CLASS CHAPTER SUMMARIES CHAPTER ONE Nick Carraway is the narrator
Nick moved into a rented house in West Egg (Long Island), a place for the ‘new rich’. Lavish displays of wealth and garish poor taste characterises West Egg
Nick’s house is next door to Gatsby’s mansion (Gothic)
Nick graduated from Yale and has many connections with East Egg (conservative and aristocratic people)
Has dinner with his cousin Daisy and her husband, Tom Buchanan
Tom and Nick were in the same social club at Yale
Tom takes a call from his lover before dinner
When Nick arrives home, he sees Gatsby for the first time – fit, handsome young man, standing on the lawn with arms outstretched – all Nick can see is a green light.
QUIZ
1.Who is Nick? 2.What’s Nick’s last name? 3.Who is Nick’s cousin? 4.Who is Daisy married to? 5.Who did Tom Buchanan take a phone call from when Nick was over there for dinner? 6.Where did Tom and Nick first meet? 7.Who does Nick live next door to? 8.When Nick saw Gatsby looking out across the water, what was on the other side?
CHAPTER TWO Setting – ½ way between NYC and West Egg is a desolate plain where the men who live there work at shovelling up ashes.
An enormous sign (an old sign) with 2 huge blue eyes watch over everything that happens in the valley of ashes.
One day on train as Nick and Tom are riding it into NYC, Tom forces Nick to follow him to George Wilson’s garage in the Valley of Ashes. Myrtle is married to Wilson, a lifeless, yet handsome man.
Tom taunts Wilson, then orders Myrtle to NYC to the apartment he keeps for the affair.
They have an impromptu party with Myrtle’s sister (Catherine) and a couple named McKee (a horrid couple).
The McKee’s say that Jay Gatsby is the nephew or cousin of Kaiser Wilhelm (rule of Germany WW1).
The ostentatious behaviour and conversation at the party repulse Nick.
Tom breaks Myrtle’s nose after she chants Daisy’s name.
The party is brought to an abrupt halt.
Nick leaves with Mr McKee, taking the 4am train back to Long Island (very drunk).
QUIZ
1.What is the valley between West Egg and NYC referred to as? Why? 2.Who’s garage does Tom take Nick to when they arrive there? 3.Who is George Wilson married to? 4.Where do Tom, Nick and Myrtle go? 5.What does the word ostentatious mean? 6.What gift does Tom give to Myrtle? 7.Who does Myrtle talk about that upsets Tom? 8.How did Myrtle react when Tom sternly warned her to never talk of her again? 9.What fixture becomes symbolic in this chapter? Why?
CHAPTER THREE The reason Gatsby has become so famous in NYC is that he throws lavish parties every weekend at his mansion.
Nick receives an invitation from Gatsby’s chauffeur and Nick joins the festivities at the appointed time.
Nick feels out of place amid the strangers.
No one seems to know the truth about Gatsby’s wealth or personal life and guests mill about at the parties exchanging rumours.
Nick hears a few different rumours: that he was a German spy during the war; that he is a graduate of Oxford; that he killed a man in cold blood once.
Gatsby’s parties are almost unbelievably luxurious. An atmosphere of opulence and revelry.
Nick and Jordan Baker, curious about Gatsby, set out to find him. Instead they run into middle-aged man with huge owl-eyed spectacles, reading books in the library. (unread books)
At midnight, Nick and Jordan go outside to watch the entertainment. Sitting at a table with a handsome young man they realize that they served in the same division during the war. The man is Jay Gatsby. Nick notices that Gatsby doesn’t drink and keeps himself separate from the party, watching his guests in silence.
Gatsby meets with Jordan at 2am; Jordan emerges saying she just heard something extraordinary.
Nick sees Owl Eyes climbing out of a wrecked automobile with another man, declaring that he washes his hands of the whole business.
Nick follows the advice of Daisy and Tom and begins seeing Jordan Baker, even though he says she’s a dishonest person.
Gatsby is the aloof host of a spectacularly decadent party.
This chapter shows us the differences between East Egg and West Egg.
Industrialists, speculators and businessmen with brand-new fortunes (West Egg)
Aristocratic families at the top of the economic ladder, refinement, manners (East Egg)
QUIZ
Who does Nick start seeing?
How does Nick describe her?
When Nick is sitting with Gatsby, what does he notice about him?
What does Nick notice about Gatsby's smile?
What surprises "Owl Eyes" when he goes to Gatsby's library?
What reason does Nick give for Gatsby's popularity?
How do Gatsby and Nick know each other?
What did Gatsby do before he moved to West Egg?
CHAPTER FOUR
We find out that Gatsby’s parties are a roll call of the nation’s most weatlthy and powerful people.
Nick recalls a trip he took to NYC with Gatsby for lunch – Gatsby tells Nick about his past, however the story seems highly improbable. He claims to be the son of wealthy, deceased parents from the Midwest. (San Francisco)
Gatsby then lists a long and preposterously detailed set of accomplishments:
claims to be educated at Oxford
to have collected jewels in the capitals of Europe
to have hunted big game,
to have been awarded medals in WW1 by multiple European countries
When police pull Gatsby over for speeding, he shows him a white card, the policeman apologizes for bothering him.
Gatsby takes Nick to lunch and introduces him to Meyer Wolfshiem (who Gatsby claims is responsible for fixing the 1919 World Series) He’s a shady character and gives Nick the impression that Gatsby is too.
When Nick runs into Jordan Baker, she discloses that Daisy was in love with Jay Gatsby before he went to war, then she married Tom.
Nick finds out that Gatsby wants him to organize a reunion between Daisy and Gatsby. He wants Nick to have her for tea.
“bizarre inner conflict that enables Nick to feel such contradictory admiration and repulsion for him becomes fully apparent—whereas Gatsby the lovesick soldier is an attractive figure, representative of hope and authenticity, Gatsby the crooked businessman, representative of greed and moral corruption, is not”.
“That light, so mysterious in the first chapter, becomes the symbol of Gatsby’s dream”.
QUIZ
What is bootlegging?
What city does Gatsby tell Nick he is from?
What does Gatsby show the police when they pull him over for speeding?
What leads Nick to believe Gatsby might have obtained his money illegally?
According to Nick, what was Gatsby looking at the night Nick first saw him?
What does Jordan say Gatsby wants Nick to do?
Who was Daisy in love with before she married Tom?
CHAPTER FIVE
When Nick arrived home after a date with Jordan, he noticed Gatsby’s house fully lit up, but totally silent.
Gatsby surprises Nick, he seems agitated and desperate to make him happy. (what does he want?)
Nick realizes he is acting like this as he wants him to agree to his plan to meet Daisy. (what is the plan?)
When Nick agrees, Gatsby offers to have his lawn mowed and offers a business deal on the side. (to make money)
Nick refuses Gatsby’s offer of a business deal. (why?)
It rains on the ‘meeting’ day, Gatsby still sends someone over to do lawns and gets flowers delivered to Nick’s house.
Gatsby’s reunion with Daisy is very awkward at first, however they soon feel comfortable and enjoy each other’s company.
Later, they go to Gatsby’s house – Daisy is overwhelmed by his luxurious lifestyle.
Gatsby reveals his long nights staring at the green light.
Nick worries if Daisy can live up to Gatsby’s vision of her, however for the moment their romance seems to be fully rekindled.
Gatsby calls in Klipspringer to play the piano.
QUIZ
1.What is Gatsby nervous about when he meets Nick outside his house one night? 2.Something makes Gatsby anxious before the planned meeting, what is it? 3.What does Gatsby offer Nick to thank him for his help? 4.What makes Daisy cry when she goes to Gatsby’s house? 5.Gatsby knocks over Nick’s clock due to his nervousness – what might this symbolize?
CHAPTER SIX
Rumours about Gatsby continue to circulate.
Nick relates Gatsby’s person history – as it really happened. (not according to rumours or Gatsby’s claims)
Born James Gatz.
Dropped out of College after 2 weeks. (hated working as a janitor to support himself)
Starting working on the yacht of a wealthy copper mogul, gave his name as Jay Gatsby.
This is when Gatsby falls in love with wealth and luxury.
Looked after Cody after his many drunken binges. (this alone convinced Gatsby not to become a drinker)
Although Cody left Gatsby $25,000 his mistress prevented him from getting it.
Gatsby then dedicated himself to becoming wealthy and successful.
Nick finds Tom Buchanan at Gatsby’s after dropping in one afternoon weeks after Gatsby and Daisy’s reunion.
Gatsby nervously tells tom he knows Daisy.
Although Tom knows of Daisy’s habit of visiting Gatsby’s house alone, he has not yet discovered their love.
Tom and Daisy go to a party at Gatsby’s.
Nicks finds the revelry oppressive.
Tom upsets Daisy by saying that Gatsby’s fortune comes from bootlegging.
Daisy says he owns a chain of drugstores.
Gatsby tells Nick that he wants Daisy to leave Tom and wants things exactly the same as they were before.
Gatsby believes his money can accomplish anything, especially reliving the past with Daisy.
“It is important to realize, in addition, that Gatsby’s conception of Daisy is itself a dream. He thinks of her as the sweet girl who loved him in Louisville, blinding himself to the reality that she would never desert her own class and background to be with him.” SparkNotes
QUIZ
What was Gatsby's birth name?
Why did Gatsby drop out of college?
Who is Dan Cody?
Where did he then work?
When did Gatsby change his name?
Gatsby had a healthy respect for the dangers of alcohol. Explain why
Who does Nick find at Gatsby's house when he drops in for the first time weeks after Gatsby and Daisy's reunion?
How does Tom upset Daisy at the party at Gatsby's?
Why is Gatsby upset after his party?
What do the East Eggers mock and despise Gatsby for?
CHAPTER SEVEN
Gatsby calls off his parties and hires new servants (connected with Meyer Wolfshiem) to prevent gossip.
Nick goes to lunch at Tom and Daisy’s and finds Gatsby and Jordan there.
Daisy shows disinterest in her child. Gatsby is stunned that the child is real.
It’s an awkward afternoon – Gatsby and Daisy cannot hide their love for one another.
Tom is now certain of Gatsby and Daisy’s feelings for each other.
They all head to NYC in the afternoon.
When they stop at Wilson’s for petrol Nick, Tom and Jordan learn that Wilson is moving Mytle and himself as he has discovered her affair (not who)
“Under the brooding eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, Nick perceives that Tom and Wilson are in the same position.” SparkNotes
At the Plaza Hotel, Tom confronts Gatsby by mocking him and accusing him of lying.
When questioned, Gatsby tells Tom that Daisy loves him, not Tom.
Tom accuses Gatsby of running a bootlegging operation. (Tom has researched and is correct with his accusation)
Tom sends Daisy back to Long Island with Gatsby to prove Gatsby’s inability to hurt him. (This confirms that Gatsby’s dream is dead)
In the valley of ashes Nick, Tom and Jordan discover that Myrtle has been run over by a car that sped away.
Nick realizes that it must have been Gatsby and Daisy.
Tom assumes that Gatsby was the driver.
Gatsby hides in Tom and Daisy’s garden to make sure Daisy is okay.
When Nick finds Gatsby he tells him that Daisy was the driver.
Gatsby says he will take the blame. (this demonstrates his deep love for Daisy)
When Nick checks on Daisy, he finds that she and Tom are eating cold chicken and have reconciled their differences.
Nick leaves Gatsby standing alone in the moonlight pining for Daisy. (this parallels his first sighting of Gatsby)
QUIZ
Why does Gatsby call off his parties and fire his servants?
The afternoon of lunch at Tom and Daisy's, Daisy asks Gatsby if he wants to do what?
Why does Tom seize upon Daisy's suggestion?
What do Nick, Tom and Jordan find out when they drop into Wilson's garage on the way to NYC?
When and for how long did Gatsby attend Oxford?
What does Tom accuse Gatsby of doing for an income?
Why does Tom reveal this in front of everyone?
Nick realises that it is his birthday. How old is he turning?
Who discovers the body of Myrtle?
Who was driving the car?
CHAPTER EIGHT
Nick has a sleepless night, rising before dawn to visit Gatsby at his mansion.
Gatsby says he waited at Daisy’s until 4 am – Tom didn’t hurt her.
Gatsby becomes melancholy, recalling his courtship with Daisy and her youth and vitality, social position, wealth and popularity.
He reveals that Daisy promised to wait for him when he left for war.
Even though Gatsby’s gardener wants to drain the pool, Gatsby tells him to leave it, as he wants to go for a swim. (he never has before)
Nick tells Gatsby that he is worth more than the Buchanans and all of their friends.
We find out that after the accident George Wilson stayed up all night talking to Michaelis, telling him how he confronted Myrtle about her lover.
The eyes of Dr T. J. Eckleburg overwhelm Wilson – he believes they are the eyes of God and leaps to a conclusion. (what is it?)
George goes to Gatsby’s, shoots him and then himself.
Nick hurries home from work to find Gatsby floating dead in his pool.
“Just as the American dream—the pursuit of happiness—has degenerated into a quest for mere wealth, Gatsby’s powerful dream of happiness with Daisy has become the motivation for lavish excesses and criminal activities.” SparkNotes
QUIZ
What time did Gatsby wait at Daisy's until?
What does Nick suggest Gatsby do?
Gatsby becomes melancholy. In what year did he court Daisy?
What did Gatsby lie to Daisy about when they met?
Why did Daisy marry Tom and not wait for Gatsby?
What is the significance of the Gardener wanting to drain the pool?
Why does Gatsby not want it drained?
Who does George stay up all night talking to the night that Myrtle died?
Why do the eyes of Dr T. J. Eckleburg overwhelm Wilson?
What dreadful events take place in Gatsby's pool after Wilson has seen Tom
CHAPTER NINE
Two years after Gatsby’s death, Nick describes the events after his death.
Reporters, journalists, gossipmongers all descend on the mansion after the murder.
Wild, exaggerated stories emerge about Gatsby’s relationship to Myrtle and Wilson.
The only people who attend the funeral are Nick, Owl Eyes, a few servants and Gatsby’s father.
Henry Gatz is very proud of his son, saving a picture of his house. He talks about Gatsby’s early life and his schedule.
Tom and Daisy move away, leaving no forwarding address.
Nick moves back to the Midwest, breaking off his relationship with Jordan.
Before moving, Nick runs into Tom in NYC, who tells him that it was him who told Wilson that the car that ran over Myrtle was Gatsby’s.
Tom tells how he greatly suffered when he had to give up his apartment in NYC. (What does this tell you about Tom?)
Tom says that Gatsby deserved to die.
Nick comes to the conclusion that Tom and Daisy are uncaring people.
QUIZ
How long after Gatsby's death does Nick describe the events?
Who attended Gatsby's funeral?
What happens to Tom and Daisy?
Why does Nick move back to the Midwest?
After the death of his lover, Myrtle, what is Tom most upset about?
Nick muses that this is a story of the West. What does he mean?
What does Nick do the night before he leaves for the Midwest?