The Great Gatsby Chapter 4

Nicks mentions that he created a list of the people who attended Gatsby’s parties that summer. The list includes many, many people, along with their entourages, friends, and families. They come from all walks of privilege, to include the educated doctors and lawyers, to film and theater icons and executives, to celebrities in the entertainment world. Some are heirs to fortune, and others are socialites.  

One morning, Gatsby’s car stops in front of Nick’s house, and Nick is invited to have lunch with Gatsby. Nick is impressed with Gatsby’s luxurious automobile. He also notes that Gatsby always seems to be nervously tapping a foot, or opening and closing his hand. Nick notes that thus far, over the course of a few conversations they’d held over the previous months, that Gatsby did not seem to talk very much. 

On this drive, though, Gatsby asks the uncomfortable question of Nick, “What’s your opinion of me, anyhow?”  

As Nick stumbles to answer, Gatsby tells him not to believe the rumors he might have heard. He then gives Nick some background, saying that he came from a wealthy family, all of whom died. Then he went to war, and became a highly decorated hero. He’s traveled the world.  

Next he says that he wants a favor from Nick, but that he’s not going to reveal any details until the afternoon. This irritates Nick, but he accepts it. The two men continue to lunch, where they meet a friend of Gatsby’s, who Nick later learns is the man who fixed the 1919 World Series, but has never been prosecuted because he is very shrewd.  

By chance, Tom Buchanan happens to be seen dining at the same restaurant. Nick wishes to introduce Gatsby to Tom. However, Gatsby seems very uncomfortable, and right after Nick greets Tom, Gatsby vanishes.  

The scene shifts abruptly to one, later that afternoon, in which Jordan is relaying information to Nick, at the behest of Gatsby. She explains that back when she was 16, and Daisy was 18, that Daisy courted a number of the men from the nearby Army post. One day, Jordan remembers meeting a young lieutenant that Daisy was with. Daisy asked Jordan to let others know that she couldn’t come to work that day. It was clear that Daisy was smitten with the young man, and was spending her day with him.  

Jordan then mentioned that while it took her many years to realize so, that young Army officer was Jay Gatsby. Even after meeting Gatsby a few years later, she did not recognize him for a while.  

The young officer had been sent off to war, though. Daisy was heartbroken, but eventually was rumored to be engaged to a man from New Orleans, who she later married in Chicago, Mr. Tom Buchanan. However, Jordan notes, the bride-to-be expressed remorse before the ceremony, especially after receiving a mysterious letter in the mail that seemed to upset her greatly. Eventually, however, the wedding took place with no further hitches.  

Jordan saw them a few months later in Santa Barbara, where Daisy had seemed hopelessly in love with Tom, although perhaps excessively so. Then, a few days after Jordan’s departure, Tom made the news when he crashed his car one night, injuring the hotel chambermaid who was with him in the car.  

Daisy gave birth to a girl the following April, and then Tom and Daisy spent a year in France before returning to Chicago. Daisy was well-liked there, and was respected for not drinking, an unusual trait in the fast crowd that they ran with.  

Jordan continued that six weeks ago, Daisy had heard the name “Gatsby,” and had gotten excited that it was probably the man she’d known many years prior.  

Later, Nick mentions what a strange coincidence that Gatsby happened to live so near Daisy. Jordan corrected him, saying that Gatsby had purchased that home, in that place, for the sole intent of winning Daisy over again. Jordan continued, telling Nick that the favor Gatsby wants from Nick was for Nick to invite Daisy over, and Gatsby would just spontaneously “drop by.” Gatsby had been worried that Nick might be offended by the request, but he was hoping that this could occur at Nick’s house, so that he would be able to demonstrate his own success and wealth just next door. Jordan also mentions that Daisy knows nothing of the planned, “chance” encounter.  

Analysis:

We learn much more about Gatsby here, as he addresses rumors (which he is apparently very aware of), and offers his own history and background to Nick. However, there are clear indications that he is not being entirely candid, from the mention of things he simply will not discuss, to hints that he may be lying even now, as he attempts to dispel mistruths about himself. Nick remains skeptical.    

We do see that Gatsby has certain connections with politicians and criminals alike. This leads Nick to believe that some of Gatsby’s claims may be true, but that there is most likely a dark criminal background responsible for Gatsby’s wealth.  

We also learn one of the most critical elements of the entire story. We learn from Jordan that Jay Gatsby was once Daisy’s lover, and that his lack of wealth had been one reason for never being married. However, Gatsby has since worked very hard to become financially worthy, and he purchased his mansion in this area for the specific purpose of being near Daisy. He wishes to demonstrate to her that he is finally worthy, so that she will leave her husband Tom to be with him. All of Gatsby’s actions are part of a grand plan with the sole focus of winning Daisy back.