In chapter 6, A reporter approaches Gatsby's house to question him on his past and all other rumors. Now, this is when Nick breaks the narration to relate Gatsby's true past. We find out that his real name is James Gatz.
His parents were poor North Dakota farmers. He ended up attending college for two weeks, paying tuition by working as a janitor. But he dropped out because he found the work was too demeaning.
He took a job fishing on Lake Superior. One day, he warned a yacht owner of an an impending storm. Now this wealthy yacht owner, his name was Dan Cody, he took a liking to James and hired him as an assistant. James changed his name to the more fashionable Jay Gatsby.
But he became obsessed with the yacht. success with wealth and luxury, learning many important lessons. Now when Cody died, he left $25,000 in his will to Gatsby, although Gatsby was unsuccessful in actually claiming it. Now, going back to the main narration, returning to the summer of 1922, Nick goes to Gatsby's house to find Tom and two friends. Gatsby offers them dinner, to which they decline.
The three guests shallowly invite... Gatsby to join him for dinner. Gatsby eagerly agrees, not realizing that the invitation is only a polite formality. Tom becomes suspicious of Gatsby's strange behavior. He no longer wants Daisy visiting him.
visiting him unattended. Tom joins Daisy at one of Gatsby's parties a little later. Despite Gatsby's efforts, no one is having a particularly good time, even Nick. Nick sees the party through Daisy's eyes.
After the party's over, Gatsby is depressed. He vows to fix everything just the way it was before. Insight into Gatsby's true past highlight transformation of his character. At the age of 17, Gatsby abandoned his his past to chase a dream.
We find out that he still hadn't matured past those teenage dreams. He believes that anything is possible with enough determination and money. His dream won't be complete until Daisy admits she never loved Tom, leaves him, and runs back to Louisville to marry him. Nick tries to shake sense into Gatsby by warning that he can't recreate the past. Gatsby doesn't take the advice.
He's convinced he's not the only one Vince that it is possible. His flaw is that he believes money can buy him anything. But new money will never be accepted in the old money social circle.
This is obvious with Tom. That clash between old money and new money is highlighted during this unsuccessful party. Nick and even the Buchanans find Gatsby's gluttony and excess disgusting.