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.