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.