Passage Analysis; Nicole

Chapter 7
Page 137, paragraphs 6- 13

“I’ve got something to tell you, old sport——” began Gatsby. But Daisy guessed at his intention.
“Please don’t!” she interrupted helplessly. “Please let’s all go home. Why don’t we all go home?”
“That’s a good idea.” I got up. “Come on, Tom. Nobody wants a drink.”
“I want to know what Mr. Gatsby has to tell me.”
“Your wife doesn’t love you,” said Gatsby quietly. “She’s never loved you. She loves me.”
“You must be crazy!” exclaimed Tom automatically.
Gatsby sprang to his feet, vivid with excitement.
“She never loved you, do you hear?” he cried. “She only married you because I was poor and she was tired of waiting for me. It was a terrible mistake, but in her heart she never loved any one except me!”


Throughout the book Gatsby attempts to create a sophisticated, mature image of himself. Hosting social gatherings and involving himself with important business connections in other cities presents the idea that he is a well-known, highly valued individual. This interaction that Gatsby has with Tom in the Plaza Hotel shows a side of Gatsby that the rest of the book attempts to hide. He reacts impulsively and with no intention of appearing classy or put-together.

The fight to win Daisy’s love and attention consumes Gatsby, as the reader learns that he has never stopped loving her in the five years he’s been away from her. When this opportunity finally comes that he may be able to push her over the fence towards the idea of leaving Tom, he upsets everyone in the room with his hasty reaction.

Tom was already suspicious of Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship; so the shock from Gatsby’s response was automatic and defensive. Gatsby’s change in character here is also evident in his response to Tom calling him crazy. Gatsby changes from a quiet response to a loud, excited response. He springs up and reacts harshly; telling Tom that Daisy has never loved anyone but him.

This is one of the strongest points in the book where it becomes clear that Gatsby’s image is deteriorating. His home and parties have already begun to fall through in his confidence that Daisy will leave Tom to be with him; and now his personality is collapsing as well. This passage is significant due to being the first time his group of friends can really confirm that something is going on with him, and that he doesn’t care what anyone other than Daisy thinks of him. His actions are based on his emotional attachment to Daisy.