The Great Gatsby: Key Events and Themes in Chapters 5-8
Summary of Chapters 5-8
Chapter 5 – Gatsby and Daisy Reunite
Nick arranges a meeting between Gatsby and Daisy at his house. Gatsby is extremely nervous but overjoyed when he finally sees Daisy again. They rekindle their feelings, and Gatsby takes her to his mansion to impress her with his wealth. Daisy is deeply moved, even crying over his expensive shirts, realizing what she could have had with him.
This chapter represents Gatsby’s dream coming true—at least for now.
Chapter 6 – Gatsby’s Past & Tom’s Suspicion
The truth about Gatsby’s background is revealed: he was born as James Gatz, a poor farmer’s son, and reinvented himself to become wealthy. Tom grows suspicious of Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship. At a party at Gatsby’s house, Tom is dismissive of Gatsby’s success and warns Daisy about his shady business. Gatsby insists that Daisy should leave Tom and go back to him, believing he can recreate the past.
Chapter 7 – The Confrontation & Myrtle’s Death
On the hottest day of summer, Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, Jordan, and Nick drive to New York. In a tense confrontation at the Plaza Hotel, Gatsby tells Tom that Daisy never loved him, but Daisy is hesitant to completely reject her husband. On the way back, Daisy (driving Gatsby’s car) accidentally hits and kills Myrtle Wilson. Gatsby, still devoted to Daisy, takes the blame for the accident.
Chapter 8 – Gatsby’s Death
Gatsby clings to the hope that Daisy will choose him, waiting for her call. Meanwhile, George Wilson, devastated over Myrtle’s death, believes Gatsby was responsible. He tracks Gatsby down and shoots him while he is swimming in his pool, then kills himself. Nick is heartbroken, realizing that Gatsby died alone, abandoned by the people who once attended his extravagant parties.
Plot Highlights (Chapters 5-8)
Chapter 5: Gatsby and Daisy reunite; their love rekindles.
Chapter 6: Gatsby’s true past is revealed; Tom grows suspicious.
Chapter 7: Heated argument; Daisy kills Myrtle in a hit-and-run.
Chapter 8: Gatsby awaits Daisy’s call; George Wilson kills Gatsby.
Author’s Tone (Chapters 5-8)
The tone shifts throughout these chapters:
- Chapter 5: Romantic, hopeful – Gatsby and Daisy’s reunion is emotional.
- Chapter 6: Nostalgic, ironic – Gatsby’s doomed dream is evident.
- Chapter 7: Tense, dramatic – The confrontation leads to Myrtle’s tragic death.
- Chapter 8: Tragic, mournful – Gatsby’s lonely death is heartbreaking.
Reader’s Mood (Chapters 5-8)
- Chapter 5: Dreamy, sentimental – Rekindled love.
- Chapter 6: Uneasy, reflective – Gatsby’s dream shows cracks.
- Chapter 7: Intense, chaotic – Conflict and doom.
- Chapter 8: Somber, hopeless – Abandonment and death.
Key Symbols
- The Green Light – Represents Gatsby’s unreachable dream.
- The Eyes of T.J. Eckleburg – Symbolize moral oversight.