Chapter 6: Gatsby's Background and Summer of 1922 Events
Reporter Visits Gatsby
A reporter comes to Gatsby's house to inquire about his past and rumors.
Gatsby's True Past
Real Name: James Gatz
Family Background: Poor North Dakota farmers
Education:
Attended college for two weeks
Worked as a janitor to pay tuition
Dropped out due to demeaning work
Early Work:
Fishing on Lake Superior
Warned a yacht owner, Dan Cody, of an impending storm
Influence of Dan Cody:
Cody hires James as an assistant
James changes name to Jay Gatsby
Learns important lessons about wealth and luxury
Cody dies, leaves $25,000 to Gatsby
Gatsby unsuccessful in claiming inheritance
Return to Summer of 1922
Tom's Suspicion:
Nick finds Tom and friends at Gatsby's
Gatsby offers dinner, they decline
Shallow invitation extended to Gatsby, who accepts without realizing insincerity
Tom becomes suspicious of Gatsby's behavior
Does not want Daisy visiting Gatsby alone
Gatsby's Party and Aftermath
Party with Tom and Daisy:
Tom and Daisy attend Gatsby's party
Party is unsuccessful; no one enjoys it, including Nick
Nick views party through Daisy's eyes
Gatsby's Depression:
Gatsby is upset after the party
Vows to restore the past
Themes and Character Insights
Gatsby's Transformation:
Left past at 17 to chase a dream
Obsessed with recreating past with Daisy
Believes money and determination can achieve anything
Gatsby's Flaws:
Thinks money can buy everything
Faces rejection from old money society
Old Money vs New Money:
Highlighted during the party
Nick and Buchanans perceive Gatsby's wealth and excess as distasteful
Key Takeaway
Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and his dream is flawed by his belief in reliving the past and his desire for acceptance into a society that will not fully accept him.