1. Chapter 6
The Great Gatsby

2. A reporter starts checking out Gatsby’s background and finds a “connection which he either wouldn’t reveal or didn’t fully understand” (97).
He was born James Gatz of North Dakota; he changed his name at 17.
He was the son of farmers that were poor. He attend St. Olaf in Minnesota but quit when he realized he would have to work as a janitor to pay his way through.
Humble Beginnings

3. He “knew women early, and since they spoiled him he became contemptuous of them” (98); women fell at his feet but he definitely didn’t consider them to be equals.
He meets Dan Cody and works for him on his yacht. He does a bit of everything.
Cody was a drunk that acted insane, which is why Gatsby “formed the habit of letting liquor alone” (100).
When Cody died, he left Gatsby $25,000 dollars. However, Cody’s wife made sure he didn’t get it.
Learning to be rich

4. Everything Gatsby learned about how to be rich he learned from Cody.
All of this was told to Nick by Gatsby at a later time. It is inserted here to answer rumors that we see in the novel.
Nick goes several weeks without seeing Gatsby. He has been running around town with Jordan.
Interlude

5. Tom shows up one afternoon at Gatsby’s
Tom shows up one afternoon at Gatsby’s. He and some others were out for a ride and stopped for a drink.
“I know your wife” (102). Was that a wise move?
Why would Gatsby want Tom to hang around?
Gatsby didn’t realize they really didn’t want him to come with them.
“I wonder where the devil he met Daisy” (103). Uh oh…now Tom is wondering.
Seeing Tom

6. Through Daisy’s Eyes Tom comes to Gatsby’s party with Daisy.
“I was looking at it again, through Daisy’s eyes…” (104). The party seems crude and out of control when looked at from her perspective.
Gatsby tries to show off for Daisy.
Gatsby introduces Tom around as the polo player. Why?
At one point during the night, Daisy and Gatsby “sauntered over to [Nick’s} house and sat on the steps for half an hour” (105).
Through Daisy’s Eyes

7. Daisy is not having a good time. This is not classy enough for her
Daisy is not having a good time. This is not classy enough for her. “The rest offended her…she was appalled by West Egg” (107).
Tom starts asking questions and informs Nick that he has started an investigation into Gatsby.
Daisy takes up for Gatsby when Tom accuses him of being a bootlegger.
Daisy seems unsure of how to act and what to do with her new situation.
Daisy’s Thoughts

8. Repeat the Past Gatsby realizes Daisy didn’t have a good time.
“I feel far away from her” (109). He’s struggling to completely reconnect with her.
He wants Daisy to leave Tom, say she never loved him, and return to Louisville to be married “just as if it were five years ago” (109).
“Can’t repeat the past…why of course you can!” (110).
“I’m going to fix everything just the way it was before” (110). Is that possible?
Repeat the Past

9. Gatsby has based everything in his life around getting Daisy back.
Nick realizes Gatsby is almost obsessed. What else has he realized about Gatsby at this point?
What is all of this possibly setting up for the next few chapters?
Final Thoughts