Contents
Chapter IV
Overview
Gatsby courts Nick’s trust, claiming an elite past and showing proofs, then introduces Meyer Wolfsheim, who fixed the 1919 World Series, hinting at Gatsby’s shadowy ties. Jordan later reveals Daisy once loved Gatsby and nearly backed out of marrying Tom. Gatsby bought his mansion for Daisy and wants Nick to arrange a secret reunion.
Summary
Nick recalls the endless stream of guests at Gatsby’s mansion, underscoring how many enjoyed his parties while knowing nothing real about him. One July morning, Gatsby arrives with his lavish car and, during their drive to New York, abruptly insists on telling “God’s truth” about his past: wealthy Midwestern origins, Oxford education, European adventures, and decorated wartime heroism. Nick doubts him until Gatsby produces a Montenegrin medal and an Oxford photograph.
Gatsby hints he has a favor to ask and meets Nick for lunch with Meyer Wolfsheim, who reminisces about Rosy Rosenthal and is revealed as the man who fixed the 1919 World Series. The association unsettles Nick. When Tom Buchanan appears, Gatsby grows tense and slips away, avoiding further introduction.
That afternoon, Jordan tells Nick Daisy’s history: at eighteen in Louisville, Daisy fell in love with a young officer, Jay Gatsby. Before marrying Tom, Daisy drunkenly clutched a letter—implying Gatsby—and tried to return Tom’s costly pearls, but the crisis passed and the wedding proceeded. Early in the marriage, Tom’s car crash with a hotel maid exposed his infidelity; later the couple traveled and settled among a fast set while Daisy kept a flawless public reputation.
Recently, hearing Gatsby’s name shocked Daisy, and Jordan connects Gatsby of West Egg with Daisy’s former lover. Jordan explains Gatsby bought his West Egg mansion to be near Daisy and has waited, hoping she would appear at a party. He now asks Nick to invite Daisy to tea so Gatsby can “come over” without alarming her. As evening falls in Central Park, Nick, stirred by pursuit and desire, draws closer to Jordan and agrees to the plan.
Who Appears
- Nick CarrawayNarrator; rides with Gatsby, meets Meyer Wolfsheim, hears Daisy–Gatsby history from Jordan, agrees to arrange Daisy’s tea.
- Jay GatsbyClaims Oxford and war honors, shows proofs; introduces Wolfsheim; avoids Tom; seeks Nick’s help to reunite with Daisy.
- Jordan BakerRecounts Daisy’s past with Gatsby, Daisy’s pre-wedding crisis, and explains Gatsby’s plan for a secret reunion.
- Daisy BuchananRevealed as Gatsby’s former love; nearly called off wedding to Tom after a letter; now married, publicly impeccable.
- Meyer WolfsheimGatsby’s associate; boasts of ties to the 1919 World Series fix; symbolizes Gatsby’s underworld connections.
- Tom BuchananBriefly meets Gatsby; past infidelity exposed by a car crash with a hotel maid; remains Daisy’s powerful husband.