The Great Gatsby · Chapter
Chapter IX explained
In the aftermath of Gatsby's murder, Nick is left to handle the grim and lonely arrangements.
What happens
In the aftermath of Gatsby's murder, Nick is left to handle the grim and lonely arrangements. He struggles to find mourners for Gatsby's funeral, which is attended only by Gatsby's father, Owl Eyes, a few servants, and the postman. Nick reflects on Gatsby's dream, the green light, and the hollowness of the society that abandoned him. He encounters Wolfshiem's refusal to get involved and learns of Tom and Daisy's cold departure. The chapter concludes with Nick's final reflections on the American Dream, the past, and his decision to return West.
Themes in this chapter
The American Dream & Illusion
Nick's final reflection defines the American Dream as Gatsby's belief in the green light and the 'orgiastic future,' while acknowledging its ultimate elusiveness and the way it is 'already behind us.'
Moral and Social Decay
Manifested in the desertion of Gatsby by Daisy, Tom, and all his party guests, the sensationalized false news reports, and Wolfshiem's cowardly refusal to attend the funeral.
The Inescapability of the Past
Encapsulated in the famous closing metaphor: 'So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.' Gatsby's dream was rooted in recapturing a past ideal (Daisy), which proved impossible.
Characters to notice
- Nick Carraway
Takes responsibility for Gatsby's affairs, arranges the funeral, and reflects deeply on Gatsby's dream and the moral decay of the East.
- Jay Gatsby
Remembered through his funeral, his childhood resolves, and Nick's final meditation on his belief in the green light and the elusive future.
- Henry Gatz
Attends his son's funeral, proudly shows Nick Gatsby's childhood schedule of self-improvement, highlighting Gatsby's origins and determination.
- Daisy Buchanan
Has fled with Tom, leaving no address and sending no message or flowers to Gatsby's funeral, demonstrating her ultimate abandonment.
- Tom Buchanan
Has left West Egg with Daisy and their baggage, cutting all ties in the wake of the tragedy.
- Owl Eyes
The only party guest to attend the funeral, remarking on the desertion of Gatsby's former crowds and offering a poignant, 'The poor son-of-a-bitch.'
Key passages
“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us.”
Gatsby placed his faith in a radiant, perfect future that constantly moves further away.
Nick's central definition of Gatsby's dream and its inherent impossibility.
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
We struggle forward, but are constantly pushed back by the force of our past.
The novel's famous concluding line, linking the struggle for the future to the pull of history.
“'I couldn't get to the house,' he remarked. 'Neither could anybody else.'”
Owl Eyes states that no one could come to Gatsby's funeral, just as no one else did.
Highlights the utter abandonment of Gatsby by the society that flocked to his parties.