Final Answer:
Nick excuses himself, and when he finally comes back, Gatsby is glowing, and Daisy is crying. The rain has stopped.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this pivotal scene from F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," Nick's departure coincides with the climax of an emotional confrontation between Gatsby and Daisy. The missing word, "rain," symbolizes the tension and emotional storm that precedes this moment.
As Nick returns, the rain has ceased, signifying a resolution or change in the emotional climate. The cessation of the rain serves as a metaphor for the conclusion of the intense emotional turmoil between Gatsby and Daisy.
The weather often serves as a powerful literary device, mirroring and amplifying the characters' emotions. In this case, the rain intensifies the dramatic nature of the scene, creating a poignant backdrop to Gatsby and Daisy's emotional reckoning. The decision to use "rain" in the blank space is not merely meteorological; it encapsulates the emotional narrative, reflecting the tears shed by Daisy and the cathartic release of emotions between the characters.
Consideration of the narrative context and symbolism within the story provides a nuanced understanding of the significance of the weather in this scene. The rain's cessation represents more than just a meteorological event; it marks a turning point in the characters' relationships and emotions, contributing to the rich symbolism and atmosphere that define Fitzgerald's classic work.