Jay Gatsby, the resolutely loyal hopeless romantic , desires for nothing more than a glimpse at his true love, Daisy Fay! Gatsby's GARGANTUAN request of Nick was merely for Mr. Carraway to facilitate a nostalgic reunion between the two former paramours. Jordan Baker conveys the favor to Nick when she says, "He [Gatsby] wants to know . . . if you'll invite Daisy to your house some afternoon and then let him come over" (Fitzgerald 78). Fitzgerald utilizes Baker through an anecdotal flashback to reveal the innermost emotions that fuel Gatsby's request. I expect more flashbacks and exposition from Fitzgerald as, by introducing the novel in light of a retrospective Nick Carraway, he leaves The Great Gatsby inclined to the implementation of such literary devices. Regardless, Jordan's reflections paint Gatsby as an incredibly caring, lovestruck young man that was torn from both his family and true love by tragedy and a cruel war. She also reveals that, after receiving a letter on her wedding day, presumably from Gatsby, Daisy broke down into tears and refused to go on with the wedding until the next day. Obviously, Daisy loves Gatsby as well. The major external conflict, of course, lies in Daisy's being wed to Tom Buchanan which makes any relationship between Gatsby and Daisy scandalous, immoral, and against both Daisy's and Gatsby's values. All the while, and quite sickeningly I might add, Tom mocks his wife's purity of heart and good-willed nature by philandering with Myrtle Wilson. Tom's abhorrent behavior identifies him as the likely antagonist in the novel which Nick will inevitably have to square off with. However, drawing inspiration from Jordan and a humbled Gatsby, Nick will be more than willing to face Tom.
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| This image, while taken after the incorrect World War, embodies the affection between Jay Gatsby, the soldier, and Daisy Fay, the girl back home. |
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