The Great Gatsby | Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis | F. Scott Fitzgerald

Summary

In Chapter seven, Gatsby becomes reclusive to protect Daisy, firing his servants to avoid rumors. Despite this, Daisy and Gatsby's affair becomes more apparent, culminating in a confrontation during a luncheon at the Buchanan's. Tom exposes the affair, leading to a tense trip to New York. During this trip, Myrtle is killed by Gatsby's car, which Daisy was driving. This event marks a turning point, revealing Daisy's commitment to Tom and Nick's disgust at the selfishness of the Buchanans. Gatsby's dream is shattered as Daisy chooses Tom, highlighting the clash between illusion and reality.

Takeaways

• 🏠 Daisy and Gatsby become more reclusive to protect their relationship, with Gatsby firing his servants to avoid rumors.
• 💑 Daisy and Gatsby become bolder in their displays of affection.
• 🍽️ During a luncheon at the Buchanans', Daisy kisses Gatsby and proclaims her love.
• 👧 Daisy's daughter Pammy appears briefly, led by her nurse, before being sent away by Daisy.
• 👀 Tom realizes Daisy and Gatsby are having an affair and suggests a trip to New York.
• 🚗 Tom drives Gatsby's car with Jordan and Nick, while Gatsby takes Tom's car with Daisy.
• ⛽ On the way, Tom stops at Wilson's garage for gas and learns that Wilson suspects his wife is having an affair.
• 🌇 In New York, the group rents a hotel room to relax, where Tom confronts Gatsby.
• 💔 Under Tom's questioning, Daisy admits she loves Tom, which hurts Gatsby.
• 🚗 On the way back to East Egg, they find Myrtle has been killed in a hit-and-run accident by Gatsby's car, driven by Daisy.

Q & A

Why does Gatsby become more reclusive in Chapter Seven?

Gatsby becomes more reclusive to protect Daisy and to avoid further rumors about their relationship.

What action does Gatsby take to avoid more rumors?

Gatsby fires his servants to avoid more rumors.

How do Daisy and Gatsby's displays of affection change in Chapter Seven?

Daisy and Gatsby become bolder in their displays of affection.

What significant event occurs during the luncheon at the Buchanan's house?

During the luncheon, Daisy kisses Gatsby and proclaims her love for him.

How does Tom react to the affair between Daisy and Gatsby?

Tom can no longer deny the affair and is visibly upset.

What trip is suggested by Daisy, and how do the characters split between cars?

Daisy suggests a trip to New York. Tom drives Gatsby's car with Jordan and Nick, while Gatsby takes Tom's car with Daisy.

What revelation does Tom receive at Wilson's garage?

Tom learns from Wilson that Wilson has discovered his wife is having an affair.

What occurs during the confrontation between Tom and Gatsby at the hotel?

Gatsby boldly tells Tom that Daisy never loved him, but under questioning, Daisy admits she loved Tom and is conflicted.

What tragic event happens on the way back to East Egg?

Myrtle is killed in a hit-and-run accident by Gatsby's car, driven by Daisy.

How does Nick react to the events he witnesses at the Buchanan's house after Myrtle's death?

Nick is horrified and disgusted by the self-serving behavior of Tom and Daisy.

What does Gatsby admit to Nick about the car accident?

Gatsby admits that Daisy was driving the car when it struck and killed Myrtle.

What is the turning point set up by these events in the novel?

The turning point is Daisy choosing Tom over Gatsby, shattering Gatsby's dream and revealing Daisy's superficiality.

What does Daisy's child symbolize in the context of her relationship with Gatsby and Tom?

Daisy's child symbolizes the reality of her life with Tom, contrasting with Gatsby's idealized fantasy.

What does Daisy's action of running over Myrtle indicate about her character?

Daisy's action of running over Myrtle shows her commitment to Tom and her willingness to be self-serving and ruthless.

How does Nick's perception of Tom and Daisy change after these events?

Nick becomes disgusted by their self-serving and careless behavior, realizing they see everyone as disposable.

What is Gatsby's final stance regarding Daisy after Myrtle's death?

Gatsby still wants to protect his image of Daisy and is willing to sacrifice himself for it.