Fitzgerald uses weather to demonstrate the mood in this
chapter. It begins with rain, and once the relationship between Daisy and Gatsby appears
secure, the sun comes out.
The mood of this chapter varies
greatly. At first, it feels insecure. So, as Daisy is about to arrive, Gatsby looks at
the time and at 2 minutes until her scheduled arrival, he gets up to go because he
believes she is not coming. This is a character action that is used to demonstrate
insecurity.
Once there, Gatsby almost refuses to talk to
her. He was not in the room when Nick brought Daisy into the room. Then, he comes and
knocks on the door and acts awkward for quite a few minutes. In an effort to relax,
Gatsby leans against a clock on the mantle knocking it over. He catches the clock though
and sets it back up. This ironic moment demonstrates Gatsby
playing with time. This again, is a sign of insecurity because he
hits the clock out of nervousness. In a quick discussion with Nick, Gatsby reveals how
he thinks this is not a good idea. Nick leaves the two
alone.
Nick is absent for whatever reconciliation occurs so
the reading audience does not see it.
Nick returns when the
sun comes out, and their relationship then seems sealed. I would argue that Fitzgerald
uses weather, symbols, irony, and character actions to help create
mood.
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