The Great Gatsby, Chapter 7

1. Why, do you suppose, Fitzgerald links the behavior of the characters to the hottest day of the summer?

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Answer explanation

Fitzgerald links the characters' behavior to the hottest day to symbolize heightened emotions and tensions. The oppressive heat mirrors their inner turmoil, leading to conflicts and revealing their true natures.

2. When Gatsby briefly meets Daisy’s little girl, he is somewhat unnerved. Symbolically, what does the little girl represent?

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Answer explanation

Daisy's little girl symbolizes the reality of the life Gatsby cannot attain. Her innocence contrasts with Gatsby's idealized vision of Daisy, highlighting the unattainable nature of his dreams and the consequences of his obsession.

3. What causes Tom to realize that his wife has been having an affair with Gatsby?

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Answer explanation

Tom realizes his wife has been having an affair with Gatsby when he observes how the two look at each other during lunch at the Buchanan's mansion.

4. As always, there is a grain of truth in what Gatsby says. In what sense is he an Oxford man?

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Answer explanation

Gatsby claims to be an Oxford man, which is partly true as he attended Oxford for a brief time during the war. This claim reflects his desire to associate with the elite and his constructed identity, despite his humble origins.

5. Daisy says that Tom is “revolting.” To what, can you imagine, is she referring?

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Answer explanation

Daisy likely refers to Tom's behavior or attitude, which she finds disgusting or morally repugnant. This could relate to his actions, personality, or treatment of others, indicating her strong disapproval.

6. Why does Daisy have a tough time saying, as Gatsby wishes, that she never loved Tom?

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Answer explanation

Daisy struggles to say she never loved Tom because it would mean denying a significant part of her past and emotions. Her complex feelings for both men make it difficult to dismiss her history with Tom so easily.

7. Why is it so important to Gatsby that Daisy say she never loved Tom?

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Answer explanation

Gatsby needs Daisy to deny ever loving Tom to validate his dream of rekindling their past romance. Her affirmation would mean she chose Tom over him, undermining Gatsby's hope and the idealized vision he has of their love.

8. Why does Tom make the point to Wilson that he just drove the coupe from New York and the yellow car does not actually belong to him?

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Answer explanation

Tom tells Wilson he drove the coupe from New York to distance himself from the yellow car, implying it is not his. This is a tactic to deflect suspicion and maintain his image, as he is involved in a complicated situation.

9. What indication is there that Tom really was fond of Myrtle?

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Answer explanation

Tom's fondness for Myrtle is evident in his willingness to maintain a secret affair with her, as well as his emotional reactions during their interactions, indicating a deeper connection beyond mere physical attraction.

10. What does the reader learn that Tom does not know towards the end of chapter seven?

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Answer explanation

The reader learns that Tom is unaware of a significant secret or truth about another character or situation, which creates dramatic irony as the audience knows more than he does.