Chapter 8

Explanation: (<< Summary on previous page)

When Gatsby opens up to Nick about his past, we see why he acts the way he does. He has a romantic view on what happened between he and Daisy and it is because of this that he tries so hard to get back to it. Whether it is real or not, we cannot be sure, but it is very real to Gatsby and that is all that matters to him. This story also shows the profound impact Daisy had on Gatsby's thoughts of wealth. All of his memories of her are tied to the glamour and richness of her life. The large, beautiful house and the fine clothing. It is more than Daisy that he has fallen for, it is the mystique of wealth that she has. He wants it as well, and believes that by having Daisy he can obtain it.

As Wilson talks to Michaelis about his wife's affair, an allusion is made to the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg. Wilson says "God sees everything" and Michaelis replies, "That's an advertisement." Here we gain a better understanding of what those eyes mean. They remind the characters of the judgment they deserve, even if they never receive it. The eyes make them and the reader conscious of the guilt these people should be feeling.

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