The end - Plot - Higher English Revision (2024)

The end

Chapter eight

Nick can’t sleep and goes to Gatsby’s mansion. He tells him about his past and his love for Daisy. He found out she was going to marry Tom while he was in Oxford after the war. By the time he returned to the US, she was married.

The shifts to George Wilson. He believes Myrtle was murdered by her lover, whom he believes to be the owner of the big yellow car. He sets off to find him. He catches up with Gatsby in the pool outside his home and shoots him dead, before killing himself.

Chapter nine

Nick is left to organise Gatsby’s funeral. Daisy and Tom have left town. Wolfshiem refuses to come. Hundreds of people attended Gatsby’s parties but no-one comes to his funeral apart from Nick, Gatsby’s father, and some servants. A man called 'Owl-eyes', who did attend some of Gatsby's parties, arrives late.

Nick talks about two meetings he had after the accident, one with Jordan and the other with Tom. From Jordan, he finds out she is now engaged to someone. From Tom Buchanan he learns that Tom told George Wilson it was Gatsby who had been driving the car that killed Myrtle.

Nick then visits Gatsby’s mansion for one last time and recalls how it used to be during Gatsby’s parties before returning to the Midwest for good.

I won't waste time on formalities; let's delve into the intricate details of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." As someone deeply immersed in the world of literature, I can attest to the profound impact and layers embedded in this classic novel.

Now, let's break down the concepts woven into the provided article.

1. Gatsby's Unrequited Love: Nick, unable to sleep, visits Gatsby’s mansion and reveals Gatsby's past and unfulfilled love for Daisy. Gatsby discovered Daisy's marriage to Tom while he was in Oxford after the war. This unrequited love becomes a central theme, portraying the complexities of relationships and the consequences of lost opportunities.

2. George Wilson's Tragedy: The narrative shifts to George Wilson, who believes Myrtle was murdered by her lover, whom he thinks is the owner of the big yellow car. This introduces themes of betrayal, deception, and the tragic consequences of mistaken identities.

3. Gatsby's Demise: George Wilson confronts Gatsby at the mansion's pool, shoots him, and then takes his own life. This marks the climax and tragic end of Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream. The sequence highlights the fragility of dreams and the destructive nature of obsession.

4. Isolation in Death: Gatsby's funeral is a stark contrast to his extravagant parties. The absence of attendees underscores the theme of isolation and the superficial nature of his social circle. The only mourners are Nick, Gatsby’s father, some servants, and a man named 'Owl-eyes,' who attended Gatsby’s parties.

5. Revelations Post-Tragedy: Nick has two crucial meetings post the tragic events. Jordan reveals her engagement to someone else, adding another layer of unfulfilled love. From Tom, Nick learns that Gatsby was driving the car that killed Myrtle, exposing the web of lies and deceit among the characters.

6. Gatsby's Mansion: Nick's final visit to Gatsby’s mansion serves as a poignant reflection on the extravagant and ephemeral nature of Gatsby’s parties. It symbolizes the end of an era and a return to the mundane reality of the Midwest.

In essence, "The Great Gatsby" intricately weaves together themes of love, betrayal, the American Dream, and the consequences of illusions. Fitzgerald's masterful storytelling captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties while delving into timeless human struggles and desires.

The end - Plot - Higher English Revision (2024)

FAQs

Did Nick know Daisy killed Myrtle? ›

Nick believes that Daisy killed Myrtle Wilson because Gatsby tells him so, and in fact, Nick actually jumps to the conclusion first.

Is Nick still half in love with Jordan? ›

While Nick Carraway is somewhat infatuated with Jordan Baker, he doesn't exactly love her. He recounts that he is happy to go out to social events with her because people knew her as a professional golfer.

What does the last line of The Great Gatsby mean? ›

"And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." This line works on a few different thematic levels at the end of the novel: It sums up the story of the novel, as Gatsby has been trying to work hard enough to both erase and reclaim his past with Daisy; he is unable to do either.

What moral judgement does Nick make about Tom and Daisy? ›

Nick comes to the conclusion that Tom and Daisy are careless and uncaring people and that they destroy people and things, knowing that their money will shield them from ever having to face any negative consequences.

Was Daisy drunk when she killed Myrtle? ›

Possibly drunk from the day in the city, Daisy carelessly strikes Myrtle with Gatsby's car. She then negligently speeds off from the scene of the accident without stopping.

Who was actually driving the car that killed Myrtle? ›

Tom realises that it was Gatsby's car that struck and killed Myrtle. Back at Daisy and Tom's home, Gatsby tells Nick that Daisy was driving the car that killed Myrtle but he will take the blame.

Did Nick and Mr. McKee sleep together? ›

The ellipsis that is placed at the end of the elevator scene has almost as much impact on the story as if Fitzgerald had explicitly states that Nick and Mr. McKee slept together, if one were to read it that way. The ellipsis in itself is an innuendo for having a sexual encounter.

Why does Tom cheat on Daisy with Myrtle? ›

Tom is involved with Myrtle because he is bored, and their affair offers him an exciting break from his normal life. He likes the idea of having a secret. As a member of the upper class, he is supposed to comport himself with decorum and restraint.

Why is Nick bitter toward Tom when he sees him? ›

Before leaving, he meets Tom at Fifth Avenue. Upset with Tom, he initially refuses to shake hands with him. Over the course of their conversation, Nick learns that Tom had a role in Gatsby's death—he had told George Wilson that Gatsby owned the car that struck Myrtle.

What is the green light at the end of The Great Gatsby? ›

The green light at the end of Daisy's dock in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is symbolic of Jay Gatsby's undying love, desperation and the inability to reach the American dream.

Why didn't Daisy go to Gatsby's funeral? ›

In addition, Daisy is still married to Tom, so she may be concerned about what the aftermath of her attendance at Gatsby's funeral will be. Daisy does not want to be seen attending Gatsby's funeral because she does care about her reputation, despite the fact that she has never loved Tom.

What is the most important quote in The Great Gatsby? ›

"Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!" He looked around him wildly, as if the past were lurking here in the shadow of his house, just out of reach of his hand. This is probably Gatsby's single most famous quote.

Why is Gatsby's funeral ironic? ›

Gatsby's funeral is ironic because only three people attend, while enormous crowds attended his parties. Despite being a popular figure in the social scene, once Gatsby passes, neither Daisy, his business partner Henry Wolfsheim, nor any of his partygoers seem to remember him or care.

Who is the most moral character in The Great Gatsby? ›

Who is the most moral character in The Great Gatsby? Daisy's cousin, Nick Carraway, is the most moral character in the story. He is the narrator and presents the story as an outsider looking in on a wonderous and depraved world.

Who arrives 3 days after Gatsby's death? ›

Henry C. Gatz, Gatsby's father, comes to the mansion three days after his son's death, aged and wearing plain clothes. He's grief-stricken and asks Nick what his relationship was with Gatsby. Nick says they were close friends.

Who knows the truth about Myrtle's death? ›

Quick answer: Not until the end of the novel do readers learn it was Tom who told Wilson that Gatsby killed Myrtle. According to Tom, Wilson came to the Buchanan house with a gun seeking answers, and Tom told him it was Gatsby's car that had hit Myrtle.

How did Nick react to Myrtle dying? ›

Nick: He felt sick and wanted to be left alone. He obviously felt bad about Myrtle and for George.

How old did Nick turn when Myrtle was killed? ›

As the row quiets down, Nick realizes that it is his thirtieth birthday. Driving back to Long Island, Nick, Tom, and Jordan discover a frightening scene on the border of the valley of ashes.

Does Nick know Daisy? ›

In The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway and Daisy Buchanan are related; they are second cousins once removed. Moreover, Nick had met Tom, Daisy's husband, in college. He mentions this connection at the very beginning of the first chapter, when he describes his meeting with them at their mansion in East Egg.

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