In The Great Gatsby, the history of
Gatsby's relationship with Daisy, and the origins of that relationship, are vital to
understanding Gatsby's dream and illusion--what he is trying to
recapture.
The history in chapter six reveals Gatsby's
naivete and lack of experience--he is enchanted by Daisy's home--Nick tells the reader
that Gatsby had never experienced anything like it, and the home alone suggested
romantic tales and mysteries inside, to Gatsby.
Chapter six
reveals that Daisy is somewhat of a trophy or goal for Gatsby--the fact that numerous
soldiers had sought Daisy's company is a plus for Gatsby, not a
detriment.
The kiss in chapter six makes Gatsby's dream
more concrete, in the way any image makes ideas more concrete. It shows the reader what
Gatsby experienced, and what he is trying to recapture. The kiss provides Gatsby's
dream with romance.
Unfortunately, chapter six also
establishes that Gatsby is "out of his league" with Daisy. And five years and the story
that's narrated in the novel do not change that.
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