The Great Gatsby by F.

Scott Fritzgerald
IB Analysis Journals

Brief Chapter Summary: Chapter 1

Nick, our main protagonist, introduces us to the world of The Great Gatsby, a story set in the East among the lands of
the rich. Nick is a neutral optimist who was a WWI veteran. He lives on the “West Egg”--a hill--next to his neighbor, the
esteemed Gatsby. Chapter One follows Nick’s visit to his distant cousin Daisy’s home on the East Egg, where he meets
Jordan Baker--a rich girl whom he seems interested in--and Daisy’s racist, non-loyal, possibly abusive husband Tom.
He also meets Daisy too for the first time. She is a thrilling, intriguing girl who seems removed from the culture of the
rich (or possibly just Tom). Despite her bubbly, quirky attitude, she reveals herself to be quite cynical, proven by her
distant relationship with her own daughter. The chapter ends with Nick seeing Gatsby, who is watching a green light
on the East Egg. The back of my book explains that Gatsby is in love with Daisy.

Purpose of Chapter: Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.

Chapter One serves as the introductory chapter to our 9-chaptered story. It introduces us to our characters and our
settings, and illustrates Scott Friztgerald’s writing style: metaphorically descriptive and dream-like. Through this
chapter, we can already start to see some possible character dynamics and who each person truly is. For instance,
Daisy’s bubbly likability to Nick demonstrates not only her infectious personality but also her disdain for her current
situations: living with Tom in the land of the rich. She confides in her distant cousin about her cynical view of life and
her disappointments in her husband and relationship with her daughter as a way to escape her unpleasant existence.
Nick on the other hand is a listener. He begins the story telling readers about his life motto of not judging people and
proves himself to be some-kind of a Wallflower in his passive role at dinner and his far-away idolization of Gatsby.
Tom is the complete opposite of Nick: he is an aggressive alpha who is knowingly cheating on Daisy with a woman in
NY, all the while showing no signs of guilt. Can we say Stanley Kawalski but rich? The passive-aggressive conversation
between him and Daisy during dinner illustrates their strained relationship, which may be a reason why Daisy
possibly dislikes the rich: they are pompous, arrogant, prideful, and indifferent. Jordan and Gatsby are mysterious
characters though. Both of them are popular in the East. Nick seems to fancy Jordan’s appearance.

Crafts & Techniques: Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.

In this chapter, readers get exposed to Friztgerald’s style. The man is masterfully descriptive with his writing, painting
images through both literal descriptions and figurative language. For example, when the sun sets as Nick stares at
Daisy, Fitzgerald writes that “the last sunlight fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face, … each light
deserting her with a lingering regret, like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk” (14). There’s a vivid, dream-like
atmosphere created with this poetic description, helping convey the fact that Daisy is beautiful and desirable in a
figurative, effective manner. So far, themes have been introduced, though what these themes are is a little difficult to
discern, considering that we haven't had them developed yet. Motifs, however, have been shown, most notably wealth
(the mansions, abundance of French architecture and art, gold, atmosphere of sophistication, ect). If I were to guess, I
would imagine wealth connects to themes of class disparity (as Nick’s father puts it: “Whenever you feel like
criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had” (1)),
suppression of certain groups of people (as Daisy puts it: “And I hope she’ll be a fool --that’s the best thing a girl can
be in this world, a beautiful little fool” (17)), and the ethics of the rich.
 Global Issues: Include pg. # and explanation

1) Identity / Gender Roles: “And I hope she’ll be a fool --that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful
little fool” - Daisy (17). The identity of women is that of a idiotic beauty, one who merely listens and pleases
men. Daisy hopes her daughter will not be intelligent since intelligent women of the 1920s were
knowledgeable of the very few opportunities they had, despite being talented and capable. The ideal identity
of a woman instead is that of an object that shall not object to her husband’s word; there is no joy and place for
intelligent women in the society of the 20s.
2) Culture: “You see I think everything’s terrible anyhow. Everybody thinks so --the most advanced people.
Sophisticated --God, I’m sophisticated!” - Daisy (17). Here, Daisy criticizes the seemingly sophisticated culture
of the rich. She makes it clear that she knows Tom is cheating on her, yet she isn’t doing anything about it since
there is almost nothing she can do about it. The rich are infinitely powerful, held back by nothing, creating a
reckless culture of indulgence, immorality, and indifference (the 3 Aristocratic I’s). This contrasts the popular
portrayal of wealthy culture, which is that the rich are a dainty, noble, civilized people. The inability to do
anything against the rich is the reason why their culture is as sordid as it is.
3) Xenophobia: “Have you read ‘The Rise Of The Coloured Empires’? [I]f we don’t look out the white race will be
utterly submerged” (13).
4) Class: West Egg and East Egg
5) Family: 3

Vocabulary: At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

Word Definition Inference & #

Levity Humor, usually doing serious moments; “Most of the confidences were unsought--frequently I have feigned sleep,
inappropriate frivolity preoccupation, or a hostile levity when I realized by some unmistakable sign
that an intimate revelation was quivering on the horizon” (1)

Conferred Grant or give (something conceptual) “He had causally conferred to me the freedom of the neighborhood.” (4)

Supercilious Acting with an air of superiority over “Now he was a sturdy, straw headed man of thirty with a rather hard mouth.”
others (7)

Accentuate Make something noticeable “She was a slender, small-breasted girl with an erect carriage, which she
accentuated by throwing her shoulders backwards.” (11)

Languid In a slow, unenergetic manner “Languidly, their hands set lightly on their hips, the two young women
preceded us out.” (11)

Extemporize To improvise; impromptu “This was not true. I was nothing like a rose. She was only extemporizing.”
(14)

Peremptory Imperative “As I started my motor Daisy peremptorily called: Wait!” (19)

Libel A false rumor that is damaging to one’s “We heard you're engaged,” Tom corroborated kindly.
reputation “That’s a libel. I’m too poor.” (19)
 Fractiousness Quality of being rebellious, quarrelsome, “His speaking voice, a gruff husky tenor, added to the impression of
and disobedient fractiousness he conveyed.” (7)

Rotogravure Made by a rotogravure machine, a “...contemptuous expression had looked out at me from many rotogravure
popular printing system involving pictures of the sporting life at Asheville.” (18)
spinning cylinders

Personal Notes:

1) “ No -Gatsby turned out all right at the end: it is what preyed on [him], what foul dust floated in the wake of his
dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short-winded elations of men.” (2)
2) “For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her flowing face; her voice compelled me
forward breathlessly as I listened -then the glow faded, each light deserting her with a lingering regret, like
children leaving a pleasant street at dusk.” (14)
3) “I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward - and distinguished nothing except a
single green light, minute and far avatar, that might have been at the end of a dock.” (21)
I really like Fitzgerald’s writing style so far. It’s almost magical.

Brief Chapter Summary: Chapter 2

● The chapter begins with Nick and Tom traveling on a train that runs from East Egg to New York. The train
stops at the squalid “valley of ashes” between the two cities, where New York’s industrial pollution
accumulates. Tom and Nick stop here, and Nick notices how everything in this city is covered with an
unnatural, sickly coat of grey, from the people, the buildings, to the sky itself. Most strikingly though, in the
middle of the town, there is a blue billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, an optometrist, featuring two large eyes and a
pair of glasses; the eyes of this faded doctor are unaffected by its ashy surroundings and seemingly see
everything, like some omnipresent being.
● The two guys stop at the home of Myrtle and George Wilson. Tom bullies Geroge a little about his car, before he
talks to Myrtle about a trip to a hotel. Myrtle is the girl who Tom is cheating on Daisy with. She is provocative
despite being (as described by Nick) stout. The group of three--Nick, Tom, and Myrtle--head out to the hotel,
leaving poor George behind.
● Myrtle quickly reveals her materialistic personality. She badgers Tom for everything, including a pet dog from
a man that resembles Rockerfeller. The two seem infatuated with each other: Tom for Myrtle’s body and the
control he has on her and Myrtle for Tom’s bottomless pockets. At the hotel, the trio is joined by another
aristocratic couple, the McKees, and Myrtle’s sister, Catherine, who noticeably attempts to maintain her vitality
despite being washed by time.
● The conversation of these aristocratic assholes disgusts Nick. Myrtle treats Tom’s money like her own: she
reveals that it was a mistake on her part to marry George, a poor “commoner”, and casually changes into
various dresses throughout the night to keep things exciting. All she cares about is money, materials, and her
appearance, and the room is filled with artificial laughter between her, Mrs. Mckee, and Catherine over such
 superficial affairs.
● The night ends when Tom breaks Myrtle’s nose over her mentioning Daisy. Nick and Mr. Mckee are horrified by
this sudden change in atmosphere, and the two leave off a train back to their respective homes. They possibly
also slept with each other.

Purpose of Chapter: Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.

Fitzgerald accomplishes the following things using this chapter:

● Introduce new characters in the form of the Wilsons, Mckees, and Catherine
● Expand the universe geographically by introducing the new abhorred valley of ashes
● Introduce a famous image of the novel: The All-Seeing Eyes of Dr. J.T. Eckleburg
● Develop Nick and Tom’s characters. We see now that Nick seemingly rejects the culture of superficiality and
materialism and how Tom abuses his wealth. We also now know for certain that Tom is a violent man.
● Create more suspense around the titular character, by alluding to the rumor that he may be a relative of the
German Kaiser

Crafts & Techniques: Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.

- Imagery: Fitzgerald uses vivid descriptions of a squalid, sulking city and its people to illustrate the effects of
America’s growing industrialization of the 20s. Everything from the sky to the citizens are colored in a ghastly
grey, symbolizing how industrialization, intensifying and intensified by consumerism, taints the environment
and the public, who are turned either into the thoughtless perpetrators of the grey or the robotic victims of it.
This imagery can also be a commentary on how the rich are built upon the crippling of every other class below
them. After all, the ash-colored city is a product of New York, a symbol of wealth and business. Like New York,
the foundation of wealth for the rich are founded in the exploitation and ruin of something smaller, be it a class
or a city.
- Symbolism: The wide, piercing eyes of Dr. J.T. Eckleburg is the book’s most popular image. From the moment
Nick enters the town, this billboard is represented as an omniscient being, with its eyes seeing all that happens
in the sordid city and following Nick wherever he goes. Dr. J.T. Eckleburg can be Fritzgrad’s symbol of God. The
billboard’s bird’s eye view of the city can represent God gazing down upon America’s growing corruption,
seeing the country become dirtier literally with pollution and metaphorically with greed. The eyes seem to
pass no judgement, being indifferent and removed to its decaying reality.
- Allusion: When Myrtle spontaneously desires a puppy, Tom purchases one from a man who resembles John D.
Rockerfeller. The salesman contains a bucket of puppies with much variation, eventually giving Myrtle “an
Airedale” despite her wanting a “police dog” (27). This allusion to Rockerfeller--the richest man in American
history--and Rockerfeller’s monopoly on the oil industry allows Fritzgerald to illustrate how the rich only grew
richer by capitalizing off the culture of consumerism of the 20s. By convincing her to accept a different dog
than what she wanted, the salesman, like Rockerfeller, is able to control the market, ripping off the public and
growing wealthier in the process.
- Characterization (1): Nick’s desire to emerge himself in nature and cleanliness after he enters the hotel speaks
a lot on the culture of the rich. Coming from Nick, who has been portrayed so far as an objective individual,
these thoughts suggest that the ostentatious lifestyle of aristocrats is morally filthy and almost imprisoning;
his discomfort in the presence of materialistic conversation, artificial laughter, and discriminatory dialogue
captures how morally unpleasant it is to be apart of a class that features a culture of superficiality. Fritzgerald
ultimately uses Nick’s characterization as a trustworthy character and his role as the story’s main protagonist
 to express his own disdain for aristocratic culture.
- Characterization (2): Myrtle is portrayed to be strictly materialistic. She chases after Tom because he is
wealthy, completely transforms in the presence of wealth, and admits she is maritally unhappy because of her
spouse's lack of wealth; wealth seems to play a big role in her identity, as Fritzgerald uses her character to
depict the popular consumerism of the 20s and to symbolize the ease by which the rich control the hungry
public. Conversely, her supplier, Tom, is characterized in this chapter to be somewhat of a proprietor, supplying
Myrtle with materials to gain sexual pleasure from her. The relationship between these characters allow
Frtizgerald to illustrate how the rich have the public on a leash and can thus pull the public anyway they
please. Myrtle’s broken nose testifies to this.
- Motif: Once again, wealth is a popular motif in this chapter. Pairing it up with the motif of ashes this time,
Fitzgerald is further able to illustrate the corrosive effects of the influx of money the 20s experienced in the
form of the dying city and the violently unchecked Tom. The prevalence of both of these motifs in this chapter
also testify to how dominant of an effect increased consumerism had on American society.
- Syntax: Near the end of the chapter, mystery emerges from the severed syntax of Nick’s visit with Mr. McKee.
With sentences starting without capitalization and the inclusion of isolated lines (made obvious by “...”),
Fitzgerald leaves the chapter’s conclusion to be ambiguous, allowing readers to interpret. Considering that Mr.
McKee woke up in his underwear recanting the names of various novels in a dream-like fashion, many readers
obviously assume that the two had sex. This would mean Nick is homosexual or, at the very least, bisexual.

Global Issues: Include pg. # and explanation

● Culture & Identity (pg. 36) - Myrtle’s whole identity centers around materialism. One has to question what her
views on her husband and life would be like if she did not have the ostentatious access to things she does with
Tom. Her identity represents the popular identity of most in the 20s and shows the ways in which such an
identity molds one’s view of reality.
● Culture & Power (pg. 35) - Nick wishes to escape the rich’s conversion, finding their topics to be boring,
discriminatory, engulfing, and generally unpleasant. This pessimistic view of aristocratic culture is popular
among all cultures, as many see the rich to be a class indifferent and removed from true reality.
● Culture (27, 30) - Conversely, there’s also a culture of material obsession among the public, illustrated by
Myrtle’s desire to purchase a dog and her needless possession of various dresses. This displays the high
demand for ridiculous, trivial objects in developing societies; as a result, such societies develop a controlled
culture, being led by the hands of the affluent.
● Technology (pg. 23, 24) - The ashy streets, buildings, skies, and people of the buffer city serve to be a critical
commentary on industrialization’s ability to disfigure a society. This touches on the environmental and moral
drawbacks of industrialization, a topic very relevant to our modern world.

Vocabulary: At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

1. Pastoral (28) - I thought this word means relating to the countryside and greenery. In reality, it could mean this
and can also mean referring to something relaxing and pleasant.
2. Worldly (29)- I thought this word meant referring to reason and modesty. It actually can also mean relating to
material obsession.
3. Proprietary (29) - I thought this word related to ownership. It actually can also be used as a way of describing
assertiveness.
4. Ectoplasm (29) - I first thought it meant a gooey, supernatural substance (thanks Ghostbusters). It actually
 refers to the substance that a supernatural materialization is composed of during a median.
5. Languid (29) - I first thought this word meant unpleasant and unnatural. It actually means slow and lazily,
without much energy.
6. Vitality (29) - This word refers to life and how lively something is. More accurately, it means how strong or
energetic something is.
7. Fluently (37) - I first thought this word only meant to be coherent. Actually, it can also mean the ability to flow
easily, just as the “blood flows fluently”.
8. Gypped (34) - I first thought this word meant to be stolen from. Actually, the word means to be scammed,
which is close to my original interpretation.
9. Kaiser (32) - I didn’t know what this word meant, but I could infer it was a famous figure. After research, I
found out it described the monarch of Germany, a system which does not exist anymore. Specifically, Kaiser
Wilheim II led Germany into WWI with his famous quote: “Germany shall find its place in the sun”.
10. Solemn (27) - This word means to be respectful. It can also actually mean sparingly.

Personal Notes:

Will we once more see Myrtle again? Will she and Daisy ever meet? I feel like the reason Tom doesn’t divorce Daisy
and marry Myrtle is because he wants to uphold his high status as a proper, moral aristocrat, similar to how Nick’s
family was reluctant to throw him into the bond business and how Catherine wants to stay young and beautiful. I
wonder if this is a theme about the aristocracy’s culture as well.

Is Gatsby really related to the Kaiser?? If so, what does this mean for Nick? He just fought in a war started by a relative
of Gatsby…

What could Fritzgerald be saying about God through the billboard of Dr. J.T. Eckleberg? Is he possibly saying that god
is apathetic to the corruption of humanity? After all, the billboard just observes the chaos while also being untouched
from it. Is Fritzegerald a deist? Perhaps he is saying the moral corruption and greed of America is profusely shameful,
to the point where even God shuns them.

IS NICK GAY OR BISEXUAL?????

Brief Chapter Summary: Chapter 3

● The chapter starts with Nick attending one of Gatsby’s esteemed parties. He was personally invited by a letter
from Gatsby himself, and he feels as if he is one of the only people who was actually invited.
● Nick feels out of place at the extravagant party. This party is the definition of the ostentatious culture of the
1920s. Gatbsy has an orchestra, several Royce Rolls, crates of fresh fruit, and even a freaking beach in his
mansion. People everywhere are dancing and having fun, a distinctly different vibe to that of the dainty, proper
East Egg parties. Ironically, nobody seems to know where Gatsby is. Most members, like Nick, don’t actually
even know how Gatsby looks.
● Nick eventually meets with Jordan Baker, who invites him into her own separate party. The group spends time
 gossiping about Gatsby, as some claim he’s a murder or spy while others insist they heard through the
grapevine that he attended Oxford. Baker and Nick decide to find Gatsby, but instead meet a drunkard lying in
Gatsby’s smithlike library. Nick calls him Owleyes.
● The two finally meet Gatsby unexpectedly. Gatbsy is a young veteran, two qualities that surprised Nick. Nick
also finds an immediate liking to Gatsby, who is portrayed to be very inviting, pleasant, and strangely
understanding. Nick observes that Gatsby doesn’t smoke or indulge in the wild dancing of his own party; he
just stands on his marble stairs to observe the party (similar to what Nick is doing). Eventually, Gatbsy takes
Baker to a separate room, where they discuss something “simply amazing” according to Baker.
● As the fervor dwindles down, Nick observes the many signs of decaying happiness. He notices that many
women become upset with their so-called husbands, who are drunkenly flirting with other girls. He also
identifies one girl in particular, who is singing through sobs. Her tears intertwine with her massacre, leaving
blackening trails of filth upon her face, almost like wealthy scars. The crowd sneers at her. The party ends, and
Nick and Gatsby make a hydroboarding appointment together the next day at 9 AM.
● On exiting, a tumultuous crash halts progress for the partygoers. It was between Owleyes and another
aristocrat. Owleyes claims he isn’t a good driver, and that it was impressive of him to have only popped one
wheel. He’s drunk and proud, turning stubbornly ardent about his point.
● Nick explains that he doesn’t just go to parties all the time: he has an actual job and life outside of dipping his
feet in the golden waters of wealth. Also, he admits to having been in a fling with a lady from New Jersey,
something he had previously rejected as being a libel. He ends the chapter by confirming his interest in Jordan
Baker, who he classifies as inherently dishonest and selfish. It’s so strange that he finds an interest in this
masculine girl, since he himself views his own character to be one of honesty.

Purpose of Chapter: Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.

Fitzgerald accomplishes the following things using this chapter:

● Introduce the titular character, Jay Gatsby, and his character (inviting, social, veteran, morally strong)
● Further develop the relationship between Nick and Jordan (love?)
● Reveal more about Jordan’s character. She is selfish and dishonest
● Extend the universe, by taking the readers into the lavish world of Gatsby’s parties
● Reveal more about Nick’s character outside of the things he describes. He has a life as a bondman and had a
fling with a girl in New Jersey.
● Create more suspense about Gatsby. Was he a killer in war, a German spy, or an Oxford graduate?

Crafts & Techniques: Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.

● Motifs - Chapter 3 is immodestly dominated by the motif of wealth, illustrated through Gatsby’s Jazz orchestra,
lavish library, artificial beach, sparkling Royce Rolls, and plantations of food. Wealth and its power is
highlighted most powerfully during this chapter, allowing Fritzgerald to best demonstrate to readers the
ostentatious culture of the 1920s.
● Juxtaposition - In this chapter, Fitzgerald juxtaposes the parties of East Egg and West Egg to highlight
characteristics and differences between America’s East and West coasts. He describes the parties of East Egg to
be composed of a “dignified homogeneity,” one ressembling the “stained nobility of the countryside” who
remain “condescending to West Egg” and “carefully on guard against its spectroscopic gayety”. Here
Fritzegerald essentially classifies East Egg to be composed of dainty, proper aristocrats who act in typical
nobleman fashion. He contrasts such a description to the wild, thrilling, energized nature of Gatsby’s West Egg
 party; Fritzegerald is thus illustrating the differences between the rich of the West and the rich of the East,
asserting that the East is more traditionalists and established (they were historically here longer too) while
the West is more modern and ambitious. As a result, the West looks down upon the East for essentially
dirtying the reputation of the aristocracy, preferring their traditional forms of wealth and celebration (old
money) to the modern, novel ways of the West (new money).
● Characterization (1) - Jay Gatsby’s characterization as a young, pleasing man juxtaposes the eerie suspense
surrounding his name and the typical associations of an aristocrat. As Nick puts best, he expected the legend to
be a “florid and corpulent person in his middle years,” leaving Nick and readers surprised when it is
discovered he is quite the opposite. Fitzgerald also reveals that Gatsby was a veteran too, making him appear
more congenial in Nick’s eyes. His portrayal as being the morally superior guest of his own party (he refuses to
drink, is very social, has a “rare face” of unfiltered goodness according to Nick) yet also as a removed individual
(he stands on the marble stairs alone, is rarely seen by anybody, constantly must leave the scene to take calls)
further generate mystery around his character, though in a new, enjoyable light.
● Characterization (2) - Nick affirms his characterization as a lonely outcast in this chapter. For one, he feels
uncomfortable in the presence of the party’s lavishness, being hesitant to get involved until Jordan steps into
the picture. Even with his masculine bae at his side, he struggles to be noticed by the two yellow twins and
ultimately reverts into his familiar wallflower role as the conversation continues. When he tells readers about
his non-party life, he reveals he wishes his coworkers prosperity, for he wishes to join in their gayety in the
future. Nick wants to fit in, so perhaps that’s why he finds Gatsby--kind, welcoming, young, a veteran--to be
congenial: Gatsby himself is an outcast.
● Irony - Many things throughout the party are ironic; most of these things are identified by the lovely Miss
Baker, such as when she calls Gatsby’s party “much too polite for [her]” or when she remarks that she loves
large parties because they are “so intimate” whereas there “isn’t any privacy at small parties”. These comments
play into Fritzgerald’s attempt to illustrate East Egg’s contemptuous view of West Egg and the differences
between the two regions. The fact that Baker, a condescending, indifferent girl from East Egg, is the character
to voice out these statements fits into the idea that the East looks down upon the West’s culture of fun and
excitement. The irony in such comments highlights both the characteristics of West Egg and the pitfalls of the
East Egg’s culture of dignity and properness.

Global Issues: Include pg. # and explanation

1) Culture (53 & 54) - The dispute over the car crash between the aristocrat and Owleyes illustrates the
indulgent, pugnacious culture of the Roaring 20s. Owleyes drinks continuously for fun, turning drunk just
because there is alcohol present. Consumerism creates a culture of needless, ostentatious indulgence that
quickly turns sour when people collide. The instigative dialogue of the aristocrat, stubborn nature of Owleyes,
and general inability to take responsibility by the two is symbolic of the rowdy, reckless culture of the 20s and
the tumultuous chaos it can spawn.
2) Identity & Culture (51 & 52) - Again, Fritzgerald illustrates how men run the show, displayed by the mens’
apathy towards their wives anger at them for flirting with other girls. The identity of a woman is that of an
object, one easily replaced by any other girl. The men call the shots of when to go, ultimately using force to
physically remove and silence their wives’ complaints. Ultimately, Fitzgerald once more highlights how little of
a voice women had in the Roaring 20s.
3) Education & Culture (45 & 46) - Owleye drunkenly adores Gatsby’s lavish library, pointing out to Baker and
Nick how rare the books were and what mint condition they were kept in. It’s obvious that Owleye values the
 extravagance of the books more than the knowledge they hold, a sharp symbol of the 20’s praise of
materialism over true education.

Vocabulary: At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

1) Eddies (42) - I thought this word relates to water movement. It does in reality, but actually describes a counter
current to water that moves in a circular motion.
2) Saunter (43) - I thought this world meant to stroll. Actually, it does mean that! It means, more specifically, to
walk slowly in a relaxed way.
3) Staid (44) - I thought this world meant ancient and traditional. It actually means respectable and
unadventurous. This is a great word for the aristocracy.
4) Spectroscopic (44) - I thought this meant outrospective. It actually refers to the study of wavelengths, though
in the book, it is used to refer to the West Egg citizens’ desire to not act spontaneously wild
5) Ascertain (45) - I thought this word meant to find the truth. It kind of means this. It also means to make certain
of something.
6) Contralto (46) - I thought this word meant a signer. It actually refers to the lowest female singing voice. Such a
specific word!
7) Jauntiness (50) - I assumed jauntiness means happiness and laughter. More generally, it means being relaxed
and confident.
8) Quavering (51) - I assumed this meant weak and feeble. It actually means shaky and refers to a voice.
9) Rivulet (51) - I thought this word meant a trickle. It actually means a small stream.
10)Subterfuge (58) - I thought this word meant cunningness. It actually means deceit in order to gain something.
It perfectly fits into Jordan’s character.

Personal Notes:

“What is Gatsby’s “dust that floats at the feet of his wake” that turns out to be his defeat that Nick references in the
first chapter? He seems like such a good character, almost too good; I’m intrigued and eager to learn what is his
downfall. Love for Daisy? Extravagant spending? Strange…

Why doesn’t Gatsby get involved in the parties? What’s the point of hosting them if all he does is stand idly in the
corner doing nothing? He’s like Nick in that way, but Nick isn’t paying for all the expenses. Also, how did Gatsby get so
rich?

Is Nick seriously gay??? Or bisexual??? He noticed Jordan’s sweat mustache, which is an awfully strange detail to add. I
believe he is, hence why he is attracted to Jordan’s masculine, top attitude.

Is Nick a reliable narrator? He claimed earlier that he did not have an affair with that woman in New Jersey, but now,
he admits that he did. It all seems fishy, and I can totally see Nick lying or at least not reporting certain events. I just
don’t have an emotional connection to his character to trust him completely yet…

I’m excited for waterboarding >:)!

 Brief Chapter Summary: Chapter 4

● Nick begins the chapter by vomiting an extensive list of people who have been to Gatsby’s mansion. Of these
include numerous people from East Egg and numerous people from West Egg. The East Egg people generally
consisted of individuals who are self-made while individuals from West Egg are celebrities involved in the
entertainment industry.
● Gatsby and Nick go on a ride in Gatsby’s stunning automobile to a restaurant in New York. On the way there,
Gatsby tells Nick he wants Nick to know more about his own past, in order to form a closer bond. He explains
to Nick that his entire Mid-western family died and left Gatsby with an enormous sum of money, which Gatsby
used to attend Oxford University. He soon became a Major in the Great War.
● Nick is skeptical about this story, as he notices how Gatsby seemed to be especially nervous when he told Nick
the part about his family dying. Gatsby tells Nick that he is giving him his backstory because he has a big favor
to ask of Nick, informing him that his proposition shall arrive to Nick via Jordan Baker. Nick is annoyed at
Gatsby, not only for Gatsby’s lack of transparency and secretive nature, but also for his interference in Nick’s
private time with the beloved Baker.
● The two pass through the Valley Of Ashes and arrive at their restaurant. Here, they meet Gatsby’s friend, Mr.
Wolfsheim, an uneducated, business-obsessed Jewish man (slightly stereotypical?). To Nick separately, the two
reveal many things about each other. On Gatsby, Mr. Wolfshiem essentially gushes over Gatsby’s “fine-bred”
nature, and tells Nick that Gatsby refuses to look at any man’s wife. On Mr. Wolfshiem, Gatsby tells Nick that he
was the criminal behind the fixed 1919 World Series, explaining to Nick that Mr. Wolfsheim is an intelligent,
opportunistic gambler; he is immoral though. Before he leaves, Mr. Wolfram also reminisces about Rosy
Rosenthal, a “friend” who was murdered in front of the Metropole.
● Nick spots Tom, and brings Gatsby over to introduce the two. Tom barbarically welcomes Nick, demanding to
know where he has gone in the past few weeks. Gatsby is visually uncomfortable in the presence of Tom. He
leaves abruptly without saying anything.
● Fast forward to Jordan and Nick’s hot date, the two dine in at a restaurant, where Jordan reveals to Nick’s
Gatsby’s masterplan. You see, Jordan actually met Gatsby quite a while ago, back when she and Daisy were
young adults in their home city far from New York. Jordan remembers seeing Daisy and a young lieutenant,
Gatsby, kissing in a car, to whom Daisy was wild about. After Gatsby moves to New York, Daisy’s family
prevents her from following him; Daisy stops talking to her family afterwards, deciding to never date soldiers
again. Years later, word gets around that Daisy is dating tycoon Tom, and is getting married. On the night
before her marriage, she receives an elaborate pearl necklace from Tom and a mysterious letter. Jordan and
Daisy’s mother walk in on Daisy bawling, telling the others to return the necklace back to Tom and to call
everything off. The two place her in a cold bath tub to cool her off, though she clings onto the letter
passionately, refusing to let go until it turns into wet snow. The next day, she married Tom.
● The whole reason why Gatsby moved to West Egg was to buy a house near Daisey. He never met Tom
personally, but kept up with him in the newspapers in hopes of seeing Daisy once more. The reason for his
extravagant habit of party throwing is to possibly attract Daisy over, though all attempts have so far failed.
Gatsby’s plan is to have Nick invite Daisy over for tea and for Nick to invite Gatbsy himself.Jordan explains to
Nick that his humble weather-beaten bungalow shall serve the grounds on which the two estranged friends /
former lovers shall meet. Nick is flabbergasted by the modesty of it all. He obliges.
● Jordan also reveals to Nick the fact that Daisy hasn’t heard about Gatsby ever since the two parted ways. The
most recent time she has heard Gatsby was when Jordon asked Nick in the first chapter. “My former friend…”
● The chapter ends with Nick kissing Jordan. The two are in love no?
 Purpose of Chapter: Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.

Fitzgerald accomplishes the following things using this chapter:

● Further build the relationship between Nick and Gatsby and Nick and Jordan.
● Shed some light on Gatsby’s character. He is a hopeless romantic for Daisy, and wishes to use Nick as a means
of communicating with her.
● Create MORE suspense around Gatsby. His shakey story about his Oxford days raises questions.
● Introduce new characters, such as the memorable Mr. Wolfsheim.
● Reveal more about Daisy and her relationship with Tom and Gatsby. Reveal more about Tom and Gatsby’s
relationship.

Crafts & Techniques: Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.

● Characterization: Gatsby throughout this chapter is portrayed to be a still mysterious figure though one who
has an honorable nature to him. His strange explanation of his bizarre past makes Nick question the legitimacy
of his words, while his association with the corrupt, uneducated Mr. Wolfsheim strikes Nick as odd. Through
Nick, readers are also able to continually scrutinize Gatsby, as Fritzgerald builds off his characterization of
being a masked figure in this chapter. Still, Fitzgerald affirms Gatsby’s honorbility in this chapter, through his
earnest, modest, somber story of his past with Daisy. His nervousness in the presence of Tom and subsequent
fleeing also helps build Gatsby’s almost innocent image, as it allows readers to view Gatsby as no longer being
a mythical, superior being. Through these two representations, Fitzgerald is able to draw sympathy from
readers for Gatsby. Gatsby is a masked figure of contradictions, and Fritzgerald expertly reiterates this
characterization in this chapter.
● Allusion (1): Chapter 4 is rife with allusions to popular stars and historical figures, but one stands out the most
among the many. Mr. Wolfsheim’s friend, Rosy Rosenthal, is a sharp allusion to the real life Becker-Rosenthal
murder case, a popular NYPD investigation into the murder of Herman Rosenthal, a manager of a line of illegal
casinos. The investigation proved that Rosenthal was murdered by a collision between a corrupt NYPD officer
and a Jewish gang, who were both angry at Herman for ripping them off. As Nick and Wolfsheim say, the trialed
individuals were all given the electric chair. Such an allusion serves the purpose of establishing Wolfsheim’s
character to be a corrupt man. His ethnicity is a direct reference to the ethncity of the gangsters who murdered
Wolfsheim, while his abilty to quickly drop his sentimentalsim over the murder basically confirms his
involvement in it. Overall, such an allusion portrays Wolfsheim to be an untrustworthy character; this
contributes to the reader's distrust in Gatsby, who openly associates himself with Wolfsheim.
● Allusion (2): The many other allusions of chapter 4 serve to be a commentary on East Egg versus West Egg:
Old Money versus New Money. The allusion from East Egg all are self-made men, including doctors, Yale
graduates, rich aristocrats, industrialists, and capitalists. Fritzegeral juxtaposes this to the allusion from West
Egg, who are mostly celebrities, movie stars, and other leaders of the entertainment industry. East Egg
allusions thus represent how the rich of the East Coast made money: starting from the 13 Colonies, the
wealthy built themselves up either by hard work or their aristocratic European backgrounds. For West Egg
allusions, the rich of the West Coast generate their money by controlling and paving the culture of
consumerism, capitalizing off the movie industry, celebrity craze, and the newfound obsession with materials.
This is also reflected by the names of the allusions themselves. East Egg allusions retain more Western
European names while West Egg allusion retain more Eastern European names. These translate to which
ethnicities dominated which form of income--origins or entertainment--and further establish the contrast
 between the two Eggs.
● Symbolism - Fitzgerald uses alcohol to both symbolize the connection between Daisy and Gatsby and to
establish their similarly moral characters. Both characters refuse to drink. Jordan identifies how being a sober
man amongst a crowd of drunkards is an advantage, since they are able to better maneuver their way through
situations and understand more people. Gatsby and Daisy’s refusal to indulge reflect their shared, lost
statuses. The two are living lives starkly different than those around them, since the two former lovers are
separated from one another. Daisy stops drinking after Gatsby leaves her, because alcohol no longer becomes a
source of happiness when there is no happiness to look forward to; its symbolic meaning becomes corruption,
so both Gatsby and Daisy’s avoidance of it reflect their moral, unchanged values despite a life that has
drastically changed ever since they last indulged in it together.

Global Issues: Include pg. # and explanation

● Culture & Identity (69, 72) - The ostentious, flexadotious culture of the rich are illustrated throughout the
chapter, most obviously thorugh the negro girls who roll their eyes at Gatsby’s grand vehical with “haughty
rivalry” and Mr. Wolfsheim's ivory fillings. The rich just can’t seem to stop showing off. They derive their
identities from how much wealth they have, since to them, wealth equates to value.
● Power & Culture (77-78) - Gatsby’s purchasing of various extravagant things (houses, cars, parties) are all
done to impress Daisy. Gatsby wishes to get close to Daisy and attract her once more, and his wealth allows
him to do such a thing. Wealth provides individuals with the opportunity to lead double lives and push secret
agendas. We can see this in earlier chapters with Tom, who is able to cheat because of his money.
● Culture (64) - The rich in this chapter are shown to be a restless bunch, illustrated by Gatsby’s impatient,
restless fidgeting as he waits for Nick in the car. Just like Tom and Daisy of earlier chapters and the partygoers
of the chapter before, the rich are constantly fluctuating and evolving, never being content with single things.
● Power (68) - Gatsby’s connections with the cop are able to save him from a ticket. His rich name lets him
bypass laws; even if such laws are petty, his ability to transcend them speaks a lot about the relationship
between fame, wealth, and countability, as Fritzgerald highlights the power of notoriety.

Vocabulary: At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

1) Succulent (71) - I thought this world meant watery or juicy. It actually means tasty and desirable. I am
succulent.
2) Penitentiary (62) - I thought this word meant old person residentiary area. It actually, hilariously, means a
prison containing serious offenders.
3) Conservatory (64) - I thought this was a place where rare plants or animals were conserved. It actually means
a college.
4) Rajah (65) - I thought this interesting word meant an explorer. It actually refers to an Indian king.
5) Loafing (67) - I thought this word meant lingering. It actually means wasting time by loitering, which is
partially similar to my interpretation.
6) Somnambulatory (69) - I thought this word means quiet or vague. It actually refers to sleepwalking, though in
this case, it is used to mean subconsciously.
7) Heady (79) - I thought this word meant quickly. It actually means to have a strong effect.
8) Cornices (80) - I assumed this word meant the corner of a building. It actually means the ornament that
surrounds a strip of a wall or building.
9) Disembodied (80) - This word means without a body. It can also mean without an obvious source or
 connection.
10)Retribution (62) - I thought this word meant payments. It actually more specifically means punishment dealt
on an offender, be it economic or social.

Personal Notes:

Why did Gatsby not return to Daisy after the war? It would have made sense for him to come back, unless he isn’t
revealing something about Daisy. Daisy’s family also refused to let her see Gatsby, an even stranger fact. Is Gatsby
hiding an unpleasant part about his past?

Why did Daisy marry Tom? Such a strange thing. I can never see Daisy loving Tom’s character, considering how very
different he is from Gatsby. Why have Gatsby and Tom never met by the way? Is Tom scared of Gatsby?....

I cannot get over how Nick likes Jordan. It is an unnatural, almost stomach-turning relationship.

Is Mr. Wolfshiem also gay???? He described Gatsby in such a particular manner, explaining that he would bring Jay
home to his parents to show off; WHAT????

Brief Chapter Summary: Chapter 6

- The chapter begins with a reporter visiting Gatsby’s house to interview the famed celebrity. It is revealed that
Gatsby was born from a poor family which he has denounced himself as being a part of. Gatsby is truly an
egotistical, super ambitious, determined man who exists in a world of dreams and illusions. His real name is
Jay Gatz, and he adopted “Jay Gatsby” when he left his family to pursue the fabled American Dream. In his
journeys, Gatsby becomes increasingly distressed. His despondency because of his inability to become wealthy
and move up the social ladder is only matched by his imaginative, illusioned mind, balancing the world off a
fairy’s wings.
- Past Gatsby eventually meets Dan Cooper, a famous, rich seaman who takes under his wing Gatsby. Gatsby
witnessed firsthand the corruptive culture of the rich through the reckless Champaign Cody, and he makes a vow
never to drink again. Cody eventually dies and leaves some of his money to Gatsby, though this is taken away by
Cody’s mistress.
- Back to the present Gatsby now. After not seeing any of his friends for weeks, Nick eventually meets Gatsby at his
mansion, though Gatsby is surrounded by Tom, Daisy, and two other East Eggers: Mr. and Mrs. Sloane. All the East
Eggers except Daisy are absolutely appalled at Gatsby’s lack of class, and Gatsby seems completely oblivious to
this. He eventually invites them to a party, which they accept.
- At the party of Jay, Tom and Daisy feel out of place. For Tom, the lack of familiar faces, the loud party customs, and
the overwhelming extravagance of it all alienated his staid East Egg ways. Daisy initially has fun, dancing with
Gatsby and watching the people, though she eventually becomes decisive. It feels wrong for her to be among such a
reckless, wild class. When the party ends, Gatsby asks his boyfriend Nick to leave last.
- Gatsby tells Nick that Daisy did not have fun, despite what it looked like. Nick is surprised, while Gatsby is
disappointed and sad. He wants Daisy to just leave Tom and marry Gatsby instead. Nick tells Gatsby he can’t
continue living in the past, for people change, to which Gatsby emotionally responds that he can, and he will: Daisy
 is his objective, and the man of class never misses. The scene then flashes back to the past once again, though it’s
of Daisy and Gatsby’s first kiss. It’s beautifully written. The chapter ends with Nick recalling a poem about the
unchangeable nature of existence and time, though he keeps this quiet to himself, refusing to tell Gatsby.

Purpose of Chapter: Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.

Fitzgerald accomplishes the following things using this chapter:

- Develops the story of Gatsby. We are told much about his past and are given insight on what type of a man he
truly is.
- Develop even MORE mystery around Gatsby. There are still many missing holes within his past’s story; enough
to keep audiences interested.
- Develop the character dynamic between Gatsby and Tom. The two are clearly antagonistic (the tension!). They
both think they love Daisy afterall.
- Develop the character dynamic between Gatsby and Daisy by revealing more things about their past. Her
disdain for the party clarifies the plot’s conflict.

Crafts & Techniques: Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.

- Imagery: On the topic of Gatsby's past, Fitzgerald is able to establish an atmosphere of drudgery and
dangerous illusionment through vivid phrases. He writes that the moon “soaked with wet light his tangled
close upon the floor,” giving the readers a feeling of despair. He also writes that Gatsby’s imagination was a
“satisfactory hint of the reality of unreality, a promise that the rock of the world was founded securely on a
fairy’s wing”. This portrays Gatsby as an illusioned man indulging in a world of dreams in order to convince
himself to keep moving forward. The juxtaposed images of the rock of the world and a fairy’s wing conveys a
sense of unsturdy danger, as if Gatsby’s world hinges unreliably on his fickle hope. Fitzgerald uses such vivid
imagery to illustrate the sulking, removed nature of Gatsby.
- Characterization: Tom is depicted as a totally removed individual. Arrogant and haughty at the party, he stares
at all the faces with condescension. He’s also physically removed from the dancing and movement, while he
doesn’t know anyone at the party because he “doesn’t go out much.” This is a reflection of the staid nature of
the wealthy of the East Coast.
- Juxtaposition: From their dialogue, Eggs, and interactions with Daisy, Tom and Gatsby juxtapose each other
wonderfully. Fitzgerald draws them to be excellent FOIL characters, made clear at the party. Tom refuses to
have fun and indulge in the party, while Gatsby dances with Daisy. The two clearly represent the different
cultures of the Eggs and the different perspectives of wealth: old staid money vs new wild money. Daisy
doesn’t seem to like Tom while she doesn’t choose Gatsby...
- Theme_Dream:
- Dreams and disillusionment provide Gatsby a way to save the passing minutes of his time with Daisy.
- Gatsby initially abandoned Daisy because she threatened his ambition of moving up the social ladder.
Social Ladder
- The American dream is achievable through a strong will and utilizing one’s resources.
- East Egg and West Egg are both rich, though they are culturally different. This derives from the way they make
their money: East Egg inherits their wealth while West Egg is self made (movie stars, entertainers). East Egg is
thus more snobbish while West Egg is more reckless (they are the true products of the American Dream).
 Global Issues: Include pg. # and explanation

- Culture & Power (104-107): Although both rich, the starkly different cultures of East Egg and West Egg
illustrate the two main types of aristocracy and ultimately testify to the emptiness of both.
- Power (110 & 111): Gatsby sees the ladder behind Daisy as they kiss, and realizes he must leave her behind to
travel his road of ambition alone. To move up the social ladder, one must make sacrifices, for a true self made
man is wholly individualistic. This even comes at the price of happiness and love.
- Space & Time (110, 111): The events of your existence are uneditable. Things happen and will never
unhappen; every action is permanently frozen in time. Fitzgerald highlights the dire implications of this
universal truth with Gatsby’s regret over his loss of Daisy. He foolishly attempts to thaw an Arctic.
- Dreams (97-99): Dreams are a way of sparking imagination, motivation, and tranquility, though Fritzgerald
illustrates here how they can foster illusionment if they are used as a means of escape. This relates to the
fabled American dream, and how, in its pursuit, one loses many things, particularly their ability to see reality
to some extent.

Vocabulary: At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

1) Perturbed (103) - I thought this word meant bothered. Actually, it means anxious or upset.
2) Ineffable (99)- I had almost no idea what this word meant. It means unexplainably great or extreme.
3) Gaud (99) - I thought this word meant pride and conceit. It actually means in a purely ornamental, showy way.
4) Meretricious (99) - I thought this word meant sinister. It actually means purely surface level.
5) Septic (106) - I thought this word meant cut. It actually means relating to an infection. “Antiseptics”
6) Menagerie (107) - I thought this word meant mansion. It actually means a diverse collection of things.
7) Dilatory (108) - I thought this word means slow or unresponsive. It does mean that!
8) Gorgoness (109) - I thought this word means intimidating. It actually means terrifying and stone-like.
9) Primeval (107) - I thought this word meant evil. It actually means purely original.
10)Byzatine (98) - I thought this word means relating to the Byzatine Empire (ruthless). It actually means
extremely confusing.

Personal Notes:

- Why did Gatsby leave for the war? How does this connect to his leaving of Daisy in his pursuit of the American
Dream?
- Will tom and Gatsby fight?? I think Tom would wreck gatsby?
- What is Frtizgerald trying to say about the fact that Daisy chooses neither of them???

Brief Chapter Summary: Chapter 7

- This chapter is the climax. It begins with Gatsby visiting Tom and Daisy's residence. Nick and Jordan are also
there. It’s an extremely hot day and possibly the last day of summer. Things turn sour quick after Tom realizes
that there is something going on between Daisy and Gatsby. Tom orders the crew to take a trip to New York.
Gatsby and Daisy take Tom’s yellow car while Jordan, Nick, and Tom take Gatsby’s car.
- Along the way there, Tom’s party stops at Wilson’s gas station. Wilson is visibly deteriorating. His pallor
complexion is now highlighted in distressing detail, and it is revealed the cause of his intensified sickness is his
discovery of his wife’s secret life away from him. He wants to move to the West with Myrtle. Tom feels guilty
and decides to give him his sports car.
- Arriving in NY, the crew rent a room at a hotel, where the floor below is occupied with a wedding. They drink
whisky. Tom questions Gatsbys’s past as an Oxford man. He is antagonistic. Daisy urges the two to calm down.
Things turn SOUR SOUR when Daisy tells Tom to show “self control”, to which Tom exclaims that he’s “sorry he
doesn’t give big parties” in order to attract friends in “the modern world”. Gatsby retaliates by slicing a knife
into the meat of the issue, revealing, to all, the story’s juicy cross-section: Gatsby tells Tom Daisy never loved
Tom and had always loved Gatsby instead; the only reason she left Gatsby was because Tom was rich while
Gatsby was poor. Tom is shocked, and visibly hurt. Gatsby implores Daisy to confess to this too, which she does,
hesitantly. Tom then denies the claims, declaring that he loves Daisy and that Daisy loves him and that the
things he and Daisy know are shrouded from Gatsby’s obsessive witch eye. Gatsby is angry and demands Daisy
to reiterate her love for him again, though instead of complying, she angrily tells Gatsby that “he wants too
much.” She then tells both men that she loves them both; however, she turns to Tom, begging them to go: it’s
clear who she's chosen.
- Tom takes a fat sh**t of truth upon Gatsby by revealing to all in the room (yes, Nick and Jordan are here to
witness this horrific mess) that Gatsby is a bootlegger. He made all his money by working with Wolfsheim, and
the two created drug-stores all over NY and Chicago secretly selling people grain alcohol. This is the
Prohibition remember? Upon hearing this, Daisy realizes she can’t trust Gatsby anymore. Gatsby denies all
claims, urginign Daisy to hear his voice once more. She only begs Tom to leave, which Tom declares they all do.
It is over for Gatsby, he has lost this time.
- The parties return to their eggs with the same people they came from. On the car ride back, Nick is comforted
he has Jordan by his side. Today is his birthday, and he feels sad that he is turning the abhorred age of 30. She
is real and unproblematic, which is a step better than every other character so far. Unfortunately, this
tranquility is ruined by an ugly scene that the Tom-party drives into. They witness the corpse of Myrtle, left
breast ripped open and mouth mutilated. At the scene, Wilson is strangely removed from the whole ordeal.
Previously, it was described that he had kept Myrtle upstairs, a surprising fact considering that he had never
shown an ounce of assertiveness towards his wife beforehand. According to a restaurant owner nearby, Myrtle
was heard saying: “Beat me! Throw me down and beat me, you dirty little coward!”. It’s almost like he
committed the crime... Tom muscles his way through the crowd, and demands Wilson tell him more about
Myrtle’s death. The only news the crew learns is that Myrtle was hit by a car: a yellow, brand new car. Tom
leaves the scene immediately, crying. Gatsby must have hit Myrtle.
- The crew returns to East Egg. Tom is different. He seems almost considerate and quiet, as if he’s been humbled
by the corpse of his mistress. He calls Nick a cab, and Nick sits on the stairs of Tom’s house alone. He’s
disgusted by these affluent people and their sordid, petty lives. He wants to get away. At his house, he meets
Gatsby, who he also immensely dislikes. Gatbsy tells Nick it was Daisy who was driving, and along the way to
their homes, she had the option of either crashing into a car or a human being. Her nerves compelled her to
crash into the human, who was a girl that approached their vehicle as if she wanted to talk. Daisy killed Myrtle
and kept driving, and Gatbsy, so shocked, took control of the car. They arrive here where they are now, and
Gatsby tells Nick he’ll take the blame for the whole incident. Nick decides to check up on Tom and Daisy, to see
how the two are doing.
- The two sit across from each other at a table, with a plate of cold fried chicken and ale between them. They do
not seem happy yet also do not seem unhappy, and Nick realizes this is a moment of intimacy for them. He
 returns to Jay and tells him that everything is fine, though Gatsby insists he waits for her. Nick leaves Gatsby.

Purpose of Chapter: Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.

Fitzgerald accomplishes the following things using this chapter:

- Develop the dynamic between Tom and Gatsby. It is clear that they do not like each other and are fighting for
Daisy. The chapter ends with Tom hating Gatsby and vice-versa.
- Develop the dynamic between Daisy and Gatsby. She admits that Gatsby expects too much and seemingly
chooses Tom over Gatsby. Gatsby still sticks by her side and hopelessly simps for her.
- Develop the dynamic between Daisy and Tom. Daisy chooses Tom over Gatsby even though she admits to
loving them both. The chapter’s end reveals the ways in which they love each other.
- Reveal much about Gatsby’s past. He’s a bootlegger in the time of the Prohibition. That is how he made his
money. He desired to become rich because he wanted to swoo Daisy, who seemingly only cares about money.
- Kill a character (LOL Myrtle is dead).

Crafts & Techniques: Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.

- Characterization - This chapter highlights Daisy’s portrayal as being the novel’s symbol of materialism.
Frtizgerald further develops the idea that her voice sounds like money. Gatsby points out that she left him for
Tom because of Tom’s wealth. She hit Myrtle instead of the car, illustrating where her values reside. Daisy is
money hungry, and gold is at the center of her heart just like rich yellow is in a daisy flower’s middle. The fact
that everybody is attracted to her reflects the Roaring 20’s culture of consumerism and materialism.
- Setting - The chapter’s setting on the hottest time of the year already estbalishes the atmosphere for the
novel’s climax. It will be an uncomfortable, slow, painful time at the hotel, and action will definitely be going
down.
- Foreshadowing - Daisy’s daughter looks like her. She also immediately asks for Tom after Daisy asks her if she
likes Gatsby. Such a fact foreshadows Daisy’s rejection of Gatsby, since her daughter does not approve of Jay.
This is further supported by the fact that Daisy calls her daughter an “absolute dream”, which brings to
attention Gatsby’s lack of planning for Daisy having a child; their dreams collide, and will never work.
- Juxtaposition - Many characters throughout the novel’s climax are juxtaposed, one being Tom and Wilson.
Wilson appears meek and deteriorating while Tom stands immovable and proud. The two physically contrast
each other, though are truly men of the same stature, since in this chapter, they both learn their wives are
living lives unbenounced to them. However, the reason why Tom is stronger despite knowing such a truth
about Daisy comes from his affluency and his own participation in the cheating; this juxtaposition highlights
the influences and powers of wealth in creating an unrestrained life removed from the laws and suffering of
the common man. Another set of juxtaposed characters is Daisy and Jordan. Nick highlights the contrast
between the two women during the car ride back to the Eggs, pointing out how Jordan is more of a realist
while Daisy is more of a dreamer. His comfort in having Jordan by his side as he grows old reflects the
grounded nature of Jordan as opposed to Daisy’s indecisive mind. This is possibly Fritzgerald’s way of
conveying the importance of living in the real instead of the fake.
- Symbolism - Various symbols of Gatsby’s end are sprinkled throughout the chapter. The chapter begins being
set on the last day of summer, already representing the end of opportunity and freedom for Gatsby. When the
crew hears music downstairs from the wedding, Daisy comments on how they are becoming old, symbolizing
the dwindling of time. After Tom reveals to Daisy Gatsby’s job of being a bootlegger, the end seems to dawn
upon Jay, captured by Nick, who frames the scenario as a man fighting for a dead dream of a lost voice far
 across the room. Nick’s birthday also symbolizes the end of the Roaring 20s and the start of the Great
Depression, a time period in which the US government ceases the Prohibition, Gatsby’s source of profit;
Gatsby’s end is here. This end is juxtaposed by the wedding going on below the crew. A beginning of a new life
together takes place below the end of a new one.
- Parallelism - Tom kills Gatsby while Daisy kills Myrtle. The two exorcise each other’s ghosts of infidelity out of
their lives, leaving only the two of them to sit across from each other at a silent table. In a sense, the two
strengthen their connection with each other through this chapter, and the ending scene of intimacy testifies to
their love for one another. Gatsby is left to cry.

Global Issues: Include pg. # and explanation

● Power (124) - Tom’s indifference to Daisy cheating on him in comparison to Wilson’s utter deterioration how
the rich illustrates how the rich are removed from the laws and suffering of the common public. The reason
why Tom feels more apathetic to the case then Wilson is because he himself participates in Myrtle’s cheating.
His wealth lets him lead an unrestrained lifestyle, allowing him to feel more indifferent towards his same
action being done onto him. He can simply afford apathy while Wilson cannot.
● Culture (135-136) - Daisy reflects the materialistic culture of the Roaring 20s. She initially chose Tom over
Gatsby because of the difference in financial position between the two men. Later, she hits Myrtle instead of a
car, symbolizing how she values money and materials over objects. She is the novel’s ultimate symbol of
consumerism and greed.
● Culture and Power (130) - Once more, we are able to witness East Egg’s condescending view of West Egg
through Tom’s pompous lenses. He scowls at Gatsby’s habit of throwing parties and his “nobody background”,
clearly pointing out how even in the class of the rich, there are factions and stigmas. Old Money looks down
upon the young new culture of New Money.
● Family (109) - Daisy’s unnatural treatment of her daughter illustrates how such parent-children relationships
foster weak family bonds. Instead of actually nurturing her child, she shows her off like a porcelain doll, and
uses her as a way of judging others. Daisy is a horrible mother, testifying to the importance of true connection
in a family.

Vocabulary: At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

1) Libertine (130) - I thought this word meant a man obsessed with freedom. It actually means a man who does
not behave within moral principles. I guess it is freedom-like...
2) Prig (130) - I thought this word meant arrogance. It actually means a person who believes they are superior to
others due to their self-proclaimed sense of morality.
3) Vicariously (131) - I thought this word meant intensely. It actually means in a way that is experienced through
the imagination.
4) Rancor (132) - I thought this world meant contempt. It actually does, though is contempt that is long standing.
5) Lurch (134) - I thought this word meant do something quickly. It actually means do something abruptly and
unsteadily.
6) Presumptuous (135) - I thought this word meant ignorant. It actually means failing to understand the limits of
what is appropriate.
7) Portentous (135) - I thought this word meant distanable. It actually means in a pompous manner.
8) Wan (135) - I thought this word meant tired. It actually means to look tired or ill; pale.
9) Inquest (136) - I had no idea what this meant. It means a judicial inquiry to ascertain the facts relating to an
 incident.
10)Expostulation (138) - I thought this word meant rejection. It means expressing protest in an earnest manner.
11)Laden (138) - I thought this word meant empty. It ironically actually means heavily loaded.
12)Truculent (140) - I thought this word meant observative or perceptive. It means pugnacious.
13)Marred (145) - I thought this word meant disrupted. It actually means to be blemished by injury

Personal Notes:

There are no words. Only a silent “F” for Gatsby. Rip the boy.

Brief Chapter Summary: Chapter 8

- Nick wants to tell Gatsby that Daisy and Tom are about to throw him (Gatsby) under the bus. Nick severely
dislikes the East Eggers by now.
- He meets Gatsby, he sits in his ginormous mansion alone. He leaves the yellow car on the front lawn. Nick tells
Gatsby to leave to a different state for a while, since Gatsby will probably be involved in the crime. Gatsby
doesn't care and instead focuses on Daisy, who he waited for all night, hoping something would happen with
her and Tom; nothing did.
- The story of Gatsby and Daisy is finally revealed. Gatsby was enticed by the freshness Daisy brought to his life.
She was the first ”nice girl” he ever met, and her large house and new clothes brought a life of comfort and
novelty to Gatsby’s poor disposition. He longed for her, since she fitted perfectly into his dream of moving up
the social ladder. She was wealth in so many ways, but also, she desired wealth. She wanted structure to her
restless aristocratic life, so because Gatsby couldn’t afford that, she married Tom when Gatsby went to war.
This is the sad, sad story of the poor Gatbsy, who could not buy his way into a life he loved and craved.
- Gatsby asks Nick to go for a swim. He hasn’t used his pool all summer. Nick misses his trains to stay with
Gatsby, but eventually stays on one. Before he departs, he tells Gatsby that he’s better than the rest. Gatsby
appreciates this. Nick feels like this is going to be the last time he sees him.
- Meanwhile, in the Valley Of Ashes, Wilson reveals more cryptic details about the last time he saw his wife. He
remembers seeing her come back one night with a broken nose and a bruised eye. All that was in their cabinet
was a dog collar. Wilson is a lonely, empty, identiless man, who after losing his wife--both to Tom and Gatsby--,
has nothing else left to lose. After gazing into the eyes of JT Eckleberg, he suddenly believes the man in the car
must have been who Myrtle was cheating on him with; divine revenge must be taken. He tracks down the
yellow car to Gatsby’s house, hides in Gatsby’s trees, and shoots Gatsby while Gatsby is in the pool. He then
shoots himself.

Purpose of Chapter: Plot Structure, Conflicts, Character Development, etc.

Fitzgerald accomplishes the following things using this chapter:

- Explain more about Gatsby’s past and why he loves Daisy. She and her wealth are unforgettably enticing.
- Develop Nick’s dynamic with Gatsby and general view of things. He truly does see him as a friend, though he
hates the “dust around him.” He hates Daisy and East Egg and all the influences of the rich.
- Kill another character (Gatsby)
 Crafts & Techniques: Themes, Symbols, Motifs, Allusions, Language, etc.

- (Motifs) Wealth, Dreams: Wealth is a major motif in this chapter, and readers are best able to understand what
it stands for through its the wayin which it intertwines with the motif of dreams. Chapter 8 reveals that a
major reason why Gatsby fell for Daisy as hard as he did was her association with wealth. Her house was larger
than anything he had seen before, and the sensation of having such space was simply liberating. Her new
dresses added refreshment to Gatsby’s life, while her thrilling nature testified to the restless culture of the
rich: the culture he wanted to be a part of by moving up the social ladder. The American Dream is the fabled
pursuit of happiness, though as Gatsby illustrates, the corruptive desire to simply amass wealth has corrupted
this vision. The Roaring 20’s culture of consumerism has turned the American Dream into one of greed, built
upon the lure of solely getting richer instead of finding true happiness. Daisy’s association with wealth, her
role in Gatsby’s dream, and their obsessions with materials combine to illustrate this idea, as Fritzgerald
highlights the overwhelming influence wealth has on American society.
- Characterization: Fitzgerald masterfully portrays Wilson as an empty, defeated loner using dialogue and small
details. George’s conversation with Michaelis reveals much about him: he has no friends, has no children, lives
a minimalist life, and doesn’t go to church. These details reveal that Wilson has no hope for anything in his life,
since he is connected to absolutely nothing. He has no purpose and identity, and is instead reduced to a
soulless robot, slaving away in a junkyard. This portrayal helps readers understand why Wilson was so
compelled to take revenge on his wife’s killer. Myrtle was really the only thing he had in life, since everything
else was taken away by his social class. By killing her and driving away without care, the rich prove to Wilson
that life is utterly meaningless, since unlike them, he has no choice but to be a slave. This explains why he
snaps and decides to take revenge, for he had nothing to lose.
- (Motif) Religion - Religion is also a frequent motif throughout this chapter. It appears in the eyes of JT
Ecklberg, who, according to Wilson, saw through everything, including Myrtle’s lies. Religion also is brought up
when we discover that Wilson doesn’t go to a church, and it’s been a long time since he’s been to one. On the
topic of Wilson, his constant “OH MY GOD” is also another way in which religion manifests itself throughout
the chapter. Religion stands to be a source of morality and inspiration. The piercing eyes of JT Ecklberg
symbolize God looking down upon the sordidness of Roaring 20’s America, a time period filled with greed and
vulgarity, symbolized through Myrtle. Wilson’s lack of religion testifies to his hopelessness, for he leads a life
with no hope for an afterlife. Although he does refer to JT Eckleberg as God, he does so as a way to justify his
revenge, corrupting the idea of morality in his own depraved nature. “OH MY GOD” becomes a hackneyed
phrase throughout the chapter, just as morality and religion have become baseless concepts throughout the
novel; now, they are being used as reasons to kill. All of this can connect back to Wilson’s lowly social position,
and how it creates soulless, hopeless robots like him.

Global Issues: Include pg. # and explanation

- Identity & Power (157) - Wilson is truly a man of no identity. He has no faith, no friends, no family, NOTHING.
Instead, his life is spent robotically doing labor in a land of ash, supporting his failing business as a means of
just scrabbling by, only to continue this stagnant cycle of perpetual suffering. Wilson illustrates the hellish
conditions lower classes persist through in highly developed capitalist countries. One's aspirations, dreams,
and hopes are smeared in industrial sooth, as the objective of labor no longer becomes moving up the social
ladder but rather simply surviving.
- Culture (151) - Daisy married Tom because she desired structure. This inversely highlights the aristocratic
 culture of disappointment, restlessness, and dissatisfaction. Her emotional breakdown on the night before the
wedding also testifies to this fact.
- Values (154) - Life’s true values are found and gained through forging sincere relationships with others,
captured through Nick’s last conversation with Gatsby. “You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.”
- Belief (157-160) - Religion can easily be twisted into justifications for revenge in societies where morality runs
low. One’s beliefs and moral compass are often largely influenced by the society they grow up in, which is, in
association, a product of the economy. Economies and religion intertwine heavily.

Vocabulary: At least 10 words; include pg. #, inference of definition, and real definition

1) Pavilions (147) - I thought this word meant a pillar. It actually means a highly decorated sub division of a
building.
2) Extravaganza (148) - I thought this word meant a big mess. It actually means extravagant entertainment or
production.
3) Stratum (149) - I thought this word meant level. It does. It means a class.
4) Redolent (151) - I thought this word meant full. It means strongly ressemblant of something.
5) Vestibule (153) - This word must mean some place to rest. It is actually an antechamber.
6) Benediction (153) - I thought this word meant sadness. It actually ironically means holiness.
7) Cahoots (154) - I thought this word meant yells. It actually means a secret collusion.
8) Interminable (154) - I assumed this means small. It actually ironically means large (often hyperbolic).
9) Garrulous (156) - I thought this word means excessively talkative. It does mean that!
10)Fortuitously (161) - I thought this word meant promising. It actually means happening by change (by fortune).
11)Amorphous (161) - I thought this word meant changing. It actually means lacking a form.
12)Corrugated (162) - I thought this word meant come together. It actually means shape into grooves and ridges.

Personal Notes:

Wow. I especially dislike the East Egg characters after this chapter. They are all a bunch of pompous a-holes.

Poor Gatsby. I like him more now after this sad ending.