Ch. 21Notice
Key Plot Points and Events
- The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, who moves to West Egg, Long Island, and becomes neighbors with the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby.
- Nick meets Gatsby's love interest, Daisy Buchanan, Nick's cousin, who lives with her unfaithful husband, Tom, in East Egg.
- Gatsby reveals to Nick that he had an affair with Daisy five years ago and is still in love with her. He asks Nick to arrange a meeting between them.
- Daisy and Gatsby reunite, and she admits she still loves Gatsby but is married to Tom.
- Tom discovers Daisy and Gatsby's affair and confronts them, revealing Gatsby's criminal past and connections to organized crime.
- Daisy accidentally hits and kills Gatsby's former lover, Myrtle Wilson, with Gatsby's car while driving it. Tom takes the blame to protect Daisy.
- Gatsby is found dead, killed by George Wilson, Myrtle's husband, who believes Gatsby was responsible for his wife's death.
- Nick attends Gatsby's funeral, which is only attended by Nick, Gatsby's father, and a few servants, highlighting Gatsby's lonely and unfulfilled life.
Character Developments
- Jay Gatsby: Gatsby's dream of recapturing his past with Daisy leads to his downfall. His wealth and extravagant lifestyle cannot buy him the love and happiness he desires.
- Daisy Buchanan: Daisy's carelessness and selfishness are revealed as she prioritizes her social status and wealth over her happiness and Gatsby's feelings.
- Nick Carraway: Nick's disillusionment with the wealthy and careless lifestyle of the East Egg grows throughout the story, leading him to reassess his values and move back to the Midwest.
Significant Themes
- The American Dream: The idea that anyone can succeed and achieve their goals through hard work and determination is challenged through Gatsby's tragic fate.
- Wealth and Social Class: The story explores the differences between the old money (East Egg) and new money (West Egg) and the moral decay associated with excessive wealth.
- Love and Illusion: Gatsby's love for Daisy is an illusion based on his past memories, leading to his ultimate downfall.
Character Interactions
- Gatsby and Daisy: Their reunion reveals Daisy's inability to leave Tom, despite her claims of still loving Gatsby. Their affair ultimately leads to tragedy.
- Nick and Gatsby: Nick's relationship with Gatsby evolves from initial curiosity to genuine friendship and sympathy, as he witnesses Gatsby's unrequited love and tragic fate.
- Tom and Myrtle: Their affair highlights the carelessness and infidelity of the wealthy elite, ultimately leading to Myrtle's death and Gatsby's downfall.