Question

Jordan Baker tells Nick about Daisy, Gatsby, and Tom. Summarize the story. Also, after Jordan tells Nick the story of Daisy and Gatsby, Nick says that Gatsby "came alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor." How does this metaphor of birth help explain what Gatsby's behavior had meant to Nick up to then.

Answer 1

Jordan Baker tells Nick about the past romance between Gatsby and Daisy, which gives context to Gatsby's lavish lifestyle. The metaphor of birth that Nick uses implies that he now understands Gatsby's previously perceived purposeless actions as being driven by his love for Daisy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jordan Baker shares with Nick Carraway the history between Daisy, Gatsby, and Tom. Daisy and Gatsby were in love, but Daisy married Tom while Gatsby was away. Gatsby has been trying to win Daisy back ever since, which explains his elaborate parties and his acquisition of wealth.

After Jordan's story, Nick describes Gatsby as "coming alive to me, delivered suddenly from the womb of his purposeless splendor". This metaphor of birth signifies that, to Nick, Gatsby's previous actions and behaviors—once seemingly aimless extravagance—have now been imbued with a new, profound purpose: Gatsby's enduring love for Daisy and his quest to rekindle their past romance.