Great Gatsby

BY: JESS KOCHIK

 Chapter 1

In chapter one, Nick visits his cousin Daisy’s house after he moves into a small cabin in West Egg. Daisy
and Tom Buchanan’s house is a “cheerful red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion, overlooking the
bay.” This meme refers to Nick because he lives in much smaller bungalow in West Egg than the
Buchanan’s beautiful mansion in East Egg. The division between West Egg and East Egg shows the
theme of interaction between the wealthy. East Egg is full of old money elitists, while the West Egg is
inhabited with a populous rich with new money. There is a separation of wealth that leads to cultural
differences between those from new money versus those from old money, despite both sides having
similar material accessories.
 Chapter 2

In chapter two, Tom takes Nick through the Valley of Ashes so Nick can meet Tom’s mistress, Myrtle.
The three of them proceed to go to New York City where Tom carelessly buys Myrtle whatever she
wants, including a puppy. Myrtle comes from a poor lifestyle and uses Tom as a way to feel included
in a luxurious lifestyle. Tom is willing to have an affair and spend money on her simply because he is not
concerned about his actions. Spending money on whatever Myrtle wants introduces the theme of
lavish and careless spending on materialistic things. In this text, the puppy is symbolic of real life issues
that need to be attended to, while buying the dog without purpose or care is representative of the
 Chapter 3

In this chapter, Nick is invited and attends Gatsby’s party. His invitation was unusual since he is the
only one to ever receive a formal invitation. While there, Nick is subjected to the wild actions of the
party-goers. This party is symbolic of the shift into an era of a lack of morals during the 1920’s. For
instance, women are seen drinking and smoking, actions that were previously unheard of for
women. These actions are telling of the changes that were made during this time after World War I.
There is scandalous dancing and an overall rowdy crowd that is up to debauchery at Gatsby's
party, implying a lack of morals and overall a lack of concern that sets the scene for Gatsby’s party.
 Chapter 4

In this chapter, Gatsby reveals more about his life to Nick. The stories he tells Nick are seemingly
unrealistic and don’t quite make sense. Then, he takes Nick to lunch where a man named Mr.
Woflsheim approaches the pair and inquires about a possible business deal. He is described as a
sketchy character. This chapter’s aim is to create suspicion for the reader involving Gatsby’s money
and his past. This chapter also elaborates on the theme that no one is truly who they say they are.
With dubious characters and stories that don’t add up, the author portrays the falsity of this time
period.
 Chapter 5

In this chapter, Nick invites Daisy over to his house for lunch. Gatsby is there as well, however Daisy is
unaware that her ex-lover is there. Gatsby’s intentions are set on sparking Daisy’s interest in him once
again. After meeting once again, the three head back to Gatsby’s house. Gatsby’s goal by taking
Daisy to his mansion is to impress her. She is particularly impressed and brought to tears at the sight of
Gatsby’s collection of fine European shirts. In this chapter, Gatsby also mentions the symbol of the
green light across the bay, which is symbolic of Gatsby’s hopes for his future with Daisy. The chapter
ends with Nick departing after he realizes he has been forgotten about by Gatsby and Daisy.
 Chapter 6

Chapter 6 starts with Gatsby’s true history being revealed. Readers become aware of Gatsby’s
poor beginnings, which inspire him to dream for a richer future. Dan Cody acts as a symbol of
hopes and dreams for young Jay Gatsby. Weeks after they are reunited, Nick visits Gatsby to
find Tom and the Sloanes at his house, awkwardly hosting a conversation in which Gatsby
reveals to Tom that he knows Daisy. Later, a party is held at Gatsby’s house and Daisy attends,
unimpressed. This chapter exemplifies another division amongst the wealthy. Tom and Daisy are
appalled by the classless behavior of the new money partiers. Gatsby and Daisy kiss, and
 Chapter 7

Chapter 7’s setting involves the hottest day of the summer. This is representative that things between
Tom and Gatsby are begging to get hellish as Tom looks for confrontation with Gatsby. Gatsby, Daisy,
Tom, Jordan and Nick rent a room at a hotel in New York City. During the drive, Tom drives Gatsby’s car
while Gatsby drives Tom’s car as a symbol of a fight for dominance between the two. At the hotel, Tom
outs Gatsby about his lies. Gatsby professes his love for Daisy and claims Daisy loves him, not Tom. On
the way back to Tom’s house, Daisy hits and kills Myrtle while driving Gatsby’s car. Later that night, Nick
finds Gatsby hiding outside of the Buchanan’s house to ensure Daisy’s safety. The irony in this situation is
 Chapter 8

Chapter 8 primarily involves the death of Gatsby. Previous to his murder, Mr. Wilson contemplates his
actions while looking at the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. He is convinced to kill Gatsby and himself while
looking into them. The eyes are symbolic of the watchful eyes of God. Wilson proceeds to kill Gatsby in his
pool and then himself. Nick finally finds them dead while going to visit Gatsby.
 Chapter 9

The last chapter describes Gatsby’s funeral. Nick, a few servants and Jay’s father are the only ones to
attend. Gatsby’s friends such as Wolfsheim and Daisy do not attend. Gatsby’s father claims he is proud of
his son’s accomplishments and keeps a picture of Gatsby’s mansion with him at all times. This shows that
he is proud of Gatsby’s material success, but does not know much about his own son. Lastly, before Nick
moves to the Midwest, he goes to Gatsby’s house and imagines how he must have felt looking at the
green light across the bay at Daisy’s house. The light is symbolic of the hopes and dreams of Gatsby
because it helps him during his life to keep his focus on his American dream, which is a life with Daisy.