The Epigraph

 

The Epigraph

Within these last few chapters, we have grasped an abundance of information, in which all correlate to the beginning epigraph. This epigraph distributes a great deal of foreshadowing. When you first read it, it is clear that it is presenting the idea of a man trying to win a girl over, we collect this assumption through the four words of “I must have you”, he tries to win this girl over through the aspect of showing off his wealth. What is unclear is who the epigraph is relating to. Within reading chapters four through six it is direct that the “lover” is Gatsby and the “her” he must have is Daisy. 

In the fourth chapter, we are introduced to the underlying story of how Daisy and Gatsby were once in love, almost five years ago. Jordan gives specific details on their love story and how Gatsby wants to reunite with Daisy, he has one specific rule that stands out in the purpose of the epigraph. Jordan makes it clear that the reunion has to be at Nick's house, “he wants her to see his house”[79], Gatsby is confident that within Daisy having a taste of his wealth then she will admire him. This is significant too, “Then wear the gold hat, if that will move her”. Gatsby's idea behind this is to have Daisy collect a glimpse of his house, being that Nick is his neighbor, which will lead to him taking her through his mansion and getting to present all of his accomplishments and goods. Gatsby believes that if she witnesses all of the wealth then she will be won over and his. 

Gatsby feels the need that he must have her, and he trusts that the way he will succeed is through materialistic things. He tries to get her attention in any way he can. This exhibits the, “If you can bounce high, bounce for her too,” which exemplifies that Gatsby will do whatever it takes to acquire Daisy.  He goes to the extreme of buying a house purposely directly “across the bay”[78] from Daisy, in hopes her attention will be drawn by throwing such extravagantly noticeable parties. It is even noted that he has a party specifically to fluff his feathers at Daisy with, but she is not enjoying it. Gatsby is trying so hard to make her enjoy her time and be speechless through his wealth.

While it is obviously portrayed that Gatsby is currently wealthy. We are informed in chapter six that this has not always been the case for Gatsby, in fact, his parents were defined as “unsuccessful farm people.”[98] While Gatsby was not always entitled to wealth, he knew that he was destined for something great, and fought out to be what he had dreamed of. This aspect of him becoming what he always derived for, wealth, he believes that the most successful and efficient way to win over his beloved Daisy is by portraying and emphasizing his wealth by going above and beyond to get her attention, through his connections which results in wooing her, and through the materialistic aspect. He anticipates that his strategies will work on Daisy because that is how he won himself over. This emphasizes the “Till she cry,” line of the epigraph. This line is ultimately saying that the method has worked and he has got the girl. Gatsby has not always been wealthy, when he had become content with who he was, it was when he was wealthy. Within this being Gatsby's timeline, he believes he will get Daisy and will do whatever it takes but exhibits the “bribing” aspect. Because it worked on him, it must work on Daisy. 

As it turns out, the epigraph is a foreshadowing puzzle that is unlocked the more you read and find out about Gatsby. We are given Daisy and Gatsby's tragic “Romeo and Juliet” love story, which ultimately leads to the understanding and explanation for the brilliantly written epigraph. And how it is the current love story of Gatsby and Daisy.