There is another reason why Fitzgerald included this quote from one of his fictional characters at the beginning of the novel. Arguably, he wanted to make it clear to the reader exactly what this story is about—that is, Gatsby's quest to win back Daisy Buchanan. Of all the events and relationships in the novel, nothing has more significance than Gatsby's experience of the American Dream, shown chiefly through his quest to win back Daisy, a quest which consumes Gatsby's every moment and every ounce of energy.
This idea is also supported by the repetition of the word "gold" in this quote. This word has connotations of high-value items, of wealth and luxury. The use of this word, therefore, reinforces the idea that this story is all about Gatsby's quest to achieve his version of the American Dream.
It does not matter that D'Invilliers is a fictional character from another of Fitzgerald's novels. What matters is that Fitzgerald is using this quote to foreshadow to the reader that this is a story about the American Dream and one man's quest to achieve it.
D'Invilliers was both a pen name for Fitzgerald and a character based on Fitzgerald's friend, the poet John Peale Bishop. The quote reflects Gatsby's conviction that if he can earn enough money and remake himself, he can win the love of Daisy Buchanan. The "gold hat" in the poem symbolizes Gatsby's fortune and the grand home and enormous parties he throws to attract her attention. As Nick points out using different language, Gatsby was one to "bounce high," dream big, and aspire to realize a vision. In the epigraph, the narrator is likewise trying to woo his lover with money (the "gold hat") and by "high-bouncing:" trying hard to get her attention. He believes that by doing so the woman will inevitably end up saying, "I must have you." It reflects a very materialistic view of love. Fitzgerald chooses it because this is how Gatsby pursues Daisy, although with less success than the gold-hatted man in this quote.
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