Chapter 6 - Summary
In this chapter, a young reporter, after hearing all the rumours about Gatsby, visits him, looking for an interview. Nick then interrupts, telling us the real truth about Gatsby's past. Gatsby's real name is James Gatz. He was born to an improvished farmer in North Dakota, rather than into a wealthy family in San Francisco, as he claimed. Although he attended college at St Olaf's in Minnesota, he despised the janitorial work he needed to do to pay off his tuition and dropped out after two weeks. The summer after, he went on to work at Lake Superior. It was there and then when he met Dan Cody, a wealthy copper mogul. James rowed out to warn him of an impending storm. Grateful, Cody took 17-year old James in onboard his yacht as his personal assistant. James Gatz then creates a persona for himself - Jay Gatsby - as a symbol of starting a new life. Travelling with Cody, Gatsby fell in love with wealth and luxury, and decided to dedicate himself into becoming a successful man.
One afternoon, Nick stops by Gatsby's house and is surprised to find Tom, Mr. and Mrs. Sloane there. Tom finds out about Gatsby's acquaintance with Daisy. Later on, the division between the social classes becomes apparent as Tom and the Sloanes decline Gatsby's offer to stay for dinner. Out of courtesy, Mrs. Sloane offers Gatsby and Nick an invitation to dine at her home. Oblivious to the situation, and lacking social grace, Gatsby accepts.
The following Saturday night, Tom and Daisy go to Gatsby's party, leaving soon after due. Gatsby is upset that Daisy had such an unpleasant time at his party. He wants things to go back the way it was before, and wants her to leave Tom so that he can be with her. Nick reminds Gatsby that the past cannot be re-created. Distraught and naive, Gatsby protests that he can re-create the past as long as he has money and power. The chapter ends with Nick recalling the first time Gatsby kissed Daisy.
One afternoon, Nick stops by Gatsby's house and is surprised to find Tom, Mr. and Mrs. Sloane there. Tom finds out about Gatsby's acquaintance with Daisy. Later on, the division between the social classes becomes apparent as Tom and the Sloanes decline Gatsby's offer to stay for dinner. Out of courtesy, Mrs. Sloane offers Gatsby and Nick an invitation to dine at her home. Oblivious to the situation, and lacking social grace, Gatsby accepts.
The following Saturday night, Tom and Daisy go to Gatsby's party, leaving soon after due. Gatsby is upset that Daisy had such an unpleasant time at his party. He wants things to go back the way it was before, and wants her to leave Tom so that he can be with her. Nick reminds Gatsby that the past cannot be re-created. Distraught and naive, Gatsby protests that he can re-create the past as long as he has money and power. The chapter ends with Nick recalling the first time Gatsby kissed Daisy.