What Is Gatsby Doing When Nick First Sees Him? - Ivypanda

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The first time Nick sees Gatsby when going back home from a party at the Buchanan house. He notices Gatsby mysteriously standing on the lawn with his hands stretched forward. It seems like he was watching the stars, but then it becomes clear that he glazes at the green light. Nick is thinking about whether he should introduce himself to the new neighbor.

Detailed answer:

In the first chapter, Nick got invited to dinner at his cousin’s Daisy place in East Egg. After the evening, he goes back home to the West Egg, where he meets Gatsby for the first time. Nick sees Jay Gatsby standing on his lawn daydreaming. The man is looking at the green light that comes from Daisy Buchanan’s house located on the other side of the pond. Daisy is the former lover he once lost. And wistful glances at the other side demonstrate Gatsby’s desire to get his beloved woman back. The light is too far for Gatsby to reach it, which carries a special meaning.

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It symbolizes how impossible it is for him and Daisy to be together again. She is married to Tom Buchanan, a rich and well-educated man. He is from an upper-class family suitable for Daisy’s social status. Gatsby is no match since he comes from a poor background with no connections.

While Nick is observing Gatsby, it appears to him that “the green light” does not belong to his friend any longer. As the reader finds out further in the story, Gatsby hosts large parties with great shows inviting almost everyone. It is all done with the only purpose – so that Daisy attends his event, and he can see her again.

Answer's rating: Answered by IvyPanda® One of our experts with a specialization in literature has kindly provided an answer to this question. Feel free to rate the answer and let us know if you liked it. Updated: Aug 21st, 2024 Cite Related Questions What is Daisy’s Opinion of Gatsby’s Party in Chapter 6? What Did Dan Cody Do for Gatsby? What Did Gatsby Learn from Him? “They’re a Rotten Crowd” What Does This Quote Mean? What Role Does Social Class in The Great Gatsby Play? “I was Within and Without” What Does This Quote Mean? “I Hope She’ll Be a Fool” What Does This Quote Mean? Ask your question Ask your Question Name Email(We won’t publish it) Pick subject Pick a subjectArtBusinessCultureDesignDiet & NutritionEconomicsEducationEntertainment & MediaEnvironmentFamily, Life & ExperiencesHealth & MedicineHistoryLawLinguisticsLiteraturePhilosophyPolitics & GovernmentPsychologyReligionSciencesSociologySportsTech & EngineeringTourismTransportationWarfare Please leave this field empty. Submit question Sending... By clicking "Submit question" you agree to IvyPanda’s Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions and want to receive electronic communications from us. The Great Gatsby Study Guide Menu

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