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chapter four
Nick presents us with a list of Gatsbys many different party guests. Much humor and insight comes from the names listed: The Leeches, James B. (Rot-GutE Ferret, S.W. Belcher, Miss Haag, etc. The list of guests had been written down by Nick and headed This schedule in effect July 5th, 1922.EThis being the day after the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we can see this list of crude names as symbolizing the corruption that has eaten away at the American idealism.
We are introduced to Gatsbys automobile. This is the vehicle that will later play a significant role in the death of Myrtle. The automobile is the ultimate status symbol in America, and Gatsby's is typically showy. Traveling in the car, Gatsby presents Nick with a fictionalized history of himself. Among other things, Gatsby claims to have been educated at Oxford.
Having lunch with Gatsby in New York, Nick is introduced to Meyer Wolfsheim. Wolfsheim is involved in unsavory business dealings and is lacking in both education and class. This provides Nick and us with the idea that perhaps Gatsby's business dealings are somewhat illegal. Later, Nick introduces Gatsby to Tom, who is seated across the restaurant. Gatsby rushes off.
Over tea, Jordan reveals to Nick the history between Gatsby and Daisy. She tells him that Gatsby and Daisy had been in love before she married Tom. While Gatsby was off at war, Daisy met and married Tom, despite her love for Gatsby. On the eve of the wedding she wanted to call it off, but did not. She talks of Tom being unfaithful to Daisy from the very start. Jordan reveals that Gatsby had bought his house to be across the bay from Daisy. Most importantly, Gatsby wants Nick to invite Daisy over to his house for tea. While she is there, Gatsby will stop in to see her, but she mustnt be told of this. Gatsby wants to meet her at Nicks house so that she can see his own magnificent house. This is what Gatsby had spoken to her about the other night. Nick agrees to help Gatsby.
We can now see all that Gatsby has done towards winning back Daisy. He has this huge house, and throws lavish parties in an effort to get Daisy to notice him. She hasnt, so he is now using Nick to get her near his house. This chapter also reveals the innocence of Gatsby and his love for Daisy. He acts like a young schoolboy as he has Jordan ask Nick to arrange a secret meeting with Daisy. We witness his innocence in love, and his complete lack of innocence in the business world.