The Great Gatsby 9

1.     Chapter 9 Pages 163 - 180

2.     Summary: Nick begins the final chapter of this book two years after the death of Gatsby. Reporters and journalists were constantly around the house asking questions about George Wilson and Gatsby. Nick tries to arrange a funeral for Gatsby because he doesn’t want to go through the pain and suffering alone. Gatsby’s so called “friends” do not attend his funeral. He receives excuses such as, “cannot come down now as I am tied up in some very important business and cannot get mixed up in this thing now,” from Meyer Wolfsheim. “None of his “friends” actually cared about him, let alone really knew him. They only wanted to be a part of Gatsby’s life because of the fun parties. Those who did attend were Nick, former servants, Gatsby’s father, and Owl Eyes. Gatsby’s father, Henry C. Gatz, was extremely proud of his son for what he had accomplished and he was convinced that Gatsby had a grand future ahead of him. Later, Nick starts to remember his time in college and decides to move back to the Midwest because the East had a “horrible affect on everyone’s actions.” He meets with Jordan one last time to find that she is engaged to another man. Although they say goodbye on bad terms, Gatsby is still half in love with her. At the end of this novel, we see a change in Nick. He is no longer passive, taking everything in, but he starts to speak up. Next, he meets Tom, discovers that Daisy never told Tom the truth, and calls them both careless people. A message I get from this is that we have to allow our “new” ideas to join with the old ones, in order to progress in life. Nick is telling to take Gatsby as an example, and to wake up before our hearts are broken. We cannot lose sight of reality in the think of our illusions and dreams.

3.     Character:

a.     Henry C. Gatz

b.     Quote: “He had reached an age where death no longer has the quality of ghastly surprise, and when he looked around him no for the first time and saw the height and splendor of the hall and the great rooms opening out from it into other rooms his grief began to be mixed with an awed pride.” (168)

c.      Qualities: Henry C. Gatz is a solemn old man, with a thin grey beard. He is a good, proud father with eyes filled with excitement. He sees Gatsby’s success for the first time in his life and is filled with joy at the sight of it. All Henry wanted was for Gatsby to prosper and be happy. He is a loving father and he is deeply saddened when Gatsby dies.

d.     Role: Henry C. Gatz is Gatsby’s father. He knows Gatsby’s true identity and who he really was. Henry is someone who is completely real in Gatsby’s life because we never see him lie, cheat or manipulate anyone in this novel. He is one of the few people that went to his funeral because he truly loves Gatsby.

4.     Quote: “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…” (pg. 180)

Nick’s words are pointed directly towards the reader. He is touching on the dream that Gatsby had for his life with Daisy and how that dream has gone away. Although this may be true, Nick reassures us that tomorrow is a new day and new opportunities will come before us. This is a parallel to the American dream: one of new opportunities and chances. Nick encourages us to keep our eyes on the green light, like Gatsby did; to keep on dreaming and believing. This book closes with the thought that even though sometimes we may not accomplish something fully today, there is always going to be a tomorrow to try again and succeed in achieving our dreams.

The Great Gatsby 8

1.     Chapter 8 Pages 147 – 162

2.     Summary: Chapter 8 begins with Nick going over to Gatsby’s house. Gatsby tells Nick that nothing had happened as he had waited at the Buchanan’s house until four o’clock in the morning. Nick tells Gatsby to leave, but he will not consider it. He wants to wait until their last moments together to see if there is any hope with Daisy. Gatsby explains how when the two of them first met, he had fallen in love. It was only because Gatsby had been separated from Daisy, that she had married Tom. He tries to convince himself that Daisy never loved Tom. After the car accident that killed Myrtle, Gatsby tells Nick that even though Daisy had been the driver, he would blame it on himself.  Myrtle’s husband, George is distraught and determined to figure out who murdered her. He asks to Tom, who then blames Gatsby. Wilson, furious, appears at Gatsby’s mansion and shoots him while he is in the pool for the first time all summer. Then, Wilson goes on to shoot himself. When Nick calls the Buchanan’s to inform them of the death of Gatsby, the butler tells Nick that Tom and Daisy have packed up and left town.

3.     Character:

a.     Michaelis

b.     Quote: “He didn’t like to go into the garage because the work bench was stained where the body had been lying so he moved uncomfortably around the office—he knew every object in it before morning—and from time to time sat down beside Wilson trying to keep him more quiet” (165).

c.      Qualities: Michaelis, a hopeful man, is one of the few characters that actually cares about George Wilson’s well being. He is the only person who stays with him overnight to try to make him feel better. He tries to calm him down by asking him questions. Michaelis is the main witness to Myrtle’s death. He is honest with his words and he is concerned about others. While the majority of the characters in this novel live in a dream, Michaelis lives in reality.

d.     Role: While Michaelis is seen as just a coffee shop owner to some, he is also a source of information for the investigation of the murder of Myrtle Wilson. Michaelis was there to witness the car accident. Because he kept asking the ‘right’ questions to George, George was lead to believe that Gatsby had killed Myrtle. Although Michaelis means well, his questions caused George to kill Myrtle.

4.     Quote: “They’re a rotten crowd,” I shouted across the lawn. “You’re worth the whole damn bunch put together.” (154)

I think this quote shows how Gatsby is better than the other characters who are rich, those who cheat, and those who lie. All Gatsby is doing is trying to accomplish his dream: getting Daisy to love him. Although he his caught up in some bad events, Gatsby is not a bad person. He is the only character in the novel that has a purpose; who is trying to pursue something he wants in life. In the end of the novel, I believe Gatsby does, for a moment, get what he had hoped for. When they were together for a little while and when Daisy professed that she had never loved Tom, he got Daisy’s love. In the end, Gatsby died for his love and his lifelong dream was accomplished.

The Great Gatsby 7

Chapter 7 Pages 113 – 145

1.     Summary: Because Daisy does not enjoy Gatsby’s parties, Gatsby decides to stop throwing them altogether. Nick, Gatsby, and Jordan go to the Buchanan’s house to have lunch together. The nurse brings Daisy’s daughter into the room they were in, leaving Gatsby shocked to find that the child was actually real. Daisy and Gatsby’s feelings towards each other become evident to Tom and he starts to wonder if they are having an affair. Together, they all travel to New York and stop for gas at Wilson’s Garage. Although he does not know whom, George realizes that his wife was cheating on him. At the Plaza Hotel, Tom picks a fight with Gatsby concerning Daisy and Gatsby’s past and relationship. On the drive home, Nick, Tom, and Jordan find that Myrtle had been hit by a car and killed near Wilson’s garage. They later discover that it had been Daisy driving the car that hit Myrtle, but Gatsby says he will take the blame for it to protect her.

2.     Character:

a.     George B. Wilson

b.     Quote: “He was a wife’s man and not his own.” (pg. 136)

c.      Qualities: blonde; gullible; weak; spiritless; faintly handsome; respectful; caring; hard-working; his wife is more dominant than him; loves and praises his wife; loving; devastated by the affair

d.     Role: Although George has only appeared in this novel a few times, he plays a vital role in this novel. George is a weak character, controlled by his wife. She no longer wants to be with George. Unlike the other characters, George is not extremely well off. Wilson makes his living through his garage and will continue to work even when he is ill, in order to please Myrtle. George is the complete opposite of Tom. Tom treats woman like objects and he does not care about them. On the other hand, George is in love with Myrtle and really cares for her.

3.     Chapter Quote: “Was Daisy Driving?” Yes,” he said after a moment, “but of course I’ll say I was.”


This quote was significant because it illustrates Gatsby’s extreme love for Daisy. It shows that Gatsby will do just about anything for Daisy, including going to jail for her. In previous chapters, Gatsby thought the only way he could win Daisy’s love was through material objects and money. However, I think Gatsby has realized that along with those material objects, he has to really demonstrate his love through his actions. I think Gatsby’s affection towards Daisy has shifted from infatuation, to true love.

Great Gatsby 6

1. Chapter 6 Pages 97 – 111
2. Summary: This chapter begins with a reporter showing up at Gatsby’s door, asking for a statement from him. Nick reveals Gatsby’s true identity- James Gatz, from North Dakota who didn’t even finish two weeks of college. We learn about Gatsby’s past and how, as a fisherman, he met Dan Cody on his yacht. Dan Cody acted as a mentor for Gatsby. He took Gatsby in as a personal assistant on his yacht, and together they traveled around the world. While Gatsby had to look after Dan because of his alcohol abuse, Gatsby decided to stay away from alcohol. After Dan dies, James Gatz starts anew by changing his name to Jay Gatsby and aspires to become as rich as Dan was. Continuing, Nick sees Tom, Daisy and the Sloans at Gatsby’s mansion. The following Saturday, Gatsby throws another party and Daisy shows up along with Tom. Because she is unhappy the entire time, Gatsby becomes unhappy too. Gatsby starts to remember his first kiss five years ago and wants things to be the way they were in the past. However, Nick points out that he can’t have the same thing twice making Gatsby angry.
3. A. Dan Cody
b. “Cody was fifty years old then, a product of the Nevada silver fields, of the Yukon, of every rush for metal since seventy-five.”
c. Qualities: Chapter six describes Dan Cody with an “empty face.” Dan Cody was a successful, rich man. He acted as though he was a mentor for Gatsby. Because he was a heavy drinker, Gatsby was forced to take care of him. In return, Cody gave all of his money to Gatsby, making Gatsby where he is today.
d. Role: Dan Cody’s role thus far is a mentor and an idol to Gatsby. With the exception of his alcoholism, Gatsby aspired to be like Cody. Cody was his best friend and given the background on Cody, we can decipher more information about Gatsby. Because of Dan Cody, Gatsby turned his life around and aspired to become successful. Dan Cody is a great example of new money that he worked for with a great life and he opened Gatsby’s eyes, to the possibilities of new opportunity in his life.
4. Quote: "You can't repeat the past."
"Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!"
Gatsby wants to relive his past, so that he can be with Daisy. However, Nick knows that this is nonsense and it can never happen. He tries to explain to Gatsby that there is no turning back time. Gatsby ignores this, believing that he will one day get Daisy back. Even though the past cannot be altered, the future can be different- whatever Gatsby wants it to be. Gatsby is thinking of life, as though he is in a fairytale and with all of his riches, he will be able to win Daisy. His heart will be broken when he realizes that he may not ever be with Daisy again.

The Great Gatsby 5

1.     Chapter 5 Pages 81-96

2.     Summary: Nick arrives home late at night from a date with Jordan when Gatsby comes across the lawn in hopes of convincing Nick to set up the date with Daisy. Nick agrees and Gatsby offers him a business deal that Gatsby refuses. Nick and Gatsby spend the day cleaning up the house so that it is perfect for Daisy and on the morning of the tea, Gatsby enters the house after walking in the rain. In the beginning of their meeting, Gatsby wonders if he made a mistake meeting Daisy because it was painfully awkward, but later they warm up to each other and rekindle their friendship. Gatsby invites Daisy and Nick over to his mansion to admire his possessions and tells Klipspringer to play the piano for them, when Nick feels uncomfortable and leaves them alone for their privacy.

3.     a. Character: Klipspringer

b.     Quote: “...an embarrassed slightly worn young man, with shell-rimmed glasses and scanty blond hair. He was now decently clothed in a sport shirt, open at the necks, sneakers, and duck trousers of nebulous hue."
(94)

c.      Qualities: Mr. Klipspringer plays the piano, yet he is not confident at all. He will do whatever Gatsby tells him. Mr. Klipspringer is staying with Gatsby and he is seen doing liver exercises in one of Gatsby’s rooms. He is poor and Gatsby looks down on him. When Gatsby treats him unkindly, he just takes it and doesn’t attempt to stop him.

d.     Role: Klipspringer’s is first introduced in Chapter five. His role is a man who lives in Gatsby’s house who plays the piano. He is commanded by Gatsby and does whatever Gatsby wants him to do. Klipspringer does not stand up for himself, showing us how much power Gatsby has. He is a mysterious character that we don’t know much about. Klipspringer brings out both the good and bad in Gatsby’s character. Letting him have a home, but mistreating him while he lives there.

4.     "I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business. But I'm not in either one now." (87)

Right when we thought we were getting to know Gatsby better, we realize we still don’t know much about him at all. This shows where Gatsby made his money also. The ‘drug business’ leads me to believe Gatsby made quick money illegally. The fact that Gatsby is saying this to Nick shows that he has started to trust Nick and confide in him. Nick and Gatsby’s friendship is growing deeper.

The Great Gatsby 4

1.     Chapter 4 Pages 61 – 80

2.     Summary: Chapter four begins with Nick describing all the different people that went to Gatsby’s house that summer including the rich and powerful people. Gatsby sends for Nick for the first time and they tell stories while out to lunch; however, Nick doesn’t believe any of the stories Gatsby tells, but he later finds proof that Gatsby must not have been completely lying. Nick meets Gatsby for lunch again with an old Jewish gambler, Meyer Wolfsheim, who is later revealed as the man who fixed the World Series in 1919. At Gatsby’s request, Nick has tea with Jordan whom reveals that Gatsby is in love with Daisy and Daisy had second thoughts before marrying Tom. Gatsby hopes that Nick will invite Daisy over to his house while Gatsby is there so they could see each other.

3.     a. Meyer Wolfsheim

b.     Quote: "No, he's a gambler... He's the man who fixed the World's Series back in 1919."
(73)

c.      Qualities: Meyer Wolfsheim is a small Jewish man, with a flat nose, a large head, and tiny eyes. We see that he is a gambler and a cheater when we find out that he fixed the World Series in 1919. Mr. Wolfsheim is very emotional when he calls to mind the tragedy that happened just outside the restaurant. He is a long time friend of Gatsby’s, but he only acknowledges Nick to figure out if he is doing business.

d.     Role: Although we don’t know much about Gatsby, Meyer Wolfsheim helps us learn more about him. He helps to portray Gatsby in a different light. Nick thinks Gatsby may have become wealthy with the help of Meyer Wolfsheim.

4.     Quote: "Anything can happen now that we've slid over this bridge, I thought; anything at all..."

This quote stood out to me because it talks about how the city can be a whole new place filled with new, foreign opportunities as compared to the Eggs. The word “slid” gives this quote a negative connotation. Nick is familiar with the Eggs, yet he does not know much about the city. When Nick went to New York, he witnessed Tom Buchanan take another life. This probably stuck with Nick and he may be scared to enter this foreign land where anything can happen- good or bad.

The Great Gatsby 3

1.     Chapter 3 Pages 39 – 59

2.     5 Sentence Summary: Nick is given an invitation to one of Gatsby’s many parties. Nick finds Jordan Baker and while they are looking for Gatsby at the party, they find a drunken man in the library. Finally, Nick meets Gatsby after sitting down to rest, and finds that they had served in the army together. Gatsby invites Nick to fly airplanes with him the next morning. Being one of the last guests to leave, Nick sees the car accident in Gatsby’s garage. Nick stays in touch with Jordan after the party and even considers dating her.

3.     a. Character: Jay Gatsby

b.     Quote: “He smiled understandingly- much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced- or seemed to face the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in you favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you that had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.” (48)

c.      Qualities: Gatsby is a very generous man and he has a lot of money at a young age. Gatsby is very careful and reserved. He hosts big parties every weekend and likes them because they are more intimate. He stays on the outside of the crowds so that he can talk to one or two people alone or just watch others have a good time. Gatsby is open to anyone. He doesn’t even know a portion of the people at his party, but he makes them feel like they belong. Gatsby has a rare smile that has a quality of reassurance in it. However, after his smile fades Gatsby becomes an elegant rough neck. Although very mysterious, there is a quality in him that makes him likable to the reader.

d.     Role: Gatsby is mysterious. He is a man that everyone knows, but no one actually knows anything about him. He is friendly and generous towards others, which no other wealthy character has shown thus far. Nick and Gatsby have connected at the party and will further their friendship flying planes. Since Gatsby is a knowledgeable man, Nick will learn from him. As we see from the recurring parties, Gatsby is waiting for Daisy to show up. Gatsby’s love for her might cause controversy between Tom, Daisy and Gatsby.

4.     Quote: “I hate careless people. That's why I like you." (58)

The conversation between Nick and Jordan stood out to me because it shows the possible love affair between them. While Nick is careful and honest, Jordan is careless and dishonest, resulting in a binary opposition. Although these characters are quite opposite they show affection towards one another. With Jordan as Nick’s lover, he may be able dispose of his feeling of loneliness.

The Great Gatsby 2

Chapter 2

Pages 23-38

In chapter two, Tom Buchanan insists that Nick come with him to see his mistress, Myrtle Wilson, at George Wilson’s auto shop. Once they meet Myrtle, the three of them continue on to New York where Myrtle decides to purchase a puppy. Myrtle invites her sister, Catherine, and Mr. and Mrs. McKee over to their apartment for a party that Tom and Myrtle host. With the exception of Catherine, everyone at the party gets drunk and because Myrtle repeats Daisy’s name multiple times, Nick gets angry and punches Myrtle, breaking her nose. After seeing the blood soaked towels, Nick leaves the party, taking a train home.

Myrtle Wilson

Quote: "Mrs. Wilson had changed her costume some time before, and was now attired in an elaborate afternoon dress of cream-colored chiffon, which gave out a continual rustle as she swept about the room. With the influence of the dress her personality had also undergone a change." (30)

Description/Qualities: Self-centered; Thick figured; middle thirties; stout; carried her surplus flesh sensuously; face contained no gleam of beauty; vitality about her as if the nerves of her body were continually smoldering; unhappy in her marriage; demanding;

Role: Although Mrs. Wilson is married to George Wilson, she is having an affair with Tom because she is unhappy in her marriage. Myrtle causes separation between Daisy and Tom because she is moving the two of them further apart from each other. Myrtle is selfish and always wants to be the center of attention. She wears the pants in her marriage because she has power to have two loves. It is a “secret,” but everybody knows.

Quote from chapter:

“Making a short deft movement Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand.”

This quote stood out to me because it shows the true, aggressive side of Tom Buchanan. In chapter one, Tom’s physical description is described as a hulking physical specimen. It goes on to say that he is great and big. This quote completely exemplifies this description. This quote also shows how Tom is defending Daisy because he still has feelings for her. Because Tom broke Myrtle’s nose, he may not fully love her; He may just be using her.