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 1 Summary: Gatsby's Fabricated Past and Mysterious Connections

This page introduces Gatsby's carefully crafted backstory and hints at his mysterious connections. Gatsby tells Nick about his wealthy Midwestern family and Oxford education, claiming it as a family tradition. He further embellishes his tale with stories of living like a "young rajah" in Europe, collecting jewels and hunting big game.

Quote: "I'm the son of some wealthy people in the middle West- all dead now. I was brought up in America but educated at Oxford, because all my ancestors have been educated there for many years. It is a family tradition"

Gatsby's attempt to impress Nick continues as he shows him a medal, supposedly from Montenegro. The chapter then shifts to introduce Meyer Wolfsheim, described as a "small, flat-nosed Jew" with distinctive facial features.

Highlight: The introduction of Meyer Wolfsheim is significant, as he is revealed to be the man who "fixed the World Series back in 1919," hinting at Gatsby's connections to the criminal underworld.

The page also touches on Daisy's past, describing her popularity among young officers from Camp Taylor. This sets the stage for the revelation of Gatsby and Daisy's history together.

Quote: "She was just eighteen, two years older than me and by far the most popular of all the girls in Louisville. She dressed in white and had a little white roadster, and all day long the telephone rang in her house and excited young officers from camp Taylor demanded the privilege of monopolising her that night"