Literature Network » F. Scott Fitzgerald » The Great Gatsby » Summary Chp. 6
Summary Chp. 6
Chapter Six
Nick breaks the chronological progression of the story here to tell us something of Gatsby’s true past. His parents were “shiftless and unsuccessful farm people.” As a boy of seventeen Gatsby was bumming around Lake Superior when he encountered the millionaire robber baron Dan Cody touring on his yacht. Cody became Gatsby’s mentor, and Gatsby stayed with Cody for five years, until Cody died.
The narrative resumes. Nick is seeing Jordan regularly. Gatsby is seeing Daisy regularly.
Tom Buchanan and a couple of his friends, out for a ride on horseback, stop by Gatsby’s
place one afternoon to check him out.
The following weekend, Tom attends one of Gatsby’s parties with Daisy.
At the end of this evening, Gatsby talks with Nick. He realizes that Daisy is put off by the noise and garishness of the big parties. As Nick puts it, Daisy “was appalled by its raw vigor that chafed under the old euphemisms…”
Gatsby tells Nick the history of his relationship with Daisy. He reveals the depth of his romantic love for her and his commitment to her: “…he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath…”
Literature Network » F. Scott Fitzgerald » The Great Gatsby » Summary Chp. 6