Gatsby, Chapter 4

Summary

In Chapter 4 of 'The Great Gatsby', the intrigue around Gatsby deepens with rumors of bootlegging and murder, adding to his allure. Gatsby's background is explored, with claims of wealth and education that seem dubious. His connection to the shady Meyer Wolfsheim, who fixed the 1919 World Series, hints at organized crime. Gatsby's past love with Daisy is revealed, explaining his lavish lifestyle and longing for her, symbolized by the green light at the end of her dock. The chapter culminates in Gatsby's attempt to arrange a reunion with Daisy, setting the stage for future encounters.

Takeaways

• 📚 Chapter 4 of 'The Great Gatsby' delves deeper into the intrigue surrounding Gatsby's character, increasing his enigmatic appeal.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Rumors about Gatsby's background persist, with speculations of him being a bootlegger or a murderer, adding to his mysterious persona.
• 📜 Gatsby presents himself with a list of impressive, yet deceased, names from the 1920s, and claims to be from a wealthy Midwest family, with ties to San Francisco.
• 🎓 He claims to be an Oxford graduate and a war hero, even displaying a medal, which raises questions about his authenticity.
• 🚔 Gatsby's encounter with the police suggests he has some form of immunity or influence that allows him to avoid legal repercussions.
• 🤝 The introduction of Meyer Wolfsheim, who is implied to be involved in organized crime and the fixing of the 1919 World Series, further implicates Gatsby in criminal activities.
• 🦷 The peculiar detail of Wolfsheim's human molar cufflinks adds to the grotesque and unsettling atmosphere of Gatsby's underworld connections.
• 💑 It is revealed that Gatsby and Daisy were once in love during the war, but their relationship was thwarted by Daisy's family and her eventual marriage to Tom for financial security.
• 🏡 Gatsby's mansion across from Daisy's and his fixation on the green light symbolize his longing for her and his hope to rekindle their past love.
• 🎉 Gatsby's extravagant parties are revealed to be a means to attract Daisy's attention, as he is not genuinely interested in the revelry.
• ☕️ Gatsby orchestrates a tea meeting at Nick's house with Daisy, marking a significant step in his plan to reconnect with her.

Q & A

What significant development occurs in Chapter 4 of 'The Great Gatsby'?

In Chapter 4, the mystery surrounding Gatsby deepens as more rumors about him are introduced, and his background is explored with claims of being an Oxford graduate and a war hero.

Why does the character Gatsby carry a war medal with him?

The script suggests that Gatsby carries a war medal to lend credibility to his fabricated background as a war hero, which is part of his mysterious persona.

What incident occurs with the police that hints at Gatsby's potential criminal connections?

When Gatsby is stopped by the police for speeding, he presents a mysterious card that immediately earns him an apology and a polite dismissal, suggesting he has influence or protection from the law.

Who is Meyer Wolfsheim and what is his significance in the story?

Meyer Wolfsheim is a character introduced in Chapter 4 who is implied to be involved in organized crime, including fixing the 1919 World Series. His presence raises suspicions about Gatsby's involvement in criminal activities.

What unusual item does Meyer Wolfsheim have as cufflinks?

Meyer Wolfsheim has human molar cufflinks, which adds to his eccentric and unsettling character.

What is the significance of the green light at the end of Daisy's dock?

The green light symbolizes Gatsby's longing for Daisy and his hope of rekindling their past love. It represents his dreams and desires.

Why does Gatsby throw extravagant parties?

Gatsby throws extravagant parties in the hope that Daisy will attend one of them, as a way to impress her and get her attention.

What is the connection between Gatsby and Daisy's past relationship?

Gatsby and Daisy were in love during the war, but their relationship ended because Gatsby lacked wealth, which Daisy's family required. Daisy later married Tom for his money.

Why does Gatsby want to set up a tea date with Daisy at Nick's house?

Gatsby wants to set up a tea date with Daisy at Nick's house as a way to reconnect with her in a more personal and intimate setting, away from his large parties.

How does the script describe the list of names Gatsby presents as his background?

The script describes the list of names as a 'who's who' of the 1920s, but with the twist that all the people listed are dead, casting doubt on the authenticity of Gatsby's claims.

What does the script imply about Daisy's character based on her past decisions?

The script implies that Daisy is materialistic and values wealth, as she chose to marry Tom for his money over waiting for Gatsby, who was without wealth at the time.