the great gatsby chapters 4 6
TRANSCRIPT
THE GREAT GATSBY: CHAPTERS 4-6
Adapted By:
ZOHA SYED, DAVID ALBÁN HIDALGO, JENNIE KIM
Adapted From:
THE GREAT GATSBY BY F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
2012: Mr. Crowley. AP Language/Composition
Cast of Characters
TOM BUCHANAN: SHOBHIT HATHI
DAISY BUCHANAN: JENNIE KIM
JAY GATSBY: ALEX BINKERD
NICK CARAWAY: DAVID ALBÁN HIDALGO
JORDAN BAKER: HATTIE YANG
MR. KLIPSPRINGER: JOHNATHAN STEVENS
MR. WOLFSHEIM : ZACH SIMON
MR. SLOANE: FRANK QU
MISS BAEDEKER: ZOHA SYED
WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE: AIDAN BEATON
CHAPTER 4
Opening number
Everyone comes together and dances jovially.
It is a sunny day. All of Gatsby’s neighbors are returning from church, all
the while gossiping about Gatsby.
[ENTER WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE AND JORDAN BAKER] [STAGE RIGHT]
WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE: (to Jordan Baker, speaking in a low whisper)He’s a bootlegger. One time he killed a man who found out he was nephew to Von Hindenburg and second cousin to the devil. Please pass me a rose, dearest, and pour me another drink.
Woman gestures to audience with her wine glass. The women then continue to gossip
as they exit off-stage.
[EXIT WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE AND JORDAN BAKER] [EXIT STAGE LEFT]
[ENTER NICK][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]Nick walks in center-stage. Spotlight.
NICK CARAWAY: (deep in thought)I have here the names of some of the guests who came to Gatsby’s house that summer. They’ll give you a better impression of those who selfishly accepted Gatsby’s hospitality. Let’s see here: From East Egg: Chester Beckers, the Leeches, and Bunsen. Yes, I remember him from Yale (looks quizzically toward the audience)A man named Klipspringer was there so often and so long that he became known as the “Boarder”--I doubt if he had any other home. (recollecting himself)It was in one of these quaint summer mornings that Gatsby called on me and insisted I take a ride with him.
Nick then stands, deep in thought, and is caught by surprise when he sees Gatsby approaching.
[ENTER GASTBY][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
Gatsby enters on-stage in a car. He then walks out to greet Nick.
JAY GATSBY: (moves happily toward Nick Caraway to shake his hand)Good morning, old sport. You’re having lunch with me today and I thought we’d ride up together.
NICK CARAWAY: (gesturing to Jay Gatsby’s car)Why, sure, thank you. That’s an amazing ride you have there, Mr. Gatsby.
JAY GATSBY:It’s pretty, isn’t it, old sport? Haven’t you ever seen it?
NICK CARAWAY:Yes, I have. It’s a nice ride.
Awkward silence as Gatsby starts slapping his knee from time to time.
NICK CARAWAY:So...the weather...?
JAY GATSBY:Look here, old sport, what’s your opinion of me anyhow?
Nick Caraway and Jay Gatsby begin to sing and dance together.
NICK CARAWAY:(sings)
JAY GATSBY:(sings)
NICK CARAWAY AND JAY GATSBY:(sing)
JAY GATSBY: (cleaning himself up)Well, alright then. You see, I’m going to make a big request of you today, so I thought you ought to know something about me. I didn’t want you to think I was a nobody. You’ll hear about this sad thing that happened to me this afternoon.
NICK CARAWAY:(suspicious)
At lunch?
JAY GATSBY:No, this afternoon. I happened to find out that you’re taking Miss Baker to tea.
NICK CARAWAY: (confused)
Do you mean to say you’re in love with Miss Baker?
JAY GATSBY:No, but she has kindly consented to speak to you about this matter.
NICK CARAWAY: (annoyed)
All right.Jay Gatsby and Nick Caraway climb into the car
while conversing. They start to move.
[WALK STAGE RIGHT]
NICK CARAWAY:Mr. Gatsby, I daresay we might be speeding.
JAY GATSBY:It’s perfectly all right, old sport. I helped the police
commissioner out once; we won’t run into any trouble. In any case, we’re almost over the bridge.
NICK CARAWAY: (to himself)Anything can happen now, as we drive over this bridge, who knows, even Gatsby could happen.
[EXIT JAY GATSBY AND NICK CARAWAY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
Scene 2: The Restaurant
Nick Caraway and Jay Gatsby enter the restaurant. Sitting at a table is a dapper man in a suit. He immediately looks up and acknowledges Jay Gatsby.
[ENTER MR. WOLFSHEIM][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
[ENTER NICK CARAWAY AND JAY GATSBY] [ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
MR. WOLFSHEIM:Ah, Gatsby how are you? Did I tell you about the new deal?
JAY GATSBY: (uncomfortable)Ah, Mr. Caraway, this is my friend, Mr. Wolfsheim.
Nick Caraway shakes hands with Mr. Wolfsheim, who continues to converse with Jay Gatsby.
MR. WOLFSHEIM: (to Jay Gatsby)So, I took one look at him, and what do you think I did?
NICK CARAWAY:Excuse me?
Mr. Wolfsheim begins to sing and dance.
MR. WOLFSHEIM: (sings)
NICK CARAWAY:It’s nice to meet you.
Nick Caraway, Jay Gatsby, and Mr. Wolfsheim sit down together.
MR. WOLFSHEIM: (gesturing to restaurant)This is a nice place, but I prefer the Old Metropole.
NICK CARAWAY:The Old Metropole?
JAY GATSBY:Yes, it’s right across the street. It’s too hot over there.
MR. WOLFSHEIM:Yes, but I have memories there, in the Old Metropole. I’ll never forget the night they shot Rosy Rosenthal there. It was six of us and getting pretty late, and all of a sudden
someone wants to see him outside. I tell him, “Let the bastards come in here and see you, but don’t go out on the street.” I tells him. “Don’t go out on the street.”
NICK CARAWAY: (slightly shocked)Did he go?
MR. WOLFSHEIM:Sure he went. He turns around and says, ‘Don’t let the waiter take my coffee.” Then he goes out on the sidewalk and they shoot him three times and he’s dead, and they drive away. I understand you’re looking for a business gonnegtion...
Gatsby immediately becomes uncomfortable and interrupts Mr. Wolfsheim.
JAY GATSBY: (to Mr.Wolfsheim)Oh, no. This isn’t the man. We’ll talk about that some other time.
MR. WOLFSHEIM:No? I beg your pardon, I had a wrong man.
Mr. Wolfsheim then begins fumbling with his napkin. Jay Gatsby takes a sip from his wine glass, and
then turns to Nick Caraway.
JAY GATSBY:Look here old sport, I’m afraid I made you angry in the car.
NICK CARAWAY:I don’t like mysteries, and I don’t understand why has it all got to come through Miss Baker.
JAY GATSBY:It’s nothing underhand, old sport.
Jay Gatsby suddenly looks at his watch and jumps.
[EXIT GATSBY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
MR. WOLFSHEIM:He has to telephone. Fine fellow, isn’t he? Handsome, and a gentleman.
NICK CARAWAY:Quite.
MR. WOLFSHEIM:And an Oggsford man.
NICK CARAWAY:Oh.
MR. WOLFSHEIM:Oggsford College, in England. You know Oggsford College?
NICK CARAWAY:I’ve heard of it. Have you known Gatsby for a long time?
MR. WOLFSHEIM:Oh, for several years now. I met him right after the war. But as soon as I saw him, I said to myself, “There’s the kind of man to take home and introduce to your mother and sister.” (Pauses)I see you’re looking at my cuff buttons. Finest specimens of human molars.
NICK CARAWAY:Well! That’s a very interesting idea.
MR. WOLFSHEIM:Yes, Gatsby’s very careful about women. He would never even look at a friend’s wife.
[ENTER GATSBY][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
Jay Gatsby returns as Mr. Wolsheim gets up to leave.
MR. WOLFSHEIM:I’ve enjoyed my lunch, and I’m going to run off from you two young men before I outstay my welcome.
Jay Gatsby and Nick Caraway begin to protest.
MR. WOLFSHEIM:You sit here and discuss your sports and young ladies and business. As for me, I’m fifty years old. I won’t impose myself any longer.
[EXIT MR. WOLFSHEIM][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
JAY GATSBY:He becomes very sentimental sometimes. He’s quite a character around New York.
NICK CARAWAY:Who is he anyhow - an actor?
JAY GATSBY: (uncomfortable)No, he’s a gambler. He fixed the World Series back in 1919.
NICK CARAWAY: (puzzled)Fixed the worlds Series? Why isn’t he in jail?
JAY GATSBY:Oh, he’s a smart man, old sport, they can’t get him.
[ENTER TOM][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
Tom Buchanan enters the restaurant and immediately recognizes Nick Caraway.
NICK CARAWAY: (getting up)Come along with me for a minute, I’ve got to say hello to someone.
Nick Caraway begins walking towards Tom Buchanan.
TOM BUCHANAN: (vigorously shaking hands)Where’ve you been anyways? Daisy’s furious because you haven’t called up.
NICK CARAWAY:This is Mr. Gatsby, Mr. Buchanan.
Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan awkwardly shake hands. Tom Buchanan turns toward Nick Caraway once again.
TOM BUCHANAN:How’ve you been anyhow? How’d you end up this far to eat?
Jay Gatsby slowly leaves as Nick Caraway and Tom Buchanan continue to talk.
[EXIT GATSBY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]NICK CARAWAY:
I’ve been having lunch with Mr. Gatsby.
Nick Caraway and Tom Buchanan turn to find Jay Gatsby gone. They both exit, conversing.
[EXIT NICK CARAWAY AND TOM BUCHANAN][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
Scene 3: Lunch with Jordan
Nick Caraway and Jordan Baker enter onstage, conversing. They sit down at the table.
[ENTER NICK CARAWAY AND JORDAN BAKER][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
JORDAN BAKER:Yes, well, I suppose you should learn the tale of Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby.
Jordan Baker pauses as the lights dim backstage and get brighter front-stage.
JORDAN BAKER:It began one October day in 1917. Daisy had just begun to date a young officer that was stationed near her house. His name was Jay Gatsby.
[ENTER DAISY BUCHANAN AND JAY GATSBY][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby enter silently, arm-in-arm, as Jordan Baker continues to narrate.
JORDAN BAKER:The officer would always look at Daisy while she was speaking, in a way that every young girl wants to be looked at some time, and because it seemed romantic to me, I’ve remembered the incident ever since.
While Jordan Baker is talking, Daisy Buchanan and
Jay Gatsby silently dance together, all the while smiling into each other’s eyes.
JORDAN BAKER:I didn’t lay eyes on him again for years - even after I’d met him again, I didn’t realize it was the same man.
While Jordan Baker is talking, Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby leave, arm-in-arm.
[EXIT JAY GATSBY AND DAISY BUCHANAN][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
JORDAN BAKER:Soon she became engaged to a man from Chicago - Tom Buchanan, a pompous man. But what unsettled me was what happened the night before the wedding.
The lights dim backstage, and become brighter toward the front of the stage. Daisy Buchanan enters, drunk, holding a letter, and sobbing.
[ENTER DAISY BUCHANAN][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
DAISY BUCHANAN:(sings)
Daisy Buchanan slumps to the floor, still clutching the letter, now crumpled. She begins to sob,
repeating, "I can’t". Woman Accompanying Mr. Sloane enters, and helps Daisy up.
[ENTER WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
DAISY’S MOTHER (WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE):Daisy! Come on now, get up! Let’s get you into a bath, now, come on!
Daisy Buchanan exits offstage with Woman Accompanying Mr. Sloane, her shoulders slumped, the
letter in her hand.
[EXIT DAISY BUCHANAN AND WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE] [EXIT STAGE LEFT]
The lights go bright as the scene returns to Jordan Baker and Nick Caraway.
JORDAN BAKER:Daisy was ultimately married and whisked off to the South Seas. I’ve never seen a girl so mad about her husband. But then Tom got into an automobile accident, which made it into the papers. A chambermaid from the Santa Barbara Hotel was with him.
Jordan Baker and Nick Caraway begin to get up. Nick Caraway pulls the chair out for Jordan Baker
as she stands.
JORDAN BAKER:One night, she said in the strangest voice that that must have been the man she used to know. And it wasn’t until then that I finally connected this Gatsby to the officer.
Jordan Baker and Nick Caraway exit arm-in-arm offstage.
[EXIT JORDAN BAKER AND NICK CARAWAY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
Scene 4: An Evening With Jordan Baker
The lights turn a dim blue as Jordan Baker and Nick Caraway enter arm-in-arm and enter the car.
The Sheik of Araby plays in the background.
[ENTER NICK CARAWAY AND JORDAN BAKER][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
NICK CARAWAY:It was a strange coincidence.
JORDAN BAKER:But it wasn’t a coincidence at all.
NICK CARAWAY:Why not?
JORDAN BAKER:Gatsby bought the house so that Daisy would be just across the bay. (pauses)He wants to know if you’ll invite Daisy to you house some afternoon and then let him come over.
NICK CARAWAY:Did I have to know all this before he could ask such a little thing?
JORDAN BAKER:He’s afraid. He’s waited so long. He thought you might be offended.
NICK CARAWAY:Why didn’t he ask you to arrange a meeting?
JORDAN BAKER:He wants her to see his house, and your house is right next door.
NICK CARAWAY:(puzzled)
Oh.
JORDAN BAKER:He always wanted to see her. At the party, you should’ve seen what he said. “I don’t want anything out of the way!” he kept saying; “I want to see her right next door.”
Jordan Baker and Nick Caraway stop. The mood gets
more peaceful and romantic. Nick Caraway pulls Jordan Baker closer.
JORDAN BAKER:And Daisy ought to have something nice in her life.
NICK CARAWAY:Does she want to see Gatsby?
JORDAN BAKER:She’s doesn’t know about it. Gatsby doesn’t want her to know. You’re just supposed to invite her to tea.
NICK CARAWAY:Alright then, we’ll see how it goes.
Jordan Baker and Nick Caraway embrace. They walk offstage arm-in-arm as the lights dim.
[EXIT JORDAN BAKER AND NICK CARAWAY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
CHAPTER 5
Scene 1: A Meeting In The Night With Gatsby
It is evening. Nick Caraway has just returned to his home from his meeting with Jordan Baker. The entire facade of Gatsby’s manor is ablaze with
light. The spotlight is on Nick Caraway.
NICK CARAWAY: (addressing audience)When I came home to West Egg that night I was afraid for a moment that my house was on fire. Two o’clock and Gatsby’s whole house was blazing with light!
Jay Gatsby suddenly appears and approaches Nick Caraway.
[ENTER GATSBY][ENTER STAGE LEFT]NICK CARAWAY:
(to Jay Gatsby)Your place looks like the World’s Fair.
JAY GATSBY:Does it? I have been glancing into some of the rooms. Let’s go to Coney Island, old sport. In my car.
NICK CARAWAY:It’s too late.
JAY GATSBY:Well, suppose we take a plunge in the swimming-pool? I haven’t made use of it all summer.
NICK CARAWAY: (yawning)
I’ve got to go to bed.
JAY GATSBY:All right.
Silence.
NICK CARAWAY:I talked with Miss Baker; I’m going to call up Daisy tomorrow and invite her over here to tea.
JAY GATSBY: (suddenly alert)Oh, that’s all right. I don’t want to put you to any trouble.
NICK CARAWAY:What day would suit you?
JAY GATSBY:What day would suit you? I don’t want to put you to any trouble, you see.
NICK CARAWAY:How about the day after tomorrow?
JAY GATSBY: (becoming uncomfortable, uncertain)There’s another little thing.
NICK CARAWAY: (sighing)Would you rather put it off for a few days?
JAY GATSBY: (shifting from one foot to another)Oh, it isn’t about that. At least - Why, I thought - why, look here, old sport, you don’t make much money, do you?
NICK CARAWAY:Not very much.
JAY GATSBY:I thought you didn’t, if you’ll pardon my -- You see, I carry on a little business on the side, a sort of side deal, you understand. And I thought that if you don’t make very much -- You’re selling bonds, aren’t you, old sport?
NICK CARAWAY:Trying to.
JAY GATSBY:Well, this might interest you. It wouldn’t take up much of your time and you might pick up a nice bit of money.
NICK CARAWAY: (suspicious)I’ve got my hands full. I’m much obliged, but I can’t take on any more work.
JAY GATSBY:You wouldn’t have to do any business with Wolfsheim.
NICK CARAWAY:I can assure you, Mr. Gatsby, I simply have my hands full at
the moment.
JAY GATSBY:Quite, yes, well, see you later, eh, old sport?
NICK CARAWAY:Yes, see you later, Mr. Gatsby.
[EXIT NICK CARAWAY AND JAY GATSBY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
Scene 2: A Chat With Daisy
The light fades out and then back in. Nick Caraway is sitting on one side of the stage
[ENTER NICK CARAWAY][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
Daisy Buchanan is sitting on the opposite side of the stage. A telephone conversation is being observed.
[ENTER DAISY BUCHANAN][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
NICK CARAWAY:Hello? Daisy?
DAISY BUCHANAN: (excitedly)Yes, my dear Nick? What have you been up to?
NICK CARAWAY:Would you like to have tea later this afternoon at my house?
DAISY BUCHANAN:Oh, why, sure, I’d love to, my dearest N-
NICK CARAWAY: (interrupting) Don’t bring Tom.
DAISY BUCHANAN: (coyly)Who is Tom? (laughs)Alright Nick, I can’t wait to have tea.
Daisy Buchanan and Nick Caraway hang up the phone. Daisy Buchanan happily gets up and excitedly walks
offstage.
[EXIT DAISY][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
Nick Caraway rises and impatiently checks his watch, and then begins pacing on the stage,
anxiously waiting for Jay Gatsby. The music starts as Jay Gatsby walks in frantically circles around, and sits at the table. Nick Caraway slowly walks
over to the table and takes a seat.
[ENTER GATSBY][STAGE RIGHT]
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby pulls up sleeve (sings)
Jay Gatsby drops sleeve(sings)
Jay Gatsby places hand on chin
NICK CARAWAY:Nick Caraway rolls his eyes
(sings)
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby leans in
NICK CARAWAY: (sings)
Nick Caraway crosses arms
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby puts hands over face
NICK CARAWAY: (sings)
Nick Caraway shrugs. Jay Gatsby drops his arms on the table
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby rises from seat, and paces
NICK CARAWAY: (sings)
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby gestures with arms, and drops them to his sides.
NICK CARAWAY: (sings)
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby puts hands over face
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby peeks through hands at audience
NICK CARAWAY: (sings)
Nick Caraway gestures exasperatedly
(sings)
Jay Gatsby falls to knees
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby sits down and then lies down
(sings)
NICK CARAWAY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby sits up, looks at the door, and shakes head sadly
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby raises one leg and places hand on forehead
(sings)
Jay Gatsby sits up and kneels
(sings)
Jay Gatsby looks at Nick Caraway and tugs his tie while standing up slowly
NICK CARAWAY: (sings)
Nick Caraway rolls eyes. Jay Gatsby walks over to chair
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby sits
NICK CARAWAY: (sings)
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
Jay Gatsby clutches head
NICK CARAWAY: (sings)
Nick Caraway gestures with hand
Jay Gatsby: (sings)
Jay Gatsby makes wild hand gesture
JAY GATSBY: (getting up)
That’s it. I’m done, old sport.
NICK CARAWAY:Why is that?
JAY GATSBY:Nobody’s coming to tea. It’s too late!
NICK CARAWAY:Don’t be silly; it’s just two minutes to four.
A knock is heard. Nick Caraway gets up to go receive Daisy Buchanan, while Jay Gatsby begins to turn and
back away.
[ENTER DAISY][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
DAISY BUCHANAN: (gesturing to Nick’s house)
Is this absolutely where you live, my dearest one? Are you in love with me, or why did I have to come alone?
NICK CARAWAY: (humoring Daisy)That’s the secret of Castle Rackrent. Tell your chauffeur to go far away and spend an hour.
Daisy Buchanan gestures offstage to her driver.
DAISY BUCHANAN:Come back in an hour, Ferdie! (turning to Nick, with smile on face)His name is Ferdie.
NICK CARAWAY:Does the gasoline affect his nose?
DAISY BUCHANAN: (puzzled)I don’t think so. Why?
Nick Caraway leads Daisy Buchanan to where JayGatsby had been standing.
NICK CARAWAY:Well, that’s funny.
DAISY BUCHANAN:What’s funny?
Jay Gatsby slowly steps forward, causing Daisy Buchanan to gasp. An awkward, embarrassing pause
follows.
DAISY BUCHANAN: (voice shaking, extends hand to Gatsby)I certainly am awfully glad to see you again.
JAY GATSBY: (voice shaking, cautiously accepting Daisy’s handshake)We’ve met before.
DAISY BUCHANAN: (quietly)We haven’t met for many years.
JAY GATSBY: (swallowing)Five years next November.
Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan are still silently holding hands, unable to say much. Nick Caraway slowly begins to
leave, when Jay Gatsby suddenly stops him.
JAY GATSBY:Where are you going?
NICK CARAWAY:I’ll be back.
JAY GATSBY:I’ve got to speak to you about something before you go.
Jay Gatsby leads Nick Caraway to the far end of the stage (STAGE RIGHT), while Daisy Buchanan is left standing. He then breaks down into a nervous wreck.
JAY GATSBY:Oh, God!
NICK CARAWAY: (trying to calm Gatsby)What’s the matter?
JAY GATSBY:This is a terrible mistake, a terrible, terrible mistake.
NICK CARAWAY:You’re just embarrassed, that’s all. Daisy’s embarrassed too.
JAY GATSBY:She’s embarrassed?
NICK CARAWAY:
Just as much as you are.
JAY GATSBY:Don’t talk so loud.
NICK CARAWAY:You’re acting like a little boy. Not only that, but you’re being rude. Daisy’s sitting in there all alone.
Nick Caraway then pushes Jay Gatsby toward Daisy Buchanan. At first it is awkward; however, they soon relax and sit down at the table. Meanwhile, Nick
Caraway exits off-stage
[EXIT NICK CARAWAY] [EXIT STAGE LEFT]
[ENTER NICK CARAWAY] [ENTER STAGE LEFT]
Nick Caraway returns to find Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan conversing as old friends.
JAY GATSBY:Hello, old sport.
NICK CARAWAY:It stopped raining.
JAY GATSBY:Has it? (turning to Daisy)What do you think of that? It’s stopped raining.
DAISY BUCHANAN: (shaky)I’m glad, Jay.
JAY GATSBY: (rising)I want you and Daisy to come over to my house. I’d like to show her around.
NICK CARAWAY:You’re sure you want me to come?
JAY GATSBY:Absolutely, old sport.
DAISY BUCHANAN:Excuse me. Just a minute, while I make myself presentable.
Daisy Buchanan goes offstage momentarily.
[EXIT DAISY BUCHANAN][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
Scene 2: Daisy in Gatsby’s Manor
The spotlight becomes brighter on Gatsby’s manor. Nick Caraway and Jay Gatsby look on, waiting for
Daisy Buchanan.
JAY GATSBY:My house looks well, doesn’t it? See how the whole front of it catches the light. (pauses)Yes. It took me just three years to earn the money that bought it.
NICK CARAWAY:I thought you inherited your money.
JAY GATSBY:I did, old sport, but I lost most of it in the big panic -the panic of the war.
NICK CARAWAY:What business are you in again, Mr. Gatsby?
JAY GATSBY: (suspicious, uncomfortable)That’s my affair. Oh, I’ve been in several things. I was in the drug business and then I was in the oil business. But I’m not in either one now. Do you mean you’ve been thinking over what I proposed the other night?
Daisy Buchanan suddenly reappears onstage and stops mid-walk to gasp at the manor.
[ENTER DAISY BUCHANAN] [ENTER STAGE LEFT]
DAISY BUCHANAN:That huge place there?!
JAY GATSBY:Do you like it?
DAISY BUCHANAN:Oh, I love it, but I don’t see how you live there all alone!
JAY GATSBY:I keep it always full of interesting people, night and day. People who do interesting things. Celebrated people.
[EXIT DAISY BUCHANAN, JAY GATSBY AND NICK CARAWAY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
Daisy Buchanan, Jay Gatsby, and Nick Caraway exit offstage as they are admiring the house. The light dims. It then brightens as Mr. Klipspringer appears onstage, holding shirts, which he places towards the front of the stage. He stretches and begins doing exercises. Daisy Buchanan, Jay Gatsby, and Nick
Caraway reappear onstage, admiring the house, with Daisy Buchanan on the arm of Jay Gatsby.
[ENTER MR. KLIPSPRINGER][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
[ENTER DAISY BUCHANAN, JAY GATSBY AND NICK CARAWAY][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
JAY GATSBY: (walking to the shirts that Mr. Klipspringer has set down)I’ve got a man in England who buys me the latest clothes of the season.
Daisy Buchanan becomes emotional and falls to her knees by the shirts, burying her face in them.
DAISY BUCHANAN: (crying)They’re such beautiful shirts. It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such -- such beautiful shirts before.
Jay Gatsby goes to help Daisy Buchanan up, but instead distracts her.
JAY GATSBY:If it wasn’t for the mist we could see your home across the bay. You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.
Jay Gatsby becomes lost in thought, when suddenly he hears the phone ring, and walks STAGE LEFT. Nick
Caraway helps Daisy Buchanan up.
JAY GATSBY:Yes. . . . well, I can’t talk now. . . . I can’t talk now, old sport. . . . I said a small town. . . . he must know what a small town is. . .
Daisy Buchanan dries her tears, and points to the pink sky.
DAISY BUCHANAN:Come look at this! Come here quick! Look at that! (turns toward Jay Gatsby, smiling)I’d like to just get one of those pink clouds and put you in it and just push you around.
Jay Gatsby puts his arm around Daisy Buchanan and guides her to the table.
JAY GATSBY:I know what we’ll do; we’ll have Klipspringer play the piano. Ewing!
Mr. Klipspringer suddenly jumps and screams a little. He then recollects himself, and attempts to gracefully
go and answer Jay Gatsby.
DAISY BUCHANAN:Did we interrupt your exercises?
MR. KLIPSPRINGER: (uncomfortable, not making eye contact)I was asleep. That is, I’d been asleep. Then I got up.
JAY GATSBY: (interrupting)Klipspringer plays the piano. Don’t you, Ewing, old sport?
MR. KLIPSPRINGER:
I don’t play well. I don’t - I hardly play at all. I’m all out of prac-
Mr. Klipspringer, at Jay Gatsby’s urging, moves to the piano and gets ready to play.
JAY GATSBY:Don’t talk so much, old sport. Play!
Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby awkwardly look at each other, smiling. They both start singing different songs at the same time, then become embarrassed.
JAY GATSBY:(sings)
DAISY BUCHANAN:
(sings)Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan attempt to sing together,
but once again they start singing different songs.JAY GATSBY:
(sings)
DAISY BUCHANAN:
(sings)Jay Gatsby then gets up and walks toward Mr.
Klipspringer who whispers something in his ear. Jay Gatsby nods and then returns to the table where he and
Daisy Buchanan begin to sing the same song.
JAY GATSBY: (sings)
DAISY BUCHANAN:
(sings)
Once the song/dance is over, they stay at the table, smiling, as the light starts to fade. Nick Caraway
quietly exits the stage.
[EXIT NICK CARAWAY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT][EXIT JAY GATSBY AND DAISY BUCHANAN][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
[EXIT MR. KLIPSPRINGER][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
CHAPTER 6
Scene 1: The Reporter and James Gatz
The scene opens with the stage brightly illuminated. Jay Gatsby comes out reading the newspaper and seats himself at the table. A knock comes, followed by a
reporter barging in.[ENTER JAY GATSBY][ENTER STAGE LEFT][ENTER REPORTER][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
REPORTER (MR. SLOANE):
Mr. Gatsby, have anything to say, or a statement to the press?
Reporter furiously scribbles on notepad.
JAY GATSBY: (confused) Anything to say about what?
REPORTER (MR. SLOANE):Why, any statement to give out!
JAY GATSBY:Why no, of course not! Now please be kind enough to leave! (sings)
The Reporter scribbles down one last thing, and is accompanied by Jay Gatsby offstage. Nick Caraway enters
onstage, with a spotlight on him.
[EXIT REPORTER AND GATSBY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
[ENTER NICK][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
NICK CARAWAY:The ambitious young reporter had heard about Mr. Gatsby at the office. It was a random shot, but Gatsby’s notoriety had begun to spread for the worse.
Nick Caraway moves toward the table and chairs as the lights brighten.
NICK CARAWAY:And yet Gatsby wasn’t always this way. Long ago, he was just a farm boy from St. Olaf’s in Minnesota. He was eager for wealth and opportunity. That boy’s name was James Gatz.
[EXIT NICK][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
The lights dim towards the back of the stage, and brighten towards the front of the stage. Jay Gatsby
enters, pensive and frustrated.
[ENTER GATSBY][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]JAY GATSBY:
(sings)
Dan Cody enters onstage, pant legs rolled up, right off his boat. He is holding an oar.
[ENTER DAN CODY][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
Dan Cody throws down his oar and begins to sing with Jay Gatsby.
JAY GATSBY AND DAN CODY (MR. KLIPSPRINGER):(sing)
Dan Cody runs offstage. The spotlight is on Jay Gatsby.
[EXIT DAN CODY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
JAY GATSBY:(sings)
Jay Gatsby runs offstage, determined. The lights turn on fully.
[EXIT JAY GATSBY][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
Scene 2: A Luncheon With Mr. Sloane
Jay Gatsby and Nick Caraway enter onstage, talking.
[ENTER NICK CARAWAY AND JAY GATSBY][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
JAY GATSBY:I haven’t seen you in weeks, old sport.
NICK CARAWAY:Yes, I believe it’s been a while, Mr. Gatsby.
Nick Caraway and Jay Gatsby take a seat at the table and begin conversing. Suddenly, Mr. Sloane, Woman
accompanying Mr. Sloane, and Tom Buchanan enter onstage in rapt conversation with each other. They suddenly see
Jay Gatsby.
[ENTER MR. SLOANE, TOM BUCHANAN, AND WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
JAY GATSBY:I’m delighted to see you. I’m delighted that you dropped in. (gets up to shake hands with Mr. Sloane)Sit right down. Have a cigarette or a cigar. I’ll have something to drink for you in just a minute.
An awkward silence follows.
JAY GATSBY: (to Mr. Sloane)Did you have a nice ride?
MR. SLOANE:Very good roads around here.
JAY GATSBY:I suppose the automobiles -
MR. SLOANE:Yes.
JAY GATSBY: (turning to Tom Buchanan)I believe we’ve met somewhere before, Mr. Buchanan.
TOM BUCHANAN: (obviously lying)Oh, yes. So we did. I remember very well.
JAY GATSBY:About two weeks ago.
TOM BUCHANAN:
That’s right. You were with Nick here.
JAY GATSBY: (aggressively) I know your wife.
TOM BUCHANAN: (giving Jay Gatsby a dirty look)That so? (turning towards Nick Caraway)
You live near here, Nick?
NICK CARAWAY:Next door.
TOM BUCHANAN: (uncomfortable)
That so?
The scene gets tense. Woman accompanying Mr. Sloane attempts to change the subject.
WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE:We’ll all come over to your next party, Mr. Gatsby. What do you say?
JAY GATSBY:Certainly. I’d be delighted to have you.
MR. SLOANE:Be ver’ nice. Well I think I ought to be starting home.
JAY GATSBY: (wanting to talk more with Tom Buchanan)
Please don’t hurry. Why don’t you - why don’t you stay for supper? I wouldn’t be surprised if some other people dropped in from New York.
WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE: (enthusiastically)You come to supper with me. Both of you.
MR. SLOANE: (to Woman accompanying Mr. Sloane) Come along.
WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE:I mean it. I’d love to have you. Lots of room.
NICK CARAWAY:I’m afraid I won’t be able to.
WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE: (to Jay Gatsby)
Well, you come. We won’t be late if we start now.
JAY GATSBY:I haven’t got a horse. I used to ride in the army but I’ve never bought a horse. I’ll have to follow you in my car. Excuse me for just a minute.
Jay Gatsby leaves. Tom Buchanan pulls Nick Caraway to the side. The others keep gossiping.
[EXIT JAY GATSBY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
TOM BUCHANAN: (to Nick Caraway)My God, I believe the man’s coming. Doesn’t he know she doesn’t want him?
NICK CARAWAY:She says she does want him.
TOM BUCHANAN: (frustrated)She has a big dinner party and he won’t know a soul there. I wonder where in the devil he met Daisy. By God, I may be old-fashioned in my ideas, but women run around too much these days to suit me. They meet all kinds of crazy fish.
Mr. Sloane and Woman accompanying Mr. Sloane break away from the group and pull Tom Buchanan.
MR. SLOANE: (to Tom Buchanan)Come on. We’re late. We’ve got to go. (to Nick Caraway)
Tell him we couldn’t wait, will you?
Nick Caraway and Tom Buchanan shake hands and the rest exchange a cool nod. The entourage then leaves
as the lights dim. [EXIT NICK CARAWAY, TOM BUCHANAN, MR. SLOANE, AND WOMAN ACCOMPANYING MR. SLOANE][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
[ENTER JAY GATSBY][ENTER STAGE RIGHT]
Jay Gatsby enters in that moment in a hurry, with his coat and hat; however, everyone is already gone. He bows his head down and slowly leaves. The lights dim
further.
[EXIT JAY GATSBY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
Scene 3: Daisy and Gatsby
The lights turn bright as music plays. The party is in full swing. Some people sit at a table, while others stand. Daisy enters with Tom Buchanan just as Jay
Gatsby and Nick Caraway enter. Daisy Buchanan whispers something to Tom Buchanan and he leaves. Daisy
Buchanan walks to meet Nick Caraway and Jay Gatsby.
Everyone:(sing)
[ENTER TOM BUCHANAN AND DAISY BUCHANAN][ENTER STAGE LEFT][ENTER JAY GATSBY, NICK CARAWAY AND JAY GATSBY][ENTER
STAGE RIGHT]JAY GATSBY:
(to Daisy Buchanan)Have a look around.
DAISY BUCHANAN:I’m having a look around. I’m having a marvelous -
Tom Buchanan suddenly returns, and puts his arm authoritatively around Daisy Buchanan.
JAY GATSBY: (uncomfortable)
You must see the faces of many people you’ve heard about.
TOM BUCHANAN:We don’t go around very much. In fact, I was just thinking, I don’t know a soul here.
JAY GATSBY:Well, perhaps you know someone!
An awkward silence falls around the group as TomBuchanan begins to get bored.
TOM BUCHANAN:Do you mind if I eat with some people over here? A fellow’s getting off some funny stuff.
DAISY BUCHANAN: (happily)Go ahead. And if you want to take down any addresses, here’s my little gold pencil.
Tom Buchanan then leaves, leaving Daisy Buchanan, Jay Gatsby and Nick Caraway join a table.
[EXIT TOM BUCHANAN][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
Scene 4: The Party
The group is having great fun and laughing. They sit together and talk.
NICK CARAWAY:How do you feel, Miss Baedeker?
MISS BAEDEKER: (turning her head towards Nick Caraway)Wha-?
DAISY BUCHANAN:Oh, she’s all right now. When she’s had five or six cocktails she always starts acting like that. I tell her she ought to leave it alone.
MISS BAEDEKER:I do leave it alone!
DAISY BUCHANAN:We heard you drawling, so I said to Doc Civet one time, “There’s
somebody that needs your help, Doc.” (to Miss Baedeker)And what’d he say?
MISS BAEDEKER:That I ought to leave it alone. (scowls as everyone laughs)
He should speak for himself! His hands shake! I would never let him operate on me!
Everyone gets up to leave, with Jay Gatsby leading them out as the lights turn blue. Tom Buchanan soon returns.
Only Nick Caraway, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan remain.
[EXIT EVERYONE AND JAY GATSBY][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
TOM BUCHANAN: (to Nick Caraway)Who is this Gatsby anyhow? Some big bootlegger?
NICK CARAWAY:Where’d you hear that?
TOM BUCHANAN:I didn’t hear it. I imagined it. A lot of these newly rich people are just big bootleggers, you know. (gestures to setup)
DAISY BUCHANAN:At least he’s more interesting than the people we know.
TOM BUCHANAN:You didn’t look so interested.
DAISY BUCHANAN:Well, I was.
TOM BUCHANAN: (laughing)Did you notice Daisy’s face when that girl asked her to put her under a cold shower?
DAISY BUCHANAN:Lots of people come who haven’t been invited. That girl hadn’t been invited. They simply force their way in and he’s too polite to object.
TOM BUCHANAN:I’d like to know who he is and what he does. And I think I’ll make a point of finding out.
DAISY BUCHANAN: (defensive)I can tell you right now. He owned some drug stores, a lot of drug stores. He built them up himself.
TOM BUCHANAN: (places arm around Daisy forebodingly)Well, I don’t trust the man one bit. I suggest you don’t either. (looks back)
The car’s here Daisy. Goodnight, Nick.
DAISY BUCHANAN: (softly) Goodnight, Nick.
Daisy Buchanan and Tom Buchanan leave the stage. The lights go bright as Jay Gatsby reenters, clearly
distraught.
[EXIT DAISY BUCHANAN AND TOM BUCHANAN][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
[ENTER JAY GATSBY][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
JAY GATSBY: (to Nick Caraway)She didn’t like it.
NICK CARAWAY:Of course she did.
JAY GATSBY:She didn’t like it. She didn’t have a good time. I feel far away from her. It’s hard to make her understand.
NICK CARAWAY:You mean about the dance?
JAY GATSBY:The dance? Old sport, the dance is unimportant. And she doesn’t understand. She used to be able to understand. We’d sit for hours...
NICK CARAWAY:I wouldn’t ask too much of her. You can’t repeat the past.
JAY GATSBY: (voice raising)Can’t repeat the past? Why, of course you can! I’m going to fix everything just the way it was before. She’ll see.
Jay Gatsby leaves, devastated. Only Nick Caraway is left on the stage. The stage goes dark, except for a
single spotlight on him.
[EXIT JAY GATSBY][EXIT STAGE RIGHT]
NICK CARAWAY:He would talk a lot about the past, and I gathered that he wanted to recover something....perhaps the events that plagued his winter dreams so profusely...
Dim lights go on towards the front of the stage as Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby enter arm-in-arm.
[ENTER JAY GATSBY][ENTER STAGE RIGHT][ENTER DAISY BUCHANAN][ENTER STAGE LEFT]
NICK CARAWAY:One autumn night, five years before, all was perfect as they walked down the street when the leaves were falling. They came to a place where there were no trees, only moonlight.
The lights fade to blue. Nick Caraway exits the stage, as music starts playing. The spotlight goes to Daisy
Buchanan and Jay Gatsby.
[EXIT NICK CARAWAY][EXIT STAGE LEFT]
JAY GATSBY AND DAISY BUCHANAN:(sing)
They begin to dance as everyone enters onstage, in pairs.
EVERYONE:(sing)
Everyone begins to dance with their partners asDaisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby dance in the center.
EVERYONE:(sing, dance)
Everyone dances, and then finishes the number on a high note as all the lights turn on fully.
[GET CENTER-STAGE AND TAKE A BOW!!]