What is Gatsby's role in chapter 7?

When examining the role of Gatsby in this chapter, you
need to think about how he relates to other characters. Chapter 7 features primarily the
conflict between Gatsby and Tom, and their battle over Daisy exposes problematic
idiosyncracies of both characters. Note how in previous chapters there have been veiled
hints about Gatsby´s criminal activity, and Tom discovers the truth of these
accusations. Tom uses this knowledge to disgrace Gatsby.

We
can see too that Gatsby is trying, vainly, to recapture a perfectly happy blissful past.
This makes him order Daisy to tell Tom that she has never loved him. Gatsby, perhaps
because of his own insecurities, has to know that Daisy has always loved him alone and
that he has had her loyalty. When Tom orders Daisy away, Gatsby declares to Nick that
his dream is a failure.

Of course, centrally, Gatsby´s
decision to take the blame in the place of Daisy demonstrates both the depth of his love
for her and his honour and code of chivalry that captures so much of his character.
Although Daisy seems to treat him abominably, he still willingly sacrifices himself for
her. A key image to focus on is when Gatsy watches Daisy outside her house whilst she
and Tom sit together inside. This somehow captures the love Gatsby has for Daisy and
also helps the reader move beyond his criminal connections and sympathise with his lot.
Note too, how Nick´s departure at the end of this Chapter mirrors his first meeting with
Gatsby in Chapter 1. In both of these incidents, Gatsby is solitary in the moonlight,
lovesick and pining over Daisy. Pay attention too to the differences: in the first
meeting he is stretching his arms out across the water towards the green light, showing
optimism about the future. In this chapter, however, he is placed beyong the green light
and is on teh lawn of Daisy´s abode, but his dream is now irrevocably lost. A tragic
ending to his hopes.