Lecture Notes: The Great Gatsby Chapter 7

Overview

• Chapter Focus: The chapter marks a significant turning point in "The Great Gatsby," where Gatsby's secretive past and present tensions culminate in a dramatic confrontation.

Key Events

• Gatsby's House: Notable absence of lights on a Saturday night; Gatsby's era of hosting grand parties ends.
• Change in Staff: Gatsby replaces his servants to prevent gossip, aligning with Daisy's frequent visits.

Gatsby and Daisy

• Lunch at Buchanan's: Invitation extended by Daisy to Nick, indicating an anticipation of tension.
• Weather: The day is particularly hot, symbolic of the mounting tensions.

Key Characters

• Gatsby and Nick: Gatsby invites Nick to lunch, hinting at a plot involving Daisy.
• Tom Buchanan: Shows visible dislike towards Gatsby; Tom is suspicious of Gatsby’s intentions.
• Daisy Buchanan: Invites Gatsby to lunch, later shows affection for him, initiating a conflict with Tom.

Significant Scenes

• Daisy's Daughter: Gatsby sees Daisy’s child, realizing the tangible connection between Daisy and Tom.
• Affection Display: Daisy kisses Gatsby, provoking Tom's jealousy and suspicion.

Tensions and Conflicts

• Discussion of Gatsby's Past: Tom questions Gatsby's background, casting doubt on Gatsby’s Oxford education.
• Tom vs. Gatsby: Tom accuses Gatsby of being involved in illegal activities, revealing elements of Gatsby's past.

Climax

• Hotel Confrontation: A heated argument arises; Gatsby claims Daisy never loved Tom and only married him out of necessity.
• Daisy's Confession: Daisy admits she loved both Tom and Gatsby, leading to further tension.

Tragic Incident

• Myrtle's Death: Myrtle Wilson is killed by a car (Gatsby's car, driven by Daisy), adding to the chaos.
• Tom's Reaction: Realizes his mistress Myrtle has been killed, while Gatsby takes the blame to protect Daisy.

Aftermath

• Wilson’s Despair: George Wilson is devastated by Myrtle's death, exacerbating the narrative's tragedy.
• Gatsby’s Vigil: Gatsby waits outside Daisy's house, showcasing his deep, yet misdirected devotion.

Conclusion

• Nick and Gatsby: Nick advises Gatsby to leave, but he remains to protect Daisy.
• Tom and Daisy's Bond: Despite the day's events, Tom and Daisy seem to reconcile, leaving Gatsby outside, symbolizing his continued isolation.

Symbolism

• Heat: Represents the height of passion and tension among the characters.
• The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg: Continue to watch over the events, symbolizing the moral decay beneath the surface glitz and glamor.

Themes

• Illusion vs. Reality: Gatsby’s dream shatters as Daisy’s true feelings surface.
• Class Conflict: Tom's disdain for Gatsby reflects social divisions.
• The American Dream: Critique of the myth, showcasing its unattainability and inherent corruption.

This chapter is pivotal in unraveling the complexities of the characters' relationships and highlighting the differing moral compasses within the story.