Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Pg. 97-111

Summary: The chapter begins by explaining how Jay Gatsby came to be, changing his name from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby, becoming friends with Dan Cody, and living at sea. He follows Cody on his journey around the continents, learning from him but not inheriting his money. Then, Gatsby is ditched by a couple of horseback riders, including Tom Buchanan, who invite Gatsby over to dinner. Daisy and Tom come to one of Gatsby’s parties and don’t have much fun. Gatsby explains to Nick how he is looking that he had 5 years ago with Daisy, putting everything in the hope of recapturing that feeling.

Character: Dan Cody

Description: “Cody was fifty years old then, a product of the Nevada silver fields, of the Yukon, of every rush for metal since seventy-five. The transactions in Montana copper that made him many times a millionaire found him physically robust but on the verge of a soft-mindedness, and, suspecting this, an infinite number of women tried to separate him from his money.” (Pg. 99)
Qualities: Cody seems to be a drunk, who worked hard in the past but now just spent his time sailing around the continent on his boat, teaching Gatsby and drinking. He also is described to be a hard worker before, getting all he could out of mines across the country. Eventually, his death was brought upon him and all his money went to a gold digger.

Role: Cody is important for the reason Gatsby is who he is, a very determined and hard working individual. Gatsby also learned from Cody’s mistakes, never drinking in fear of death or being taken advantage of, like Cody was. Dan Cody is the teacher or mentor of Gatsby, so by learning about Cody, you learn about Gatsby.

Quote: “’I wouldn’t ask too much of her,’ I ventured. ‘You can’t repeat the past.’ ‘Can’t repeat the past?’ he cried incredulously. ‘Why of course you can!’” (Pg. 110)
The quote explains Gatsby’s goals of getting the exact same women he had 5 years ago. He is determined to find that girl, and if she isn’t there at first, dig her out. He doesn’t want any new feelings, but wants the same feeling of love he experience when he was young and in love.