In this chapter, the reader becomes even more acquainted with the supposed identity of Jay Gatsby. He invites Nick Carraway to lunch one day and, on the ride there, begins to tell him of his life. Gatsby claims that he belongs to a wealthy family in San Francisco and that upon the death of every member, Gatsby found himself in quite a bit of money. He was educated at Oxford and explains that he spent some time living in the great capitals in Europe meanwhile exploring trivial recreations such as art and big-game hunting. During the First World War, Gatsby was in charge of a machine gun detachment that cleared three squadrons of Nazi infantry. Consequently, he received a medal from every allied nation including Montenegro. Although Gatsby’s story is corroborated by tangible and visual evidence, it all seems extremely well rehearsed and fake to Nick: “He looked at me sideways-and I knew why Jordan Baker had believed he was lying.” Gatsby seems to be hiding a deeper secret underneath his formal and elegant demeanor. Upon Gatsby’s request, Jordan baker requests a favor of Nick. It seems as though Gatsby and Daisy have met before and were in love before he left for the war. Gatsby has the intention courting Daisy and impressing her with his material possessions. He purchased the house directly across from hers so that he could stare at the green light at the end of the doc and feel closer to her. It is plain to see that he is completely enthralled with this woman. He has constructed for himself a blind goal to win her back from Tom. He believes that if he can simply impress her with his possessions then she will leap into his arms and they will be able to start over from where they had begun. Nick’s neighbors have more in common than he had previously believed, and I believe that he is curious enough to attempt to find out more about this newfound relationship.
I wonder why the author would have mentioned all of the names of the people who have attended Gatsby’s party at the beginning of the chapter. What purpose does this serve?
I wonder why the author would have mentioned all of the names of the people who have attended Gatsby’s party at the beginning of the chapter. What purpose does this serve?