Chapter 5 is centered on the reunion of Daisy and Gatsby. After dreaming of this moment for 5 years, they finally meet face-to-face in Nick’s home. Throughout the evening, Gatsby becomes less nervous and both Gatsby and Daisy grow more comfortable around each other. At one time Gatsby knocks over a clock, maybe to symbolize his desire to stop and go back into time when him and Daisy were first together? Realizing that the reunited love birds needed to be alone together, Nick decides to remove himself and go into the kitchen. After some time has passed, Nick returns to the living room to find Gatsby glowing; "without a word or gesture of exultation a new well-being radiated from him and filled the little room." Gatsby then suggests that they should go back to his house so he can show Daisy around. After this scene, I believe that Gatsby was at first nervous because the last time he saw Daisy, he was poor and therefore could not be with her (Daisy’s chose the security of money over love). Now, he is very wealthy and he can impress her with the items he has in his mansion. As the chapter ends, Nick describes a look Gatsby makes which shows how dissatisfied Nick is with the whole affair. Throughout the book, Nick has become closer to Gatsby, perhaps too close. There is textual evidence to support the idea that Nick may be gay, especially in chapter 2 when he is standing over Mckee’s bed. When Gatsby fulfilled his dream by reconnecting with Daisy, it is obvious that Nick feels out of place and forgotten, and he therefore leaves them alone by the end of the chapter. In the following chapter (6), it is finally revealed who Gatsby really is and where he comes from. By waiting this long to explain the true identity of Gatsby, the author (Fitzgerald) creates suspense and curiosity. He also built up Gatsby’s reputation by going back and forth with conforming or denying rumors and then showing his romantic side. The chapter begins with reporters asking Gatsby to comment on the allegations made by other people. Nick describes Gatsby’s past and how he seriously “started from the bottom” (being a janitor in college). Gatsby has created numerous lies to cover up his past life and altered his own identity so he could become the man he is now; wealthy and successful. Therefore, he is a self-made man.
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AuthorMorgann Granger |