The Great Gatsby: Chapter Summaries and Analysis
Chapter 6
Rumors about Gatsby continue to swirl in New York. Nick decides to reveal Gatsby’s true past, starting with his birth as James Gatz on a North Dakota farm. Gatsby attended college but dropped out due to financial struggles. He worked on Lake Superior and met Dan Cody, a wealthy copper mogul, who hired him as a personal assistant. Gatsby traveled with Cody, developing a love for wealth and luxury. When Cody died, Gatsby was cheated out of his inheritance, fueling his ambition to become rich and successful.
Nick observes Gatsby’s interactions with Tom and Daisy. Tom visits Gatsby’s mansion and displays contempt for Gatsby’s lack of social grace. Gatsby invites Tom and the Sloanes to dinner, unaware of their insincerity. Tom grows suspicious of Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship.
Tom and Daisy attend Gatsby’s party, where Tom reveals Gatsby’s fortune comes from bootlegging. Gatsby is unhappy with Daisy’s negative experience at the party. He desires to recreate the past with Daisy, believing his wealth can win her back. Nick reminds him that the past cannot be recreated.
Chapter 7
Gatsby, consumed by his love for Daisy, stops his parties and replaces his servants. On a scorching summer day, Nick visits Tom and Daisy’s house and finds Gatsby and Jordan there. Gatsby is captivated by Daisy’s daughter, while Daisy appears indifferent. Gatsby and Daisy’s love for each other becomes evident, prompting a jealous Tom to confront Gatsby.
Tom mocks Gatsby’s background and accuses him of bootlegging. Gatsby reveals his love for Daisy, leading to a heated argument. Tom sends Daisy back to Long Island with Gatsby to demonstrate his control over her. Nick realizes it’s his thirtieth birthday amidst the escalating tension.
On the drive back, they encounter a tragic scene: Myrtle Wilson has been fatally struck by a car. Nick deduces that Gatsby and Daisy were involved in the accident.
Gatsby confesses to Nick that Daisy was driving but insists on taking the blame. He waits outside Daisy’s house to ensure her safety. Nick finds Tom and Daisy reconciled, leaving Gatsby alone.
Chapter 8
Nick spends a sleepless night and visits Gatsby, who reveals he waited for Daisy until dawn. Nick suggests Gatsby leave Long Island, but Gatsby refuses to abandon Daisy. Gatsby recounts his courtship of Daisy in Louisville, his love for her, and his fabricated background to impress her. They made love, and Gatsby felt married to her. However, Daisy married Tom due to his social status.
Gatsby’s gardener interrupts, discussing the pool. Gatsby decides to swim, having never used it before. Nick departs, realizing he’s late for work. He shouts that Gatsby is worth more than the Buchanans and their circle.
Nick learns about the aftermath of Myrtle’s death from Michaelis. George Wilson, consumed by grief and seeking revenge, believes the driver was Myrtle’s lover. He mistakes Gatsby for the driver and fatally shoots him before taking his own life.
Nick discovers Gatsby’s lifeless body in the pool. He reflects on Gatsby’s final moments, imagining his disillusionment and the emptiness of life without Daisy and his shattered dream.