"[I]t was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never founding any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again ... it is what preyed on Gatsby, what foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams that temporarily closed out my interest in the abortive sorrows and short winded elations of men."
Chap 1, p. 2

"I had no sight into Daisy's heart, but I felt that Tom would drift on forever seeking, a little wistfully, for the dramatic turbulence of some irrecoverable football game."
Chap. 1, p. 6

"I've heard it said that Daisy's murmur was only to make people lean toward her; an irrelevant criticism that made it no less charming."
Chap. 1, p. 9

"For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face ... then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret, like...