Page 2 Summary: Daisy's Past and Gatsby's Motivations

This page delves deeper into Daisy's background and Gatsby's motivations for his current lifestyle. It reveals that Gatsby bought his mansion specifically to be close to Daisy, who lives across the bay.

Quote: "Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy will be just across the Bay"

The text explores Gatsby's self-consciousness about his past and his desire to be seen as somebody worthy of Daisy's attention. This insecurity is evident in his statement to Nick:

Quote: "I didn't want you to think I was just some nobody"

The page also provides more details about Daisy's popularity and desirability in her youth. Her maiden name, Fay, is noted to have fairy-like connotations, adding to her mystique and allure.

Highlight: The description of Daisy's past popularity and wealth foreshadows the unrealistic expectations Gatsby has built up around her, setting the stage for potential disappointment.

The text touches on the theme of the American Dream, suggesting that Daisy represents an unattainable ideal that Gatsby pursues relentlessly.

Example: The comparison of Daisy to Zelda Fitzgerald and Fanny Brawne (John Keats's fiancée) underscores her role as a symbol of unattainable desire and the emptiness of the American Dream.

Page 3 Summary: Wolfsheim's Introduction and Gatsby's Mysterious Past

This page focuses on the introduction of Meyer Wolfsheim and further hints at Gatsby's mysterious background. Wolfsheim is presented as a representation of the criminal underworld of the 1920s, and his introduction immediately follows Gatsby's elaborate tales of his past.

Highlight: The juxtaposition of Gatsby's fantastical stories and Wolfsheim's appearance suggests that there's more to Gatsby's past than he lets on.

The text reveals that Wolfsheim's character is based on a real-life figure, Arnold Rothstein, a notorious Jewish gangster involved in bootlegging in New York.

Vocabulary: Bootlegging - The illegal manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol during the Prohibition era in the United States.

This page also touches on Gatsby's unfulfilled desires despite his apparent achievement of the American Dream. It's noted that while Gatsby has acquired great wealth, he still feels incomplete without Daisy's love.

Quote: "Despite his accomplishment in achieving the American dream he does feel unfulfilled still because he has everything except the thing he truly wants: Daisy and her love."

The text emphasizes the spiritual connection between Gatsby and Daisy, suggesting that their relationship goes beyond mere physical attraction.

Example: The description of how the officer (Gatsby) looked at Daisy "in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at" hints at the depth of their connection and the idealization in their relationship.