Summary of The Great Gatsby Chapter 4

Apr 1, 2025

The Great Gatsby - Chapter 4 Summary

Setting

  • Sunday morning with church bells ringing in the villages along the shore.
  • Gatsby’s house is lively with guests, suggesting his parties are renowned and draw various attendees.

Gatsby's Reputation

  • Rumors about Gatsby include:
    • He is a bootlegger.
    • He once killed a man.
    • He is related to prominent figures like von Hindenburg and the devil.
  • Notes taken on the names of those who attended Gatsby's parties.

Attendees at Gatsby's

  • Guests from East Egg, West Egg, and beyond include:
    • The Chester Beckers, the Leeches, Dr. Webster Civet.
    • Clarence Endive, Bunsen, Hornbeams, Ismays, Christies, Edgar Beaver.
    • A diverse group including Yale alumni, socialites, and actors.

Gatsby’s Invitation

  • Gatsby invites Nick to join him for lunch.
  • Nick notes Gatsby's restless nature and his luxurious car.

Gatsby's Background

  • Gatsby attempts to share his past, claiming:
    • He is the son of wealthy people from the Midwest.
    • Educated at Oxford, a family tradition.
    • Lived as a young rajah, traveling Europe.
  • Nick questions the truth of Gatsby’s story when Gatsby says he's from San Francisco.

Gatsby's War Story

  • Gatsby describes his military service:
    • Fought in the Argonne Forest.
    • Received decorations from multiple countries, including Montenegro.

Lunch with Wolfsheim

  • Gatsby introduces Nick to Meyer Wolfsheim.
  • Wolfsheim is noted for his involvement in fixing the 1919 World Series.
  • Gatsby has connections with influential and possibly dubious characters.

Jordan Baker's Story

  • Jordan recounts Daisy's past:
    • Daisy was popular and desired by many young officers during WWI.
    • Engaged to a man from New Orleans before marrying Tom Buchanan.
    • Daisy's wedding drama and emotional turmoil over a letter from Gatsby.

Gatsby and Daisy

  • Gatsby bought his mansion to be near Daisy.
  • Wants Nick to invite Daisy to tea, so Gatsby can see her.
  • Gatsby’s hope is to rekindle a past romance.

Themes

  • Rumors vs. Reality: Gatsby's mystique is built on rumors, leaving Nick (and the reader) to question what is true.
  • Wealth and Social Status: The chapter explores the social circles and the extravagant lifestyles of the characters.
  • Love and Longing: Gatsby's longing for Daisy drives the plot.

Closing

  • The chapter ends with a reflection on the nature of pursuit and desire, set against the backdrop of New York's nightlife.

Note: The narrative continues to build on the mystery surrounding Gatsby and his motivations, further drawing Nick into the complexities of East and West Egg society.

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