Climax
Chapter seven
Nick and Gatsby visit Tom and Daisy at their home. The four of them, plus Jordan, go into New York. Gatsby drives Daisy in Tom’s car, a blue coupé. Tom drives Nick and Jordan in Gatsby’s big yellow car; he tells them he has been investigating Gatsby’s background and suggests that Gatsby didn’t study at Oxford.
On the way to New York, Tom stops at the garage owned by George Wilson (Myrtle's husband) to get petrol. He tells Tom that they will be moving West soon, implying that he is aware she’s being unfaithful but doesn't know that Tom is her lover. Tom feels he is losing both his wife and his mistress.
In New York, Nick, Gatsby, Tom and Daisy take a room in a hotel. Tom questions Gatsby about whether he went to Oxford. He tells him he went for five months after the war as part of a scheme for American officers.
Gatsby tells Tom that Daisy is in love with him and she only married Tom because he was wealthy. Daisy cannot say she has never loved Tom. Gatsby says she is leaving Tom for him.
Tom then makes more specific allegations about Gatsby – that he sold alcohol in drug stores in New York and Chicago with Meyer Wolfshiem (remember the novel is set during ), as well as being involved in gambling. It is at this point that Gatsby 'loses' Daisy.
The group leave – Gatsby in his yellow car with Daisy and Tom taking Jordan and Nick in his own blue coupé.
We then hear about the accident that occurred just after this point. The narrative briefly switches to a court of .
At the garage in the valley of ashes, George and Myrtle Wilson argue and she runs out into the street where she is hit by a 'big yellow car'.
The narrative switches back to Nick. Tom realises that it was Gatsby’s car that struck and killed Myrtle.
Back at Daisy and Tom’s home, Gatsby tells Nick that Daisy was driving the car that killed Myrtle but he will take the blame.
I am an avid literary enthusiast with a particular focus on classic literature, and F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is a work that I have extensively studied and analyzed. My expertise lies in deciphering the intricate layers of the narrative, exploring the symbolism, and understanding the profound themes embedded in Fitzgerald's masterpiece.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts and events mentioned in the article you provided, which seems to be a summary of Chapter seven of "The Great Gatsby":
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Setting and Characters:
- The scene is set at Tom and Daisy's home, where Nick, Gatsby, Tom, Daisy, and Jordan gather.
- The group travels to New York, with Gatsby driving Daisy in Tom's blue coupé, and Tom driving Nick and Jordan in Gatsby's yellow car.
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Tom's Investigation:
- Tom reveals that he has been investigating Gatsby's background, particularly questioning Gatsby's claim of studying at Oxford.
- Tom stops at George Wilson's garage to get petrol, where George mentions moving West and hints at his awareness of Myrtle's infidelity.
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Hotel Scene:
- In New York, the group takes a hotel room.
- Tom confronts Gatsby about his Oxford education and makes allegations about Gatsby's involvement in illegal activities.
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Gatsby's Revelation:
- Gatsby asserts that Daisy is in love with him and plans to leave Tom for him.
- Tom counters with specific allegations about Gatsby's involvement in selling alcohol and gambling.
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The Accident:
- The narrative briefly shifts to a court, indicating a legal aftermath.
- At George Wilson's garage, an argument ensues, leading to Myrtle being hit by a 'big yellow car,' Gatsby's car.
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Revelation of the Accident:
- Tom realizes that Gatsby's car struck and killed Myrtle.
- Gatsby, at Tom and Daisy's home, tells Nick that Daisy was driving but he will take the blame.
This pivotal chapter marks a turning point in the novel, where tensions between characters escalate, and the tragic consequences of their actions become apparent. The intertwining of love, betrayal, and societal critique makes "The Great Gatsby" a timeless exploration of the American Dream and its disillusionment. If you have any specific questions or aspects you'd like to explore further, feel free to ask.
