James Gatz, even though he has no college education or wealth, somehow manages to persuade the Army that he is officer material, and in the great mobilization that was World War I, is commissioned as a lieutenant

And here he is, a major, sent to Oxford and pictured with friends who are the nobility of Britain, a free education at a world-class university, and what does he do?

Compare his reaching out to catch the last grasp of Louisville and his dream with his reaching out to the green light at the end of the dock.

The between-dreams and grotesque reality set the tone for the chapter

Gad’s hill and Port Roosevelt are in East egg, Tom’s side of the two

How Nick rushes intuitively into the house.