The Great Gatsby Chapter Summaries Flashcards
Chapter 1
Nick Carraway begins his narration, introducing himself and the novel’s other major characters: Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Jordan Baker, and Nick’s mysterious neighbour Jay Gatsby.
Chapter 2
Tom introduces Nick to his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. They go to an apartment in New York, where a small party takes place, involving Myrtle’s sister Catherine.
Chapter 3
A larger party is staged at Gatsby’s mansion. Nick meets Jordan there. He notes that lurid speculation concerning Gatsby’s past is rife, and then meets the man himself. The evening ends with a car accident outside the big house.
Chapter 4
Gatsby visits Nick’s house for the first time, and talks of his wartime experiences. They travel into the city, where Gatsby introduces Nick to Meyer Wolfshiem. Later Jordan tells Nick about Daisy’s past, her brief love affair with gatsby, and her subsequent marriage to Tom.
Chapter 5
Nick organises a meeting at his house between Gatsby and Daisy. Gatsby then gives them a guided tour of his house, displaying his possessions, especially his expensive, imported clothes.
Chapter 6
Nick reveals more about Gatsby’s past, his humble origins and his time with Dan Cody. The Buchanans attend one of Gatsby’s parties, and the growing tension between Tom and his host is evident.
Chapter 7
Nick and Gatsby visit the Buchanan’s where Jordan is also a guest. The group take a room in the Plaza Hotel, where Tom and Gatsby argue about which of them Daisy loves. Myrtle Wilson is killed by a hit-and-run driver.
Gatsby reveals to Nick that Daisy driving the vehicle, but he announces that he intends to take the blame.
Chapter 8
Nick has a sleepless night. He visits Gatsby, who tells him about his past, and the nature of his love for Daisy. George Wilson, desperate in his grief, kills Gatsby and then shoot himself.
Chapter 9
Gatsby’s funeral takes place, with his father one of the very few mourners present. Henry Gatz speaks with pride of his son’s achievements. later, Nick contemplates the empty mansion and ponders the significance of Gatsby’s story.
