Understanding Chapter Four of The Great Gatsby

Summary: Chapter four begins with Nick creating a list, which he writes on a faded timetable that shows all of the people who attended Gatsby's parties that summer. The next major event in the chapter occurs when Gatsby arrives at Nick's door to take them both out to lunch. As the two travel, Gatsby tells Nick of his past, that he was born in the Midwest, educated at Oxford, suffered the death of his parents, lived in Europe for many years, and became a war hero. Although Nick very much doubts the story, Gatsby produces a medal and photograph that seem to prove his story. Along the route, Gatsby is pulled over for speeding, but escapes when he pulls a white card from his pocket and shows it to the policeman. Once in the city, Gatsby introduces Nick to Meyer Wolfshiem, whom Nick views as an dishonest person. The chapter ends with Nick having tea with Jordan and discussing the love affairs of Gatsby.

Chapter Quote: "'Anything can happen now that we've slid over this bridge', I thought; 'anything at all...' Even Gatsby could happen, without and particular wonder." The quote selected here contains a very important significance to the whole of the novel. In fact, it seems, at several points, that "anything can happen now" is the very spirit of the novel. Within The Great Gatsby the reader can sense a deep change occurring in both the sequence of the novel, as well as the direction that the characters are heading, especially Nick. It is as though Nick, and the reader with him, have passed through some significant border, and are now entering an entirely new place. At one point in the chapter, Nick even makes mention to the idea that he wishes "[He] had never stepped foot on Gatsby's overpopulated lawn in the first place". As a result of this statement, it is very possible that Nick has come to regret the new direction that his life is headed in. The quote also signifies much about what may come in the later pages and chapters of the novel. Truly, from this point on, "anything can happen" in the lives of the major characters within the novel. However, sill in question is whether the "anything" that may happen will be a positive or negative nature.

Character Role: Perhaps the best example of a character to focus on in this chapter is, once again, Gatsby himself. In this chapter, more so than any other, the reader learns much of Gatsby's motivations and qualities as a person. The quote that reveals the most regarding Gatsby and his nature within this chapter is taken from page 65 of the novel. "'Well, I'm going to tell you something about my life,' he interrupted. 'I don't want you to get a wrong idea of me from all these stories you hear.'" More than anything else, perhaps this quote makes the reader aware that Gatsby is definitely a three dimensional character. In addition to the one side of his personality, the quote selected here represents that Gatsby has addition feelings and knows what is said about him within the walls of his own home. However, it seems that Gatsby does have some very good qualities. He appears to be giving, and he treats those around him with respect. As of yet, despite the illegal nature of his activities, the reader has discovered little of what may be Gatsby's worst qualities. Currently, Gatsby has a very important role within the novel. He is one of the major characters, and he is also the catharsis of all the actions, events and changes, which are occurring in Nick's life. Gatsby is also playing a sort of "older brother" role towards Nick and many other characters. However, only time will tell the true nature of Gatsby's role and character traits.

Symbolism: While there are many important symbols to be found within this chapter of the novel, one especially stands out in importance. As the chapter progresses, the reader learns that the green light Gatsby was staring at in Chapter One is actually the light at the end of Daisy's dock. This definitely corresponds with the symbols sighting in Chapter Three. After all, the color green within the novel has come to represent Gatsby's hopes and dreams; however, Fitzgerald also leaves the meaning of the Green Light somewhat to the reader's interpretation. There are definite connections that can be tied into the green light based on what it may mean in terms of the American Dream and the degradation of society. Also important within this chapter is the mention of the ash heap, and how Gatsby speeds through it. This may very well represent that Gatsby is trying to escape some part of his life, perhaps a negative or dark part, yet cannot completely pass it by, as evidenced by the policeman.