Next Summary:
Gatsby was surrounded by a secretive aura. His summer parties were major events,
where his numerous guests often commented on rumors of his mysterious and not
so innocent life. Overwhelmed by the guests and their glamour, Nick observes
them talking over their cocktails. One morning Gatsby arrives at Nick's house
to take him out to lunch and Nick cannot help but stare with admiration at Gatsby's
outstanding looking car. Gatsby tells Nick that he wants him to know the truth
of his life, and not the exaggerated and absurd rumors. He tells of his education
at Oxford, living in Europe and serving as a lieutenant in the war. However,
in this discussion it became obvious that honesty is not one of Gatsby's strongest
virtues.
Later they meet Meyer Wolfshiem, and he tells a story of the old Metropole.
Nick learns that Wolfshiem is a gambler who fixed the 1919 World Series. That
fall, Jordan tells Nick of how she came to know that although Daisy was in love
with Gatsby, she later married Tom.
Characters:
Gatsby - reveals his true-life story to Nick.
Nick - learns of Gatsby's past with Daisy.
Jordan - tells Nick of her knowledge of the courtship between Gatsby and Daisy.
Wolfshiem - an old gambler who speaks of the old Metropole.
Symbols:
Gatsby's car is a symbol of many of his traits. The color of the car is green,
the color associated with money, thus a symbol that Gatsby is wealthy. The car
is very elaborate in style and so splendid looking that Nick can not take his
eyes from it.
Next Curator: Rebecca Putnam