Reflective, Speculative, Mysterious, Poignant

Nick recounts the illustrious names of Gatsby's party guests and then narrates his own invitation to lunch with Gatsby where he learns about Gatsby's claimed past. Afterwards, Jordan Baker reveals Gatsby's long-standing love for Daisy and his request for Nick to arrange a meeting between them.

The chapter begins with an illustration of Gatsby's continued extravagant parties and the gossipy revelations made by his guests about his mysterious background. Nick then presents a list of the summer's party attendees which he had written down, offering a snapshot of the era's wealthy social milieu. Gatsby personally invites Nick to lunch in New York and reveals parts of his supposed backstory during the ride, including his claim of family wealth, education at Oxford, and heroic war experience. At lunch, they meet Meyer Wolfshiem, a shady figure with a notorious past. Afterwards, Tom Buchanan encounters Gatsby and Nick, and an awkward interaction unfolds. In the latter half of the chapter, Jordan shares the history between Gatsby and Daisy, which reveals Gatsby's motivation for his wealth and parties - his hope to win Daisy back. Jordan requests Nick to invite Daisy to his house without telling her that Gatsby will also be present.