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The Great Gatsby Chapter 6 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 6, the mystery surrounding Jay Gatsby's past is finally unraveled as Nick Carraway reveals Gatsby's true identity. This chapter marks a critical shift where the dream of the future begins to collide with the harsh realities of social class and the past.

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The Transformation of James Gatz

Nick interrupts the narrative flow to provide the backstory of James Gatz, a young man from North Dakota who reinvented himself as Jay Gatsby. After dropping out of college because he felt his job as a janitor was beneath his dignity, he encountered Dan Cody, a wealthy copper tycoon, on a yacht. Cody became Gatsby’s mentor, teaching him the manners and ways of the wealthy, though Gatsby ultimately lost his inheritance from Cody due to legal maneuvering by Cody’s mistress.

Social Friction and the Three Visitors

The tension between 'old money' and 'new money' becomes tangible when Tom Buchanan and two other wealthy associates stop by Gatsby's house while out horseback riding. Gatsby tries to act as a gracious host but fails to recognize the subtle social slights directed at him. When he is invited to dinner out of politeness, he accepts, not realizing that the invitation was insincere. This encounter highlights the social gap that Gatsby cannot bridge despite his immense wealth.

Daisy and Tom Attend the Party

For the first time, Tom and Daisy attend one of Gatsby’s lavish parties together. Unlike the typical guests who find the parties magical, Daisy is appalled by the 'raw vigor' and the vulgarity of the West Egg crowd. Tom, meanwhile, becomes increasingly suspicious of how Gatsby made his money, suggesting he is a bootlegger. Gatsby is devastated because he realizes Daisy did not have a good time, which signifies the beginning of his dream's failure.

The Illusion of Repeating the Past

After the party, Gatsby talks to Nick about his desire to go back to the way things were five years ago in Louisville. When Nick warns him that you 'can't repeat the past,' Gatsby famously responds, 'Why of course you can!' He believes that with enough money and willpower, he can erase the years Daisy spent with Tom and start over, revealing the depth of his obsession and his disconnect from reality.

Who was Dan Cody and why is he important?

Dan Cody was a wealthy tycoon who took James Gatz under his wing. He served as the primary inspiration for Gatsby’s transformation into a wealthy socialite and taught him how to navigate the world of the elite.

Why does Daisy dislike Gatsby's party?

Daisy represents 'old money' values. She finds Gatsby’s party to be loud, gaudy, and lacking the refined grace of East Egg society. The presence of 'new money' celebrities and rowdy behavior offends her sensibilities.

What does Gatsby want Daisy to say to Tom?

Gatsby wants Daisy to tell Tom that she never loved him. He wants to completely erase the last five years of her life so they can return to the moment they first met in Louisville.

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