The Great Gatsby - Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1

Nick moves to West Egg and visits his cousin Daisy and her husband Tom Buchanan in East Egg. Jordan Baker reveals that Tom is having an affair, highlighting the couple's strained marriage. Nick catches his first glimpse of Gatsby reaching out toward a single green light across the bay.

Chapter 2

Nick describes the Valley of Ashes, a desolate wasteland where the billboard eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg watch over the poor. Tom takes Nick to a New York City apartment party with his mistress, Myrtle Wilson. The chapter ends in violence when Tom breaks Myrtle's nose for shouting Daisy's name.

Chapter 3

Nick attends his first extravagant party at Gatsby’s mansion, observing the 'new money' guests and swirling rumors. He meets Gatsby personally and is struck by his 'rare' and 'understanding' smile. A car crash outside the mansion serves as a warning of the recklessness inherent in this society.

Chapter 4

Gatsby takes Nick to lunch in New York, recounting a suspicious backstory involving Oxford and a war medal. Nick meets Gatsby’s business partner, Meyer Wolfsheim, who fixed the 1919 World Series. Jordan reveals that Gatsby bought his house to be near Daisy and wants Nick to arrange a reunion.

Chapter 5

Gatsby and Daisy reunite at Nick's house; they are initially awkward but soon become radiantly happy. Gatsby gives them a tour of his mansion, using his immense wealth to try and win Daisy back. Nick observes that 'enchanted objects' like the green light lose their symbolic power in Daisy's actual presence.

Chapter 6

The truth of Gatsby's past is revealed: born James Gatz, he reinvented himself after meeting millionaire Dan Cody. Tom and Daisy attend one of Gatsby's parties, but Daisy finds the 'new money' atmosphere unpleasant. Gatsby insists to Nick that he can 'repeat the past' to reclaim his 1917 romance with Daisy.

Chapter 7

On the hottest day of summer, a confrontation at the Plaza Hotel leads to Tom exposing Gatsby's illegal business dealings. Daisy admits she loved both Tom and Gatsby, shattering Gatsby's illusion of her singular devotion. On the drive home, Daisy strikes and kills Myrtle Wilson; Gatsby decides to take the blame to protect her.

Chapter 8

Gatsby tells Nick the full story of his early love for Daisy while waiting for a call from her that never comes. George Wilson, manipulated by Tom, tracks Gatsby to his pool and shoots him. Wilson commits suicide, completing what Nick describes as a 'holocaust'.

Chapter 9

Nick organizes Gatsby's funeral, which is poorly attended, revealing the shallowness of Gatsby’s social circle. Disgusted by the 'carelessness' of Tom and Daisy, Nick decides to leave the East and return to the Midwest. He reflects on the American Dream, concluding that we are all 'boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past'.