Chapter 5 Pg. 81-96

Nick comes home late one night and runs into Gatsby who offers him a job that will be quick and make him extra money; however Nick is skeptical and chooses to decline. Nick then organizes the tea with Daisy, which Gatsby seems very nervous about. When she finally arrives, Gatsby reenters the house trying to seem cool and casual. Gatsby and Daisy seemed to warm up to each other after their extremely awkward reconnection, and eventually they both become very emotional. In addition, throughout the tea at his own house and the tour Gatsby gave of his house, Nick yearns to avoid being a third wheel on this awkward date, but both Gatsby and Daisy insist that he stays, so he does until he finally feels his presence is unnecessary.

Nick Carraway:

* “I tried to go then, but they wouldn’t hear of it; perhaps my presence made them feel more satisfactory alone.” –Nick Carraway

* Nick characterizes himself as different from the rest of those in his generation. He is honest and is capable of reserving his judgment on others. He proves to be loyal to those he likes, however he lacks the ability to stand up for himself, letting himself feel inferior to those around him. But he doesn’t complain and seems to be mild in temper and emotion.

*Nick is the narrator of the book and provides descriptions of people not just through imagery, but through a true depth of facial and gestures. I find it interesting the way he views people and often isn’t fooled by fake appearance. In this novel, I think it is up to Nick to find out who people really are and what their purpose and motives reveal about them. He is easily befriended, which lets him have a relationship with most of the characters in the book. Through these friendships, he might be able to uncover the truth that each is hiding.

“There must have been moments even that afternoon when Daisy tumbled short of his dreams- not through her own fault, but because of the colossal vitality of his illusions.”   –Nick Carraway

This quote shows the side of Gatsby that I think only Nick has been able to understand. Gatsby’s life had revolved around the illusion he had of Daisy through his own obsession. I feel that this tea was a moment he had been waiting for for 5 years, and most likely he had played it out in his mind millions of times. However this quote gives rise to the question of what Gatsby will do next. Finally meeting Daisy opens the doors to Gatsby becoming a nut job; either because he will pursue a married woman or because he will be upset about how this date turned out. These illusions Gatsby create can either crush or emphasize his dreams about Daisy. This event gives Gatsby a whole new depth of his true character, proving that he might, in fact, be a major fraud.