The Great Gatsby Chapter 6

This chapter opens with a reporter knocking on Gatsby’s door, and asking for a comment. The question is nebulous, as the reporter seems to know little more than that Gatsby is notorious, but for what, nobody seems to know. Rumors about Gatsby’s background vary widely, yet nobody has a real idea of the truth.  

Nick knows, having been told by Gatsby at some point, that “Jay Gatsby” is the name chosen by the former James Gatz, in an attempt to conceal a past he was ashamed of. He’d been born in North Dakota to parents of little status, farm laborers who he never even felt were of importance to him. As a teenager, he’d worked as a boat hand on Lake Superior. James’ good looks made him quite popular with the ladies, but he began to resent them for their silliness and ignorance.   

He’d briefly attended a small Lutheran college, but after two weeks, he decided that the college life did not suit him. He returned to Lake Superior, where he met 50-year-old boat captain Dan Cody. Mr. Cody became employer, mentor, hero, and friend to James. James spent five years in the employ of Mr. Cody, sailing “three times around the Continent.”  

It is mentioned that one reason that Gatsby now drinks very sparingly is because he had witnessed the ill effects of Mr. Cody’s heavy drinking.  

Mr. Cody died, and in spite of a fabulous inheritance of millions left to James, only $25,000 made it to James. The bulk of the money went to Mr. Cody’s ex-wife.  

Nick mentions that Jay Gatsby revealed this past to him in a “time of confusion….” After these revelations, Nick did not involve himself with Gatsby for several weeks, not even seeing him, or hearing from him. However, he went over to Gatsby’s house one afternoon, and was surprised by the arrival of Tom Buchanan, accompanied by a man named Sloan, and a woman, all on horseback.  

Gatsby invites them all in, and offers them hospitality. They make small talk, but Gatsby is clearly uncomfortable with Tom’s presence. Gatsby mentions that he happens to know Tom’s wife, Daisy.  

The woman mentions to Gatsby that she and Mr. Sloan would be happy to invite themselves to Gatsby’s next party, which Gatsby politely agrees to. Gatsby invites the guests to stay for dinner, but the woman insists that all of them come to HER supper, which was already planned. Mr. Sloane seems uncomfortable with Gatsby’s attendance, but the woman insists. Gatsby explains that he does not have a horse, but could follow along in his car. This is agreed.  

Gatsby goes to get ready, and Tom mentions that it is clear that the woman does NOT want Gatsby to attend. Others disagree. Tom impatiently wants to leave. Impatiently, the trio mount their horses and leave. Moments later, Gatsby appears at the front door, prepared to go, but left behind.

The following Saturday night, at Gatsby’s usual bash, Tom accompanies Daisy, apparently bothered that Daisy has been out and about alone. Nick feels an oppressive unpleasantness in the atmosphere of the evening, in spite of the same type of usual party guests.  

Daisy makes an odd comment to Nick, saying that if he feels the urge to kiss her, that she will arrange for it to happen.  

Gatsby interjects, in an effort to showcase how many celebrities are in attendance. Tom remains arrogant, trying to keep Gatsby’s boasting countered.  

Eventually, Gatsby and Daisy slip away to Nick’s house to talk on the steps. Nick posts guard, watching for Tom. Later, the group is seated for dinner, while Tom wants to sit with some other people. Nick is bored with the intoxicated group at his table, One drunk woman slumps against Nick’s shoulder, as she waffles between drunken unconsciousness and irritated arguing.  

Nick waits on the front steps while Tom and Daisy’s car is being retrieved. Tom speculates disparagingly of Gatsby, and questions Nick regarding Gatsby’s past. Daisy offers some possible explanations as to the source of Gatsby’s money, but Tom simply vows to find out, before the car arrives and the Buchanans leave.  

At Gatsby’s request, Nick waits for the guest to leave. Gatsby discusses his distress that Daisy did not have a good time. Gatsby wants Daisy to Leave Tom, and he wants to rekindle their relationship as it was five years prior. Nick advises him that this is not possible, but Gatsby disagrees heartily. Gatsby holds on to deep sentiments of times past, and truly believes that they can be lived again.  

Analysis:

 We are introduced to more truth regarding Gatsby’s background. We learn that Gatsby’s roots are not that of aristocracy at all, but that he comes from plain folk. This is not what Gatsby wishes people to know, because in spite of his current wealth, social constructs maintain a distance between those who possess a long history of family wealth, as opposed to a man of new wealth.  

We see Gatsby’s failure to understand the “old money” vs. “new money” attitude when the three riders invite him to join them for dinner. It’s only a polite invitation, not meant to be accepted, but naive Gatsby heartily accepts the invitation. His annoyed guests then slip away without him, demonstrating that he is not actually a welcome member of their class.