Chapter 9 is the final chapter of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby. This chapter wraps up the story and provides closure to the events that unfolded in the previous chapters.
We’ll explore the aftermath of Gatsby’s death, the reactions of various characters, and the narrator Nick Carraway’s final reflections on the events of the summer.
The Immediate Aftermath of Gatsby’s Death
News Spreads Slowly
After Gatsby’s shocking death, you might expect the news to spread like wildfire. Surprisingly, it doesn’t. Nick, our narrator, finds himself in the strange position of being one of the few people who know about Gatsby’s fate. He takes it upon himself to try and contact Gatsby’s friends and acquaintances, but he runs into an unexpected problem.
The Difficulty of Reaching Out
Nick quickly realizes that despite Gatsby’s seemingly endless list of connections, very few people seem interested in his death. It’s as if Gatsby, once the life of the party, has been forgotten overnight. Nick struggles to find anyone willing to attend the funeral or even express condolences.
Example: Imagine throwing a big party where hundreds of people show up, but when you need help moving the next day, suddenly everyone’s busy. That’s the kind of situation Nick finds himself in when trying to organize Gatsby’s funeral.
Gatsby’s Father Arrives
Mr. Gatz Makes an Appearance
Just when Nick is feeling discouraged by the lack of response from Gatsby’s supposed friends, an unexpected visitor arrives: Gatsby’s father, Henry C. Gatz. This moment is significant because it gives us a glimpse into Gatsby’s past and his real identity.
Revealing Gatsby’s Humble Beginnings
Mr. Gatz proudly shows Nick a book that belonged to the young Gatsby (then known as Jimmy Gatz). In it, Gatsby had written a strict schedule and a list of resolves, showing his determination to improve himself from a young age. This reveals that Gatsby’s wealth and sophistication were not inherited, but carefully cultivated over time.
Example: Think of a child writing in their diary, “I will become a famous movie star,” and then actually growing up to win an Oscar. That’s the level of determination and self-improvement we see in young Gatsby’s notebook.
The Forgotten Funeral
A Sparse Gathering
Despite Nick’s efforts, Gatsby’s funeral is a small, sad affair. The only attendees are Nick, Mr. Gatz, the minister, and, surprisingly, Owl Eyes (a minor character from one of Gatsby’s parties). The contrast between Gatsby’s lavish parties and his poorly attended funeral is stark and poignant.
The No-Shows
Notably absent are Daisy and Tom Buchanan, who have left town without a forwarding address. This absence speaks volumes about their true feelings towards Gatsby and their unwillingness to face the consequences of their actions.
Example: Imagine planning a surprise party for your best friend, only to have just one or two people show up. The emptiness of the room would be a physical representation of the emptiness Gatsby must have felt in his pursuit of Daisy.
Nick’s Disillusionment with the East
A Decision to Leave
The events surrounding Gatsby’s death have a profound effect on Nick. He decides that he’s had enough of the East and its empty promises. The glamour and excitement that initially drew him to New York have been replaced by a sense of disillusionment and moral decay.
Wrapping Up Loose Ends
Before leaving, Nick takes care of some unfinished business. He quits his job, says goodbye to Jordan Baker (with whom he had a brief romance), and takes one last look at Gatsby’s now-empty mansion.
Final Encounter with Tom Buchanan
An Uncomfortable Meeting
Nick runs into Tom Buchanan on the street in New York. This encounter is tense and revealing. Tom, seemingly unaffected by recent events, tries to justify his actions. He reveals that he was the one who told George Wilson that Gatsby owned the car that killed Myrtle.
Nick’s Silent Judgment
Although Nick doesn’t openly confront Tom, his disgust is clear. He refuses to shake Tom’s hand, symbolically rejecting the careless and destructive lifestyle that Tom and Daisy represent.
Example: It’s like running into a former friend who betrayed you and pretends nothing happened. The tension in the air would be so thick you could cut it with a knife.
Nick’s Final Reflections
The Green Light
In the final pages of the novel, Nick reflects on the symbolism of the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. This light, which Gatsby would stare at longingly, represents the American Dream and the futile pursuit of the past.
The Past and the Future
Nick muses on how we are all like boats moving against the current, constantly being pulled back into the past. This metaphor encapsulates Gatsby’s struggle and the broader theme of the American Dream.
Example: Imagine trying to swim upstream in a strong river. No matter how hard you try, the current keeps pushing you back. That’s the kind of struggle Nick is describing.
Closing Thoughts on the American Dream
The Corruption of the Dream
Through Gatsby’s story, Fitzgerald critiques the American Dream. The novel suggests that this dream, while noble in theory, can become corrupted by materialism and the pursuit of wealth for its own sake.
The End of an Era
The death of Gatsby symbolizes the end of an era – the death of the Roaring Twenties and the innocent belief that anyone can achieve anything if they just try hard enough.
Example: It’s like waking up from a beautiful dream and realizing that the real world is much harsher and more complicated than you thought.
The Lasting Impact of Gatsby
A Legacy Unfulfilled
Despite Gatsby’s efforts to reinvent himself and achieve his dreams, he dies alone and largely forgotten. However, through Nick’s narration, his story lives on as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of genuine human connection.
Nick as the Keeper of Gatsby’s Memory
Nick, as the narrator, becomes the keeper of Gatsby’s memory. He alone seems to understand and appreciate the magnitude of Gatsby’s dreams and the tragedy of his fall.
Example: Imagine being the only person who remembers a beautiful, hidden garden after it’s been paved over for a parking lot. That’s how Nick feels about Gatsby’s story.
The Cyclical Nature of History
Lessons Unlearned
The novel ends on a somewhat pessimistic note, suggesting that despite the cautionary tale of Gatsby’s life and death, society is doomed to repeat these mistakes. The pursuit of wealth and status continues, unchecked by the tragic consequences we’ve witnessed.
Hope for the Future?
Despite this pessimism, there’s a glimmer of hope in Nick’s decision to leave the East and return to the Midwest. Perhaps by rejecting the values that led to Gatsby’s downfall, there’s a chance for a different, more authentic kind of American Dream.
Example: It’s like watching a documentary about the dangers of climate change. You hope that people will learn and change their behavior, but you fear that old habits will persist.
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FAQs
- Q: Why doesn’t anyone attend Gatsby’s funeral? A: Most of Gatsby’s “friends” were actually just party-goers who enjoyed his hospitality but didn’t care about him personally. Once the parties stopped and Gatsby died, they had no reason to stay connected.
- Q: What does the green light symbolize? A: The green light represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams, particularly his desire to win Daisy’s love. More broadly, it symbolizes the American Dream and the futile attempt to recapture the past.
- Q: Why does Nick decide to move back to the Midwest? A: Nick becomes disillusioned with the lifestyle and values of the East Coast elite. He sees the moral decay and emptiness behind the glittering facade and decides to return to what he perceives as the more genuine, grounded lifestyle of the Midwest.
- Q: What is the significance of Gatsby’s father showing up? A: Mr. Gatz’s appearance provides insight into Gatsby’s humble beginnings and his transformation into the wealthy, sophisticated man we met earlier in the novel. It underscores the extent of Gatsby’s self-reinvention.
- Q: Why does Nick refuse to shake Tom’s hand? A: Nick blames Tom for his role in Gatsby’s death and Myrtle’s death. He’s disgusted by Tom’s carelessness and lack of remorse, and refusing to shake his hand is a way of expressing this disgust.
- Q: What does the last line of the novel mean? A: The last line, “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past,” suggests that we are constantly struggling against the pull of our past, much like Gatsby did. It implies that the pursuit of the American Dream is a constant struggle against our origins and the weight of history.
- Q: Why is Owl Eyes significant at the funeral? A: Owl Eyes is one of the few people who saw through Gatsby’s facade (earlier in the novel, he marveled at Gatsby’s real books). His presence at the funeral suggests that he, like Nick, understood something genuine about Gatsby beyond his wealth and parties.
- Q: What is the overall message of Chapter 9? A: Chapter 9 drives home the novel’s critique of the American Dream and the empty pursuit of wealth. It shows the fleeting nature of fame and fortune, and the importance of genuine human connections over material success.
- Q: How does this chapter change our understanding of Gatsby? A: We learn about Gatsby’s humble beginnings and his determined self-improvement, which adds depth to his character. We also see how alone he truly was, despite his lavish parties and apparent popularity.
- Q: What role does Nick play in this final chapter? A: Nick serves as both a character and a narrator. As a character, he’s the only one who seems to care about giving Gatsby a proper send-off. As a narrator, he reflects on the events of the summer and draws broader conclusions about the society he’s observed.
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