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Chapter 5 is often seen as the beginning of Jay Gatsby's downfall. Why might this be true?

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Answer:

Chapter 5 is often seen as the beginning of Jay Gatsby's downfall because it is the point at which his dream of being reunited with Daisy is finally realized. The reality of this reunion, however, falls short of his expectations. Despite his immense wealth, Gatsby feels inadequate and self-conscious in Daisy's presence. He tries too hard to impress her with his possessions and his fabricated persona, leading to an awkward and uncomfortable encounter. Additionally, Gatsby's reliance on dishonesty and deceit to achieve his goals is further exposed in this chapter, as he continues to withhold the truth about his past from Daisy. This sets the stage for the unraveling of his carefully crafted façade and eventual downfall. As Nick observes, "there was something gorgeous about him, some heightened sensitivity to the promises of life, as if he were related to one of the machines that register earthquakes ten thousand miles away" (Fitzgerald 87). This heightened sensitivity and desire for something unattainable ultimately leads to Gatsby's tragic end.

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