The Great Gatsby: A Summary

By jmomenzadeh

  • The Opening

    Nick Carraway arrives in New York City from Minnesota to begin learning about the bond business. He moves into the West Egg, a rich but unfashionable part of New York City for those who are wealthy but without "proper" social circles.

  • The Rising Action - Part I

    Nick meets up with his cousin and her husband, Daisy and Tom Buchanan. They introduce him to a mutual friend, named Jordan, who tells Nick about the truth of Daisy and Tom's seemingly perfect relationship. Tom is having an affair with a woman in the "Valley of Ashes," an industrial dumping ground for the upper class families in the area.

  • The Rising Action - Part II

    Nick gets an invitation to his neighbor's, Jay Gatsby, latest extravagant party. There he becomes enamored with Gatsby and how he lives his life. Gatsby is reunited with his long-lost love, Daisy Buchanan. After an initially awkward meeting, the Daisy and Gatsby begin an affair.

  • The Rising Action - Part III

    Tom Buchanan soon becomes suspicious of Daisy and Gatsby's relationship. When Daisy admits to having an affair, Tom is outraged even though he himself is having an affair. Tom drives Daisy, Nick, and Jordan to confront Gatsby in New York City. Tom decides he no longer wants Daisy even though she realizes she does not want to give up her marriage.

  • The Climax

    Nick, Tom, and Jordan drive through the Valley of Ashes, realizing later that Gatsby's car was used in the accidental murder of Tom's lover. Nick goes back to Gatsby's home to confront him about the murder and learns Daisy was driving the car even though Gatsby plans to accept blame. Tom, to get revenge on Gatsby, tells his lover's husband that Gatsby was the one who murdered her. The husband, mad with grief, found Gatsby at his home and murdered Gatsby before committing suicide.

  • The Conclusion

    Nick holds a small funeral for Gatsby, noting Daisy's abscence from the event. Sick of the hypocrisy and decit, Nick breaks his relationships with everyone he met in New York, moves back to Minnesota, and reflects on the loss of Gatsby, someone who was "great" due to his capacity to dream.