Chapters 1-3: Setting the Scene in West Egg
The novel begins with Nick Carraway moving to West Egg, Long Island. He visits his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her wealthy, aggressive husband Tom in East Egg, where he also meets Jordan Baker. These early chapters establish the social divide between 'old money' and 'new money.' Nick soon discovers the extravagant parties hosted by his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby. While the parties are filled with the elite, Gatsby himself remains a distant, enigmatic figure until Nick finally meets him in Chapter 3, realizing that Gatsby’s wealth is merely a tool for a deeper purpose.
Chapters 4-6: Secrets and Reunions
As Nick becomes more involved in Gatsby’s world, the mystery begins to unravel. Gatsby reveals a curated version of his past, but Jordan Baker tells Nick the truth: Gatsby and Daisy had a passionate romance years ago before he went to war. Gatsby’s entire fortune was built to win her back. In Chapter 5, Nick facilitates a rainy, awkward, and eventually emotional reunion between the two. By Chapter 6, we learn Gatsby’s real identity as James Gatz, a man who reinvented himself to escape his humble beginnings, setting the stage for an inevitable collision with Daisy’s current reality.
Chapters 7-9: The Tragic Climax and Aftermath
The tension peaks during a suffocatingly hot day in Chapter 7. A confrontation at the Plaza Hotel forces Daisy to choose between Gatsby’s idealized love and Tom’s brutal stability. On the drive back, a tragic hit-and-run accident kills Myrtle Wilson, Tom’s mistress. Though Daisy was driving, Gatsby takes the blame. This leads to a fatal misunderstanding in Chapter 8, where Myrtle’s husband, George, kills Gatsby before taking his own life. The novel concludes in Chapter 9 with Nick reflecting on the emptiness of the upper class, as almost no one attends Gatsby’s funeral, highlighting the superficiality of the American Dream.
Study Advice: Tracking Themes and Symbols
To excel in class discussions and essays, keep a reading log of recurring symbols. Focus on the 'Green Light' as a representation of future hope, the 'Valley of Ashes' as the plight of the poor, and the 'Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg' as a symbol of moral judgment. When comparing this summary to other resources like SparkNotes or LitCharts, focus on how Fitzgerald uses Nick’s unreliable narration to shape your perspective of Gatsby. Highlighting these literary devices will strengthen your analysis and help you prepare for upcoming quizzes.
