Gatsby Ch. 5

Ch. 5 p. 53-64

Nick returns home to find Gatsby’s house fully illuminated. Gatsby comes out to greet him and asks him to go to Coney Island. Nick declines but invites Gatsby to tea at his house with Daisy, which over joys Gatsby. On the day that they are supposed to meet it is raining. Gatsby arrives at Nick’s house and appears extremely nervous fearing that he may not be able to woo Daisy again. Daisy arrives but as Nick leads her into the house Gatsby has disappeared. Minutes later there is a knock on the door and Gatsby reappears. At first the meeting between Gatsby and Daisy is akward however, after Nick leaves them alone for 30 minutes they are both filled with happiness. Gatsby invites both Nick and Daisy to his house. They tour the house and Daisy begins to cry because of the overwhelming luxury. Immersed in love Gatsby and Daisy forget Nick is there so he leaves the two alone.

Jay Gatsby

Rich: Elaborate house, and belongings.
Shy: His actions when he first sees Daisy. Does not interact with any of his guests at his parties.
Liar: His stories about his past never correlate and many times lack the truth.
Obsessed: The fact that he bought his house to look at Daisy’s and remembers the exact date when they last met proves that he is indeed obsessed with her. “Consumed with wonder at her presence.”
Childish: His yearn to go to Coney Island with Nick, his actions when he first sees Daisy.

This novel is centered around Gatsby. Apart from a few small instances all of the dialogue and narration of the story center around or involve Gatsby. Nick’s interaction with Gatsby is the focal point of the novel. Every single one of Gatsby’s actions are woven into the plot. The key themes that the novel presents such as love, adultery, illusion vs. reality, and rich vs. poor all relate back to Gatsby. Although the reader knows the end of the story from the first chapter, it is clear that Gatsby still dictates every twist and turn that the novel presents.

“ I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business. Do you mean you’ve been thinking over what I proposed to you the other night?”(p.60)
This quote sheds light on the mystery of how Gatsby was able to obtain his riches. This quote reveals that Gatsby’s estate may have been obtained through an illegal way. Furthermore, this quote shows Gatsby’s growing honestly towards Nick. Out of all of his self-descriptions of his past this own seems to hold the most truth. This quote further exemplifies the novel’s reoccurring theme of crime. Also it once again shows Gatsby’s darker side. Lastly, this quote shows Nick’s growing interest in the mysterious proposition Gatsby has presented to him. This quote foreshadows the possibility of Nick’s involvement in crime.