When Daisy uses the word "cool" to describe Gatsby (saying, "You're so cool,") does she mean it like the modern way we use the word? Or literally colder temperature than anyone else on that hot day? Or cool meaning unfazed? Or cool meaning lacking human warmth? It's a significant moment when she says that and I'd like to know what she meant exactly and why it meant that she was declaring her love for him.

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5 years ago
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Abby Edwards I also think at this point in the novel it is the middle of summer and, especially in this scene, everyone, including Daisy, complain about the temperature. Gatsby seems to remain calm and 'cool' even when they are trying to tell Tom of the affair. Furthermore, Gatsby seems to offer a relief for Daisy as he's 'cool' compared to her heat. However, she will only need this coolness in the summer, showing her fleeting indecisive nature.

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Barb Aveni I believe her telling Gatsby he is "cool" is equivalent to her saying she loves him because she is singling him out of the entire room, in front of everyone, including her husband. Instead of trying to be nonchalant and ignore Gatsby, she looks right at him and acknowledges him by telling him that, and then nervously looks away. Tom sees her nervousness, and the tension between her and Gatsby, and it is enough to give Tom reason to believe there is something between Gatsby and Daisy.

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Adam Good question. I would say it's a very different meaning than the modern concept and more like unfazed. Keep in mind Daisy is kind of simple lady trapped in the circumstances of here time... so take that as you will. All along Cool is a very slippery term but think of how with was written early in the Jazz age. The term gained popularity later on in the the jazz scene around mid 50's Miles Davis and company put it out into the world with "Birth of the Cool". As I understand it this was in opposition to the sort of corny conformity of the 50s. Maybe Miles read the book too? Cool is a word that stands the test of time. Stay cool.

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