Chapter 7
• Climax: Confrontation between Gatsby
and Tom.
• Heat (outside temperature) serves as a
barometer for the rising tensions
present in the group. As the
temperature rises, so do emotions
(until the afternoon outburst)
• Pathetic fallacy
• Pammy (daughter): Pammy is nothing
more than a “dream”, an interesting
little object that she displays to the
nurse.
• Pammy presents a problem to Gatsby
as she makes it impossible to erase the
last 4 years of Daisy’s life (he wants to
forget that this exists)
• In describing Daisy’s voice as “full of
money”, Gatsby is telling the source of
his fascination. She represents to him
the American Dream. If he possesses
her, then he possesses the “Golden
Girl” every man’s ideal. Plus all the
wealth that America, the golden land
has promised.
• When Daisy tells Gatsby that he looks
“so cool” and that he “represents the
advertisement of man”, she is really
saying that she loves him. BUT her
love is a result of his presentation (just
like the advertisement)
• Therefore, she doesn’t see him at all,
but only his good looks, beautiful shirts
and neat suits.
• When Tom confronts Gatsby, it forces
Daisy to make a choice. She doesn’t
want to as she enjoys the stability of
Tom and being wooed by Gatsby.
• Gatsby wants her to say she never loved
Tom because this is the essence of his
dream… to return to the time they were both
young, untainted and newly in love.
• Because she can’t say this, Tom feels
victorious. Daisy shrinks back into herself
and he is confident she is his again (so
confident that he forces her to ride home
with Gatsby)
• Upon return home, Nick realizes he will
soon turn 30 (represents the end of
youth) This forces Nick to assume full
moral responsibility. That is why he is
repulsed by the Buchanan’s lack of
concern/compassion at the death of
Myrtle.
• Even though Gatsby has been betrayed
by Daisy’s refusal to comply to his
dream, he is unable to abandon her.
• He seeks to protect her. Believes she
will come through for him when she
calms down.