Lecture Notes: The Great Gatsby Chapter 6

Introduction

• A reporter visits Gatsby's house, seeking a story. Gatsby finds the situation confusing.
• Gatsby's fame and the rumors surrounding him have grown, with various myths about his past circulating among his party guests.

Gatsby's Past

• Gatsby's real name is James Gatz from North Dakota.
• Changed his name at age 17 when he met Dan Cody on Lake Superior.
• His parents were "shiftless and unsuccessful farm people," and he never accepted them as his parents.
• Created an ideal version of himself, "Jay Gatsby," to pursue his dreams.

Meeting Dan Cody

• Worked various jobs like clam digger, salmon fisher.
• Saw Dan Cody’s yacht and warned him about a potential storm.
• Cody was impressed and took Gatsby under his wing, hiring him for multiple roles aboard his yacht.

Time with Dan Cody

• Worked with Cody for five years, traveling around the continent.
• It was Cody who influenced Gatsby not to drink.
• Gatsby was supposed to inherit $25,000 from Cody, but never received it.

Misunderstandings and Rumors

• Gatsby shares his past with Nick Carraway to dispel the rumors.
• For several weeks, Nick does not see or hear much from Gatsby.

Gatsby Meets Tom Buchanan

• Tom Buchanan visits Gatsby's house for the first time along with Mr. Sloane and a woman.
• Gatsby is eager to impress Tom and insists they stay for supper.

Gatsby's Party with Tom and Daisy

• Tom and Daisy attend one of Gatsby’s parties.
• There is a noticeable tension and unpleasant atmosphere, different from previous parties.
• Tom is skeptical of Gatsby’s wealth and background, suspecting he might be a bootlegger.

Daisy's Reaction

• Daisy is not enjoying the party; she's offended by the people and the atmosphere of West Egg.
• Tom dismisses Gatsby’s world as a menagerie.

Gatsby’s Hopes and Dreams

• Gatsby expresses his hope that Daisy will leave Tom.
• Gatsby wishes to recreate the past with Daisy and return to Louisville to marry her.
• He believes it’s possible to repeat the past and is determined to fix everything.

Reflection on the Past

• Gatsby reminisces about a night five years ago with Daisy, highlighting his deep emotional connection to her.
• His desire to return to that moment and relive it is evident.

Conclusion

• Gatsby’s pursuit of his idealized past and version of himself is central to his character.
• The chapter explores themes of identity, ambition, and the corruption of the American Dream.