Chapter 7

Chapter VII Pg. 113-145

Summary: The chapter starts on an extremely hot summer day where Gatsby and Nick go to Daisy’s house for lunch. Once there, they meet Daisy’s child and find nothing to do so go into the city. On their way to the city, Tom, Nick, and Jordan stop at George Wilson’s shop. Once in the city, the group goes into a hotel room and an argument involving Tom, Gatsby, and Daisy erupts. The group is on their way home when they find out that Daisy killed Myrtle Wilson by running her over. Gatsby waits outside the Buchanan’s house to make sure Tom doesn’t hurt Daisy for what she did to Myrtle.

Character: George Wilson

Description: “then I saw Wilson standing on the raised threshold of his office, swaying back and forth and holding to the doorposts with both hands. Some man was talking to him in a low voice and attempting, from time to time, to lay a hand on his shoulder, but Wilson neither heard nor saw. His eyes would drop slowly from swinging light to the laden table by the wall, and then jerk back to the light again, and he gave incessantly his high, horrible call.” (Pg. 138)

Qualities: George is not the smartest guy, believing that going to the West with is wife will save his marriage. He cares deeply about his wife and doesn’t seem to show hatred towards those who have done him wrong. After his wife’s death, George is depressed and sick.

Importance: George Wilson knows that Tom and Myrtle were having an affair, hence the locking her in the attic of the shop. Perhaps he will go for revenge on Tom, or even on Daisy since she killed Myrtle. The future for George seems to be some type of interference in someone’s life. He seems mad about the fact his wife is dead and perhaps wants to get payback.

Quote: “’Even alone I can’t say I never loved Tom,’ she admitted in a pitiful voice. ‘It wouldn’t be true.’ ‘Of course it wouldn’t,’ agreed Tom. She turned to her husband. ‘As if it mattered to you,’ she said.” (Pg. 133)
- Although Daisy has strong feelings for Gatsby, she still has at least had feelings for Tom, making him interference in the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. Although she has feelings for Tom, she knows that he truly doesn’t care. Tom isn’t interested in the love or passion, but just wants the reward of being loved. Daisy knows the truth, but is still drawn a bit to him.