CHAPTER SUMMARIES WITH NOTES

CHAPTER VII

Notes

This longest chapter of the novel provides the climax of the plot. It opens in the Buchanans' house and serves as a flashback to a similar scene that occurred three months earlier in the first chapter. Appropriately, it is almost the last day of summer and the hottest day of the year; this setting serves as a foreshadowing of the tragic events that are to occur within the chapter.

Daisy and Jordan, as always, are dressed in white and lounging on the sofa, trying to stay cool. Once again, Tom is called away to the telephone. Wilson is on the other end, and the two men argue about the car that Wilson wants to buy from Tom. All of these repeated actions, which are flashbacks to earlier events, clearly indicate that nothing has changed for Tom and Daisy; their lives go on in the same meaningless manner. It is appropriate that Gatsby says Daisy's voice is full of money, for her wealth is the only thing that characterizes her; she is and will always be a symbol of the "golden girl," shallow and rich.

It is only Gatsby's world that has changed. Nick opens the chapter by saying that Gatsby's career as Trimalchio is over. In reality, he is still a Trimalchio, a vulgar character whose lack of class is reflected in his ostentatious display of wealth. It is just that Gatsby no longer feels the need to make a career of showing off his money. He no longer has to give his extravagant parties to attract Daisy's attention, for she is now part of his life.

Nick never makes it clear to what extent Daisy and Gatsby are involved, but it really does not matter; Gatsby feels that he has found his dream. He does say that Daisy often visits his house in the afternoon, and it is obvious that she is familiar with him, for she gives him a kiss on the mouth as soon as Tom leaves the room to take the phone call. She also says that she loves him, but it is uttered casually and lacks sincerity. For Daisy, her attachment to the vulgar Gatsby is a game, a fleeting entertainment. Tom, however, cannot miss the fact that something is going on between his wife and Gatsby. He explodes at the realization, especially when he figures out that Nick and Jordan have known about the relationship all along.

Tom is used to having his way, and this afternoon he wants to drive Gatsby's car. When Gatsby's hesitates, Tom insists; it is almost like he wants to prove that he has power over Gatsby. Finally, Gatsby and Daisy leave in Tom's car, with Tom, Jordan, and Nick leaving in Gatsby's yellow automobile. In the Valley of Ashes, the ever cautious Nick reminds Tom that he needs to stop for gasoline. Tom impatiently turns into Wilson's garage. Wilson, looking pale and sick, apologizes to Tom for the phone call. He then explains that he needs money, for he and his wife are moving to the West in a couple of days. Tom can hardly believe his ears. It is the second shock that he has had on this hot and torrid afternoon. This man, who always wants to be in control, realizes he is losing both his wife and his mistress. It is almost more than Tom can bear. In his own way, he is as panicked as Wilson; it is also ironic that these two men, at opposite ends of the social scale, find themselves in the same situation - betrayed by their wives and fearful of losing them forever.

Locked away upstairs, Myrtle looks down and sees the yellow automobile. She then spies Tom, the man she loves. When she sees Jordan, she wrongly assumes she is Tom's wife; her jealousy is almost unbearable. She watches as her lover pulls away, knowing she may never see him again.

Tom steps on the gas to catch up with Daisy and Gatsby. They all agree to meet in front of the Plaza Hotel, where they will rent a suite. It is significant that the climax will occur on neutral ground, rather than in the home of Daisy or Gatsby. Inside the room, the air is filled with tension as Tom worries about his marriage being in jeopardy; ironically, the "Wedding March" plays in the background. It does not take Tom long to attack Gatsby. He begins by questioning whether he is an Oxford man and then revealing that his wealth comes from bootlegging and other illegal activities. Tom is so brutal that Daisy comes to Gatsby's defense. Tom then says he is not going to stand by while some Mr. Nobody tries to steal his wife. Daisy interrupts and begs to go home. She does not want to be forced into making a decision; she wants to continue the duality of being Tom's wife and Gatsby's lover. It is a fun game for her that breaks the boredom of her existence.

Table of Contents | Printable Version | Barron's Booknotes