In Chapter 4 of "The Great Gatsby," Jordan Baker shares a significant story with Nick Carraway about Jay Gatsby's past and his relationship with Daisy Buchanan. During a drive through New York City, she reveals that Gatsby and Daisy were in love before she married Tom Buchanan. Gatsby, who was then a poor young man named James Gatz, met Daisy when he was working as a clam digger and salmon fisher on Lake Michigan.
Gatsby's love for Daisy was so profound that he pursued wealth and status to win her back. When he returned from World War I, he found that she had married Tom while he was away. Gatsby bought his mansion in West Egg, across the bay from Daisy's home in East Egg, and he throws extravagant parties in the hope that she might come to one of them.
Jordan also explains that Gatsby wants Nick to invite Daisy over for tea, so he can see her again. This story sheds light on Gatsby's motivations and sets the stage for the rekindling of his relationship with Daisy in the novel, revealing the deep ties between them that have persisted over time. The chapter emphasizes themes of love, longing, and the impact of wealth and social status on personal relationships.
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