The Great Gatsby: Chapter 4 - Notes

Gatsby's Parties and Guests

• Sunday Morning at Gatsby's:
  • Church bells ring, guests return to Gatsby's house.
  • Rumors about Gatsby:
    • He's a bootlegger.
    • Killed a man.
    • Related to von Hindenburg and the devil.
• Guest List at Gatsby's Parties:
  • Guests from East Egg, West Egg, and beyond.
  • Notable mentions include: Chester Beckers, Leeches, Dr. Webster Civet, the Ismays, and Edgar Beaver.
  • Frequent visitors and unique characters such as Klipspringer "the boarder".

Gatsby and Nick's Car Ride

• Gatsby's Car:
  • Rich cream color, luxurious, with hatboxes and tool-boxes.
• Conversation during the ride:
  • Gatsby's restlessness and nervous energy.
  • Gatsby shares personal history:
    • Claims to be from a wealthy family in the Midwest.
    • Educated at Oxford.
    • Lived in Europe after inheriting wealth.
    • War hero with decorations from European countries.
    • Shows Nick a medal from Montenegro and a photograph from Oxford.

Lunch in New York

• Meeting Meyer Wolfshiem:
  • Gatsby introduces Nick to Wolfshiem, a gambler.
  • Wolfshiem's past includes fixing the 1919 World Series.
• Conversation:
  • Wolfshiem mistakenly thinks Nick is interested in business.
  • Gatsby's mysterious request through Miss Baker.

Jordan Baker's Story

• Gatsby's Past with Daisy:
  • Jordan recounts seeing Daisy with a young officer, Gatsby, in 1917.
  • Daisy's life post-Gatsby:
    • Engaged to a man from New Orleans, then married Tom Buchanan.
    • Wedding lavish with expensive pearls from Tom.
    • Brief emotional breakdown before the wedding.
• Daisy's Marriage to Tom:
  • Daisy appeared deeply in love with Tom initially.
  • Tom's infidelity shortly after marriage.

Gatsby's Intentions

• Gatsby's Plan:
  • Gatsby bought his house to be near Daisy.
  • Wishes for Nick to invite Daisy to tea so Gatsby can see her.
• Daisy's Reaction:
  • Remembers Gatsby upon hearing his name.
  • Gatsby's elaborate preparations to meet Daisy again.

Themes and Motifs

• Wealth and Class:
  • Gatsby's extravagant parties and guest list reflect the era's social dynamics.
• Mystery and Identity:
  • Gatsby's enigmatic persona and dubious past.
• Love and Obsession:
  • Gatsby's enduring love for Daisy.

Conclusion

• Nick's Role:
  • Caught between Gatsby and Daisy's past and present.
• Jordan's Role:
  • Facilitates the potential meeting between Gatsby and Daisy.