lower class. Myrtle Wilson is a lower-​class woman k Plot Summary Myrtle Wilson who experiences the elite life through her affair with Tom. At first glance, The Great Gatsby appears to be a fairly straightforward tale about Jay Gatsby's tragic pursuit of the Jordan Baker is a beautiful American dream. But upon closer examination—including a Jordan Baker professional golfer who is somewhat deeper look at the novel's use of symbolism and intent—the dishonest. story becomes a commentary on social classes, the pursuit of the American dream, and determining what really matters. Pammy Pammy is the young daughter of Thus, while the novel is set in the 1920s, its story and Buchanan Daisy and Tom Buchanan. characters are timeless. Mr. Carraway, whose first name is The Great Gatsby has five settings: not provided, is Nick's father; he Mr. Carraway gives Nick sage advice about how to 1. The Midwest, from which many of the main characters treat people. originate. 2. West Egg, a fictional city on Long Island, New York, where Catherine is identified by first name only. She is Myrtle's sister and knows up-and-coming residents with new money reside. Catherine of the affair between Myrtle and 3. East Egg, a fictional city also on Long Island, where the Gatsby. aristocratic wealthy of old money reside. 4. The Valley of Ashes, a third Long Island setting Dan is a mentor to James Gatz, later characterized as a bleak locale where the suburbs intersect Dan Cody known as Jay Gatsby. with the city and where those less fortunate—the have- nots—live. Henry Gatz Henry is the father of Jay Gatsby. 5. New York, where Nick Carraway works in the bond business and where Tom Buchanan rents an apartment in Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Plot Summary 6 which he meets with his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Jay Gatsby. George sets out to find Gatsby in West Egg, eventually locating Gatsby's mansion and murdering him in his The story begins with Nick Carraway's move to West Egg on pool before taking his own life. Long Island in New York, where he happens to rent a house next door to Jay Gatsby, a wealthy businessman known for his Nick learns of Gatsby's death and becomes a contact point for elaborately lavish parties. Gatsby appears to be well-liked and the details of wrapping up Jay Gatsby's life. He tries to contact popular, although where he came from and how he made his Gatsby's many "friends" and is saddened to discover that no fortune remain matters of mystery—and much speculation. one seems to care. When Gatsby's father turns up, Nick learns the true story of James Gatz—the young man from the As Nick settles into his new surroundings, he visits his cousin Midwest—and his rise to become the great Jay Gatsby, all in Daisy and her husband, a well-to-do couple living in old money pursuit of wealth and his vision of the American dream. At the East Egg. They and their friend Jordan Baker, a young, single, conclusion, Nick becomes disillusioned with all that the East and wealthy professional golfer, introduce Nick to their life in represents, a disappointment deep enough to lead him back to the East, which is characterized by abundant free time, flowing the Midwest. money, and luxury in all forms. Nick is attracted by this lifestyle even as he begins to consider its shallowness—particularly when he comes to understand that Daisy's husband Tom has "some woman in New York" and that Daisy is aware of it. By the time Tom takes Nick to meet Myrtle Wilson—who owns a gas station in the valley of ashes with her husband George—he is committed to what he sees as the East Coast way of life. Nick and Gatsby soon become friends. Even after Nick realizes Gatsby is pursuing the friendship in part so that he can reconnect with Daisy—who happens to be the woman he'd fallen in love with before the war—he is intrigued. At Gatsby's request Nick arranges for Daisy and Gatsby to reunite at his home. While the first meeting is awkward for the former lovers, it becomes apparent they still care for one another, and Gatsby and Daisy continue to see each other secretly. Eventually, Nick's two social groups from East Egg and West Egg intersect. Upon meeting him, Tom immediately dislikes Gatsby and later senses there is something going on between Daisy and Gatsby. While the group is in New York one afternoon, Tom confronts Gatsby, who informs Tom his suspicions are correct and that Daisy loves him. Meanwhile, in the "valley of ashes," George Wilson learns of his wife's infidelity but he does not discover her lover's identity. George locks Myrtle upstairs in their home to keep her "safe" until they can move away. When Myrtle escapes she is struck and killed by Gatsby's car, which Daisy is driving back from New York. Instead of stopping to help, Daisy drives away from the scene of the accident. Distraught, George is determined to find the driver of the car. This presents an opportunity for Tom, still reeling from Daisy and Gatsby's revelation, to tell George that the car belongs to Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Plot Summary 7 Plot Diagram Climax 9 8 7 10 Falling Action Rising Action 6 11 5 4 12 3 Resolution 2 1 Introduction Introduction Climax 1. Nick moves to New York. 9. Gatsby, Tom battle over Daisy; Daisy chooses Tom. Rising Action Falling Action 2. Nick attends first of Gatsby's parties. 10. Myrtle is killed by Gatsby's car, driven by Daisy. 3. Gatsby befriends Nick; the two grow close. 11. George Wilson kills Gatsby. 4. Tom introduces Nick to his mistress, Myrtle. 5. Rumors about Gatsby's past; Nick meets Wolfsheim. Resolution 6. Daisy, Tom attend Gatsby's party; have a bad time. 12. Almost no one attends Gatsby's funeral. 7. Daisy and Gatsby appear to be in love. 8. Tom discovers Daisy and Gatsby's affair. Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Plot Summary 8 Timeline of Events 1910 At age 19 Jimmy Gatz meets Dan Cody and changes his name to Jay Gatsby. October 1917 Gatsby falls in love with Daisy before shipping out during World War I. June 1919 Daisy stops waiting for Gatsby and marries Tom Buchanan. Spring 1922 Nick moves to West Egg and is reunited with Daisy. Summer 1922 Nick attends Gatsby's party and the two become fast friends. Summer 1922 The romance between Gatsby and Daisy grows while Tom becomes suspicious. Fall 1922 Daisy chooses Tom over Gatsby; later that night, Myrtle is run over. Fall 1922 Gatsby is shot dead. Fall 1922 Almost no one attends Gatsby's funeral. Fall 1922 Nick moves back to the Midwest. Spring 1924 Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Plot Summary 9 Looking back over the events "two years ago," Nick narrates the story. Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Chapter Summaries 10 the other side of the bay, new-money residents, like Jay c Chapter Summaries Gatsby, aren't quite accustomed to their great wealth yet, making them emotionally vulnerable (they know what they have to lose). Nick is the perfect, balanced narrator to navigate both Chapter 1 groups without bias. During the dinner in East Egg, much is revealed about the Buchanans and their superficiality. Fitzgerald uses detailed Summary descriptions to highlight the luxury in which these characters live: they have a grand mansion, a butler and silver polisher, Twenty-nine-year-old Nick Carraway reflects on the stables, and more. In the first descriptions of the women, they experiences of his recent past. After graduating from Yale and are twice described as "balloons," suggesting they simply float serving in the army, Nick decides to leave the Midwest behind through life—an apt description of the novel's old-money and move to New York to become a bondsman. He takes up characters. In these opening scenes, both Daisy and Jordan residence in West Egg, a Long Island community, where he are seen as foolish and flighty, while Tom is opinionated, rents a home next to Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious insensitive, and expects to have his way—particularly around businessman. women. On his drive home Nick feels slightly confused and disgusted with what he's learned about the Buchanans and the Nick's cousin, the beautiful socialite Daisy Buchanan, lives way they live their lives. across the bay in East Egg with her brutish husband, Tom. Soon after moving to West Egg, Nick is invited to the The green light Gatsby reaches toward is deeply symbolic: in Buchanans' home for dinner, where he meets Jordan Baker, a literature, green is often symbolic of money, and Nick later cynical professional golfer. During dinner, the foursome realizes that the light emanates from the end of the discusses trivial, superficial matters. Tom leaves to take a Buchanans' dock. As the novel progresses, it is revealed that phone call, and while he's gone, Jordan reveals that he must be Gatsby has amassed all his wealth in the hopes of winning talking to his mistress—a woman in New York whom he makes Daisy's love—a desire perfectly symbolized in this scene. no attempt to hide. Upon returning home Nick sees his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, emerge from his extravagant mansion. Resisting the urge to Chapter 2 call out to him, Nick watches, confused, as a trembling Gatsby stares off into the distance, arms outstretched, reaching toward a green light across the bay. Summary Chapter 2 opens with a description of the "valley of ashes," a Analysis dismal location between the Eggs and New York City. The valley is the dumping ground for New York City's ashes, and Nick is immediately revealed to be an honest narrator. His the entire area is coated with gray dust. As Nick Carraway father's advice to avoid criticizing people because "all the describes the desolate place, he mentions the faded billboard people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg—two large eyes peering out from had" suggest that he is nonjudgmental and moral, which is the enormous yellow spectacles. Tom and Nick are taking the train perfect lens through which to view this story of deception, to New York City, and Tom wants to stop at the valley of ashes superficiality, and immorality. Because Nick is well-educated to introduce Nick to "his girl," Myrtle Wilson, the wife of garage and comes from a good background, it's clear that he will fit owner George Wilson. The Wilson garage is described as easily into both social circles—the old money of East Egg and "unprosperous and bare," and the Wilsons' lives are simple. the new money of West Egg. Residents of East Egg are Shortly after, Myrtle appears in the garage and under the ruse accustomed to a life of privilege, and generations of wealth of meeting her sister Catherine in New York, joins Tom on the have made many residents, like Tom Buchanan, arrogant. On train. The threesome takes a taxi from the New York train Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Chapter Summaries 11 station, and Myrtle frivolously insists they stop to buy a puppy Daisy's name. Irate, Tom breaks her nose, reminding Myrtle of from a street vendor because a dog will be "nice" for the her place, and displaying his brutishness. apartment. After being joined by Catherine and her friends, the McKees, everyone begins drinking excessively, and they all become quite drunk. Myrtle pays attention to the puppy only to Chapter 3 show it off as a new accessory for the apartment. As the party progresses, Myrtle begins complaining about her life and about Tom's marriage to Daisy. Infuriated that she would mention Summary Daisy's name, Tom swiftly strikes Myrtle in the face, breaking her nose. The party comes to an abrupt end and Nick takes an Jay Gatsby is well known throughout town for his lavish weekly early morning train back to Long Island. parties. One week, Nick Carraway is surprised to receive a handwritten invitation, and nervously attends. The party guests revel in Gatsby's immense wealth—his fancy cars, swimming Analysis pools, elaborately catered menus, and full orchestra—and swap tales of how Gatsby must have made his fortune. Nick The valley of ashes is a hugely symbolic place, literally covered feels awkward and out of place at the party until he meets in the waste of capitalism. The pursuit of wealth and damages Jordan Baker. Together they mingle with other guests, and left in its wake are important topics in the novel. Hovering over Nick is as astounded by the lavish festivities as he is by the the valley of ashes are the faded eyes of Dr. Eckleburg, eyes partygoers' discussions of Gatsby's past and the source of his George Wilson later refers to as the eyes of God. The fact that fortune. Whenever Nick asks where Gatsby himself is, no one they are faded suggests that spirituality and religion are long- seems to know. It's unclear whether anyone at the party has forgotten institutions, which further highlights the immorality actually even met the host. and corruption of the novel. As Nick and Jordan continue to search for Gatsby, Nick strikes The valley of ashes again uses geography as a motif for up a conversation with a handsome gentleman at a nearby differentiating social classes. Fitzgerald uses the stark table, thinking he looks vaguely familiar. The man turns out to contrast between the valley of ashes, the Eggs, and New York be Gatsby himself, and the two men realize they served in the to vividly represent the socioeconomic status of the people same division during the war. Nick is struck by Gatsby's easy living in these areas. Against these backdrops he examines the style and the genuine interest with which he talks to his guests. concept of class and, specifically, the elite versus the lower When Gatsby is called away, Jordan begins to speculate about class. Using the gathering at Wilson's garage in the valley of who Gatsby really is and joins the others in sharing rumors ashes as a backdrop, the contrast between the Buchanans and about him. the Wilsons is clear. George seems content with his station in life, while Myrtle (like Jay Gatsby) longs for attention and Breaking into present tense, Nick makes it clear that he didn't affluence. waste his entire summer partying. He worked hard in New York and dated a few women, but by midsummer he begins dating Once the party is in full swing, Myrtle has fully transformed Jordan more seriously. He feels drawn to her even though he from poor garage-owner's wife to what she perceives to be a finds her dishonest (he knows, for example, that she cheated wealthy socialite. Her behaviors are affected and obviously at her first major golf tournament), and by the end of the mimicked, but she is eager to display the fantasy life she has summer he wonders whether he is in love with her. created for herself—including the puppy, her newest domestic accessory toward which she displays a superficial affection. It's clear, however, that the puppy is a frivolous purchase and Analysis has no real meaning for either Myrtle or Tom. Although the group knows of the affair between Tom and Myrtle, there is no Gatsby is symbolic of the new money of West Egg: people who acknowledgment of the affair's immorality. Despite her aren't used to being rich and are thus prone to lavish displays eagerness, it's clear that Myrtle does not have the breeding or of wealth, such as his opulent parties. No one seems to know refinement to pull off the facade. Drunk, she begins chanting who Gatsby is or how he got rich, but they're more than happy Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Chapter Summaries 12 to take advantage of his generosity by partying into the wee progresses, Gatsby and Nick's friendship grows, with Gatsby hours of the morning, eating the food and drinking the wine of encouraging Nick to enjoy his beach, ride in his hydroplane, a host they cannot even identify. Despite having few facts, and join him for lunch. While out for a ride with Gatsby one people happily swap rumors about Gatsby—that he was a afternoon, Nick realizes that Gatsby is aware of the many German spy, or that he killed a man. The theme of superficiality stories being shared about him. To set the record straight, versus truth or facade versus reality continues when Nick Gatsby tells Nick about his past, claiming that he's from the meets Gatsby. Despite Gatsby's fame, Nick is taken aback by Midwestern town of "San Francisco," that he graduated from how humble the man seems, and is surprised to learn that they Oxford, and that he is a decorated war hero. Gatsby also served in the same military division during the war. Gatsby's intimates that his family had died and left him a good deal of accent, however, seems fake; he throws parties where he money. Many of Gatsby's facts about his past directly reflect knows none of the guests, and in touring his home, it's clear the obviously false rumors circulating around him, and ring that each detail has been painstakingly chosen to create the false to Nick. appearance of vast wealth. In the library, for example, one guest is amazed that the books are real, not just ornate In New York, Gatsby introduces Nick to Meyer Wolfsheim, a cardboard fashioned to look like real books. business associate, and Nick discovers that Wolfsheim has a questionable past in gambling and other illegal activities. In this chapter Fitzgerald uses Nick's perceptions to elaborate Following the meeting with Wolfsheim, Nick spots Tom on the superficiality of the individuals and events he is Buchanan and introduces Gatsby to him. Gatsby appears experiencing. Although he is absorbed in the exciting lifestyle inexplicably flustered to meet Tom. Through Jordan, it is that the East Coast offers, Nick is not completely won over. revealed that many years ago—before the war—Gatsby and Nick's personal ethics can be glimpsed as he muses on what Daisy Buchanan had a passionate fling. Gatsby had wanted to he calls Jordan's "incurabl[e] dishonest[y]." He is drawn to both marry her, but her parents were vehemently against it. Gatsby Gatsby and Jordan despite their seeming dishonesty (or was called into service and Daisy promised to wait for him, but hidden truths). This is interesting because morality and while Gatsby was away, she met and was quickly engaged to honesty are at the core of Nick's character. He calls himself Tom Buchanan. After the war, Gatsby dedicated himself to "one of the few honest people that I have ever known," yet he amassing wealth and moved across the bay from Daisy, hoping is willing to overlook these flaws in others—perhaps due to his to impress her and win her back. Gatsby asks Nick to arrange father's advice at the novel's opening not to criticize anyone. a lunch with Daisy that he can unexpectedly arrive at, surprising Daisy. Nick also seems concerned with how his character comes across in the novel, speaking directly to readers to assure them that he didn't fritter away his summer with mindless Analysis partying—he worked hard in New York and tried to date other women. In the end, though, he was drawn back to the mystery This chapter continues the theme of superficiality versus truth, and opulence of West Egg. or facade versus reality. In creating a new life for himself—one to impress Daisy—Gatsby has obviously left the reality of his past behind him. His personal history is fabricated, and the Chapter 4 origin of his money is just as murky. Through these lies, the true picture of Gatsby is beginning to emerge: like many other characters in the novel, he is dishonest and obsessed with Summary appearances. He may, in fact, even be a criminal. Nick's fears of Gatsby being involved in organized crime are a sharp Throughout the summer Nick Carraway continues to attend contrast to Jordan's perception of Gatsby as a brokenhearted Jay Gatsby's parties and notices that some guests attend a soldier who would stop at nothing to win back the woman he Gatsby gathering only once, while others appear each week. loves. Both interpretations of Gatsby's characters are One frequent guest, Ewing Klipspringer, attends the parties so somewhat true. After hearing both sides of the story, Nick is often that he becomes known as "the boarder." As the summer equally perplexed about his feelings for Gatsby: he admires the man's determination and drive, yet is disgusted by his Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Chapter Summaries 13 (seemingly) illegal means of amassing wealth. nervous, worried that Daisy will not come. Daisy does arrive, but when Nick shows her into the living room where Gatsby While driving to meet Wolfsheim for lunch, Gatsby is pulled had been waiting, he is gone. He knocks at the front door a few over for speeding. He simply waves a card at the officer, moments later, as if he's just arrived, having snuck out the however, and is let go without even a warning. This is another back. clue that Gatsby occupies a high rank in society and that he may have come by his celebrity immorally. Gatsby's clout hints At first the reunion is awkward. Gatsby nervously breaks Nick's again at his involvement in organized crime—the officer clock and even laments that the meeting was a mistake. Nick practically apologizes to Gatsby for pulling him over, rather decides to leave the pair alone for a short time, and when he than reminding him of the law. returns, Daisy has tears in her eyes and Gatsby is glowing with delight. It appears their love is rekindled. Gatsby invites Nick Gatsby's past relationship with Daisy provides more insight into and Daisy over to his house for a tour. As they walk through her character. It appears that she truly was in love with Gatsby the vast mansion, it's clear that every detail has been hand- but was discouraged from marrying him because he was poor. selected to impress Daisy. She is impressed, breaking into Even though she said she would wait for him, she chose to tears when she sees all of Gatsby's fine shirts. Gatsby and marry Tom, a man capable of gifting her with pearls worth Daisy are so overwhelmed to be together again that Nick is more than $350,000. For Daisy—and clearly for her old-money able to slip out of the house unnoticed. family—good breeding is more important than love. Perhaps this is why Daisy chooses to stay with Tom despite his abusive behavior and obvious adultery. Again, appearances are more Analysis important than reality in her circle, and to East Eggers, Tom is the catch of a lifetime. Gatsby's dream, which he has spent five years working toward, is finally realized when he is reunited with Daisy. The build-up to their meeting is comically awkward, although Nick insists "it Chapter 5 wasn't a bit funny." Gatsby, who has been controlled and measured throughout the novel, is suddenly nervous, emotional, and vulnerable. When he knocks on Nick's door Summary after Daisy's arrival, he is "pale as death." Gatsby wants everything to be perfect for Daisy, so he micromanages every Upon returning home late one evening, Nick Carraway is detail to ensure it's as beautiful as he's always dreamed, hiring surprised to find Jay Gatsby nervously waiting for him. It's clear a landscaper to cut Nick's lawn, and sending over a that Gatsby wants to know whether Nick has arranged the tea "greenhouse" of flowers. He dresses in white, gold, and silver with Daisy Buchanan, but doesn't want to come right out and to ensure Daisy doesn't miss the fact that he's rich now. When ask him. He first invites Nick to Coney Island and then over for they actually meet, however, it's awkward—foreshadowing the a swim, which Nick declines, citing the time. When Nick fact that reality is never as beautiful as the dream. In a announces that he will invite Daisy for tea in two days, Gatsby bumbling attempt to appear relaxed, Gatsby breaks Nick's becomes visibly excited and nervous. He offers to find Nick a clock, a vivid symbol of his botched attempt to rewind time. side job to make more money doing very little work. Nick After some time alone, however, it's clear that Gatsby and realizes that Gatsby is offering his friendship and money in Daisy's love has been rekindled. Daisy's eyes are filled with exchange for help in reconnecting with Daisy, and he feels tears twice in this short chapter, most notably after she sees offended; he would have preferred that Gatsby felt friendship Gatsby's fine shirts. Daisy married Tom hastily, attracted to his was enough motivation for Nick to help him. Nevertheless, Nick money, leaving Gatsby because he was too poor. Now he has calls Daisy the next day, invites her to tea, and asks her to not more money than he knows what to do with, and Daisy's tears bring Tom. suggest a realization that she made a terrible mistake. Had she On the appointed day, Gatsby sends over a gardener to cut waited for Gatsby, she could have had love and wealth, but she Nick's lawn and orders a "greenhouse" of flowers to decorate sold herself short. the interior of Nick's home. Gatsby arrives early, desperately Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Chapter Summaries 14 Gatsby's vulnerability is also seen when he offers to pay Nick through Daisy's eyes, in all its garish opulence. After the party, for helping him arrange the meeting. Nick is offended by the Gatsby is depressed about Daisy and vows to "fix everything offer—he would have helped Gatsby simply because they're just the way it was before" when they knew each other in friends. The offer suggests that Gatsby has few true friends. Louisville. Since becoming rich and shedding his past, Gatsby has had to pay for everything, including friendship. His superficiality has caused him to lose touch with reality. The interaction leaves Analysis Nick in deep thought, as he questions again just how much of the person known as Gatsby is a facade. Insight into Gatsby's true past highlights the transformation his character has undergone. At the age of 17, Gatsby abandoned his past, even changing his name, to chase a dream. In all this Chapter 6 time his character hasn't matured past his teenage dreams—he still naively believes that with enough determination (and money) anything is possible. His dream won't be complete until Daisy admits that she never loved Tom, leaves him, and runs Summary back to Louisville to marry Gatsby. Nick tries to shake sense into Gatsby by warning that he can't re-create the past, but A reporter approaches Jay Gatsby's house hoping to question Gatsby responds incredulously, "Of course you can!" Gatsby him about his past and to resolve the various rumors that have has been so dedicated to chasing a dream that he no longer been circulating around New York. Nick Carraway interrupts sees its impossibility. the story to relate Gatsby's true past: his real name is James Gatz and his parents are poor North Dakota farmers. He Gatsby's crucial flaw is that he believes money can buy him attended college for two weeks, paying his tuition through anything. Unfortunately, Gatsby is new money and will never be janitorial work, but dropped out because he found the work too accepted in the old-money social circle. This is painfully demeaning. He took a job fishing on Lake Superior, and one obvious when the riding party visits for a drink. They haven't fateful day warned a yacht owner of an impending storm. Dan come to socialize with Gatsby—they use him for a rest and free Cody, the wealthy yacht owner, took an immediate liking to booze. Gatsby foolishly thinks he can buy their friendship, just James and hired him as an assistant. James, who had by now as he tried to do with Nick in Chapter 5, and he becomes a changed his name to the more fashionable "Jay Gatsby," laughingstock. Tom and his friends sneak out of Gatsby's became obsessed with wealth and luxury, learning many house, both horrified and amused that he believed their dinner important lessons from Cody. In his will, Cody left the amount invitation to be sincere. of $25,000 to Gatsby. Gatsby was unsuccessful in actually claiming the inheritance; nevertheless, he used the lessons he The clash between old money and new money is further learned from Cody to amass his fortune. highlighted during the unsuccessful party that weekend. Even Nick finds the garish opulence of the party appalling. He, like Returning to the summer of 1922—Tom stops at Gatsby's the Buchanans, is impressed with what Gatsby can buy but house for a drink after a day out riding with friends. Gatsby is finds the gluttony and excess disgusting. the consummate host, offering them cigarettes, his best liquor, and even dinner, an invitation they politely decline. The threesome shallowly invites Gatsby to join them for dinner, and he eagerly accepts, not realizing that the invitation is only a Chapter 7 polite formality. They sneak out while Gatsby is fetching his coat. Summary Tom, who has become suspicious of Gatsby's strange behavior and no longer wants Daisy visiting him unattended, joins her at The relationships between Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and one of Gatsby's parties. Despite Gatsby's best efforts, no one Tom Buchanan reach a breaking point in Chapter 7. To protect has a particularly good time—even Nick, who sees the party Daisy, Gatsby becomes more reclusive, even firing all of his servants so that there won't be anyone to gossip about her Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Chapter Summaries 15 comings and goings. The brewing confrontation between Tom drives Nick and Jordan back to East Egg, and as they Gatsby and Tom reaches its boiling point at a luncheon at the pass through the valley of ashes, they come upon a terrible Buchanan home. Daisy and Gatsby have become bolder in sight: fleeing from her home, Myrtle has been killed in a hit- their displays of affection. When Tom takes a phone call in and-run accident. It's obvious that it was Gatsby's car that another room, for example, Daisy kisses Gatsby and proclaims struck her, and Nick is horrified to learn that it didn't stop after her love. Suddenly her toddler daughter, Pammy, appears, led the accident. Back at the Buchanan home, Nick finds Gatsby by her nurse. The child is allowed to stay just long enough for hiding in the bushes in case Daisy needed his protection from Daisy to show her off to the group and is then whisked away Tom. However, when Nick left them, they were calmly eating so the adults can have lunch on their own. During the meal dinner at the table. Gatsby admits that Daisy had been driving Gatsby and Daisy gaze lovingly at each other, and Tom can no the car when it killed Myrtle, but that he'll take full blame. Nick longer deny that they are having an affair. leaves, disgusted. Abruptly, Daisy suggests a trip to New York. Tom agrees but demands to drive Gatsby's car with Jordan and Nick, leaving Analysis Gatsby to drive Tom's car with Daisy. In the car Tom explodes about the obviousness of Gatsby and Daisy's relationship. On Chapter 7 is the turning point in the novel. The tension that has the way, he stops at Wilson's garage for gas. Wilson, who is been mounting blows open in the climactic moment when, after obviously ill, inquires about when he can buy Tom's old car. He a heated fight, Daisy chooses Tom over Gatsby. Gatsby's says he needs money because he has just learned his wife is dream is shattered, and everything he has worked to achieve having an affair and he needs to move them away. Tom is slips away. Everyone in the hotel room feels the excruciating aghast—in a short space of time learning he may lose his wife tension as both men vie for Daisy's commitment. In the end, and his mistress. As they drive away Nick notes the hovering Gatsby's fantasy cannot trump the reality of the life Daisy and eyes of Dr. Eckleburg, and also Myrtle Wilson's eyes jealously Tom have created, despite its obvious flaws. Daisy's choice is peeking out from behind the curtains. foreshadowed before lunch when her young daughter appears, breaking the romantic moment she and Gatsby shared. While It's oppressively hot in the city, so the party decides to rent a Daisy dotes on her daughter, Gatsby "kept looking at the child hotel room and drink. As they relax, Tom tries to catch Gatsby in surprise." Although Daisy treats the toddler with what seems in a lie but Gatsby is cool and composed. Realizing he's getting like a superficial display of attention, Pammy represents the nowhere, Tom finally bursts out, "What kind of row are you love Daisy and Tom share, and denying that love is as ludicrous trying to cause in my house anyhow?" Aghast, Daisy tries to as trying to deny the child's existence. Tom cements this truth deny that anything is going on, but Tom is determined, insisting in the hotel room when he states, "there's things between that he won't let "Mr. Nobody" make love to his wife. Daisy and me that you'll never know." Indeed, Gatsby's money Boldly, Gatsby rises and tells Tom that Daisy never loved cannot erase Daisy and Tom's shared future in their daughter. him—she's loved Gatsby for the past five years, and only Interestingly, Daisy repeatedly calls Pammy "dream," married Tom because she was sick of waiting for Gatsby to highlighting that her dreams are far different from Gatsby's. get rich. At Gatsby's insistence, Daisy robotically agrees that After the hotel room fight, Daisy's intentions in her relationship she never loved Tom. Tom seems genuinely hurt by this and with Gatsby are revealed. Like everyone else in Gatsby's life, presses Daisy to refute her statement. Under Tom's Daisy has been using him—to get back at Tom for his infidelity. questioning, Daisy admits that of course she loves Tom, and Realizing that he might lose Daisy, Tom admits his affairs, and scornfully says that Gatsby asks too much of her: "I can't help promises "I'm going to take better care of you from now on." what's past." Buoyed, Tom lays into Gatsby, bitterly announcing This seems to be enough for Daisy, who at the chapter's end, the unsavory ways he made his fortune, clearly affecting Daisy: sits calmly eating dinner with her husband, uncaring that she "with every word she was drawing further and further into has just killed a woman and broken a man's heart. Gatsby's herself." Knowing that he has shattered Daisy's illusion of retelling of the hit-and-run suggests that Daisy intentionally Gatsby and that he is no longer a threat to their marriage, Tom mowed Myrtle down, hinting at Daisy's mindset leaving the arrogantly tells Gatsby to drive Daisy home. hotel: if she can't have fun with Gatsby anymore, then she's going to ensure Tom can't have fun with his mistress, either. Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Chapter Summaries 16 At the end of the chapter, Nick is disgusted by the self-serving Then he turns the gun on himself. Nick, worried when he behavior of everyone he's met. Nothing, not even a woman's cannot get through to Gatsby on the phone, leaves work early death, can pull them from their spoiled, selfish pettiness. and discovers the bodies. Gatsby gave up everything—his past, his name, his morality—in pursuit of Daisy. He is desperate and would do anything to be welcomed into their elite circle. By refusing to join the Analysis Buchanans for dinner, Nick takes a clear moral stance: he is not, and has no desire to be, one of them. The difference When Gatsby returns from his vigil outside Daisy's home, he is between Gatsby and the Buchanans is made clear one final surprised that Daisy didn't need him. Gatsby has fantasized his time: while the Buchanans are united in their perverse view that relationship with Daisy for so long that he cannot come to grips everyone is disposable (Myrtle and Gatsby, for example) and with the idea that she has changed since he first met her. The are able to calmly sit and eat dinner together, Gatsby still reality is, Gatsby doesn't really know her. Spiritually, he feels wants to protect his perfect image of Daisy. Despite her "married" to her because they consummated their relationship abhorrent crime, he is willing to sacrifice himself for her. In five years ago, but Daisy obviously didn't feel the same way, pursuing her, he's given up everything and no longer has yet Gatsby—the perpetual dreamer—still clings to the idea that anything to lose. Daisy has lost her way and needs him to save her. As frustrating as Gatsby's dreams are, Nick prefers them to the moral emptiness of the "rotten crowd" Daisy and Tom are a Chapter 8 part of. Morally shaken by the events surrounding Myrtle's death, Nick even ends his relationship with Jordan, realizing that it is shallow. He shows genuine care for Gatsby, more concerned about his friend than his family (Daisy), urging him Summary to leave Long Island until the dust has settled around Myrtle's death. Unfortunately, Gatsby has worked too long, given up too The morning after the accident, Nick Carraway visits Jay much, to slink away in hiding. He cannot admit, even to himself, Gatsby and tries to encourage him to leave West Egg for a that his dream of living a happy life with Daisy has died. while, but Gatsby refuses to leave Daisy. He describes how he first met and courted Daisy before the war, dazzled by her The symbolism of Dr. Eckleburg's eyes returns in this chapter, beauty, wealth, and social position. Before shipping out, he and with George insisting that while Myrtle may have been able to Daisy made love, leaving Gatsby to feel "married to her, that fool him, she "can't fool God." When George looks up at the was all." Daisy promised to wait for Gatsby to return, but grew faded billboard, the reader is reminded how easily the anxious the longer he was away. The following spring, she met characters have shed their morality in pursuit of personal gains and married Tom, who matched her social rank and whom her (wealth, romance, and so on). The characters regularly pass parents approved of. When Gatsby returned, Daisy was under the billboard—God's eyes—on their way to and from illicit already on her honeymoon. Despite everything, Gatsby trysts, meetings with unscrupulous businessmen, and indeed, remains convinced that he and Daisy will end up together. Nick after a murder. The faded (forgotten) billboard hangs above feels heartbroken for Gatsby and his stubborn refusal to the valley of ashes, suggesting a broader symbolism of accept the obvious truth. Before boarding the train Nick calls America's rejections of morality in its capitalistic pursuit of out that Gatsby is "worth the whole damn bunch put together." wealth. Armed with the belief that he is exacting God's revenge, George sets out to find Myrtle's murderer. This belief, Meanwhile, in the valley of ashes, George Wilson is struggling and the unfortunate mistaken identity of Gatsby as the killer, is with Myrtle's death and the recent discovery of her infidelity. just another example of distorted reality. Daisy, the truly guilty He convinces himself her death was murder, not an accident. party, continues her life without consequence while Gatsby is He believes that God demands revenge. Obsessed with finding sacrificed. Fitzgerald is here again examining the idea of class Myrtle's killer, he asks around until he learns—from Tom struggle, with Myrtle, George, and Gatsby representing Buchanan—that it was Gatsby's car that killed his wife. collateral damage—casualties of the games the rich can afford Believing Gatsby was the driver responsible for the accident, to play. George travels to West Egg and shoots Gatsby in his pool. Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Quotes 17 and new money. Although Nick doesn't have the extreme Chapter 9 wealth Gatsby enjoyed, he is representative of the same social circle: privileged, but not elite. Nick's time in West Egg gave him a taste of an upscale lifestyle filled with riches and leisure Summary foreign to his Midwestern upbringing. Through his friendship with Gatsby and the Buchanans, he sees what people are The day of Jay Gatsby's death descends into a stream of willing to sacrifice in pursuit of social standing, and what they gossipy police, reporters, photographers, and rubberneckers will trample on to cling to their positions. Like Gatsby, Nick gazing into Gatsby's pool and theorizing about his life. Fearing must decide if the ends justify the means. he'll have to plan Gatsby's funeral on his own, Nick Carraway reaches out to Gatsby's friends, but they've all disappeared. Nick, like many other characters in the novel (Gatsby, Myrtle), Even Daisy and Tom have abandoned their home, sneaking grapples with the trappings of the American dream. America is away without leaving a forwarding address. Nick is infuriated the land of opportunity, where rags-to-riches stories are by the fickleness of Gatsby's "friends," but not entirely celebrated. Gatsby was able to create an entirely different surprised when he, a few of Gatsby's servants, and Gatsby's persona for himself and amass unimaginable wealth, but he father, who has traveled from Minnesota, are the lone was never able to fully achieve his dream. When Nick visits attendants of Gatsby's funeral. Despite the fact that Gatsby Gatsby's house one last time, he sees the green light and had abandoned his past, his father talks fondly of his son, imagines how Gatsby must have believed his dream to be just saying how proud he was of him, and saving a photo of out of grasp, not realizing that "it was already behind him, Gatsby's enormous house to remember him by. somewhere back in that vast obscurity." For Myrtle and Gatsby, being born poor prevented them from being truly In New York one afternoon, Nick bumps into Tom, who admits accepted into the elite rank of social hierarchy, and no matter that he told George Wilson that Gatsby killed Myrtle Wilson. what either accomplished, acceptance would be impossible. In Nick is outraged, but Tom insists that Gatsby deserved to die. this way, their dreams were always doomed. Nick has the Tom also insists that he suffered terribly after Myrtle's death, social breeding to be accepted into the elite circle (he is and that giving up the New York apartment where they used to Daisy's cousin, after all), but not the wealth. Had he worked to meet was heartbreaking. Nick leaves the conversation feeling gain a fortune like Gatsby did, he might have a chance of as if he had been talking to a child. After saying goodbye once acceptance, but for Nick, the reward is not worth losing his and for all to Jordan, Nick packs up his belongings and morality. Instead, he packs his bags and moves home to the prepares to move back to the Midwest. On his last night, he Midwest, leaving the green light and the valley of ashes behind visits Gatsby's house and stares across the bay at the green him. light in the distance. Analysis g Quotes This final chapter ties up the novel's loose ends and brings "Whenever you feel like criticizing many of the themes full circle. Tom's blind arrogance allows him to blame Gatsby for the accident, and to feel no remorse anyone, just remember that... for the false accusation or for Gatsby's death. Initially, Nick does not want to shake Tom's hand, but relents before saying [everyone hasn't] had the goodbye because it would be "silly not to." Nick realizes that advantages that you've had." there is no point in being angry with Tom, despite his horrific behavior. Tom, like Daisy, is too self-involved, too shallow, and — Mr. Carraway, Chapter 1 too spoiled to realize the tragedy he caused. Tom's insistence that he "had his share of suffering" in giving up his New York apartment seems to him punishment enough for Gatsby's In the opening of the novel, Nick recalls this advice from his death. This interaction solidifies the divide between old money father and says that it causes him to reserve judgment on Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Quotes 18 people and to be open to those who want to share their never seen such beautiful shirts." thoughts. This establishes Nick as a fair and moral narrator. It also defines the divide between the rich and poor in the novel: — Daisy Buchanan, Chapter 5 a reminder that wealth and opportunity aren't equally divided. Daisy sobs when she sees the wealth Gatsby has amassed. "I hope she'll be a fool—that's the She realizes that she could have had it all—love and money—if she had waited for him as she promised she would. best thing a girl can be." — Daisy Buchanan, Chapter 1 "He invented... the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen-year-old This quote shows that Daisy is not truly content with her role as a frivolous, wealthy wife. Although that role is the most she boy would... invent." can foresee for her daughter, she is not happy about that either. — Nick Carraway, Chapter 6 In pursuing his version of the American dream, Gatsby "I told that boy about the ice.... remakes himself into what he believes, on a superficial level, to You have to keep after them all be the ideal man: a wealthy socialite moving upward on the social scale. the time." — Myrtle Wilson, Chapter 2 "You always look so cool." Through her affair with Tom, Myrtle believes she is part of the — Daisy Buchanan, Chapter 7 elite and pretends to be a snob at the hotel. She is distorting reality, ignorant that she will never be fully accepted. This is Daisy's roundabout way of telling Gatsby that she loves him, but it focuses on his appearance, serving as a reminder of how shallow Daisy's love is. "Before the wedding he gave her a string of pearls valued at three "I go off... and make a fool of hundred and fifty thousand myself, but I always come back." dollars." — Tom Buchanan, Chapter 7 — Jordan Baker, Chapter 4 Tom justifies his extramarital affairs because in his heart, he Jordan explains why Daisy married Tom, even though she was loves Daisy and always comes back to her, which highlights his in love with Gatsby. Tom offered financial security and social immorality and selfishness. prestige that she couldn't pass up. "What'll we do... this afternoon... "They're such beautiful shirts... I've Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Symbols 19 he had warned her that God is all-seeing. Despite the disregard and the day after that, and the for institutionalized religion during the 1920s, George reminded next thirty years?" his wife that there are still consequences for immoral behavior. — Daisy Buchanan, Chapter 7 "They smashed up things... and Although Daisy usually maintains a cheerful demeanor, this line then retreated back into... their reveals that she is sad about what she sees as the meaninglessness of her life. vast carelessness." — Nick Carraway, Chapter 9 "So we drove on toward death Describing Tom and Daisy, Nick realizes that the wealthy can through the cooling twilight." always hide behind their money, which perpetuates their immorality and sense of entitlement. — Nick Carraway, Chapter 7 This line from Nick, as the narrator, carries a double meaning. "Gatsby believed in the green light, Nick, musing on his 30th birthday, sees ahead of him a rather gloomy future of dwindling social prospects and loneliness, the... future that year by year leading eventually to death. The line also foreshadows the recedes before us." evening's events: Gatsby and Daisy are ahead of them in Gatsby's car and will soon have the tragic accident that results — Nick Carraway, Chapter 9 in the death of Myrtle Wilson. This quote repeats Gatsby's dream of a future based on his "You're worth the whole damn past romance with Daisy. Although he believed that his idealized future was possible, his attempt to re-create their bunch put together." past love failed because Daisy's present, including Tom and their daughter, could not be ignored. Daisy still had feelings for — Nick Carraway, Chapter 8 Gatsby, but her love for Tom and Pammy could not be overcome; her current life destroyed any possibility for Gatsby's longed-for future. Nick has come to truly care about Gatsby, despite his criminal behavior. Gatsby embodies passion and single-minded determination, which Nick respects much more than being born into an elite position. l Symbols "You may fool me but you can't Valley of Ashes fool God!" — George Wilson, Chapter 8 Like many locations in The Great Gatsby, the valley of ashes is symbolic of its residents' social status, but the symbolism After Myrtle is killed, George tells his neighbor Michaelis that found here goes even further. The valley, which is covered in Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Themes 20 ashes from the neighboring New York City factories, becomes symbolic of the waste left behind in the pursuit of wealth. The Class Wilsons, residents of the valley of ashes, are collateral damage in the wake of the Buchanans' elitist, immoral pursuits. The theme of class, particularly the elite versus the middle and lower classes, is pronounced throughout The Great Gatsby. This theme is demonstrated via geography: East Egg Green Light represents the elite with old money, West Egg represents the elite with new money, and the "valley of ashes" represents the middle and lower classes. Those who are not in one of the The green light at the end of the Buchanans' dock is there for a wealthier communities strive to be there, as portrayed through practical purpose: it is a beacon to alert boaters that there is the character of Myrtle Wilson. The central character, Jay an obstacle there that they need to avoid. For Gatsby, the light Gatsby, is obsessed with being seen as one of the greatest of symbolizes a dream—his dream of obtaining Daisy. In broader those in West Egg so that he can be reunited with his love, terms it also symbolizes the American dream. The novel opens Daisy Buchanan, who lives in East Egg. Fitzgerald's strong with Gatsby reaching his open arms toward the light, and ends characterization vividly captures the contrasts between the with Nick's realization that the dream is elusive: "tomorrow we classes. will run faster, stretch out our arms farther." The novel Another location comparison used to examine the class theme questions the sacrifices individuals must make to achieve their is that of the Midwest versus the East Coast. Like the dreams, and whether the ends justify the means. comparison between West Egg and East Egg, the Midwest is depicted primarily as a place of new money but also one of strong ethics and new ideas. By contrast, the East Coast, like The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg East Egg, is old money and elitism at its worst. It is an incident of dramatic irony that Nick, Daisy, and Tom are from the Midwest and have moved east for a better life. The abandoned billboard promoting Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's optician services is symbolic of the immorality of the 1920s. In a time of fierce capitalistic gains and elaborate, wild parties, Superficiality versus Truth many Americans abandoned their religious morality in pursuit of personal pleasure. The billboard serves as a reminder of God's watchful eyes, yet its faded, forgotten appearance Superficiality versus truth, or facade versus reality, permeates suggests that the characters (with the exception of George The Great Gatsby and is best examined by looking at the Wilson) are no longer concerned with the consequences of characters of Jay Gatsby, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, and their actions. Even George Wilson, who believed that God's Jordan Baker. Gatsby's entire existence personifies eyes were watching down from the billboard, eventually breaks superficiality—from his pseudonym, to his fabricated past, to down and commits an immoral act by murdering Jay Gatsby. the lavish parties he throws. Gatsby, in his pursuit of Daisy's love and the means he needs to secure it, has become so focused and shallow that he m Themes struggles to be himself, which is clear in his awkwardness when finally meeting Daisy at Nick's house. At his core, Gatsby is motivated by his love for Daisy; he seeks power and money to be accepted among the wealthy and deserving of her love. By the time this story begins, however, he is so entrenched in the lifestyle of the elite that he has lost Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887 The Great Gatsby Study Guide Suggested Reading 21 his way; he has given himself over to his goals and has lied for hangers-on—many of whom don't even know him. so long—even to himself—that he is unable to recognize truth or achieve depth in his relationships. Nick discovers this early Nick feels the pull of his Midwestern moral values, but is on when Gatsby attempts to buy his friendship. swayed by the allure of the East's excitement and easy pleasures. The Buchanans and Jordan Baker also lead superficial lives—directionless existences characterized by luxury, wealth, Although Daisy loved Gatsby when they first met, she decides power, and the never-ending pursuit for more. not to wait for him when tempted by Tom's offer of marriage. After all, Tom comes from an elite family and showers her with expensive presents. Later, despite her renewed feelings for Gatsby, she remains with the safe choice of old money and American Dream social status. Myrtle, mesmerized by the glamour she sees in the elite, is willing to trade the moral haven of her marriage for the chance The Great Gatsby can be seen as a reflection of the rise and to join the upper class. In that pursuit, she eventually loses her fall of the American dream. Fitzgerald sets the story in the life, whether Daisy meant to hit her, or whether it was an frivolous 1920s—before anyone could even have imagined the accident. crash that ushered in the Great Depression four years after the book was published—and focuses on how individuals can re- create themselves and become successful no matter where they begin. e Suggested Reading Chasing the American dream comes with harsh realities for Beuka, Robert. American Icon: Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. some, which Fitzgerald shares through the character of Nick