Chapter 4
Nick Carraway receives an unexpected invitation from Jay Gatsby, who drives up in his spectacular cream‑colored car. During the ride Gatsby shares a grandiose version of his past: he claims Midwestern origins, a deceased family, an Oxford education, travels through European capitals, hunting adventures, and a distinguished World War I record that earned him a Montenegrin “Order of Danilo” medal. He shows Nick the medal and a dated Oxford photograph, seemingly confirming his tale, though Nick remains skeptical.
The pair drive into New York, passing the valley of ashes and the Queensboro Bridge, before stopping at a well‑known 42nd Street restaurant for lunch. There Gatsby introduces Nick to Meyer Wolfsheim, a small‑faced, flat‑nosed man with distinctive side‑burns. Over highballs, Wolfsheim tells a lurid story about the 1919 World Series being rigged, claiming he “fixed the World’s Series” and that the conspirators remain untouchable. He also mentions a past murder at the old Metropole. The conversation shifts to Gatsby’s request: he wants Nick to speak with Jordan Baker about arranging a meeting with Daisy Buchanan, though Gatsby denies any romantic involvement with Jordan. When Tom Buchanan appears in the restaurant, a brief, awkward greeting occurs, and Gatsby disappears from the scene.
Later, Jordan Baker recounts a convoluted, anachronistic history of Daisy’s childhood, marriage to Tom, and various incidents spanning from 1917 to the present, linking Daisy’s past encounters with a young officer named “Jay Gatsby” and emphasizing Daisy’s later indifference. The tale culminates in Jordan’s suggestion that Gatsby’s motive for the lavish parties is to lure Daisy across the bay, and she agrees to help arrange a luncheon that might bring Daisy and Gatsby together.