Reading The Great Gatsby (continued)

As the summer continues, Nick spends more time with Gatsby but still knows little about his background. Gatsby is full of talk, but all his stories are riddled with holes, leaving Nick to believe they are nothing but lies. Gatsby seems to keep the company of some sleazy characters, and there are hints that he makes his money illegally. Finally, Jordan reveals the subject of her private conversation with Gatsby. He confessed to her that he is, and always has been, in love with Nick’s cousin, Daisy. He moved across the water from her just to be near her. The huge parties he throws every Saturday night are just to get her attention, and he stands outside in the dark each night and stares at the green light at the end of her dock. Gatsby has cozied up to Nick because he would like for him arrange an accidental meeting for their reunion.

Useful vocabulary in a conversation about Jay Gatsby:  

• Incongruous - Not fitting in; out of place

• Urbane - Sophisticated, suave

• Fallacious - False

• Enigmatic - Mysterious

• Infamous - Having a bad reputation

Once the rendezvous rolls around, though, Gatsby is a total wreck. He's awkward and clumsy and regrets the reunion. Daisy also is reserved and unsure, until Nick leaves them alone together. When he returns, the two have rekindled their love. This leaves Nick mostly forgotten, and he makes his largely unnoticed exit as Gatsby is showing Daisy around his huge house and incredibly expensive possessions.

Some time after the tea, Nick finds out more about Gatsby’s early life, and confirms his suspicions that Gatsby has been lying about his past. Gatsby came from nothing and swore to become a wealthy man. He has made his money in questionable ways, but now money he has and he intends to use it. But while Daisy and Gatsby continue their affair, her husband Tom grows suspicious and furious about his wife’s infidelity. (You all remember that Tom is having an affair with good old Myrtle at the gas station, right? Think he does?)