The Great Gatsby: The Demise of the American Dream

Introduction

Chapter 9 of F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby," serves as the culminating chapter, orchestrating a sense of closure for the reader and signaling the end of the extravagant festivities that defined the 'Roaring Twenties.' Fitzgerald strategically employs this final chapter to deliver his ultimate commentary on the elusive and unfulfilling nature of the American Dream, as well as to illuminate the essence of the individuals populating this era.

The Conclusive Nature of Chapter 9

Fitzgerald deliberately designs Chapter 9 to serve as a decisive conclusion to the narrative.

Rather than leaving the ending open-ended, as is the tendency of many authors, Fitzgerald opts for a resolute conclusion. This deliberate sense of finality allows readers to formulate definitive conclusions and judgments about the unfolding events. While an open-ended conclusion invites readers to speculate and interpret, a well-defined ending provides clarity, enabling readers to comprehend the events and derive personal meaning. Fitzgerald grants readers the autonomy to form opinions on the established events, fostering a deeper sense of connection and meaning within the story.

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Nick's Disdain for the East: Unraveling the Tragedy

Narrated by Nick from a retrospective standpoint two years later, Chapter 9 revisits the final days spent in New York. Nick's palpable disdain and contempt for the Eastern United States, coupled with his preference for the 'Middle West,' encourages readers to scrutinize East Coast society as the primary catalyst for the tragic events within the novel. Fitzgerald skillfully positions Nick, intimately involved in the novel's events, as a voice of condemnation towards the actions of those entrenched in the East.

This antipathy is exemplified when Nick initially rebuffs Tom Buchanan's attempt at a handshake, having deduced Tom's role in revealing Gatsby's car as the one that struck Myrtle. Nick's provincial squeamishness manifests in this refusal, showcasing his moral reservations. Even when Nick reluctantly shakes hands later, it is a gesture of farewell and pity, signifying his relief at severing ties with the embodiment of 'old money' decadence. The East, as portrayed in the novel, is epitomized by 'careless people' who wreak havoc and then retreat into their wealth, leaving others to clean up the mess.

The Tragic Unraveling of the American Dream

Initially painted as a symbol of the American Dream's success story, Gatsby ultimately embodies its tragic demise. While Gatsby amasses wealth and material possessions through his relentless pursuit, his dream remains unfulfilled. The novel concludes with Gatsby's dream slipping away, unaware that it is already behind him. His death, without the complete commitment from Daisy that he sought, becomes a poignant illustration of the corrupted American Dream, shifting from the 'pursuit of happiness' to the 'pursuit of wealth.'

Fitzgerald deliberately distorts the readers' perception of the American Dream, evoking pity for characters like Gatsby, Jordan, Daisy, and Tom. Despite their affluence, these characters lack profound happiness. The closing chapter serves as a mirror reflecting the distorted reality of the American Dream, prompting readers to reevaluate the characters' pursuits and contemplate the deeper implications of their ambitions.

Conclusion: Reflection on Gatsby's Impact

In conclusion, Chapter 9 of "The Great Gatsby" meticulously fulfills its intended purpose: to draw the novel to a close. Fitzgerald employs this chapter to unveil the profound impact of Gatsby on the characters and to invite readers to reflect on the novel's true significance. Through Nick's retrospective lens, readers witness the demise of the American Dream and the tragic fate of characters entangled in its distorted pursuit. Fitzgerald's final commentary resonates, leaving an indelible impression of the roaring twenties and the hollow pursuit of an ideal that slipped through the fingers of those who sought it.