In chapter 7, we learn a lot more about each of the characters when Tom discovers Gatsby and Daisy’s affair. Set on the hottest day of the summer, we see another example of pathetic fallacy as the weather mimics the heat and anger between Gatsby and Tom.
As the day progresses, Daisy and Gatsby outwardly show their affection for each other, causing Tom to become aware of their feelings. On the way to the city, Tom, Jordan, and Nick stop by Wilson’s garage, where they learn that Wilson discovered Myrtle’s affair, although he does not know it is with Tom. Nick comes to a realization, “I stared at him and then at Tom, who made a parallel discovery less than an hour before - and it occurred to me that there was no difference between the men” (95). It is interesting that this interaction takes place because it questions Tom’s morality. If he was okay with having an affair, why does he become so outraged when he learns of Daisy’s?
Later in New York City, Tom confronts Gatsby. Tom asks about Gatsby’s time at Oxford and we learn that Gatsby only spent five months there. We also learn that Tom’s assumption was right - Gatsby may be a bootlegger. Gatsby’s lies come back to bite him, as Daisy begins to have mixed feelings. At the start of the day, she couldn’t help but show her love for Gatsby, but as the fight continues, she admits that she did love Tom, “‘I did love him once - but I loved you too’” (100). Here, we see references to the past in both Gatsby and Tom’s relationship with Daisy.
Nick, Jordan, and Gatsby join Tom and Daisy at their house for lunch. Here, Daisy and Tom’s daughter, Pammy, is introduced. Gatsby’s surprised reaction shows his realization of Tom and Daisy’s relationship, as Pammy is a physical representation of their marriage.
As the day progresses, Daisy and Gatsby outwardly show their affection for each other, causing Tom to become aware of their feelings. On the way to the city, Tom, Jordan, and Nick stop by Wilson’s garage, where they learn that Wilson discovered Myrtle’s affair, although he does not know it is with Tom. Nick comes to a realization, “I stared at him and then at Tom, who made a parallel discovery less than an hour before - and it occurred to me that there was no difference between the men” (95). It is interesting that this interaction takes place because it questions Tom’s morality. If he was okay with having an affair, why does he become so outraged when he learns of Daisy’s?
Later in New York City, Tom confronts Gatsby. Tom asks about Gatsby’s time at Oxford and we learn that Gatsby only spent five months there. We also learn that Tom’s assumption was right - Gatsby may be a bootlegger. Gatsby’s lies come back to bite him, as Daisy begins to have mixed feelings. At the start of the day, she couldn’t help but show her love for Gatsby, but as the fight continues, she admits that she did love Tom, “‘I did love him once - but I loved you too’” (100). Here, we see references to the past in both Gatsby and Tom’s relationship with Daisy.
Another notable event that happened in chapter 7 was Myrtle’s death. Returning home from the city, Myrtle is hit by a yellow car, believed to be Gatsby’s. We see a new side of Tom that contradicts what we know of him. Tom is angry and rough, but after Myrtle dies, Tom becomes caring as he tries to comfort Wilson. Tom also begins to sob as they drive back to West Egg, “In a little while I heard a low husky sob, and saw that the tears were overflowing down his face” (108). While Tom believes Gatsby was driving the car, Gatsby admits to Nick that it was Daisy. We see Gatsby’s continuing love for Daisy as he says he will take the blame for her, and watches her inside the house to make sure she is okay.
I would love to discuss Tom's reaction to Daisy's infidelity, knowing that he has had many affairs, as well as how Gatsby and Daisy's relationship seems to change during Tom and Gatsby's fight.
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