The Great Gatsby- Chapter 9 (pages 163- 180)

Chapter 9 Summary- 


Many news reporters came to Gatsby's home the next day, but none of Gatsby's friends or family came to visit. Nick was alone at Gatsby's side. Nick tries desperately to find anyone to join for Gatsby's funeral. Nick called Daisy first, but there was no answer. Daisy and Tom had already packed their bags and moved from the East Egg.  He tried to contact Meyer Wolfsheim because Meyer seemed to be Gatsby's closest friend, but he was impossible to contact as well. The first visit was from Henry C. Gatz, Gatsby's father. As they introduced each other, Nick received a phone call from Klipspringer, who he thought would be happy to join for the funeral. Unfortunately, Klipspringer wanted no part of it. He only wanted his boots back. He tried hard to contact Meyer Wolfsheim, and he eventually visited him at his home. Wolfsheim was determined not to attend Gatsby's funeral and completely shut down Nick. On the day of Gatsby's funeral, no one arrived. It was only Nick, Mr. Gatz, five servants, the postman, and old owl-eyes attended. After the funeral, Nick decides to leave and return home, but before he left he wanted to talk to Jordan. Jordan and Nick talk for the final time and he explains why things didn't work out. He stays "angry, and half in love with her, and remendously sorry...(Fitzgerald 177)" as turns away. One afternoon in October, Nick meets Tom again. He is able to shake his hand and realize that people like him were careless. He realizes the true nature of Tom and Daisy, and he realizes that his view of them will never be the same. Nick admires Gatsby and his dream, but also, he discovers Gatsby's fatal flaw. 


Nick Carraway 


b. "hour upon hour, it grew upon me that i was responsible, because no one else was interested - interested, I mean, with that intense personal interest to which every one has some vague right at the end. (Fitzgerald 164)"


c. Nick, the main character of the story, seems to be the most trustworthy character of the entire book. Nick is described as someone who will not judge. He is Gatsby's closest friend and advisor. Not only does he help Gatsby throughout his life, but he also knows the most about the mysterious character. Throughout the book, Nick has transitioned from narrator to observer. Nick has been so caught up in Gatsby's ideals that the reader no longer knows about Nick's. Now that he is 30 years old, he believes that he has approached a new decade, a new beginning. 


d. Nick is the narrator of the story. His ability to see society for what it truly is gives the reader a big perspective of what is going on. Nick becomes an observer of Gatsby's life. Throughout the book, he becomes so caught up and obsessed in Gatsby. Every detail and every action is recorded and observed by Nick.


"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter - to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther... And one fine morning -(Fitzgerald 180)"


This caught my attention immediately because it applies to everyone then and now. It calls out to all people who have dreams and goals. Dreams are so difficult to obtain, but this book calls people to keep reaching out. Gatsby is admired by Nick for staying true to his dream, and that is why Gatsby is regarded as "great." The question, "Will we reach our goals?," will never be answered. People born into freedom have a natural want for more, and this thirst for more will never be fully satisfied. That is why we must always "run faster" and "stretch our arms farther" to attempt to achieve a certain goal.

The Great Gatsby- Chapter 8 (pages 147-163)

Chapter 8 Summary-


Nick has been waiting patiently for Gatsby's arrival. Finally, Gatsby's taxi rolls into his driveway. Gatsby was waiting outside Daisy's home to see any sign of acknowledgment from her. Gatsby was left alone outside Daisy's home, but still remained hopeful to receive her love. Nick and Gatsby talked for awhile about Gatsby's past. Daisy was the first "nice" girl that Gatsby has met. Her perfection became something that Gatsby wanted to obtain, and soon it became an obsession, a "grail." Gatsby also explains his experience during the war. He used to write Daisy, but Daisy needed to make a decision and chose Tom to marry. When Gatsby returned home from France, Tom and Daisy were still on their wedding trip. He made the trip down to Louisville and admired Daisy's house. For some reason, her house stood out amongst the rest, "even though she was gone from it, was pervaded with a melancholy beauty. (Fitzgerald 152)" It was already 9 o'clock, but Nick did not want to leave Gatsby. Although Nick did not truly like Gatsby's personality, Nick describes Gatsby as being better than the normal crowd. After Nick leaves Gatsby's house, Nick receives a call from Jordan. It was a tense conversation and they both said their goodbyes. Nick no longer cared if they were to meet again. Meanwhile, George Wilson is drowned with shock and depression over the loss of his wife. He then plots to kill his wife's murderer. Later that night, Gatsby's body was found dead in his pool, and Wilson's body was found on Gatsby's lawn.


Michaelis


b. "But when he heard himself say this, he flinched and began to cry "Oh, my God!" again in his groaning voice. Machaelis made a clumsy attempt to distract him. (Fitzgerald 157)"


c. Michaelis is a young Greek coffee shop worker in the city of ashes. He seems to be an advisor and friend to Wilson. He is one of the witnesses to Myrtle's death, and he stays with Wilson for time being to calm him down. Michaelis is calm and truthful person. He, somewhat, serves as a guardian for Wilson.


d. Michaelis' role in the story is being the "principle witness." He stays with Wilson before and after Myrtle's death. He seems to be a righteous conscience to Wilson. He keeps Wilson on track, and he continues to advise Wilson. The reader strangely sees Michaelis as the narrator as well.  I think that this is due to Michalis' ability to be non-judgmental as well. He is the only character, other than Nick, that I feel is trustworthy.


"The lawn and drive had been crowded with the faces of those who guessed at his corruption - and he had stood on those steps, concealing his incorruptible dream, as he waved them good-bye. (Fitzgerald 154)"


This quote adds to the notion of Gatsby being "great." He is completely different from the "new rich" because of his "incorruptible dream." His incredible passion to obtain this certain goal sets him apart from those who have money but no purpose. The word "concealing" stands out to me because Gatsby has been concealing parts of himself for most of this book. This shows that the "real" Gatsby is never really seen, only the image of Gatsby is flaunted. Gatsby did not mind people rumoring about him. He did not mind that people saw his image, but he went through much lengths to conceal his true intent.

The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 (pages 113-145)

Chapter 7 Summary-


Nick has not seen Gatsby in a while so he decides to pay him a visit. Nick is really surprised when he discovers that Gatsby has hired new servants and dismissed his older ones. Gatsby reveals that these new servants are hired to prevent gossip about Gatsby and Daisy. The new servants are "brothers and sisters" that are also connected to Wolfsheim. Gatsby and Daisy decided to have lunch with Tom, Nick and Jordan. Daisy's and Gatsby's love relationship starts to heat up once more, when Daisy confesses her love for Gatsby and kisses him openly behind Tom's back. Tom slowly understands the situation and becomes more paranoid and aggravated toward Gatsby and Daisy. They all decide to go to the city and stop at a hotel. In the hotel, Tom confronts Gatsby about his past. Tom has been getting information from different people about Gatsby, and Tom confronts Gatsby about Oxford. Gatsby then pushes Tom further by confessing about his relationship with Daisy. Daisy is torn between the two men, but admits that she did love Tom at some point. The situation becomes more heated, and they all decide to return home. Gatsby drives Daisy back first, and Tom, Nick and Jordan follow afterward. Along the way, Tom sees a crowd surrounding the Wilson's garage. He is greatly troubled when he finds Myrtle dead on the street. To his surprise, he discovers that Myrtle is hit by the car Gatsby and Daisy were driving. Tom's loss of the two women in his life seem to cause an emotional rupture. Tom returns home and talks to Daisy. Nick finds Gatsby outside waiting. Gatsby explains that he is waiting just in case anything happens. He also explains how Daisy killed Myrtle.


Daisy Buchanan 


"That was it. I'd never understood before. It was full of money - that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbals' song of it.... High in a white palace the king's daughter, the golden girl.... (Fitzgerald 120)"


Daisy's best quality is her unique voice. No one but Tom understands why her voice is so understanding. Her voice draws people in and keeps people guessing. It is interesting that Nick, Daisy's cousin, could not understand Daisy's voice, but Tom, Daisy's unfaithful husband, has always known. Daisy's voice is described as "money."


Daisy is Gatsby's main interest. At first, the reader sees her as a charming, quiet character, but then she evolves into someone more menacing. Daisy displays clear materialistic views through her clothing, her living style, and her choice in Gatsby. Daisy's child is finally introduced in the book, but Daisy displays no motherly attributes. Daisy's lust for attention causes the conflict between Gatsby and Tom. Now that she realizes the true problem she is in, she does not know who to choose. Her choice is paramount to the ending of the book.


"They were gone, without a word, snapped out, made accidental, isolated, like ghosts, even from out pity. (Fitzgerald 135)" 


I found this quote very important to the chapter because at this moment, Daisy realizes the reality of what she is doing. Gatsby and Daisy walk out like ghosts, They become unwanted and isolated by the people they truly care about. Everyone knew that the relationship between Daisy and Gatsby was wrong, but now it is finally recognized as something that should not be done. In the beginning, Nick had faith in Gatsby, but at the end of the chapter, Nick seems to hate him. The confrontation between Gatsby and Tom causes the views of all the main characters to change. 

The Great Gatsby Chp. 6 (pg. 97-111)

Chapter 6 Summary-


Gatsby reveals the truth about his past. His real name was James Gatz, who struck luck when he found the yacht of Dan Cody. He followed Dan Cody for awhile until Cody's "inhospitable" death. Gatsby then inherited Cody's 25 thousand dollars. Nick feels that he can no longer believe in Gatsby, but continues to help him. One night, Gatsby set up a party where Tom and Daisy were both invited. Gatsby was able to dance with Daisy for about 30 minutes, but other than that moment, the night was unpleasant. Gatsby worries that the night did not please Daisy enough, but he still stays determined "to fix everything just the way it was before. (Fitzgerald 110)"


Dan Cody


b. "The transactions in Montana copper that made him the verge of soft-mindedness, and, suspecting this, an infinite number of women tried to separate him from his money. (Fitzgerald 99)"


c. Dan Cody was described as Gatsby's "best friend" in the previous chapter. In this chapter, Dan Cody's relationship with Gatsby is fully explained. Cody is about 50 years old and is very wealthy. He took Gatsby and sailed with him on his yacht. Cody was a drinker and admitted that he was a different person when he drank. Cody's drinking problem is the reason why Gatsby does not drink as well.


d. Dan Cody is a role model for Jay Gatsby. In every way, Gatsby has tried to become like Dan. I think that Dan represents the wealthy side of society which Gatsby bases his appearance on.


"Moreover he told it to me at a time of confusion, when I had reached the point of believing everything and nothing about him. (Fitzgerald 101)"


This quote caught my attention because it will allude to future events. Nick begins to realize how dangerous his relationship with Gatsby is. Nick is getting too close to a person he does not even fully know. This quote firmly supports the fact that Gatsby is hiding a lot of things about himself and cannot be trusted. Gatsby's true intentions will not  be known until the very end of this novel.

The Great Gatsby Chp. 5 (pg 81-96)

Chapter 5 Summary-

After Nick's moment with Jordan, he finds Gatsby with his house illuminated by lights, but no party occurring. Gatsby suddenly gave Nick a job proposal which was described as "confidential." Nick understood what was happening so he declined Gatsby's offer. Nick had invited Daisy for tea the next morning and planned for Gatsby to meet her there. When Daisy and Gatsby finally meet, it becomes awkward because of the mutual embarrassment. They have not seen each other in about 5 years. Nick leaves them alone to talk and once he comes back he finds Daisy crying and Gatsby glowing. Gatsby then invites Nick and Daisy to his home where he shows off his valuables, connections, and musics. 

Jay Gatsby

"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. (Fitzgerald 86)"

Gastby

• Wealthy, but wants more.
• Smart, but obsessive.
• Powerful, but is hiding something

Normally, we have read Gatsby as a confident, cunning, and powerful character. But in this chapter, we see a side of Gatsby which we have never seen before: fear. This chapter reveals a lot about Gatsby. He talks a lot about his house and his connections throughout the chapter. He is a very important man, but he has not revealed why he is so connected yet. In the beginning, he offers Nick a job to make confidential money. This shows that Gatsby is truly involved with "illegal" matters and throughout the chapter the reader has a sense that Gatsby is hiding something. Gatsby also shows a creepy obsession with Daisy. Gatsby has gone through a lot trouble to just to see Daisy. One must question, now that he has seen Daisy, what more will he want? Gatsby plays a very important role in the book. He is definitely more interesting because of his mystery. I think Daisy and Gatsby are binary opposites so far. Gatsby has become rich while Daisy married into wealthiness. Gatsby has power while Daisy has none. There attitudes and personality differ from each other as well. Daisy is more uplifting and funny. Gatsby is more serious.

"I tried to go then, but they wouldn't hear of it; perhaps my presence made them feel more satisfactorily alone. (Fitzgerald 94)" 

This quote caught my attention because it showed how important Nick was to these two characters. Nick is the connection between the two. He is how they met and how they will stay together. It is interesting to see Nick still caught up between them. He has often felt like a "third-wheel" throughout the chapter, but he tags along anyway.

The Great Gatsby- Chap. 4 [61-80]

Chapter 4 Summary-

Nick pays close attention to whoever enters Gatsby's house during the summer. All the people were very rich and successful, but seemed to have a lot troubles. Nick and Gatsby spend enormous time together, and Gatsby begins to talk about his experiences throughout his life. He mentions a sad time he was trying to escape. He explains to Nick that he joined the war hoping to die. Nick finally believes Gatsby's tales of the past. Gatsby also sets up a time for Nick to meet with Tom and Jordan individually. When he met with Jordan, she explained Gatsby's true intentions for bringing them together. She explained how Daisy and Gatsby used to be in love before she was married. She also explained Gatsby plan to meet Daisy once again. After Jordan was done, Nick felt a closeness to Jordan and forgot all about Gatsby and Daisy. Nick held Jordan close and finally kissed her.

Meyer Wolfsheim

b."'He just saw the opportunity... They can't get him, old sport. He's a smart man.'(Fitzgerald 73)"

c. Wolfsheim is introduced as Gatsby's friend. "A small, flat-nosed Jew raised his large head and regarded me with two fine growths of hair...(Fitzgerald 69)" He's and old man who has felt the pain of losing a friend. Though he is wealthy, he still cannot get over the pain of losing his friend, Rosy. He also talks highly of Gatsby. He believes that Gatsby is "the kind of man you'd like to take home and introduce to your mother and sister. (Fitzgerald 72)" He is very polite to Nick and leaves the table because he does not want to impose. Gatsby later reveals that Wolfsheim is a gambler who fixed the World's Series in 1919.

d. I think Wolfsheim is another example of a rich, wealthy person, trying to escape sadness. He is an old, interesting man, and I feel that Gatsby planned out Nick's meeting with him. Wolfsheim's meeting with Nick will later affect Nick eventually because everything that Gatsby does is done for a reason.

"'I usually find myself among strangers because I drift here and there trying to forget the sad thing that happened to me.' (Fitzgerald 67)"

This quote is important to the chapter because it reveals why Gatsby is found almost always alone. He also reveals that he has been trying to forget something. At that time, many people were disillusioned after the war. Gatsby was no exception. This quote also reveals how similar Nick and Gatsby are. Both want to distance themselves, and both are running away.

The Great Gatsby- Chp. 3 [pages 39-59]

Chapter 3 Summary-

Nick receives an invitation to join Gatsby’s party. Nick does not know any characters in the party so he decides to get “roaring drunk,” but on his way there, he finds Jordan Baker. Nick joins Jordan and her friends for the evening, and he waits in anticipation to meet the host, Gatsby. While looking for Gatsby, Jordan and Nick find a middle-aged man with owl spectacles in the Gothic library. He continuously talks about the book being real and he confesses that he came to the library to sober up. Nick and Jordan returned to dinner, where Nick met a man almost the same age as he was. He conversed with the man and discovered that they fought together in the war. Surprisingly, the man turned out to be Gatsby. Gatsby is called off and the night continues. Soon it is 2 AM, and Nick is almost the only one there. Before he leaves, Gatsby greets Nick goodbye. Nick felt as though he was significant to Gatsby, and he was happy. A few weeks later, he meets Jordan Baker again. He then discovers what he finds wrong with her. He realizes that she is dishonest and careless. Nick felt somewhat connected with her though and almost feels as though he were in love.  

 Jordan Baker

b. "'Suppose you met somebody just as careless as yourself.' 'I hope I never will,' she answered. 'i hate careless people. That's why i like you.' (Fitzgerald 58)"

c. Jordan seemed to be cool and collected at first sight, but now it seems as though she keeps some of herself hidden from the rest of the world. She's confident in her work and with people. But she is careless and dishonest about how she lives life. Her dishonesty in how she wanted to be seen as well. She did not want to be at a disadvantage at any point, and she avoided to talk to clever, shrewd men to avoid trouble. "It takes two to make an accident. (Fitzgerald 58)"

d. Jordan plays the binary opposite of Nick. While Nick is more careful and quiet with people and situations, Jordan is loud and curious. But these two characters attract each other and bring about something new. It seems as though Nick needs Jordan to grow out of the loneliness. In the same way, Jordan seems to need Nick. In this case, opposites attract. 

"At the enchanted metropolitan twilight I felt a haunting loneliness sometimes, and felt it in others - poor young clerks who loitered in front of windows waiting until it was time for a solitary restaurant dinner - young clerks in the dusk, wasting the most poignant moments of night and life. (Fitzgerald 56-57)" 

This quote again touches on Nick's ability to connect or understand people. As he watches the people walk by, he imagines being part of their lives to fill in the void of loneliness he somewhat feels. I also think that these characters he sees relate to his life. He feels compassion towards them because he sees his own self in their lives.

The Great Gatsby- Chp. 2 [pages 22-38]

Chapter 2 Summary-


The chapter begins with Nick traveling through the "valley of ashes," halfway between West Egg and New York where the motor road joins the railroad, with Tom. Tom decided that he would like Nick to meet his mistress. Once the train stopped, Tom led Nick out of the train and into the garage of a man named George Wilson. George Wilson's wife, Myrtle Wilson, is Tom's mistress, and they decide to meet each other later. They met up at an apartment, and Myrtle invited her sister, Catherine, and the McKee's to join along as well. Myrtle discusses about her love life with George and how she met Tom. But when Tom and Myrtle discuss about Daisy, Tom gets aggravated and breaks Myrtle's nose. 


George Wilson


b. "He was a blond, spiritless man, anaemic, and faintly handsome. When he saw us a dam gleam of hope sprang into his light blue eyes. (Fitzgerald 25)


c. He is a poor person, who has his own garage shop. In the beginning, George was seen as a gentleman for Myrtle in their earlier days. He is also described as ignorant and dumb because how easily Myrtle could sneak around him. He does seem a bit naive about his own wife, but perhaps he may be hiding his knowledge like Daisy. 

d. The character plays an important role of mirroring Daisy. Also George plays the contrast of a poor husband, rather than a rich one. Even though Myrtle married George because of apparent love, she regrets not marrying a wealthier man. "'Yes but listen,' nodding her head up and down, 'at least you didn't marry him...Well i married him,' said Myrtle, ambiguously.'And that's the difference between your case and mine.'" It raises the question "Can money buy love?" 

"'Wilson? He thinks she goes to see her sister in New York. He's so dumb he doesn't know he's alive. (Fitzgerald 26)'"

I thought that this quote was very interesting because right away, Wilson is judged by Tom. I also find it interesting that Tom gets irritated when Myrtle talks about Daisy, but he does not feel any remorse when he talks badly about Tom. The words, "Hes so dumb he doesn't know he's alive." stuck out to me because I don't fully understand what he means by it. I think that Tom is saying that if George were alive, he would react and catch on to what Tom and Myrtle are doing. 

 

 

The Great Gatsby- Chp. 1 [pages 1-21]

Chapter 1 Summary-


Nick Carraway graduated New Haven in 1915, participated in the Great War, and wrote for Yale News. He then moved to New York and lived at the West Egg. His cousin, Daisy, and her husband, Tom Buchanans, live on the East Egg of New York, and he decided to pay them a visit. There, he met Jordan Baker, who Nick seems to have an attraction to. After his visit, he goes back home where he sees Mr. Gatsby for the first time. 


Tom Buchanans


b. 'Now don'e think my opinion on these matters is final,' he seemed to say, 'just because I'm stronger and more of a man than you are.' (Fitzgerald 5)
This quote shows that Tom is a person that likes to assert his dominance. He is the type that would love to take the role of "alpha male." 


c. Tom is a strong man who used to play football in New Havens. his strength only compliments his unpleasantly cocky attitude. He is a conceited person who is not afraid to flaunt his wealth and control his wife. Tom shows his true colors when the story reveals that he is cheating on Daisy. He also is unafraid to share his racist views with Nick. He supports white dominance explaining that "It's up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things. (Fitzgerald 13)" 


d. Tom plays a character that contrasts from Nick Carraway. Nick is a smart individual while Tom exceeds in strength. Tom's role in this story is to conflict with Nick's views and ideals. Nick seems to reject Tom and his views, but Tom is viewed as "more of a man" than Nick is. So Tom also plays a male role model for Nick. Tom also displays the view of white America at that time period. Races were still not accepted, and Tom clearly displays that type of attitude towards them.




'Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,' he told m, 'just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had. (Fitzgerald 1)


This early quote will probably play a key role in the ideals of Nick Carraway throughout the book. This quote reminds people that there are others who are less fortunate. It is a single reminder that people must utilize each advantage that he or she is given in order to obtain happiness. This quote is important to Nick because it is a quote from his father that has stuck in his head for many years.