Chapter 8

Chapter 8 Pgs. 147-162

Summary: Nick goes over to Gatsby’s house as soon as he sees lights go on in the house, suggesting Gatsby to go away and lie low for a little. Gatsby tells Nick of how he became Jay Gatsby and met Dan Cody, then explained how he can’t leave Daisy. He tells Nick how when he went to war, the were separated for too long after Gatsby was accidentally shipped to Oxford and when he came home, Tom and Daisy were married. Nick goes to work and talks to Jordan, ignoring her for the most part. As Michaelis tries to calm down George, George gets up and goes to Gatsby’s house, shooting him.

Character: Michaelis

Description: “The young Greek, Michaelis, who ran the coffee joint beside the ash heaps was the principal witness at the inquest.” (Pg. 136)
Qualities: Michaelis is a good guy who isn’t really close friends with George but stays by his side for hours into the night after Myrtle died. He tries to get to George, helping him out and get through the grieving period. While all others abandon George, he stays by his side.

Purpose: Michaelis was the primary witness to the murder, making him important in the investigation of the death of Myrtle. He is also there to watch after George and to help show how hurt and damaged George is.

Quote: “She was the first ‘nice’ girl he had ever known. In various unrevealed capacities he had come in contact with such people, but always with indiscernible barbed wire between.” (Pg. 148)

Significance: The past is where Gatsby builds his dreams. Daisy was the first and only girl he liked, making her very important and desirable. Gatsby built his life around achieving her love once again because it was the happiest time of his life when he was with her. With everybody else, Gatsby felt there was a barrier separating them from the truth, but with Daisy, he truly connected in a way he had never done before, making her different and lovable.