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.