The Great Gatsby - Chapters 5-9.

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INGLÉS INSTRUMENTAL I (NIVEL B2)

1º Grado en Estudios Ingleses

Facultad de Filosofía y Letras

Universidad de Granada

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 The Great Gatsby – PART 2

- Character descriptions
- Character relationships
- Chapter analysis
- Key quotes

Character descriptions

Jay Gatsby

Jay Gatsby's character undergoes a transformation from a hopeful and

romantic dreamer to a tragic figure. In Chapter 5, Gatsby is filled with
anticipation and romantic idealism as he reunites with Daisy, showcasing
his wealth in an attempt to impress her. As the narrative progresses, more
details about Gatsby's past are revealed, exposing the illusion of his
American Dream. By the final chapter, Gatsby's character reaches its climax
with a tragic end, symbolising the disillusionment of the American Dream
and the moral decay of the society depicted in the novel. His death
reflects the emptiness and futility of his pursuits, marking a poignant
commentary on the superficial and morally bankrupt world of the Jazz Age.

Nick Carraway
Nick Carraway's character undergoes a significant evolution. Initially
fascinated by the opulence and glamour of Gatsby's world, Nick becomes
increasingly disillusioned as he observes the moral decay and
superficiality of the people around him, particularly Gatsby and the
Buchanan’s. Throughout the later chapters, Nick's moral sensibilities
become more pronounced, and he grapples with the ethical challenges
presented by the actions of those in his social circle. By the end of the
novel, Nick's character transforms from a detached observer to a critical
and reflective individual, serving as a moral conscience and providing
commentary on the decline of moral values during the Jazz Age.

Daisy Buchanan

Daisy Buchanan's character evolves as a complex figure torn between

conflicting emotions. Initially hesitant and fragile upon reuniting with
Gatsby, Daisy's character becomes more nuanced as she grapples with the
consequences of her actions. As the story unfolds, her moral ambiguity and
the tension between her loyalty to Tom and her feelings for Gatsby
intensify. In the tragic climax, choices contribute to the unravelling of
Gatsby's dreams, and she becomes emblematic of the moral decay within the
society depicted in the novel. Overall, Daisy's character adds depth to the
exploration of the American Dream and the moral consequences of pursuing
wealth and status during the Jazz Age.

Tom Buchanan
Tom Buchanan's character remains a symbol of the morally bankrupt elite of
the Jazz Age. Initially marked by arrogance and dominance, Tom's
possessiveness over Daisy intensifies as he confronts Gatsby's interest in
her. As the narrative progresses, Tom's ruthless determination to maintain
social status and his affair with Myrtle showcase his moral decay. The
consequences of his actions, particularly his role in Gatsby's tragedy,
fully expose Tom's moral bankruptcy. Overall, Tom's character serves as a
representative of the corruption inherent in the pursuit of wealth and
power during the Roaring Twenties, contributing to the novel's exploration
of societal issues and moral decay.

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 Myrtle Wilson
Myrtle Wilson's character undergoes a tragic evolution. Initially driven by
a desire for social advancement and a taste of the glamorous life, Myrtle
becomes increasingly bold in her affair with Tom Buchanan. As the narrative
unfolds, she becomes a symbol of the consequences of the pursuit of the
American Dream, exposing the moral compromises inherent in her social

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climb. In the end, Myrtle's character tragically highlights the casualties
of societal aspirations during the Jazz Age, underscoring the moral decay
and destructive consequences portrayed in the novel.

George Wilson
Initially peripheral, he becomes more prominent as his awareness of
Myrtle's affair with Tom grows. As the narrative unfolds, George's
desperation and emotional fragility highlight the impact of the moral decay
within the society depicted. He faces the tragic consequences of the
actions of other characters, emerging as a symbol of collateral damage
resulting from the pursuit of wealth and the moral decline of the Jazz Age.
George Wilson's character serves as a poignant reflection of the societal
costs portrayed in the novel.

Character relationships

Tom and Daisy: The relationship between Tom and Daisy Buchanan becomes
increasingly strained and complex. The tension arises as Gatsby and Daisy
reunite, and Tom becomes suspicious of Gatsby's intentions. Daisy, torn
between her feelings for Gatsby and her loyalty to Tom, contributes to the
growing unease in their marriage. As the narrative progresses, Tom's
dominance and possessiveness intensify. He becomes more aware of Gatsby's
role in Daisy's life and takes steps to reassert control. Daisy, caught in
the conflict between the two men, is emotionally torn and begins to
confront the consequences of her choices. the relationship reaches a
breaking point. Tom's confrontations with Gatsby escalate, and Daisy is
forced to confront the reality of her situation. The tragic events that
unfold in the conclusion of the novel further complicate their
relationship, underscoring the emptiness and moral decay within their
marriage.

Tom and Myrtle: Tom's affair with Myrtle played a crucial role in the
events leading to her death. Myrtle's involvement in the narrative
culminates in her accidental death, stepping out into the road thinking
that Tom is driving by, but struck by Gatsby's car driven by Daisy. Her
aspiration to climb the social ladder through her relationship with Tom
ends in a violent and untimely death, highlighting the dark consequences of
the characters' pursuits of the American Dream.

George and Myrtle: George Wilson and Myrtle's relationship undergoes a

tragic transformation. Myrtle, dissatisfied with her life in the Valley of
Ashes, becomes entangled in an affair with Tom Buchanan. George, her
husband, suspects her infidelity and confronts her, leading to a fatal
confrontation. Myrtle's attempt to escape her marriage ends in her
accidental death, symbolising the destructive consequences of pursuing
unattainable dreams and the moral decay prevalent in the novel.

Gatsby and Nick: Their relationship deepens and evolves. Gatsby, infatuated
with Nick's cousin, Daisy Buchanan, seeks Nick's assistance in arranging a
meeting between them. This request marks a turning point in their
friendship, as Gatsby confides in Nick about his past and his aspirations.

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 As the narrative progresses, Nick becomes more involved in the complex web
of relationships surrounding Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom. Nick acts as an
intermediary, facilitating Gatsby and Daisy's reunion and becoming an
observer of the ensuing events. Gatsby's trust in Nick and Nick's growing
understanding of Gatsby's character creates a bond between them. However,
as the consequences of the romantic entanglements unfold, Nick becomes
increasingly disillusioned with the moral shortcomings of those around him,

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including Gatsby.

Gatsby and Daisy: Gatsby's relentless pursuit of Daisy is realized in a

long-awaited reunion, marked by extravagant gestures and the revelation of
his enduring love. However, their relationship faces challenges as the
complexities of Daisy's marriage to Tom Buchanan come to the forefront.
Tensions escalate, culminating in tragic events, including Myrtle's death.
Despite Gatsby's unwavering devotion, Daisy's inability to fully commit and
the societal pressures surrounding them lead to a heartbreaking conclusion.
The dynamics between Gatsby and Daisy illuminate the novel's themes of the
American Dream, illusion, and the moral complexities of the Jazz Age.

Chapter 5

1. Why is Chapter 5 significant in "The Great Gatsby"?

This chapter is a pivotal moment of the novel as we see Nick agreeing to

help Gatsby and Daisy reunite.
2. Describe how Gatsby and Daisy behave at the start/end of their meeting.

Daisy is initially hesitant and somewhat overwhelmed. Gatsby’s character

throughout his meeting with Daisy it at its purest and most revealing.
Towards the end of the reunion, Gatsby’s infatuation with Daisy is
evident; he’s almost desperate for her approval and validation while
Daisy appears torn between her feelings for Gatsby and her loyalty to
her current life with Tom.

3. Why does Fitzgerald include the following passage? What do you think he
intended to portray?

“Luckily the clock took this moment to tilt dangerously at the pressure of
his head, whereupon he turned and caught it with trembling fingers, and set
it back in place.”

Gatsby is initially nervous and anxious about the meeting with Daisy.
“His head leaned back so far that it rested against the face of a
defunct mantlepiece clock […] the clock took this moment to tilt
dangerously at the pressure of his head, whereupon he turned and caught
it with trembling fingers” (pg. 93/94) Gatsby knocking over the clock
symbolises the clumsiness of his attempt to stop time and retrieve the
past. However, as the reunion progresses, his emotions shift
dramatically. He becomes ecstatic and almost childishly hopeful, as if
the fulfilment of his dream to be with Daisy is within reach. He forgets
to play the role of the Oxford-educated socialite and shows himself to
be a love-struck, awkward young man.

3. How does Nick react to the reunion between Gatsby and Daisy?
Nick is both fascinated and uneasy about the reunion. He becomes a
witness to the emotional intensity between Gatsby and Daisy, recognising
the significance of the moment while also sensing the potential
complications and consequences.

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 4. Note how the weather changes from the start of Gatsby and Daisy’s
reunion to before Gatsby invites them over to his house. What do you think
this signifies? Are there any other significant weather changes in the
novel?

Fitzgerald uses the weather as an example of pathetic fallacy (a

literary device in which human emotions and characteristics are

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attributed to nature or inanimate objects) in this chapter to represent
the mood of Gatsby. When Daisy arrives at his house, it’s raining,
reflecting Gatsby’s emotions in that he’s nervous, awkward, and anxious.
As Daisy and Gatsby confront their unresolved loss and sadness, the
weather shows the melancholy mood of the reunion. When the love between
Daisy and Gatsby reawakens, the mood becomes one of almost giddy
excitement and Fitgerald shows this change through the weather “twinkle
bells of sunshine”. The basic pathetic fallacy reinforces the idea that
Daisy can control Gatsby’s emotions completely as she is presented as a
femme fatale and Gatsby is intoxicated with the idea of her.

There are more incredibly significant weather changes in chapter 7

before Tom finding out and Myrtle’s death, and also one in chapter 8
before Gatsby’s death.

8. How does Gatsby try to impress Daisy during their meeting at his
mansion?

During their visit to Gatsby’s mansion, Gatsby goes to great lengths to

impress Daisy. He showcases his wealth, his possessions, and his genuine
affection for her, hoping to recreate the romantic atmosphere of their
past.

9. What is the tone of the chapter and how does it contribute to the
overall themes of the novel?

In this chapter, the tone is a mix of romanticism and melancholy. The

romantic elements arise from Gatsby’s idealised love for Daisy, while
the melancholy stems from the realisation that the past cannot be fully
recaptured.

10. How does the chapter conclude, and what does it foreshadow for the rest
of the story?

The chapter concludes with Gatsby’s optimism for the future,

foreshadowing the challenges and conflicts that will arise as the story
progresses. Gatsby’s dreams and aspirations are set against the backdrop
of an uncertain and turbulent reality.

Chapter 6

1. How does the revelation of Gatsby's background affect the reader's

perception of his character?
The revelation of Gatsby’s past adds depth to his character. It
highlights his transformation from Jay Gatz, a poor young man, into Jay
Gatsby, a self-made millionaire. This transformation deepens the mystery
surrounding Gatsby and sparks the readers’ curiosity about the reasons
behind his pursuit of wealth and success. Gatsby’s act of rechristening
himself symbolises his desire to leave his lower class identity behind
and recast himself as the wealthy man he envisioned. It is easy to see
how a man who has gone to such great lengths to achieve wealth and

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 luxury would find Daisy so alluring: for her, the aura of wealth and
luxury comes effortlessly. She is able to take her position for granted,
and she becomes, for Gatsby, the epitome of everything that he invented
“Jay Gatsby” to achieve. As is true throughout the book, Gatsby’s power
to make his dreams real is what makes him “great.”

2. Who was Dan Cody? What was his relationship with Gatsby? And how does he
contribute to Gatsby's aspirations?
Gatsby’s humiliation at having to work as a janitor in college contrasts
with the promise that he experiences when he meets Dan Cody, who
represents the attainment of everything that Gatsby wants. Gatsby worked
for Dan and this experience exposed him to the world of the rich and
influential. Cody’s influence becomes a key factor in shaping Gatsby’s
aspirations and his desire to climb the social ladder. When Cody died,
he left Gatsby $25,000. Gatsby's investment of this money was the source
of his wealth.

3. Describe Tom Buchanan and the Sloanes's visit to Gatsby's mansion in

this chapter. What is the outcome of their interaction?

Fitzgerald continues to explore the theme of social class by

illustrating the contempt with which the aristocratic East Eggers, Tom
and the Sloanes, regard Gatsby. Even though Gatsby seems to have as much
money as they do, he lacks their sense of social nuance and easy,
aristocratic grace. As a result, they mock and despise him for being
“new money.” As the division between East Egg and West Egg shows, even
among the very rich there are class distinctions.

4. What symbolic elements are present in Gatsby's interactions with the

guests at his party in Chapter 6, and what do they represent in the context
of the story?

Gatsby’s interactions at the party symbolise the superficiality and

emptiness of his social circle. Despite the grandeur of the gatherings,
there is a lack of genuine connection and substance, reinforcing the
theme of the shallow nature of the Jazz Age society.

Chapter 7

1. Why does Gatsby stop throwing parties? Why does he replace all his old
servants with new ones?

He replaces his old servants with new ones to maintain privacy and
prevent any leaks of information about his personal life, especially his
relationship with Daisy.

2. How does the weather contribute to the atmosphere in Chapter 7, and what
symbolic significance does it hold?

In this chapter, we see another use of pathetic fallacy, the scorching

heat enveloping the characters, which prophetically hints at the
intensifying tensions and conflicts that soon come to a boiling point in
the unfolding tragedy.

3. How does Tom react to the news of Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship, and
what does this reveal about his character?

Tom’s sexism and hypocrisy become clearer and more obtrusive during the
course of the confrontation. He has no moral reservations about his own

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 extramarital affairs, but when faced with his wife’s infidelity he
assumes the position of outrage victim.

4. Examine the emotional state of each character during the confrontation

and its aftermath.

Gatsby - Gatsby’s obsession with recovering a blissful past compels him

to order Daisy to tell Tom that she has never loved him. Gatsby needs to

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know that she has always loved him, that she has always been emotionally
loyal to him.

Tom – He’s initially confident and secure. Similarly to Gatsby, pleading

with Daisy, Tom invokes their intimate personal history to remind her
that she has had feelings for him; by controlling the past, Tom
eradicates Gatsby’s vision of the future. Tom feels secure enough to
send Daisy back to East Egg with Gatsby. He feels reasserted control
over Daisy and damaged Gatsby’s attempt to win her back.

Daisy – She’s emotionally strained as she is forced to choose between

Tom and Gatsby. After, she’s emotionally shattered by the events. Her
inability to choose between Gatsby and Tom leaves her in a state of
emotional turmoil.
5. How does the reveal of Gatsby's criminal activities impact the
perception of his character?

Throughout the previous chapters, hints have been accumulating about

Gatsby’s criminal activity. Research into the matter confirms Tom’s
suspicions, and he wields knowledge of Gatsby’s illegal activities in
front of everyone to disgrace him. The reveal shatters the idealised
image that some characters, like Nick, have of him. It shows that
Gatsby’s wealth and success are not entirely built on hard work or
legitimate means.
6. Describe the scene leading up to the fatal car crash and its
consequences on the characters and the plot.

During lunch at Tom and Daisy’s house, Gatsby and Daisy cannot hide
their love for one another. Complaining of her boredom, Daisy asks
Gatsby if he wants to go into the city. Gatsby stares at her
passionately, and Tom becomes certain of their feelings for each other.
Itching for a confrontation, Tom seizes upon Daisy’s suggestion that
they should all go to New York together. Nick rides with Jordan and Tom
in Gatsby’s car, and Gatsby and Daisy ride together in Tom’s car.
Stopping for gas at Wilson’s garage, Nick, Tom, and Jordan learn that
Wilson has discovered his wife’s infidelity—though not the identity of
her lover—and plans to move her to the West. Under the brooding eyes of
Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, Nick perceives that Tom and Wilson are in the
same position. Everyone else unaware, Myrtle sees Tom in Gatsby’s yellow
car and mistakes Jordan for Daisy. In the oppressive New York City heat,
the group decides to take a suite at the Plaza Hotel. Tom initiates his
planned confrontation with Gatsby by mocking his habit of calling people
“old sport.” He accuses Gatsby of lying about having attended Oxford.
Gatsby responds that he did attend Oxford—for five months, in an army
program following the war. Tom asks Gatsby about his intentions for
Daisy, and Gatsby replies that Daisy loves him, not Tom. Tom claims that
he and Daisy have a history that Gatsby could not possibly understand.
He then accuses Gatsby of running a bootlegging operation. Daisy, in
love with Gatsby earlier in the afternoon, feels herself moving closer

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 and closer to Tom as she observes the quarrel. Realising he has bested
Gatsby; Tom sends Daisy back to Long Island with Gatsby to prove
Gatsby’s inability to hurt him. Things had taken a turn for the worse
when Myrtle’s husband, George, discovered his wife was having an affair.
He decided the best thing for their marriage was to head West. He
admitted to his neighbour, Michaelis, that he was keeping Myrtle “locked
up” in their home until he could save enough money to take her away. A

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couple of hours later, Michaelis heard Myrtle screaming at George before
she rushed into traffic on the street. Shortly thereafter, Tom, Nick,
and Jordan come upon the scene, where Michaelis tells police that a big
yellow car, going maybe fifty or sixty miles an hour, hit Myrtle. Tom
thinks that Wilson will remember the yellow car from that afternoon but
he knows that the car Michaelis describes belongs to Gatsby, and he
assumes Gatsby was driving. However, it was Daisy driving the car that
struck and killed Myrtle. Myrtle's death takes place in the desolate
"Valley of Ashes," a symbol of moral and social decay. Her demise
reinforces the novel's critique of the corrupting influence of wealth
and the moral emptiness of the characters.
7. What is the significance of the green light and its absence in this
chapter?
This absence underlines the harsh reality and challenges Gatsby faces in
his pursuit of Daisy. The green light, which had served as a beacon of
hope and the embodiment of Gatsby's American Dream, is now eclipsed by
the harsh light of truth and the complexities of human relationships.

8. What does Gatsby's decision to wait outside Daisy's house reveal about
his feelings for her?

The image of a pitiable Gatsby keeping watch outside her house while she
and Tom sit comfortably within is an indelible image that both allows
the reader to look past Gatsby’s criminality and functions as a moving
metaphor for the love Gatsby feels toward Daisy.

9. How does the theme of the American Dream evolve or disintegrate in

Chapter 7, considering the events that transpire?
The theme of the American Dream undergoes a notable evolution and
disintegration as a result of the events that transpire. The chapter
marks a turning point in the narrative, revealing the fragility and
unattainability of the dream for the characters, particularly Gatsby and
Wilson.

Chapter 8

1. What does Nick mean when he shouts to Gatsby, ‘They’re a rotten

crowd…you’re worth the whole damned lot of them’?
This signifies Nick's growing disdain for the superficial and morally
bankrupt society depicted in the novel. He expresses his belief in
Gatsby's moral worthiness and contrasts it with the shallow individuals
he has observed. The outburst reflects Nick's frustration with the
tragic outcome and emphasises Gatsby's moral superiority in a society
lacking substance and integrity.

2. What is the significance of the Green Light at the end of the chapter?

The green light at the end of Daisy's dock takes on a sombre

significance. Described as "minute and far away," it symbolises the

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 fading of Gatsby's dreams and the diminishing possibility of his vision
coming true. The light, once a symbol of hope and aspiration, now
represents the unattainable nature of Gatsby's idealised future with
Daisy and the broader decay of the American Dream.

3. How does the death of Gatsby affect the other characters, particularly
Nick and Daisy?

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Nick is disillusioned by the emptiness of the American Dream, while
Daisy, despite her role in the tragedy, remains detached and continues
her life without Gatsby.

4. What does the owl-eyed man's reappearance at Gatsby's funeral symbolise

in this chapter?

The owl-eyed man reappears at Gatsby's funeral, symbolising the few who
recognise the true depth of Gatsby's character. His presence highlights
the rarity of understanding and empathy in the superficial society
depicted in the novel.

5. Explore the theme of disillusionment and the disintegration of dreams as

portrayed in Chapter 8.

Chapter 8 intensifies the theme of disillusionment. Gatsby's death and

the unravelling of his dreams underscore the hollowness of the Jazz
Age's excesses and the futility of pursuing an idealised vision of the
American Dream.
6. How does the closing of Gatsby's mansion and Nick's reflections on the
East and West symbolise the end of an era?
The closing of Gatsby's mansion symbolizes the end of an era. It
reflects the fading of the extravagant Jazz Age and the collapse of
Gatsby's dream. Nick's reflections on the East and West hint at the
broader cultural shifts occurring in society.

Chapter 9

1. What makes Gatsby great? Was Gatsby great?

His idealism, aspiration, optimism, self-made success, and his hope all
contribute to his greatness. Fitzgerald leaves the assessment of
Gatsby's greatness subjective. While Gatsby possesses admirable
qualities, his single-minded pursuit and the questionable means by which
he attains wealth raise moral questions. Whether Gatsby's greatness is
genuine or flawed is open to interpretation.

2. How does Gatsby represent the American Dream?

Gatsby represents the American Dream through his relentless pursuit of

happiness, material success, and the belief in self-made reinvention.
His story encapsulates the optimism and aspirations central to the
American Dream, yet his tragic fate also underscores the challenges and
illusions embedded in the pursuit of this ideal

Key quotes

“Gatsby, pale as death, with his hands plunged like weights in his coat
pockets, was standing in a puddle of water glaring tragically into my
eyes.” (C.5, pg.93)

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 Gatsby is nervous about reuniting with Daisy again. Gatsby's pale
appearance and the weightiness of his hands suggest the gravity of the
moment and the emotional intensity he experiences. The puddle of water may
symbolise the instability and uncertainty in Gatsby's emotions, while his
intense gaze reflects the depth of his feelings for Daisy. The use of the
word "tragically" hints at the complexities and potential hardships that
will unfold as Gatsby and Daisy navigate their rekindled relationship.

“A pause; it endured horribly.” (C.5, pg.93)

No one knew what to say, Gatsby had arranged this meeting to reconcile with
Daisy but when presented with the opportunity Gatsby has nothing to say.
“This is a terrible mistake’, he said, ‘a terrible, terrible mistake” (C.5,
pg.95)

Fitzgerald uses pathos (inspires emotions) to make us feel bad for him.
Gatsby realises that his grand efforts to impress Daisy and recreate the
past might not yield the desired outcome. The quote encapsulates Gatsby's
recognition of the difficulties in reconciling his idealized vision of the
past with the complex reality of the present. It foreshadows the challenges
and disillusionment that will unfold as the narrative progresses.
“I love it, but I don’t see how you live there all alone” (C.5, pg.98)

Daisy is referring to Gatsby's lavish mansion. Her statement reflects a mix

of admiration for the opulence of Gatsby's residence and a concern or
curiosity about his solitary lifestyle. Daisy's comment underscores the
contrast between the external grandeur of Gatsby's life, as represented by
his mansion, and the potential emotional isolation or loneliness he may
experience within it.

“[Gatsby] hadn’t once ceased looking at Daisy, and I think he revalued

everything in his house according to the measure of response it drew from
her well-loved eyes. Sometimes, too, he stared around at his possessions in
a dazed way, as though in her actual and astounding presence none of it was
any longer real.” (C.5, pg. 99)

Gatsby is blinded by love. A man who places a great importance on his

wealth and material possessions, these now pale in comparison to the woman
he loves.

“They’re such beautiful shirts […] it makes me sad because I’ve never seen
such—such beautiful shirts before.” (C.5, pg.100)

One reason for Daisy’s reaction could be that she only cares for material
goods, and so something like fine clothing can make her feel affection for
Gatsby. However, the shirts also symbolise how far Gatsby has risen since
she last knew him, and she may regret and feel emotional that she doesn’t
have the chance to marry him now.

"No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in
his ghostly heart." (C.5, pg.104)

As Nick reflects on Gatsby’s opinion of Daisy, he realises how much Gatsby

has built her up in his mind, so much so that no real person could ever
live up to the fantasy. After meeting and being separated from Daisy,
Gatsby spent years idealising and romanticising his memory of her, turning
her into more illusion than woman. By the time they meet again, Daisy has
grown and changed; she is a real and flawed human who could never measure
up to Gatsby’s image of her. Gatsby continues to love Daisy, but whether he

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 loves the real Daisy or simply the fantasy he believes her to be remains
unclear.

“James Gatz – that was really his name”(C.6, pg.105)

This statement is made by Nick as he learns more about Jay Gatsby's true
identity. The revelation that Gatsby was born James Gatz adds a layer of
complexity to Gatsby's character. It underscores the contrast between

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Gatsby's humble origins and the extravagant persona he has created for
himself. The use of Gatsby's birth name highlights the theme of self-
invention and the lengths to which individuals may go to transform their
identities in the pursuit of the American Dream
‘It was indirectly due to Cody that Gatsby drank so little’ (C.6, pg.108)

This statement refers to Dan Cody, Gatsby's mentor, and wealthy associate.
Gatsby, in his aspiration to emulate the wealthy and sophisticated
lifestyle of Cody, adopts certain behaviours, except from excessive
drinking. Cody was a very heavy drinker, and Gatsby saw that as a major
weakness, and tended to avoid alcohol. This detail adds depth to Gatsby's
character and highlights the influence that significant figures like Cody
had on shaping Gatsby's habits and values.
“My God, I believe [Gatsby]’s coming” said Tom… “I wonder where in the
devil he met Daisy. By God, I may be old-fashioned in my ideas, but women
run around too much these days to suit me. They meet all kinds of crazy
fish.” + ‘Tom was evidently perturbed at Daisy’s running around alone…the
following Saturday he came’(C.6, pg.112)

Tom Buchanan is a hypocrite. He states this to his friends to make himself

look like the kind of husband who treats his wife well, yet he is the one
who is running around and being unfaithful. He is having an affair with
Myrtle yet he’s questioning how Daisy met Gatsby.
‘His parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people—his imagination
had never really accepted them as his parents at all.’ (C.6, pg.106)

Gatsby never accepted his poor family background low and social status and
had always planned to start a new life he designed for himself, complete
with new name.

“The truth was that Jay Gatsby, of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his
Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God—a phrase which, if it
means anything, means just that—and he must be about His Father’s business,
the service of a vast, vulgar, and meretricious beauty. So, he invented
just the sort of Jay Gatsby that a seventeen-year-old boy would be likely
to invent, and to this conception he was faithful to the end.” (C.6,
pg.106)

When Nick finally describes Gatsby’s early history, he uses this striking
comparison between Gatsby and Jesus Christ to illuminate Gatsby’s creation
of his own identity. Gatsby transforms himself into the ideal that he
envisioned for himself (a “Platonic conception of himself”) as a youngster
and remains committed to that ideal, despite the obstacles that society
presents to the fulfilment of his dream.
“Can’t repeat the past…? Why, of course you can!” (C.6, pg.119)

If there’s one statement that sums up Gatsby’s entire philosophy, this is

it. Throughout his adult life, Gatsby’s goal has been to recapture the
past. Specifically, he longs to recapture the past romance he had with

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si lees esto me debes un besito

 Daisy. Nick, the realist, tries to point out that recapturing the past is
impossible, but Gatsby utterly rejects that idea. Instead, he believes that
money is the key to happiness, reasoning that if you have enough money, you
can make even the wildest dreams come true. We see this belief in action
with Gatsby's wild parties, thrown just to attract Daisy’s attention, and
his insistence on rekindling his affair with her.

Reservados todos los derechos. No se permite la explotación económica ni la transformación de esta obra. Queda permitida la impresión en su totalidad.
‘I hear you fired all your servants’ (C.7, pg.122)
The quote reflects the changing dynamics in Gatsby's household. Gatsby, in
an attempt to impress and win back Daisy, has made alterations to his staff
and lifestyle.
“Ble-sed pre-cious. Come to your own mother that loves you.” (C.7, pg.)

The quote reveals a brief and somewhat awkward moment of maternal

affection. It provides insight into Daisy's role as a mother and highlights
the complex dynamics within the Buchanan family.

“Who wants to go to town”, demanded Daisy (C.7, pg.127)

This reflects Daisy's attempt to divert attention or diffuse the tension

arising from the conflict between Gatsby and Tom. This moment contributes
to the unfolding drama and showcases Daisy's inclination to avoid facing
uncomfortable situations directly.

“Her voice is full of money” (C.7, pg.129)

Gatsby’s comment seems to indicate that he half-senses that Daisy's love of

material things has corrupted her, that she herself has become a kind of
commodity.

“I’ve been here too long. I want to get away” (C.7, pg.132)

Wilson has discovered that his wife, Myrtle, is having an affair. He does
not know who it is, but it really does not matter. His wife is being
unfaithful, and Wilson thinks that moving out of the Valley of Ashes will
fix the problem. In all likelihood, moving Myrtle is a temporary solution.
She will no longer be having the affair with Tom, but she will likely still
be unhappy with her station in life and marriage. Moving Myrtle out west is
not likely to fix the marriage. Wilson may or may not know this, but he
does know that moving away from the Valley of Ashes will stop Myrtle's
current affair. It is a brave move on Wilson's part as well, because in
some ways he is giving up on his belief that he can strike it rich in the
East. However, the move does show that saving his marriage is more
important to him than making money.
“I understand you’re an Oxford man” (C.7, pg.138)

Tom makes this comment with a hint of sarcasm during the confrontation at
the Plaza Hotel. Tom, who himself attended Yale, uses this remark to mock
Gatsby's social status and question the authenticity of his background. The
quote underscores the class tensions and social snobbery prevalent in the
novel, as Tom seeks to belittle Gatsby's attempts to fit into the upper
echelons of society.

“‘You start on home, Daisy. In Mr Gatsby’s car” (C.7, pg.145)

Tom, now fairly confident that he’s damaged Gatsby’s chances with Daisy now
asserts his control over the situation by instructing Daisy to go home with
Gatsby.

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 ‘Gatsby stepped from between two bushes’(C.7, pg.154)
Gatsby keeps an eye out for Daisy just in case Tom does anything.

‘He spoke as if Daisy’s reaction was the only thing that mattered.’ (C.7,
pg.154)

This statement reflects Gatsby's singular and almost obsessive devotion to

Reservados todos los derechos. No se permite la explotación económica ni la transformación de esta obra. Queda permitida la impresión en su totalidad.
Daisy. It underscores the extent to which Gatsby's actions and decisions
revolve around Daisy's opinions and emotions. This quote encapsulates the
intensity of his feelings and the significance he places on Daisy's
reactions.
“but of course I’ll say I was.” (C.7, pg.155)

Gatsby’s decision to take the blame for Daisy demonstrates the deep love he
still feels for her and illustrates the basic nobility that defines his
character. Disregarding her almost capricious lack of concern for him,
Gatsby sacrifices himself for Daisy.
“I’m going to drain the pool today, Mr Gatsby” (C.8, pg.165)

Now that the fire has gone out of Gatsby’s life with Daisy’s decision to
remain with Tom, the weather suddenly cools, and autumn creeps into the
air—the gardener even wants to drain the pool to keep falling leaves from
clogging the drains. In the same way that he clings to the hope of making
Daisy love him the way she used to, he insists on swimming in the pool as
though it were still summer.

“They’re a rotten crowd. You’re worth the whole damned bunch put together”
(C.8, pg.165)

This signifies Nick's growing disdain for the superficial and morally
bankrupt society depicted in the novel. He expresses his belief in Gatsby's
moral worthiness and contrasts it with the shallow individuals he has
observed. The outburst reflects Nick's frustration with the tragic outcome
and emphasises Gatsby's moral superiority in a society lacking substance
and integrity.

“I spoke to her. I told her she might fool me but she couldn’t fool God”
(C.8, pg.172)

George Wilson is talking about his dead wife Myrtle, whom he found out had
been cheating on him. Wilson believes that God, the source of ultimate
knowledge and justice, sees everything. He confuses the eyes of Doctor
Eckleburg with the eyes of God, but they are the remains of an old
billboard advert for a company that no longer exists.

“He had a big future before him, you know” (C.9, pg.181)

This quote reflects the father's belief that Gatsby could have achieved
significant success and happiness if circumstances had been different. This
quote highlights the theme of unfulfilled dreams and the tragic nature of
Gatsby's life.

“What I called up about was a pair of shoes I left there” (C.9, pg.182)

A stranger calls looking for a pair of shoes they left behind in Gatsby's
home. Nick hangs up on him.

“Why, my God! They used to go there by the hundreds” (C.9, pg.188)

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si lees esto me debes un besito

 It is apparent that for all of Gatsby's generous hospitality, none of these
people were truly his friends. They came to drink his liquor, eat his food,
and be entertained at his expense. Once the money was gone (because Gatsby
had died), their true motivations are seen they only cared about what they
could get out of it. Sharing time with Gatsby meant nothing—only his value
in what he could do for these freeloaders, social leeches.

“They were careless people Tom and Daisy” (C.9, pg.193)

This reflects Nick's criticism of Tom and Daisy Buchanan's reckless and
indifferent attitudes toward life. It highlights their lack of
responsibility and the broader theme of moral decay in the novel.
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the
past.” (C.9, pg.)

This sentence is the final line of the novel, and one of the most famous
lines in all of literature. By this point, Nick, the narrator, has become
disillusioned with Gatsby's hedonistic displays of wealth. He has seen how
Gatsby’s fruitless, desperate quest—to escape his past identity and
recapture his past romance with Daisy—destroyed him. Ultimately, no amount
of money or time was enough to win Daisy, and none of the novel's
characters were able to escape the limitations imposed by their own pasts.
This final statement serves as a commentary on the very concept of the
American dream, which claims that anyone can be anything, if only they work
hard enough. With this sentence, the novel seems to suggest that such hard
work will prove futile, because the “currents” of nature or society will
always push one back towards the past.

a64b0469ff35958ef4ab887a898bd50bdfbbe91a-9440879

Reservados todos los derechos. No se permite la explotación económica ni la transformación de esta obra. Queda permitida la impresión en su totalidad.