Chapter Summary
Chapter 7 begins with Nick’s shocking discovery that Gatsby has dismissed all of his butler staff, and has decided to bring an end to his lavish and fabulous parties, which were originally an attempt to lure Daisy, but now are not needed. Soon Nick is called up by Gatsby and Daisy who invite him over for lunch the following day with Jordan, Gatsby, and the Buchanans at the Buchanan's estate. On the hottest day of the year, suspicions and tempers begin to rise like the temperature, as Tom finally comes to the conclusion of Jay and Daisy's love for each other. After an awkward afternoon of tempers building, the group decides to travel to New York City for the day, upon Daisy's request. As if Daisy and Gatsby couldn't be anymore obvious, they decide to ride together in Tom's blue coupe, while Jordan, Tom, and Nick travel in Gatsby's magnificent cream coloured car. On the way to the city, Tom and his passengers stop for gas at George Wilson's garage, where George informs them of his knowledge of his wife's infidelity, although the identity of her adultery partner is still unknown. He then expresses his frustration and tells them his plan of moving west. In the irony, Nick narrates his thoughts that Tom and George are in the same boat. After the pitstop, the group rendezvous at the Plaza Hotel, where they book a room. As the evening progresses, so does Tom and Gatsby's hate for each other. Insults fly back and forth until Tom accuses Jay of being a bootlegger. Then Gatsby tries to convince Daisy to admit that she never loved Tom and the only reason they did not get married was because he was not rich. Later, Tom tells Daisy to go back home with Gatsby, who's car they take.
On their way back through the valley of ashes, the two hit and kill Myrtle instantly, who is trying to make her escape from George. Tom and party soon find out about this, and Tom jumps to the conclusion that Gatsby was at fault, although it really was his wife driving. When they arrive back home, Nick finds Gatsby hiding in the bushes in attempt to ensure that Tom does not physically harm Daisy. When Nick realizes that the two are just talking at the kitchen table, he leaves Gatsby, who stays on guard.