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The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Overview

May 14, 2025

The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Key Events and Plot Highlights

  • Gatsby Cancels Parties:

    • Gatsby, driven by his love for Daisy, stops his extravagant parties since their primary purpose was to attract her.
    • He fires his servants to prevent gossip and hires shady individuals linked to Meyer Wolfsheim.
  • Lunch at Tom and Daisy's House:

    • On a very hot day, Nick travels to East Egg for lunch with Tom and Daisy.
    • Gatsby and Jordan Baker are also present.
    • Gatsby is shocked by Daisy’s daughter, unable to believe she is real, while Daisy appears indifferent.
    • The love between Gatsby and Daisy is evident, provoking Tom's suspicions.
  • Trip to New York City:

    • Daisy prompts a trip to New York, where a confrontation is inevitable.
    • The group splits into two cars: Tom, Nick, and Jordan in Gatsby's car; Daisy and Gatsby in Tom’s car.
    • At Wilson’s garage, Tom learns that Wilson is aware of his wife's infidelity and plans to move her away.
  • Confrontation at Plaza Hotel:

    • Tom confronts Gatsby in New York, mocking his use of "old sport" and challenging his Oxford credentials.
    • Gatsby admits to attending Oxford briefly in a military program.
    • Tom accuses Gatsby of bootlegging and presses Gatsby about his intentions with Daisy.
    • Daisy's emotions waver, and she edges closer to Tom during the argument.
    • Tom sends Daisy back with Gatsby to assert dominance over Gatsby.
  • Tragic Accident:

    • Returning to Long Island, Tom, Nick, and Jordan find a deadly accident involving Myrtle being struck by a car.
    • It is revealed that Daisy was driving Gatsby’s yellow car when it hit Myrtle.
    • Gatsby plans to take the blame to protect Daisy.
  • Aftermath at Tom's House:

    • Nick finds Gatsby waiting outside to ensure Daisy’s safety.
    • Gatsby divulges that Daisy was driving the car.
    • Inside, Tom and Daisy have reconciled, leaving Gatsby isolated and waiting.

Analysis and Themes

  • Conflict and Hypocrisy:

    • The chapter exposes Tom's hypocrisy—he berates Gatsby for his criminal past while ignoring his own infidelities.
    • Gatsby's criminal ties are confirmed and used by Tom to disgrace him.
  • Themes of Time and Past:

    • Gatsby's desire to recreate the past is his downfall; he needs Daisy to deny her love for Tom.
    • Tom uses their shared history to anchor Daisy to him, undermining Gatsby’s dream.
  • Gatsby’s Sacrifice:

    • Gatsby’s willingness to take the blame for the accident highlights his enduring love and nobility, contrasting with Daisy’s self-interest.
  • Symbolism of the Green Light:

    • Gatsby's watchful waiting outside Tom’s house, mirroring his initial longing for Daisy across the bay, signifies his unattainable dream now faded.

Conclusion

  • Nick’s Realization:
    • The chapter concludes with Nick realizing he has turned thirty, marking a transition into a new phase of life.
    • Gatsby, despite his efforts, stands alone, his dreams vanished in the moonlight.