Cranking the Heat
... you are" (78). What is notable about this brief bit of dialogue is the cool demeanor that both men maintain, despite the clear tension between them. Although it is quite hot, this encounter takes place early enough in the novel that the heat has not yet begun to wear at Gatsby’s or Buchanan’s nerves. Instead of growing angry at Gatsby’s attempt to debase him, Buchanan maintains his composure, acting rather unsurprised at Gatsby’s comment. The heat (as described by Nick) is what will force the conflict; it will become so unbearable that neither Gatsby nor Buchanan will be able to stay cool and composed, or be able to pretend that the situation is comfortable. The novel reminds the reader of the unbearable heat of the “dog days” of summer, and in this heat, the reader is told that the Buchanan salon is "darkened against the heat" (78), exemplifying the blistering heat of August. It is in such heat that its effects begin to show on the novel’s characters. It is also because of the heat that Daisy, Buchanan’s wife and Gatsby’s almost obsessive love interest, suggests going to town. The heat is what causes the characters to begin to lose their composure. As described, while talking, Daisy’s voice "struggled on through the heat, beating against it, molding its senselessness into forms.” This parallels Daisy’s situation, in that Daisy is not one to fuel the flames of Gatsby and Buchanan’s rivalry, and as such is fighting against the heat that intensifies the tension between the two men. Daisy later cries, "Ah, you look so cool." She repeats, "You always look so cool" (78-79), showing how Gatsby has not yet begun to show signs of yielding to the heat. The reader is left to realize the contrast between cool Gatsby and everyone else whose composure is wilting in the heat. Buchanan's response to Daisy's awe of Gatsby is to interrupt quickly and to insist on leaving, intent on Gatsby’s gaining as little admiration from Daisy as possible. Again heat comes into the picture before Daisy and Tom Buchanan are able to leave, for Daisy suggests that they should smoke a cigarette before leaving. Buchanan says they did that all through lunch, to which Daisy argues, "Oh, let's have fun. It's too hot to fuss" (79). As the two board their cars, Daisy suggests that she and Gatsby follow the others in Buchanan's car. Showing the conflict of Buchanan and Gatsby, the two cars "shot off into the oppressive heat" (80). Again, the heat is shown to represent Gatsby and Buchanan’s growing discontent with each other. It is the heat that brings the band of characters to Wilson’s garage, Jordan stating that it would be terrible to stall in such hot weather, and as such needed to bring the car in for a tune-up. Nick's comment, upon leaving Wilson’s garage is that "the relentless beating heat was beginning to confuse me" (82). Nick could very well be using the heat as an excuse to why his “reserved judgment” (1). By this point, the heat has begun to work at Nick’s nerves, and it is not expected that he, or any other character, would be able to stay completely composed. The ever-present heat adds tension to the upcoming confrontation at the Plaza hotel but it also delays the action so that the confrontation scene can be more fully exploited and believed. As long as the conflict is delayed, Gatsby and Buchanan will continue to wear at eac...